Alberta’s legislative Speaker and United Conservative Party MLA Nathan Cooper is resigning his seat in the assembly to become the province’s representative to the United States.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made the announcement on May 7, saying former envoy James Rajotte had worked hard to build a relationship between the province and the United States and that she believes Cooper will do the same.
“In this evolving landscape, Alberta must maintain and build on our ties with U.S. officials, and Nathan Cooper is the right choice to fill this important role,” Smith said in a release. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with Nathan as we advocate for Albertans and for our province’s interests in Washington and across the U.S.”
Cooper has been Speaker since the UCP formed government in 2019. He said he was honoured to take on the new role of envoy at “such a pivotal time.”
“Now more than ever, I see this as a vital opportunity to strengthen and advance Alberta’s long-standing relationship with the United States, ensuring stability and collaboration amid global uncertainty,” he said in the release.
Cooper also announced his new role in the legislature chamber, saying his role as its “chief diplomat” prepared him well for the new challenge.
“I believe that we are at a critical time in our province and our country with respect to how we interact with the world and with the United States of America,” he told the assembly. “How we do that interaction, I believe, is just as important as what we do to interact.”
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Cooper’s resignation takes effect on May 12. He said he will serve as a private member until he takes on his Washington role in June.
Alberta has ramped up its diplomatic efforts with the United States as President Donald Trump introduced various sets of tariffs on Canadian imports, including aluminum, steel, and vehicles.
Smith has travelled to the United States several times to discuss tariffs and trade with U.S. officials, including a meeting with Trump at his Florida residence in January. She also went with a delegation of premiers in February.
A new legislative Speaker will be elected on May 13.
