Alberta names Tanya Fir new minister of jobs, economy and innovation
Premier Jason Kenney shakes hands with Tanya Fir as she is sworn into office, in Edmonton on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)
Premier Jason Kenney announced a change in cabinet on Friday, saying Calgary-Peigan MLA Tanya Fir would be taking over as the minister of jobs, economy and innovation.
The move comes three weeks after Doug Schweitzer announced he was resigning.
Fir will continue serving as the associate minister of red tape reduction, a position she was appointed to in July 2021.
"As someone who served in this portfolio previously, and who has done tremendous work in the related Red Tape Reduction portfolio, Minister Fir is ready to get into the full swing on Day 1," said Kenney in a Friday news release.
"Minister Fir will build on our successes as we look to the future to ensure that Alberta remains the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family."
When announcing his resignation from cabinet on Twitter, Schweitzer said he was "immensely proud" of what he accomplished, and said it was an honour to serve alongside Kenney and his colleagues.
Fir was one of several MLAs who took a holiday trip in 2020 at a time during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Alberta government had asked all residents to avoid non-essential travel.
She, along with MLAs Pat Rehn and Tany Yao, lost her legislative committee responsibilities.
Fir called the decision a mistake in a public apology.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and B.C. to deploy in California
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and British Columbia will help fight wildfires in California, and the federal government is co-ordinating efforts with the provinces to deploy resources.
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta premier Danielle Smith met with President-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
Costco Canada accused of overcharging online shoppers in class-action lawsuit
Perrier Attorneys says Costco charged more for items online than in-store, a practice known as “double ticketing,” which is banned under the Competition Act.
Trudeau says Trump's comments on 51st state 'flattering' but a 'non-starter'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says talk of Canada becoming the 51st state is a distraction from more pressing threats of U.S tariffs on Canada and their likely impact.
Former PM Chretien says Liberal party must move back to 'radical centre'
As the Liberal party searches for a new leader, former prime minister Jean Chretien says it's time for the party to move back to the "radical centre" to help its electoral fortunes.
Are there U.S. military bases and American troops in Canada?
The U.S. military has more than 165,000 troops deployed in over 170 countries and territories, including Canada.
Teen's road test halted by stunt driving charge
A 17-year-old driver failed their road test before it even began after being stopped by police in a community safety zone.
Canada shuts out U.S. to win U-18 women's world championship
Marilou Grenier stopped 14 shots as Canada defeated the United States 3-0 on Sunday to capture the gold medal at the world women's under-18 hockey championship.
Why Canada and the U.S. are seeing a trend of wildfires in recent years
As Los Angeles continues to battle one of the most destructive wildfires in its history, experts say the devastation signals a troubling trend fuelled by a larger climate crisis.
Edmonton
-
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta premier Danielle Smith met with President-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
-
Trudeau says Trump's comments on 51st state 'flattering' but a 'non-starter'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says talk of Canada becoming the 51st state is a distraction from more pressing threats of U.S tariffs on Canada and their likely impact.
-
Firefighters get blaze at central Edmonton commercial property under control
A Sunday morning fire at a commercial-residential building in central Edmonton is under control, the fire department says.
Lethbridge
-
'Good neighbours': Montana residents share thoughts on Trump's '51st state' threat
As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to annex Canada, some residents in Montana are sharing their thoughts on the idea of Canada becoming the “51st state.”
-
Man dies after falling into sink hole at Fernie Alpine Resort
An investigation is underway by Elk Valley RCMP after a man died Wednesday after falling into a sink hole at Fernie Alpine Resort.
-
One Alberta man gets jail, another community time for 2022 Coutts border protest
Two Alberta men have been sentenced for their roles in the illegal Coutts border blockade in 2022.
Vancouver
-
'It looked apocalyptic': Vancouver actress details nightmare few days in L.A.
There was a time when the city of Los Angeles conjured rosy recollections of glamorous parties and sun-drenched adventures with friends, but for Vancouver actress Abbie Jenkins, only one scene now springs to mind. The memory of careening down the highway in a friend’s car, with flames erupting in the rear-view mirror.
-
Police search for vehicle involved in Langley hit-and-run
Langley RCMP are issuing a fresh call for witnesses after identifying a vehicle believed to be linked to a hit-and-run that took place in November.
-
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. fire crews sent to fight Los Angeles wildfire: forests minister
British Columbia’s forests minister says a crew from the province’s wildfire service left for California Saturday afternoon to help battle the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area.
-
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
-
Florence Girard was 55 pounds when she starved in home-share. Her sister wants change
The sister of a British Columbia woman with Down syndrome who starved to death in a Port Coquitlam home in 2018 says she believes more people will die if systemic changes aren't made to how people with developmental disabilities are treated.
Saskatoon
-
Police responding to serious crash in southern Saskatoon
A serious crash in south Saskatoon has closed the intersection of Preston Avenue South and Stonebridge Common.
-
Extreme cold blankets, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, parts of northern Sask.
An especially chilly Sunday is forecasted for several regions across Saskatchewan – as extreme cold warnings come into effect.
-
'Everybody wins': Saskatoon SPCA garage sale makes room for fundraising
Garage sale season started a little early in Saskatoon this year. The SPCA held a garage sale Saturday to make use of some its more abundant gently used donations that might go unused.
Regina
-
Team Canada takes gold at U18 women's hockey worlds, Sask.'s Zablocki leads scoring
For the third time in four years, Canada has brought home gold from the Under-18 Women's World Championships – with help from Saskatchewan's own Stryker Zablocki.
-
Regina woman charged in death of infant after lengthy investigation
A woman has been charged in the death of an infant following a lengthy investigation.
-
Sled dogs run through parts of Sask., offering guided tour rides for guests
If you have a liking for dogs and are looking for something fun to do this winter, Campbell’s Racing Sled Dogs is for you.
