Alberta cabinet minister apologizes after voicemail with expletive becomes public

Alberta cabinet minister Tanya Fir has issued a public apology after a voicemail she left for a Calgary constituent captured her using an expletive once she believed the call had ended. Fir, who serves as minister of arts, culture and Status of Women, acknowledged the remark in a written statement and described it as a lapse in judgment.

The voicemail, released over the weekend by Alberta columnist Doug Firby, begins with Fir returning a constituent’s call and referencing feedback she had received. After offering a goodbye, the line remains open as she turns to speak with someone nearby.

In that off-hand conversation, she refers to the next person she planned to call using the offensive term. Fir said the word is one that has been directed at her during political disagreements in recent weeks, adding that she regretted repeating it in frustration.

The incident comes as the provincial government continues to face heightened scrutiny over elected officials’ conduct. Fir did not indicate whether further steps would be taken but said she accepts responsibility for her actions.