Alberta charity considering changes to fundraiser involving Kenney, other political leaders

An Alberta charity says it is reconsidering a virtual and in-person fundraising event involving Premier Jason Kenney and other political leaders in light of recent criticism on social media.

Jennifer Martin, president of Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta and Northwest Territories, says the group checked with health officials to make sure the Nov. 30 event was within public health rules.

But Martin says the group doesn’t want to send any wrong messages or arouse undue concern during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event is intended to allow business people to talk with politicians about economic recovery.

It’s been billed as a scotch- and wine-tasting get-together with 15 people in-person at an Edmonton Mercedes-Benz dealership and with other participants attending virtually.

Martin says her group had strict distancing and hygiene rules set, but is considering changing the date, reducing the $1,000 ticket price or making it completely virtual.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Kenney, Alberta Party acting leader Jacquie Fenske and Edmonton-Riverbend MP Matt Jeneroux had promised to appear, she said. Martin is still waiting to hear back from the provincial NDP and Liberal parties and Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson.

Junior Achievement billed the event as a VIP evening with Kenney and others.

Critics say Kenney’s participation, while within health regulations, would send the wrong message when he has repeatedly urged people to avoid gatherings in the face of soaring COVID-19 numbers.

They also say the event would strike an unhelpful elitist tone of sipping high-end spirits at a luxury car dealership while many Canadians have lost their livelihoods.

1:23 COVID-19: Alberta reduces restaurant hours, liquor sale times in some areas

• COVID-19: Alberta reduces restaurant hours, liquor sale times in some areas
• Hinshaw admits Alberta is in 2nd wave of COVID-19
• Coronavirus: Kenney ‘strongly recommends’ that those living in enhanced zones not have social gatherings
• ‘I strive every day to do my best for every single Albertan’: Hinshaw responds to critical article
• Coronavirus: Alberta records 20 deaths from COVID-19 on Monday
• Coronavirus: Kenney says province will consider more restrictions if Albertans do not respond
• Coronavirus: Kenney calls two-week push ‘last chance’ to avoid further measures
• COVID-19: Alberta limits funeral and wedding ceremonies to 50 people in areas under enhanced status

Previous Video

Next Video

Junior Achievement teaches financial literacy and entrepreneurship to young Canadians.

“We’re open and transparent, and if there are concerns, we really just want to address them head on,” Martin said in an interview Tuesday.

“We haven’t done anything that violates any tax or ethical rules. We made sure we did our homework there, but I’m a big believer in listening.

“This is a charity just trying to survive like everybody else, and we want to help the economy.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This is a charity just trying to survive like everybody else, and we want to help the economy."

Kenney’s government has in recent weeks brought in health restrictions to try to arrest the spread of the novel coronavirus and to prevent the health system from being overrun.

One rule limits most public gatherings to 15 people or fewer in areas with high caseloads, which includes Edmonton and Calgary and surrounding areas.