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.
