Alberta’s government has quietly transferred responsibility for its communications wing to the premier’s office, greatly expanding the size and budget of the province’s executive council.

An April 29 Order in Council shifted responsibility for the province’s Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) department from Treasury Board and Finance to Executive Council, meaning Premier Danielle Smith is now the minister overseeing the branch. Aside from notices of the order posted to the government website, the province has not publicly commented on the department transfer.