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Premier of Alberta

The premier of Alberta is the head of government and first minister of the Canadian province of Alberta.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The premier of Alberta is the head of government and first minister of the Canadian province of Alberta. The officeholder leads the governing majority in the Alberta Legislature, selects cabinet ministers, and represents Alberta in intergovernmental relations. Danielle Smith has held the office since October 11, 2022.

Role and powers

The premier heads Alberta’s provincial government, chairs cabinet, and chooses cabinet ministers. The premier also serves as the province’s main political representative in dealings with the federal government and other provinces.

Selection and tenure

The premier is normally the leader of the party that holds the confidence of the Legislative Assembly. The office is formally appointed by the lieutenant governor, following constitutional convention.

Incumbent premier

Danielle Smith, leader of the United Conservative Party, has served as premier since October 11, 2022. She represents Brooks-Medicine Hat in the Legislative Assembly.

History of the office

Alberta became a province in 1905, and the office of premier has existed since then. The province has had premiers from multiple parties, including Liberal, Progressive Conservative, New Democratic, and United Conservative governments.

Key facts

  • The premier is Alberta’s head of government and first minister.
  • The premier leads the legislative majority in the Alberta Legislature.
  • The officeholder chairs cabinet and selects ministers of the Crown.
  • The premier represents Alberta in relations with the federal government and other provinces and territories.
  • Danielle Smith was sworn in as Alberta’s 19th premier on October 11, 2022.
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Canadian context

The office is one of Canada’s provincial first minister roles and is important to federal-provincial relations, making it directly relevant to Canadian political readers.

Frequently asked questions

What does the premier of Alberta do?
The premier leads Alberta’s government, chairs cabinet, chooses ministers, and directs the province’s policy agenda.
Who is the current premier of Alberta?
Danielle Smith is the current premier of Alberta.
When did Danielle Smith become premier?
She was sworn in on October 11, 2022.
Is the premier the same as the lieutenant governor?
No. The premier is the head of government, while the lieutenant governor is the Crown’s representative in Alberta.
Does the premier have to be an MLA?
By constitutional convention, the premier is normally a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

References

  1. Government of Alberta — https://www.alberta.ca/premier
    Supports: Current premier, date sworn in, cabinet role, and representation in the Legislative Assembly.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premier_of_Alberta
    Supports: Definition of the office, role as head of government and first minister, and constitutional convention about MLA status.
  3. Government of Alberta — https://www.alberta.ca/premier-cabinet
    Supports: Premier chairs cabinet and appoints cabinet ministers.
  4. Government of Canada, Privy Council Office — https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/corporate/transparency/briefing-documents/prime-minister-2025/biographies-leaders-priority-calls.html
    Supports: Premier Danielle Smith, her role, party affiliation, and re-election context.
  5. Government of Alberta — https://www.alberta.ca/taxonomy/term/82
    Supports: Official premier page and sworn-in date.