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Smith Aide Apologizes for 'Spank' Remark to Teen at Calgary Town Hall

Premier Danielle Smith says the apology is sufficient after calls for dismissal from the NDP.

Premier Danielle Smith speaks to media in Calgary on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 regarding a looming teacher’s strike.
The moderator of Premier Danielle Smith's Alberta Next town hall in Calgary has apologized for his "inappropriate" behaviour toward a teen who tried to ask a question.
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Overview

  • During Monday’s Alberta Next event in Calgary, moderator Bruce McAllister cut off 17-year-old Evan Li’s microphone as he tried to ask about a looming teachers’ strike and told him his parents should "turn you over your knee."
  • McAllister, the executive director of the premier’s office, posted a brief apology Tuesday calling the remark inappropriate and pledging more respectful forums.
  • Li said the exchange was embarrassing and akin to bullying and asked for a direct, public apology addressed to him.
  • NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi called the conduct unacceptable, urged Premier Danielle Smith to apologize to the student, and demanded McAllister’s dismissal, citing a pattern at earlier town halls.
  • Smith declined to fire McAllister, saying the apology should suffice and that she has told him to do better; video of the remark spread widely as the series shifts to an online town hall Wednesday.