Key Influencer – Dennis Cooley – Deputy Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

Source: Alberta.ca

Dennis Cooley was recently appointed Deputy Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services in August 2025, under Minister Jason Nixon. With over 20 years of executive leadership in social service delivery across federal, provincial, and territorial governments, Cooley brings proven expertise to advance the ministry’s mandate.

Prior to this appointment, Cooley served as Deputy Minister of Justice with the Government of Saskatchewan. From 2017 to 2023, he held executive positions with the Government of Alberta, including Associate Deputy Solicitor General and later Deputy Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. He also previously served as Deputy Minister of Justice in the Government of Yukon. In this role, he led several initiatives to advance access to justice, including establishing the Community Wellness Court and leading the redevelopment of Yukon’s correctional system.

Cooley began his public service career with the federal government, serving in various departments, including Statistics Canada and the Correctional Service of Canada. His research background spans criminal justice policy, corrections, and the sociology of law and social control. He holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Manitoba, along with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Carleton University.