The UCP's first Indigenous caucus member and nine other newcomers MLAs were among 48 government MLAs sworn into office Tuesday.

"I wish my grandfather was here," said Scott Sinclair, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake, choking up.

"I've always said representation really does matter. I've said it once, I've said it 1,000 times. You can't be what you can't see."

Sinclair is one of three Indigenous MLAs in the current legislature alongside NDP MLAs Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse (Edmonton-Rutherford) and Brooks Arcand-Paul (Edmonton-West Henday).

"My story is maybe unique today, but one day hopefully it's not, and I look forward to serving the people and being a leader that is both collaborative, positive and somebody people can be proud of," Sinclair said.

Collaboration was part of Premier Danielle Smith's message at the swearing-in ceremony presided over by Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani.

Smith has been criticized for a cabinet low on diversity and gender balance.

"I invite all Albertans to work with us to share their concerns and suggestions, positive and negative, with these MLAs so we can work towards a better Alberta together," Smith said.

"We will disagree with each other, but even in that disagreement, it is crucial that we continue the conversation and the collaboration that our province needs.

"Speaking with each other and working together are how we ensure that Alberta's democracy is inclusive."

MLAs once again chose Nathan Cooper, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, as Speaker.

Among the MLAs sworn in Tuesday was Scott Cyr, MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul, who is returning to the legislature for the first time since 2019.

Cyr said he's looking forward to addressing issues in his community including a lack of local doctors, rural crime and upgrading Highway 28, which he first championed as a new MLA in 2015.

He praised Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, who announced a $5-million investment during the budget to twin Highway 28 between Bonnyville and Cold Lake and add passing lanes between Bonnyville and Smoky Lake.

"It's exciting to see that announcement happened just before the election and it was one of those things that's near and dear to my heart because it goes back to my time from 2015 to 2019 when I was advocating for that highway," Cyr said.