Province appoints Martin Long as new infrastructure minister

Alberta has a new minister of infrastructure.

Martin Long has been appointed to the cabinet post after the previous minister resigned earlier this week.

Long, the member for West Yellowhead, says he will continue building infrastructure to keep up with population growth.

His appointment comes after Peter Guthrie resigned as infrastructure minister citing a lack of confidence in the government's procurement practices.

First elected in 2019, Long has served as a parliamentary secretary for various files, including small business, and most recently, rural health.

"I'm honoured to take on the role of minister of infrastructure. Our province is growing and it's an exciting time to lead a ministry that will continue building infrastructure to meet the needs of Albertans today and for the future," he said in a news release.

Guthrie, who represents Airdrie-Cochrane, remains in Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative caucus but now sits as a backbencher with no cabinet responsibilities.