Alberta PC cabinet shuffle: "Steady Eddy" Stelmach remains loyal to rural ridings

I can't say I'm completely shocked, but Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach's cabinet shuffle certainly raises some urban eyebrows. I guess Edmonton can stop whinning that the province is run by the "Calgary Mafia".

Here's the low down: 18 positions, 1 from Edmonton, 3 from Calgary. Two women and a whole bunch of farmers. Furthermore, 12 of the 18 cabinet appointments were backbenchers who suppored Stelmach in his bid for leader.

Political scientist Keith Brownsey labelled it "a strategic error" to effectively ignore minorities, women and the two major cities containing two-thirds of the province's population.

"Cabinet is supposed to give geographic areas some representation. I think Mr. Stelmach hasn't read the basic textbooks on how to put a cabinet together."

My MLA Greg Melchin (Calgary-North West) kept a post in cabinet, except he was demoted from Energy Minister to Seniors and community sports. Mel Knight of Grande Prairie-Smoky was given Melchin's old position. Knight is a journeyman by trade and has connections to the oil patch. However, beyond that, Knight has never been in cabinet nor has he done any work concerning the province and the energy sector.

In my opinion, Melchins demotion and Knights promotion to cabinet is a waste of political experience, talent and Calgarian representation. It shows a bias towards rural Alberta and a purging of Klein/Dinning support.

Third place leadership candidate Ted Morton was given a high-profile job as Minister of Sustainable resource development. Lyle Oberg was rewarded for supporting Stelmach before the second ballot by becoming Minister of Finance, and Dave Hancock also cashed in for his support as he becomes the Minister of Health and wellness. Hancock also has become government house leader.

This news should be disappointing for Calgarians and especially Edmontonians. I'm all for rural constituencies being more involved at high levels of the government, but this cabinet is a touch ridiculous.

Alberta Liberal leader Kevin Taft has come out swinging on this issue, and his opinion might resonate with urban voters,

"This is about rewarding friendship and loyalty over legislative performance.

"It kind of feels like a cabinet from the '50s or '60s. You've got two token women out of 18, very small representation from the cities (and) there's no visible minorities."

Ouch. That being said, I don't think the Alberta Liberals are going to pick up any new seats in Calgary, although they might solidify some of their exisiting seats in Edmonton.

What I'm thinking right now, "When's the next election?" We had one in 2004, so it's at least another year away unless something drastic happens within the Progressive Conservative party - which nothing will. So I guess until then we'll all have to sit back and trust the appointments made by Steady Eddy - no matter how difficult that may be.