Toronto
-
Toronto still trying to get students ‘back on track’ with vaccinations after COVID-19 pandemic
Toronto Public Health has begun sending out letters to Grade 11 students who are behind on their routine vaccinations, warning that they could face suspension if they do not comply.
-
Former PM Chretien says Liberal party must move back to 'radical centre'
As the Liberal party searches for a new leader, former prime minister Jean Chretien says it's time for the party to move back to the "radical centre" to help its electoral fortunes.
-
Steeles closed in both directions at Mavis in Brampton following collision
A section of Steeles Avenue in Brampton is closed in both directions following a single-vehicle collision.
Montreal
-
Costco Canada accused of overcharging online shoppers in class-action lawsuit
Perrier Attorneys says Costco charged more for items online than in-store, a practice known as “double ticketing,” which is banned under the Competition Act.
-
Measles outbreak: Quebec Health Ministry urges caution
Due to an active measles outbreak, Quebec’s Health Ministry is urging people to be extra cautious and follow public health recommendations.
-
QS wants Legault to leverage energy prices in negotiations with Trump
Québec Solidaire is urging Francois Legault’s government to leverage the price of our hydroelectricity in negotiations with Trump.
Atlantic
-
Fire Fighters Union says it is ‘heartbroken’ after fire in Lower Sackville, N.S.
A 40-year-old man was taken to hospital after his neighbour rescued him from a house fire in Lower Sackville, N.S.
-
Four teams set to represent Curl Moncton at provincial championship
Two men’s teams and two women's teams won the opportunity to represent Curl Moncton at the HUPLASO Club Curl Championships in Saint John, N.B., this February.
-
RCMP investigate suspicious death, fire in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley
One person is dead under suspicious circumstances after a house fire in Centreville, N.S.
Winnipeg
-
'He was a genius': Family remembers man who died waiting for care in Winnipeg ER
The sister of a man who died waiting for care in the emergency department of Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) is remembering her late brother as an intelligent person with a bold personality
-
High-risk offender back behind bars
A high-risk offender, who was recently released from jail, is back behind bars.
-
Contrasts start to take shape in leadership race for Manitoba's Opposition Tories
The battle for the leadership of the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives is three months from being decided, and the two men vying for the role are laying out different paths to try to reignite the party voted out of office in the last election.
Ottawa
-
Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six on Sundays during the NFL season
With CTV broadcasting NFL football games on Sundays this season, CTV News at Six will be broadcasting live on our website and the CTV News App.
-
Ottawa parents voice concerns about possible phase out of some OCDSB special needs classes
Eastern Ontario's largest school board is making some major changes to how elementary students will learn in both English and French, but the new model could also mean the end of nearly 40 specialized classes, including special needs programs.
-
Ottawa police arrest suspect in Heron Gate grocery store stabbing
The Ottawa Police Service is investigating a stabbing at Herongate Square on Saturday evening.
Northern Ontario
-
Two charged with first-degree murder, arson in northern Ont.
A man and a woman from Blind River have been charged with first-degree murder and a third person has been charged with accessory to murder after the fact.
-
Former PM Chretien says Liberal party must move back to 'radical centre'
As the Liberal party searches for a new leader, former prime minister Jean Chretien says it's time for the party to move back to the "radical centre" to help its electoral fortunes.
-
Toxic drugs circulating in northern Ontario
Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in one of the Far North communities it serves.
Barrie
-
Twelve of Barrie’s finest chefs compete for "Top Chef" title
Twelve of Barrie’s finest chefs competed for the coveted title of "Top Chef Barrie" on Saturday.
-
Teen's road test halted by stunt driving charge
A 17-year-old driver failed their road test before it even began after being stopped by police in a community safety zone.
-
Police appeal for help locating missing Barrie teen
Barrie police are asking for the public’s help in finding 14-year-old Destiny, who has been reported missing.
Kitchener
-
Trudeau says Trump's comments on 51st state 'flattering' but a 'non-starter'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says talk of Canada becoming the 51st state is a distraction from more pressing threats of U.S tariffs on Canada and their likely impact.
-
Why Canada and the U.S. are seeing a trend of wildfires in recent years
As Los Angeles continues to battle one of the most destructive wildfires in its history, experts say the devastation signals a troubling trend fuelled by a larger climate crisis.
-
One person in custody following incident in South Bruce
OPP say their West Region Emergency Response Team, West Region K-9 Unit, and Aviation Unit responded to an incident on Schmidt Lake Road just after 2 p.m. Saturday.
London
-
'We’re bursting at the seams': BMO Centre eying $30M expansion
“We're almost at capacity here at the BMO Centre, so that's why we purchased the land,” said Operator of the BMO Centre Tom Partalas of a 10-acre parcel just west of the current facility.
-
Belmont, Ont's Lexie Bertelson bringing home gold from U18 world tournament
Lexie Bertelson of Belmont, Ont. is bringing home a gold medal after Canada beat Team USA 3-0 in the championship game of the Under-18 Women's World Championship in Vantaa, Finland.
-
41-year-old man arrested with fentanyl and cocaine on him: SPS
A 41-year-old man is facing drug trafficking charges after being sought after by police on an outstanding warrant.
Windsor
-
Essex County OPP drop the puck against former NHL stars
Members of the Essex County OPP laced up their skates Sunday afternoon to drop the puck against former NHL players.
-
Lions drone show dazzles over Windsor
More than 400 drones soared from Riverfront Festival Plaza hundreds of feet into the air before they aligned to form different words and images.
-
Trudeau says Trump's comments on 51st state 'flattering' but a 'non-starter'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says talk of Canada becoming the 51st state is a distraction from more pressing threats of U.S tariffs on Canada and their likely impact.
