Meet Alberta's only federal cabinet minister

Some leaders in Alberta are applauding Prime Minister Mark Carney's choice to appoint Edmonton Centre Liberal MP Eleanor Olszewski to federal cabinet.

The lawyer, business owner and former army reservist will be the new minister of emergency management and community resilience. She will also be the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.

Jasper's mayor, Richard Ireland, said he will be keeping a close watch on ministerial developments as his town continues to recover from the devastating 2024 wildfire that destroyed a third of all buildings in the community. 

He said part of his excitement comes from the "community resilience" part of Olszewski's new title. It's something that he and his town have taken to heart in the wake of last year's disaster. 

"I think it's a great choice and really relevant for us here in Jasper, and relevant for Alberta," Ireland said.

"Recognition at the federal level of the importance of community resilience is fundamental."

He said extreme weather is becoming more common and more intense, from floods and atmospheric rivers to drought and wildfires. 

"Designating a minister as the minister for emergency management and community resilience, I think is a display that the federal government recognizes the importance of making our communities more resilient to the impacts of climate and severe weather."

'No stranger to disaster'

Olszewski is one of several rookie members announced to cabinet, and is also the only Alberta MP appointed to cabinet, which Rural Municipalities of Alberta said is a good first step in working with the federal government. 

"As Albertans, we are no stranger to disaster in this province," said president Kara Westerlund.

"We know that she has first-hand experience of the pain and the suffering that comes from our communities that have been affected in the past. Unfortunately, we know just going forward that it's going to be a continued issue."

Westerlund said she is hopeful that a meaningful partnership between the province and Ottawa will help municipalities across the province prepare for emergencies in the future. 

"I know a lot of the plans that need to be put in place to protect against wildfire and floods obviously come with a pretty hefty price tag, one that is far exceeding what municipalities are able to contribute on their own," she said.