Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Doug Schweitzer (photo courtesy of the Alberta Government)

By Liam Verster

Economic Recovery

Schweitzer tasked with getting Albertans back to work in new ministry

Aug 28, 2020 | 1:38 PM

Premier Jason Kenney has reassigned Doug Schweitzer from the Ministry of Justice to the new Ministry of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation.

The new ministry (formerly of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism) is in charge of rolling out Alberta’s Economic Recovery Plan, which is the Provincial Government’s big plan to get Albertans back to work.

“Over 300,000 Albertans lost their jobs during this pandemic, and also with the price crash in oil that went along with it. So we have a lot of work to do,” said Schweitzer. “Over 100,000 have recovered and got their jobs back, but we need to make sure every Albertan can get back to work, and also not just that, but build from there so that every Albertan that’s looking for a high paying job can get one again.”

Schweitzer adds that the UCP campaigned on getting Albertans back to work, but that has become an even bigger priority since the pandemic hit and left so many people out of work.

Schweitzer says Alberta has a strong foundation in energy, forestry and agriculture, and now more is being done through the Economic Recovery Plan to help bring more opportunities and build a more diverse economy.

“We’re going to build on that foundation by making sure that we invest in the Alberta Enterprise Corporation, we’re putting $175-million into the Alberta Enterprise Corporation to invest in Venture Capital Funds and make sure we get those technology companies off the ground here in Alberta. It should create over $500-million in investments into those technology companies here in the province.

“As well we’ve got the Job Creation Tax Cut, taking corporate taxes to the lowest level in the country (eight per cent), that’s going to make sure we have the incentives for businesses to come here to Alberta, (and) grow in Alberta.”

The Provincial Government is also launching an Innovation Employment Grant to help startups get off the ground and create jobs for Albertans.

The Ministry of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation is also preparing strategies for specific sectors, including agriculture, oil and gas, technology and manufacturing, that will be announced this fall.

Schweitzer says he’s very excited to “sink his teeth” into this new role, and work to get Albertans back to work.

Kaycee Madu has now replaced Schweitzer as Minister of Justice. Madu’s former position, Minister of Municipal Affairs, has been filled by Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard.