New Alberta cabinet too white, too male, too rural: critics

Premier Ed Stelmach is coming under fire from some former Alberta cabinet ministers over the makeup of his new inner circle.

Stelmach unveiled his 18-member cabinet last week, but some prominent Conservatives are charging that women, visible minorities and those living inand around cities have been left out.

Former cabinet minister Gary Mar said Tuesday that the government and cabinet should reflect the way Albertans see themselves.

He said he finds it surprising that Stelmach couldn't find room for any visible minorities and that heappointed only two women.

"For two women out of a cabinet of 18 — that strikes me as being insufficient," Mar said, adding that urban areas aren't properly represented either.

"For four ministers from the two major centres of Calgary and Edmonton representing 2.1 million people, and then having 14 represent another million people strikes me as being not balanced," he said.

Stelmach defends decision

Another former minister, Clint Dunford, said he's concerned that cities like Lethbridge and Red Deer aren't represented in the new cabinet.

Stelmach admits choosing his new cabinet wasn't easy, but said it's time to move on.

"It was a difficult moment for many —including myself because I had to make the calls — but that's over and done with [and] we're now focused on the priorities that Albertans set out."

Stelmach said critics should give his cabinet six months and measure their performance, rather than focusing on their race or gender.