The 4th Session of the 30th Legislature began on Tuesday with a Speech from the Throne delivered by Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani.

Throne speeches tell us the personality of a government. They indicate motivations, aspirations, and priorities.

The province’s Q2 fiscal update was released by Finance Minister Travis Toews last week, painting a rosy picture for Alberta’s finances due to strong oil revenues and higher personal and corporate income tax, with government projecting a $12.3 billion surplus.

There were a series of changes to top health officers in both the Health Ministry and at Alberta Health Services (AHS) last week, following through on campaign commitments made by Premier Danielle Smith during her UCP leadership race.

Premier Danielle Smith garnered 54.5 per cent of the vote in her Brooks - Medicine Hat by-election win last Tuesday and will take her seat in the Legislature when the Assembly resumes business November 29.

The by-election for Premier Danielle Smith, where she hopes to be elected as an MLA in Brooks - Medicine Hat will be held on Tuesday.

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland presented the federal government’s Fall Economic Statement.

A memo was sent by Premier Danielle Smith to all cabinet ministers to ensure there is a united front from the Alberta government in all dealings with their federal counterparts.

Last week, Premier Danielle Smith announced her new cabinet which restructured portfolios and blended several ministries.

The UCP and NDP both held gatherings of their membership this weekend, with leaders Danielle Smith and Rachel Notley laying out some of the key themes we can expect to hear leading into the spring election.