Dreeshen steps down as Alberta’s ag minister following excessive drinking allegations

Premier Jason Kenney and Cabinet are sworn in at Government House, in Edmonton on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Pictured is Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.(Photo by Alberta Government)

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen is resigning from cabinet, following allegations made against him related to excessive alcohol consumption.

The former minister made the announcement via social media November 5.

“This morning, I offered Premier Jason Kenney my resignation as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and he has accepted,” Dreeshen wrote.

He went on to say that he is accepting that his “personal conduct with regards to alcohol has become an issue for the government as a whole,” adding that his decision is best for “both myself and the province to resign my position and focus on my personal health and wellness.”

Shortly after, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced Nate Horner, Associate Minister of Rural Economic Development and MLA for Drumheller-Stettler, will take Dreeshen’s place.

Dreeshen’s announcement comes just ahead of the federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) meetings set to take place November 9 and 10th at Guelph, Ont

The allegations were noted in a lawsuit against the premier’s office by a former government chief of staff.

More to come…

Categories: News / Politics / Western Canada