Local MLA named parliamentary secretary for health engagement

By Rob Vogt
The MLA for Livingstone-Macleod has been given a new role by Premier Danielle Smith to ensure front-line health-care workers remain engaged with decision-makers.
On March 21, the provincial government announced Chelsae Petrovic, a licensed practical nurse with more than 13 years’ experience, and MLA for Livingstone-Macleod, has been appointed parliamentary secretary for health workforce engagement.
It was noted the provincial government is working to improve health outcomes for Albertans to ensure everyone can access the health care they need, when and where they need it. This is being done by re-focusing the entire health system. Work has been underway since fall 2023.
From the beginning of the process, consultation with Alberta’s health-care workers has been vital. The province has been clear throughout the re-focusing process, and as the system changes, health-care workers must be empowered in their roles.
That’s where Petrovic comes in with her new role.
She hosted an open house at her office in Claresholm on March 22 for her constituents, where she discussed her new role.
Frontline workers will be affected as the system is restructured, and it is important to have a strong relationship with them going forward, Petrovic said.
Through the public engagement, she continued, it is clear frontline workers wanted a voice, and her new role will help provide that.
“To make sure that communication doesn’t stop at the engagement,” Petrovic said. “It continues, moving forward.”
She will be working with the health ministry to achieve that.
“My focus right now is to create that positive relationship,” Petrovic said.
With the addition of the new role, there are nine parliamentary secretaries assisting ministers.
None receive additional compensation for the additional role.