Lean and Efficient

Alberta has new government. 21 days post-election, this is not news, but I am certain that there are Slawyers who are wondering what a new government in Alberta actually means. From the news release post swearing in of Premier Notley and her cabinet:

The new Cabinet is lean and efficient, and is firmly focused on solving the challenges that face Alberta. The newly sworn-in Ministers will partner with Alberta’s job creators – in energy, forestry, agriculture, high-tech, tourism and small business – to grow and diversify our economy.

I am delighted that Premier Notley did not significantly amalgamate or restructure existing government departments, but rather appointed minsters with multiple portfolios. Why am I delighted by this? It is efficient. Rather than a full scale revamping the organizational charts of ministries, this measured step which reflects the idea of asking questions about how things are before seeking to improve them resonates strongly in my process improver heart.

There are some slight letterhead modifications.
Now: Agriculture and Forestry
Was: Agriculture and Rural Development

Now: Environment and Parks
Was: Environment and Sustainable Resource Development and the Parks portion of Ministry of Tourism, Parks and Recreation
(I am not kidding – check the Internet Archive)

Now: Status of Women
Was: “Women’s Equality and Advancement” formerly part of Human Services

I am sure that with time and measured questions, there will be some restructuring of workings of the engine that is the government of Alberta. It looks to me like this will be a scenario of small incremental changes. The Alberta Government Organization Act is the empowering document responsibilities and changes.