Two UCP ministers resign ahead of cabinet shuffle Thursday
Posted May 20, 2026 12:55 pm.
Last Updated May 20, 2026 6:15 pm.
Two members of Premier Danielle Smith’s cabinet resigned on Wednesday.
Finance Minister Nate Horner and Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Matt Jones both posted letters to social media saying they were not planning to run for re-election, so now is the time for new ministers to step into their roles.
Horner says he intended to serve for two terms, something he reiterated to the premier when he was offered the finance minister role.
“I have decided that the original plan is still the best fit for me and my family and that I will not be seeking re-election after this term,” his letter reads.
Similarly, Jones says he told Smith earlier this year that he will not be seeking re-election and has “asked to step back from Cabinet to support an orderly transition.”
The premier thanked both for their service to Albertans in her own social media posts.
Neither minister mentioned the possibility that Smith will call for a separation referendum, as some believe she will. When asked about it last week, Horner and Jones both expressed they didn’t think it was a good idea.
Both ministers will leave their posts on Thursday, when Smith is expected to swear in new cabinet members.
