Redford’s circle of advisers now have more expertise in political communications and federal-provincial relations, moves that could help the province deliver its view more effectively to global decision-makers.
“The premier is building a team of advisers and support staff to help her with what she wants to achieve in the next four years,” Redford’s spokeswoman Kim Misik said Tuesday. “Just like when a CEO takes the reins at any company, it is his or her prerogative to make changes to staff or not.”
The new hires also indicate a trend of bringing in people with whom Redford has a long and trusted relationship, giving her staff a Calgary-heavy presence. One of those key additions is Conservative MP Lee Richardson, who is stepping down from elected office to join the premier’s office under the title of principal secretary.
Redford and Richardson have long operated in similar political circles. In addition to sharing constituency boundaries in Calgary, both worked in Ottawa in the Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney.
Richardson was Mulroney’s deputy chief of staff for a time, shortly after serving as chief of staff to Alberta premier Peter Lougheed. He has been an MP since 2004.
Richardson’s title means he will serve as a principal adviser to the premier, and will also work on unspecified long-term projects under new chief of staff Farouk Adatia.
Another key person from Ottawa is Darren Cunningham, who takes over as director of operations. Misik said Cunningham’s role will focus more on the day-to-day work of government, including the development of policy and legislation, though he also has a strong background in communications. His past duties including serving as communications chief for the federal Conservatives and working for several cabinet ministers.
The hiring of Richardson and Cunningham coincides with the province’s announcement that it is opening a new office in Ottawa. Redford has previously said she plans to take a more aggressive stance in countering opposition to the oilsands and proposals for new pipelines that would transport Alberta bitumen to foreign markets.
Also joining Redford’s office is Matthew Macdonald, a Calgary lawyer who has been working as a senior adviser to Service Alberta Minister Manmeet Bhullar.
All the new staff will work under Adatia, another Calgary lawyer, who was hired as chief of staff at the end of April following his defeat in Calgary-Shaw in the provincial election.
Cabinet documents from last week show both Richardson and Cunningham are entitled to a salary between $144,060 and $200,604.
Original Article
Source: edmonton journal
Author: Keith Gerein
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