A Dec. 6 cabinet shuffle resulted in an impressive new title for West Yellowhead MLA Robin Campbell.
Campbell took over as Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, replacing Diana McQueen, who moved to the energy portfolio.
The Jasper resident, who was elected to the legislative assembly in 2008, also took over as government house leader, putting him in charge of steering government legislation through the house.
The new titles are a step up for Campbell, who had been Minister of Aboriginal Relations, as well as deputy house leader.
鈥淚t was a complete surprise, actually,鈥� Campbell said in an interview a few days after the appointment.
鈥淭o be honest, I thought [Premier Alison Redford] was going to leave me in aboriginal relations. But she decided that there鈥檚 some work within the environment portfolio that she wants me to take on, and she鈥檚 appointed me government house leader. So I鈥檓 going to be a little busy.鈥�
Campbell said that while he鈥檚 excited to face the new challenge, he is 鈥渁 little sad鈥� to leave his post as Minister of Aboriginal Relations.
鈥淚 enjoyed my time in aboriginal relations and made some great friends and built some great relationships.
鈥淚 spent a lot of time in the communities around the province and I really enjoyed that. You get to meet people and sit down with the elders; meet people from the community and find out what some of the real challenges and barriers are out there.鈥�
After the cabinet shuffle, provincial NDP leader Brian Mason was quick to criticize Campbell鈥檚 appointment, saying the minister鈥檚 years as president of the local United Mine Workers of America makes him a bad fit for an environment minister.
Campbell dismissed those criticisms, pointing to the fact that he鈥檚 been an avid outdoorsman for years, and is passionate about preserving nature. He said his knowledge of natural resource development will help him shape policy that鈥檚 fair for all sides.
鈥淚 think I can bring a lot to the table. And again, I鈥檓 looking at resolving issues, and I鈥檓 looking at building trust amongst stakeholder groups that we will do the right thing at the end of the day.
鈥淲e have to understand that people need to work, but like I say, we have to find that balance between the economy and the environment,鈥� he said.
Campbell said he will spend his first few days familiarizing himself with his new job before heading back to his riding over the holidays.
He was in Jasper speaking to social studies students at Jasper Junior/Senior High School Dec. 16.
Trevor Nichols
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