Stelmach announces smaller cabinet, royalty review

Alberta's premier-designate is reducing the number of cabinet positions by six and appointing a panel to review oilsands royalties.

Ed Stelmach announced Wednesday he had merged some responsibilities in order to trim his cabinet from 24 to 18 MLAs, following through on a campaign promise.

The ministries of gaming, aboriginal affairs and science are gone, with their duties merged into other departments.

The Treasury Board Secretariat, anew department, will bring together a number of responsibilities, mostly having to do with how the government spends money.

"It will provide a focused approach to government expenditures, human resources and capital planning. It will bring more discipline and accountability to the way we govern," said Stelmach.

Panel to review oilsands royalties

Stelmach also announced Wednesday thathe plans to set up formal public hearings to see if the province is getting enough royalty money from its oilsands.

He will appoint a panel of people unconnected with government to travel the province to gather opinions and information.

One of the most common concerns he heard during his campaign for the Tory leadership was that Albertans aren't getting enough money for their resources, Stelmach said.

Stelmach won't announce his cabinet until Friday, the same day the ministers will be sworn in.

Hewill be sworn in as premier Thursday. The public is invited to attend the event, which is planned for the steps of the legislature in Edmonton at 11 a.m.