Alberta Next Panel Moderator Apologizes for "Spanking" Comment to Teen
Bruce McAllister, the moderator of Premier Danielle Smith's Alberta Next panel, has issued an apology after suggesting a teenager's parents should spank him during a town hall meeting in Calgary. The remark sparked outrage online, and while Smith has stated the matter is closed, critics are calling for further action.
The Incident and Apology
The incident occurred at a town hall on Monday evening when a 17-year-old student, Evan Li, attempted to ask a question about the looming province-wide teachers' strike and the allocation of provincial funds to private schools. After Li's microphone was cut off, McAllister, who also serves as the executive director of the premier's office, told him, "I know you'd love some chaos, but your parents should turn you over your knee."
McAllister subsequently apologized on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday morning, stating, "Last night, while moderating the AB Next panel, I made an inappropriate remark to a participant. I regret saying it and I apologize. I'm committed to ensuring these conversations remain respectful and constructive."
"Last night, while moderating the AB Next panel, I made an inappropriate remark to a participant. I regret saying it and I apologize. I’m committed to ensuring these conversations remain respectful and constructive." - Bruce McAllister on X
Reactions and Calls for Further Action
Evan Li has deemed the online apology insufficient, demanding a direct, in-person apology and calling for McAllister's resignation. He expressed concern about the standards within the government, stating it was unacceptable and surprising no one on the panel spoke out against it.
Naheed Nenshi, leader of the opposition NDP, has joined the call for accountability, demanding that Premier Danielle Smith fire McAllister and issue her own apology to Li. Nenshi stated the comment was a "disgusting thing to say to a citizen, especially a young citizen who's brave enough to ask a question."
Premier Smith's Response
At an unrelated press conference, Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged the comment as "offensive" and stated she had spoken with McAllister about communicating respectfully in future town halls. However, she considers the matter closed following McAllister's apology. "None of us are perfect and it's a very stressful environment to be in, to be moderating events like that. And he made an offensive comment and apologized for it this morning," said Smith.
| Key Figure | Position | Action/Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Bruce McAllister | Moderator, Alberta Next panel; Executive Director, Premier's Office | Made offensive comment; issued online apology |
| Evan Li | Grade 12 Student | Demanded in-person apology and resignation |
| Danielle Smith | Premier of Alberta | Called comment "offensive," considers matter closed |
| Naheed Nenshi | Leader of the Opposition NDP | Called for McAllister's firing and Smith's apology |
Background and Context
The Alberta Next panel has been touring the province since July, hosting town halls on topics like equalization, an Alberta Pension Plan, and a provincial police force. McAllister's role as moderator is to maintain order and keep the discussions on topic. However, there have been previous instances where McAllister has been criticized for his conduct, including silencing attendees and making disparaging remarks. The final Alberta Next town hall is scheduled to be online on Wednesday evening.
