Tyler Shandro out, Jason Copping in as Alberta's health minister

Tyler Shandrois out as Alberta's health minister and Jason Copping is taking over the key cabinet position.

Premier Jason Kenney shuffled his cabinet Tuesday in a short swearing-in ceremony at Government House.

Shandro and Copping are swapping portfolios.

Shandro takes over asthe minister of labour and immigration.

At a news conference later in the day, Kenney said Shandrohad offered his resignation.

"He and I both came to the conclusion that it would be best to get a fresh pair of eyes and a fresh start at the health ministry," Kenney said.

He noted the role was particularly difficult during the pandemic and referenced an incidentwhere protesters threatened Shandro over the UCP government's COVID-19 restrictions.

WATCH | Kenney shuffles health minister as Alberta battles 4th wave of COVID-19:

Kenney shuffles health minister as hospitals near capacity

3 years ago

Duration 2:01

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney named former labour minister Jason Copping the new health minister after shuffling Tyler Shandro out of the role as the provinces hospitals near capacity and Kenney faces growing calls for his own resignation.

"It has been a gruelling two-plus years for Tyler," Kenney said. "I was there myself and saw he and his family being chased and assaulted by anti-vaccine protesters and all of that I know has taken a real toll on Minister Shandro."

• Kevin J. Johnston supporters corner Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro's family at Canada Day event

Copping also spoke for the first time as health minister.

"I am deeply committedto helping steer the province through this current crisis and on to better days," Copping said.

He outlined three key priorities:increasing hospital capacity, educating vaccine-hesitant Albertansto get more people immunizedand preparing the health system to response to potential future waves of COVID-19.

"I will be stepping into this vital role and executing on these priorities."

The shuffle comes as Alberta is struggling with a devastating fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and Kenney faces turmoil within his own caucus.

WATCH |The CBC's Power Panel discusschange to Premier Jason Kenney's cabinet:

Premier Jason Kenney shuffles Alberta health minister out of portfolio

3 years ago

Duration 13:17

Alberta's health minister, Tyler Shandro, has been replaced with Jason Copping, who was previously the provincial minister of labour and immigration. The Power Panel discuss this sudden change to Premier Jason Kenney's cabinet.

The COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc on the province's health-care system, bringing it to the brink ofcollapse.

Also Tuesday, Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIverissued a letter to the federal government asking for help dealing with the crush of patients.

However, Kenneyinsisted his government asked federal agencies for backup measures asa precaution.

"We do not currently need the support and we do not have an imminent need of it, but it's prudent to plan for things in case we reach aworst-case scenario."

Chief Medical Officer of HealthDr. Deena Hinshawannounced 29 people died of COVID-19 in the pastday.

Some were double vaccinated and had pre-existing conditions, Hinshaw said, but most were not vaccinated.

Alberta reported more than 1,500 new cases of COVID-19with 996 in hospital and 222 in intensive care units.

There were20,917 active casesof COVID-19 in Albertaas of Tuesday more than twice as many as any other province or territory.