CME Ministers’ Dinner: Investing in Alberta’s Workforce

MATT JONES
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

Matt Jones has previously served as Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities and Minister of Children’s Services. Before entering public office, he worked as an investment banker, assisting Alberta-based businesses with capital raises, acquisitions, and divestitures. Matt is a CFA Charterholder and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business. He was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-South East in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.

CHRISTOPHER MCPHERSON
Deputy Minister, Jobs, Economy and Trade

Christopher McPherson has held several senior leadership roles within the Government of Alberta since joining in 2014, including Deputy Clerk of Executive Council and Deputy Secretary to Cabinet. He has also served as assistant deputy minister in areas such as economic policy, operations, and strategic communications. Before moving to Alberta, Christopher was Director of Public Affairs and Member Communications for the Ontario Hospital Association and a senior advisor in the Government of Ontario. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University

SEARLE  TURTON
Minister of Children and Family Services

Searle Turton previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and was a three-term city councillor for Spruce Grove before entering provincial politics. His career includes experience in technology sales and as a dual-ticket tradesman in construction. A dedicated community volunteer, he has held roles such as director of the Spruce Grove Public Library Board, chairman of the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre, and trustee for the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers, Local 1325. Searle was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Spruce Grove-Stony Plain in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.

RIC MCIVER
Minister of Municipal Affairs

Ric McIver has held several cabinet positions in the Government of Alberta, including Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure, Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour, and Municipal Affairs. He previously served three terms on Calgary City Council, where he chaired the Calgary Housing Company and served on the Police Commission. First elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Hays in 2012, Ric has been re-elected in 2015, 2019, and 2023. He has called Alberta home since 1981 and remains an active volunteer in community and charitable initiatives.

BRYCE  STEWART
Deputy Minister, Transportation and Economic Corridors

Bryce Stewart has held senior leadership roles during his 19-year career with the Alberta Public Service, including positions in central agencies and various departments. Before his current role, Bryce served as Deputy Minister of Mental Health and Addiction and as Associate Deputy Minister of Health, where he oversaw health system planning, performance, and IMT initiatives. His leadership has contributed to broad health system improvements and ministry priorities. Bryce brings extensive experience in managing complex portfolios with significant system-wide impact.

Stephanie Clarke
Deputy Minister, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction

Stephanie Clarke has been with the Government of Alberta since 2003, holding senior leadership roles in departments such as Environment and Parks, Municipal Affairs, and Energy. Before her current role, she served as Associate Deputy Minister of Natural Gas and Utilities and Assistant Deputy Minister in areas including Resource Stewardship, Energy Policy, and Municipal Assessment and Grants. Her extensive executive experience includes cumulative effects management, strategy development, and municipal sustainability. Stephanie holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

David James
Deputy Minister, Affordability and Utilities

David James leads the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities, established to coordinate cost-of-living relief, support long-term affordability, and advance a sustainable, reliable utilities system that fosters investment and job creation. Since joining the Government of Alberta in 2011, David has held senior executive roles, including Deputy Minister of Service Alberta, Associate Deputy Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity, and Assistant Deputy Minister roles focused on strategic and electricity policy with Alberta Energy. Prior to his public service career, David served 20 years as a telecommunications officer with the Canadian Forces.