Lisa LaFlamme leaves CTV National News after being "blindsided" by decision not to renew her contract

The network advised its chief news anchor and senior editor that it's going in a different direction with her position

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      One of Canada's most familiar faces will disappear from the CTV National News.

      Today, CTV announced that Lisa LaFlamme "is departing the network" after being chief news anchor and senior editor since 2011.

      According to a CTV news release, the network "recently advised LaFlamme that it had made the business decision to move its acclaimed news show, CTV National News, and the role of its Chief News Anchor in a different direction".

      "A trusted broadcaster and distinguished voice in Canadian news, Lisa has been on the front line of the world’s biggest headlines,” Bell Media senior vice president Karine Moses said in the news release. “With an unfailing commitment to delivering the stories that matter most to Canadians as part of Canada’s leading news team, Lisa has deftly guided viewers through both turbulent times and celebration, and we wish her nothing but the best as she begins a new chapter.”

      In a post on Twitter, LaFlamme said that she was told about CTV's business decision on June 29 "to end my contract, bringing to a sudden close my long career with CTV News". 

      "I was blindsided and am still shocked and saddened by Bell Media's decision," LaFlamme said. "I was also asked to keep this confidential from my colleagues and the public until the specifics of my exit could be resolved."

      She said that this has now happend.

      LaFlamme expressed her deepest gratitude to her colleagues, dear friends, and loving family. She said that at the age of 58, she thought she would have more time to tell stories that affect people's daily lives.

      "While it is crushing to be leaving CTV National News in a manner that is not my choice, please note that reporting to you has truly been the greatest honour of my life and I thank you for always being there," LaFlamme said.

      As of this writing, her bio remains on the CTV News website.

      She was CTV News national affairs correspondent prior to rising to the chief news anchor position with the retirement of longtime anchor Lloyd Robertson. She worked for CTV for 35 years.

      Robertson remained on the job until he was 77 years old, but LaFlamme was shown the door at a much younger age.

      Meanwhile, CBC news anchor Ian Hanomansing has tweeted his sorrow over the decision, declaring that he's "at a loss for words".

      "Lisa is among the very best at what she does," Hanomansing stated. "I know surprisingly arbitrary decisions can be made in this business, but Lisa, you deserve better than this. Way better."

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