Minister of Tourism and Sport and Cardston-Siksika MLA Joseph Schow received a mandate letter from Premier Danielle Smith. In the letter, Smith calls on Schow to continue supporting Alberta tourism and has tasked him with several objectives, some of them being:

  • Establishing a Community Recreation Centre Infrastructure Fund that invests at least $80 million over four years in small and mid-sized projects such as indoor and outdoor hockey arenas and rinks, community pools, indoor turf centres, pickle ball courts, sports fields and courts, and other recreational facilities.
  • Investing at least $10 million over five years to improve air access options for visitors from high-value markets.

While these were the most prominent goals highlighted at the top of the letter, Smith expects Schow to do accomplish several other goals and tasks, such as:

  • Developing an international games bidding policy and legislation (if necessary) to ensure future international gaming bids using substantial provincial taxpayer dollars are subject to transparent public disclosure requirements and cost/benefit analysis and include mandatory referenda for affected communities when appropriate.
  • Assessing the advantages and disadvantages of having all of Alberta’s tourism levy invested in tourism-related growth initiatives and making recommendations based on the findings.
  • Working with the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, assist in designing a ministry-specific job-attraction strategy to raise the awareness of young Albertans (aged 16 to 24) and adults changing careers of the skilled trades and professions available in each economic sector, including pathways for education, apprenticeship, and training.

Schow is also expected to work with the Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism to establish a dedicated tourism and hospitality immigration stream in Alberta.

“I am honoured to lead Alberta's new Ministry of Tourism and Sport, showcasing our province as a captivating destination for visitors and athletes alike. Our dedicated team will work with communities and businesses to showcase the beauty of Alberta, create lasting memories and propel our tourism and sports industries to new heights," Schow said.

You can read the full mandate letter here.