Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women mandate letter

In her letter, the Premier outlines her expectations that Alberta continues to provide opportunities and support for all Alberta families and asks Minister Fir to deliver on platform commitments including the provision of improved funding and support for Alberta's zoos, science centres, museums and theatres.

The Premier also tasks Minister Fir with:

• Supporting women's participation in Alberta's economy including continued support of women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
• Developing a strategy to invest in Alberta's cultural and heritage sites.
• Ensuring the Alberta Foundation for the Arts places priority on Alberta artists, art and cultural materials.
• Working together with First Nations throughout the province that may wish to repatriate items identified as belonging to them. I request that you direct museums to accommodate organized visits from First Nations Elders for the purpose of identifying artifacts that belong to them through a collaborative process. I'd also ask that you facilitate the ability for First Nations to exercise more autonomy, including over the care, display, possession and cherishing of their sacred artifacts.
• Promoting and celebrating Alberta's unique cultural identity and heritage.
• Developing a 10-year strategic plan to end gender-based violence and support survivors. This would include negotiating a funding agreement with the federal government to support programs that address gender-based violence and support survivors.
• As lead, working with the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade to continue growing Alberta's cultural industries during the next decade, including focusing on Alberta-made productions and supporting Alberta producers and companies in developing Alberta content.
• Continuing to support and engage with members of Alberta's Francophone and LGBTQ+ communities.
• As lead, working with Infrastructure to develop a building naming policy that celebrates and exemplifies Alberta's culture.

"I am deeply honoured to accept this role as Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women. I appreciate Premier Danielle Smith for placing trust in me to represent this position, as the history and culture of Alberta is something I'm passionate about. I also look forward to supporting the women and girls of Alberta, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for everyone in this province."