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Photo by David Bloom / Postmedia

The government saw hundreds of Albertans protesting its farm safety bill on the steps of the legislature last year and the carbon tax, which is unpopular everywhere, according to the Citizen Society Research Lab at Lethbridge College, is especially unpopular outside the province’s two biggest cities. It’s a similar story with the planned phase-out of coal plants by 2030.

Anderson, who sees himself as a communicator and peacemaker, may be the government’s best hope at turning that attitude around. Jessica Littlewood, the MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville and a colleague of Anderson’s, says it’s important to have people in cabinet who understand rural life.

“Shaye knows how to come from an honest place when he talks to people. But he doesn’t necessarily hold back. It’s not like he’ll just tell you what you want to hear,” says Littlewood.

Anderson has a similar style to the previous minister, Danielle Larivee, who doesn’t just speak in talking points, says Littlewood.

The new minister says his connection to rural life extends past the beard that so impressed the premier. He grew up on a 20-acre (eight-hectare) hobby farm near Duncan, B.C,. and that’s the kind of place where he’s most comfortable.

“I grew up around all the hay and chickens and cows and horses and stuff. I feel really comfortable being out in smaller areas … I really feel more natural out there,” Anderson said.

His parents and extended family all lived on different parts of the property and it was among that large clan that he developed the skills that he carries into the municipal affairs portfolio. In his family, he was often the one playing peace maker.