The new provincial cabinet includes Prince Albert-Northcote MLA Alana Ross and Eric Schmalz, MLA for Sask. Rivers. (Facebook)

By Susan McNeil

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Two MLAs from Prince Albert and the nearby rural area are ready for expanded roles in government.

Yesterday, Premier Scott Moe named Prince Albert – Northcote MLA Alana Ross to run three cabinet positions, while Eric Schmalz, the newly minted representative for Saskatchewan Rivers jumps right into two cabinet seats as well.

“Well, it’s kind of surreal, yet it’s like it hasn’t sunk in. I was sitting in the ceremony there yesterday, I call it a pinch me moment, like looking around the room and seeing colleagues now who are friends and the important work that they do, it’s hard to imagine being a part of that, but I’m honoured,” said Ross.

She emphasized that she was elected to represent her riding first.

Ross was named Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Tourism Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.

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So far, she hasn’t had a chance to meet with the officials but that will be coming soon.

“I think they flow quite well together,” she said.

The SLGA portion is new to that particular grouping but the ministry of parks and culture along with the status of women portfolio have existed for some time.

This is Ross’s second term as MLA but she said her working background before being elected involved a number of years in administration.

“I think that any type of work background you have, in order to be successful – and something my parents always taught me – if you’re going to do something, do your best and do it right,” she said.

“I think having that attitude when I’m going into this new environment will be very helpful and when I look at the people I will be working with, I think we’ll have a strong team.”

Just down the road, former reeve of the RM of Prince Albert and now MLA for Sask. Rivers, Eric Schmalz was named Minister of Government Relations and Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs.

Like Ross, Eric Schmalz is relying on knowledgeable ministry staff to make sure things go smoothly.

He has confidence that his time at the RM council table has given him some insight into the job of a ministry that oversees the very municipalities he used to represent.

“Well, I was very excited to get the news. It’s not something that I’m unfamiliar with. I’ve served for the last five years in municipal government. So, I understand the relationship between the province and municipalities and local governments as well,” he said.

“I’m very excited to hit the ground running. I want to reconnect with our established relationships and partners, and you know, develop new partnerships and relationships as I go forward.”

As a brand-new MLA, just days into his tenure, Schmalz said that he will be counting on staff to help him make a big leap in responsibility from rural council to overseeing the wants of major centres like Regina and Saskatoon

“The issues of the municipality and as well as issues of rural governance are well in my frame of mind from experience. And I feel that I’m very, very well suited to be able to address those issues and you know, act on behalf of the people of province,” he said.

Schmalz said he is also keen to work with northern municipalities as he oversees that department as well.

“They are very important partners in our province, and I look forward to reaching out,” he said.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com