Serving Albertans as a Minister has been an honour and a privilege.
Earlier this year, I informed the Premier that I will not be seeking re-election and have asked to step back from Cabinet to support an orderly transition. I will continue to represent and serve the constituents of Calgary-South East at this time.
I continue to support Premier Smith and the United Conservative government as we work to ensure Alberta remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family. See my full statement below.
I am thrilled to see WestJet expand Alberta’s international connectivity with its 100th destination from the Calgary Airport.
Non-stop service to São Paulo will strengthen ties between Alberta and Brazil, making it easier for Brazilian visitors to experience all that our province has to offer.
This new route not only enhances travel options for Albertans but helps grow our visitor economy and showcase Alberta as a world-class destination.
A heartfelt thank you to Mayor Jeromy Farkas, MLA Tara Sawyer, @TourismCalgary, @FlyYYC, and all our incredible partners who joined us to celebrate this milestone for Calgary.
✈️ Celebrating a Major Milestone at @WestJet!
Today, we proudly announced our 100th destination out of Calgary - São Paulo, Brazil - marking a historic moment as we unlock non-stop access between Western Canada and South America.
Starting Fall 2026, WestJet will operate 3x weekly seasonal service on our 787-9 Dreamliner, connecting Canadians to one of the world’s most vibrant global hubs and opening the door to more than 30 destinations across South America through our partnership with LATAM Airlines.
Today, @WestJet and @CAE_Inc signed a contract to bring a new world-class aviation professional training facility to Calgary. Read more: https://t.co/fLvWrEJr78
Alberta’s aviation sector is taking off. We are investing almost $11 million to launch the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence at YYC, a 126,000 sq ft facility that will train more than 6,000 aviation professionals each year with partners WestJet, CAE, Mount Royal University and OCIF.
This is about securing Alberta’s place as a leader in aviation for decades to come. Expected impact includes more than $400 million in activity over 15 years and a stronger sector that already supports 19,000 jobs.
Read more: https://t.co/95BIG7mrXZ
Alberta’s government is joined by our aviation partners to announce a major project that will grow the aerospace sector in Alberta. https://t.co/MWhZG9xO4v
Securing our fleet growth and renewal for the next decade✈️! Thrilled to announce that we placed an order for another 60 @Boeing 737-10 MAX and seven 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes!
https://t.co/YMWMULr4gk
@WestJet , @Delta and @KoreanAir strengthen partnerships through the purchase of minority equity stakes in the WestJet from Onex. Read more here:
https://t.co/Qvl776j5Dj
Huge win for Alberta! This means a ton of new jobs, more direct flights, more competition and continued aviation industry growth. Congrats to all involved who got this done.
Alberta’s government is proud to welcome this historic partnership between @WestJet and Lufthansa @lufthansa Technik Canada right here in Calgary. This agreement will have a far-reaching impact on our economy and it serves as a testament to the strong levels of investor confidence in our province.
Alberta is a place where you can grow your business and thrive into the future. With our low corporate tax rate and highly educated workforce, Alberta continues to be one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions in North America.
Today’s investment is further proof of Alberta’s national and international reputation as a leading aerospace and aviation hub.
Read full details: https://t.co/aguarZqQcX
Exclusive: WestJet's US$3B deal with global aviation giant to spur new engine repair facility, puts Calgary hub 'on the map'
And Lufthansa Technik will establish Canadian head office in Calgary.
https://t.co/Xz7v6s0ms1 #ableg#yyc#yeg
Varcoe: WestJet signs 15-year deal - estimated at US$3 billion – with global aviation giant Lufthansa Technik, which will operate a new engine repair facility in #yyc.
Calgary Airport Authority to build $120M centre, starting this year, open in 2027
https://t.co/Xz7v6s0ms1 #ableg
Varcoe: Calgary aviation hub takes off as WestJet's $3B deal with aviation giant Lufthansa Technik sparks a new engine repair centre
"It really puts Calgary on the map & it actually starts to attract others," says #yyc airport authority CEO Chris Dinsdale.
https://t.co/Xz7v6s0ms1
Watch @WestJet Vice President Andy Gibbons join @spaikin and other industry experts on @TheAgenda to discuss the affordability crisis in Canada and the need for greater access to affordable air travel.
https://t.co/RXfyanHRFj