Moderator on Smith’s Alberta Next panel sorry for saying teen should be spanked
By Canadian Press on September 30, 2025.
EDMONTON — The moderator of Premier Danielle Smith’s Alberta Next panel is apologizing after he told a teen at a town hall that his parents should spank him.
Bruce McAllister says he regrets the comment and he’s committed to making sure the panel’s events are respectful and constructive.
The 16-year-old boy tried to ask the panel about the pending provincewide teachers’ strike Monday’s town hall in Calgary, but McAllister cut off the microphone.
The boy could still be heard trying to ask his question, and McAllister interrupted.
McAllister said the boy only wanted to create chaos at the event and that his parents “should turn you over your knee.”
Opposition NDP leader Naheed Nenshi says an apology isn’t enough from McAllister, who serves as the executive director of the premier’s office.
Nenshi says McAllister should be fired and the premier should also apologize to the boy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2025.
Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press
12-11
Chaos? Evan Lee attempted to ask a valid question. Mr. McAllister turned the moment into chaos in his public denunciation of an engaged high school student.
SHAME on your Mr. McAllister.
SHAME, SHAME on you, premier, for not intervening. Evan Lee deserves an apology from you.
Maybe that went too far, but as a grumpy old fart, I was spanked many times as a kid . . . I deserved it and it made me better, spanking doesn’t mean ‘beating’, but the NDP find anything any tiny thing to pounce on in their desparate act to gain power . . . they can’t do it on their own merit!
This person was clearly out of line and should have been cut off . . . the rules were made very clear . . . I say again, the rules were made very clear . . . stay on topic for the discussion, be respectful and stay within the allowed time given.
It is no different than bringing concerns to city council, a committee, the police commission . . . you are allowed a defined time, you must be on topic and you must be respectful.
It would take a panel weeks of panel meetings to hear every concern from all of the people on all topics! These people were aware and disrespected the rest who were following the rules.
It appears to be the NDP way of how they conduct themselves! Remember the dogifghts in council meetings when Rob Miyashiro attacked other councilors who were expressing our concerns regarding the SCS? He is a good fit for the NDP . . . peas in a pod!
I have never seen so many angry hateful people in one party! They have even accused people of hate, because they don’t agree with them. That is not hate!
The moderator has apologized for his comment on mainstream media . . . but we will probably hear about this for months to come by a desperate group who tries to bring down the government!
Thankfully the NDP are a minority in this province!