Alberta cabinet minister Ric McIver resigns post as Speaker vote looms

Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver has resigned from cabinet amid speculation he will run for the vacant position of Speaker of the house. Premier Danielle Smith says she's grateful for McIver's commitment and hard work in serving Albertans.

She says Tourism Minister Joseph Schow will take on McIver's portfolio on an interim basis.

McIver served as municipal affairs minister under two premiers and had previous experience as transportation minister, infrastructure minister and jobs minister.

He was first elected to the legislative assembly in 2012 after more than a decade as a city councillor in Calgary.

Alberta's legislative assembly is to vote later today to elect a new Speaker of the legislature after former Speaker Nathan Cooper resigned last week.