Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright speaking on CHAT News at Noon. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

PROVINCIAL

Medicine Hat’s Justin Wright nabs new rural health secretary title

Mar 20, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Justin Wright, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, was named parliamentary secretary for rural health in southern Alberta, one of three representatives to acquire new titles Thursday.

Grande Prairie-area MLA Ron Wiebe was granted the northern rural health secretary role. Both Wright and Wiebe will report to Health Minister Adriana LaGrange.

“Our government’s commitment to ensure Albertans have access to the health care they need, when and where they need it, is especially important for those who live in rural communities,” Wright said in a released statement.

“I am looking forward to continuing this important work alongside Minister LaGrange.”

Wright’s new role does not come with a raise as he works to support LaGrange fulfill her mandate assigned to her by Premier Danielle Smith.

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Nolan Dyck, another MLA from the Grande Prairie area, was named the new parliamentary secretary for Indigenous and rural policing.

Dyck will report to the public safety and emergency services minister Mike Ellis.

“Our government has been working hard to ensure all Albertans feel safe in their communities, and members of police services feel supported in their work,” Dyck said in a news release.

Wright’s appointment comes as southeastern Alberta continues to suffer from physician shortages causing clinic and hospital closures.

A pair of physicians that served the County of Forty Mile closed their practices earlier this month, leaving a gap in primary care for hundreds of people who live south and west of Medicine Hat.

That has also led to staffing shortages at the Bow Island Health Centre.