The new chief anchor and senior editor of CTV National News offered a thank-you to his predecessor in his first broadcast in his new role.

In a message at the end of the show, Omar Sachedina thanked Lisa LaFlamme, whose contract was not renewed, for her inspiration and mentorship.

"Like many of you, I really wish Lisa's goodbye could have been from here," Sachedina said.

He also said that a half a century ago, his parents were expelled from Uganda and were welcomed by compassionate Canadians.

"It validates the promise of possibility," Sachedina said. "But I'm just one part of a tireless team determined to share stories with you about what matters to Canadians and brings us together."