'There is hope for a brighter future:' Kenney wishes Albertans a Merry Christmas
Premier Jason Kenney delivered his annual holiday greeting Christmas morning in which he reflected on recent challenges and spoke of better days to come.
The following is the premier's Christmas Day message:
"During a time of adversity and of uncertainty, thank goodness that we have traditions like Christmas to keep us grounded in what matters most. Things like family, gratitude, generosity to others, and for many people, faith.
"The light of Christmas comes at the darkest time of year. But with it, our lives are enlightened by family and friends, by the warmth of happy memories, by the exchange of gifts, and of course the smiles of children as they create their own lifetime Christmas memories.
"For Christians, the light of Christmas is a newborn who in the words of scripture is 'the light that shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.'
"Whatever our own beliefs or traditions, Christmas is a time for gratitude, forgiving, for hope, and for charity.
"This Christmas, we should be especially grateful for our frontline health-care workers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help save lives during the past two incredibly difficult years. We should also be grateful for the countless number of Albertans who've reached out to care for the isolated and those in need.
"Alberta created the Northern Lights Award to recognize some of these people who personify the spirit of Christmas, acting as lights in the darkness - from delivering groceries, to driving seniors to medical and vaccine appointments, from entertaining the elderly, to offering a hand to homeless shelters and soup kitchens.
"Thank you to everyone who has shown the best of Alberta's spirit of caring and of community.
"Let's all be inspired by their example, by reaching out over Christmas to people who might be isolated, or who are coping with family, financial, or mental health challenges.
"After these nearly two long years of loss and disruption, everyone needs to know that they are valued and that there is hope for a brighter future.
"Merry Christmas! May this be a time of joy, peace, and goodwill for you, and for all."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.