Deeply rooted in the fertile farming area of Endiang, local Drumheller-Stettler MLA Jack Hayden said he was honoured to become the new Alberta minister of agriculture and rural development.
Serving as infrastructure minister since March 2008, he succeeds George Groeneveld as part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s shuffle the cabinet on Jan. 13.
“I am thrilled that the premier has the confidence in me to take on the post of agriculture minister,” said Hayden, who was first elected MLA in a byelection in April 2007 and re-elected in a general election in March 2008.
“It’s a big portfolio and a huge part of my constituency,” he said, noting that agriculture is the second-largest industry in Alberta, behind the gas and oil field.
He is committed to build the agricultural industry that has been hit hard by drought and recession.
“I want to concentrate on working with farmers at the grass roots level and with industry to help turn the corner,” said Hayden.
“Agriculture is hugely affected by the economic downturn.”
“It’s important that we make sure agriculture is strong and healthy again,” added Hayden, who was first elected to County of Stettler council in 1989, serving as reeve and also chairing the local school board.
Hayden served as president of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties from 1998 to 2004, when he was also a director of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Also appointed to the Treasury Board, he is keen to work with the premier and the cabinet team which will focus on four goals that will bring Alberta out of the recession.