Smith to shuffle cabinet, address province Thursday

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks at a signing ceremony in Calgary, Alta., Friday, May 15, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Premier Danielle Smith is set for a busy day in Calgary on Thursday, with a range speeches and events scheduled.

Smith will begin by speaking to some of Alberta’s top energy and business leaders at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s “Alberta Next” event at the BMO Centre.

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The event is focused on energy, with the premier expected to talk about Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa and the province’s role in a rapidly changing global economy.

Smith is also expected to provide an update on the Alberta-Ottawa memorandum of understanding.

She’s also expected to share remarks on the concerns of Calgary businesses for the second half of 2026.

According to a recent report, entrepreneurs in the city are optimistic about the futures, but the challenges of high fuel costs and taxes remain.

The formal program begins at 7:30 a.m. and will also feature a panel of industry leaders from across the energy sector.

Smith will then head to McDougall Centre where she will swear in two new cabinet members after Nate Horner and Matt Jones announced they would be stepping down.

The pair say they are leaving the roles to make way for other party members who are running in the next election.

Smith to address Albertans

A televised address is also slated for Thursday night. The 6:45 p.m. address will air during the CTV News at Six.

It marks Smith’s first major address in several months, following her announcement in the spring that nine referendum questions would be put before voters in October.

The government has not released details on the content of Thursday’s remarks.