Letter: Belittling a student for asking a valid question unbecoming of any Albertan

By Letter to the Editor on October 1, 2025.

Dear editor,

An open letter to Bruce McAllister, chair of the Alberta Next Panel,

Whether the event was meant for free questioning or whether you were screening which questions could be asked, what happened with Evan was unacceptable.

Mocking a Grade 12 student and suggesting he should be “spanked by his parents” is not only deeply inappropriate: it’s out of step with the values of this province.

Corporal punishment has no place in Alberta. Evan is under 18. He came forward with a question about an issue that directly affects his future. That takes courage.

Instead of respecting his right to free expression, something guaranteed by the Canadian Charter, you chose to belittle him. Your role is to listen, even when the questions are uncomfortable. Especially then.

Free expression means more than curated talking points and staged applause. It means allowing people, including young people, to challenge their government without fear of ridicule.

If you cannot handle a student’s honest question with respect, how can Albertans trust you to handle the much harder conversations this province needs?

Respect for youth voices isn’t optional. It’s the bare minimum.

Sincerely,

Jessica Chislett

Fort McMurray

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