A former Shell Canada executive will head up a government department tasked with ending homelessness in Alberta by 2019.

Calgary resident Wayne Stewart replaces outgoing Alberta Secretariat for Action on Homelessness chairman Stephen Snyder.

Stewart is also a past president of the Calgary Homeless Foundation.

Ending homelessness within a decade will not be easy, but it is possible, he said on Thursday.

"I think we should all take pride in the fact that … we are members of this province that has developed the first plan to end homelessness in our country. The prospect that we might spread compassion for those in need across our great country really excites me," he said.

The Alberta government's ambitious plan to end homelessness comes with a $3.3-billion price tag

The plan focuses on moving homeless people into permanent housing and giving them support programs to help keep that accommodation, rather than creating more temporary spaces in shelters.

Alberta has set aside $400 million in capital to build 2,700 housing units over three years.

Another $32 million in operational funding was set aside this fiscal year to help 1,000 homeless people find permanent housing.

The money will be distributed among organizations in several communities that provide services such as life skills training, addictions counselling and landlord liaison.