NDP alleges harassment at Bighorn park meetings
UCP’s Nixon condemns ‘blatant lie’ and calls for documentation
EDMONTON Government staffers lodged seven harassment complaints after public meetings on the proposed Bighorn Wildland Provincial Park, according to documents obtained by Postmedia.
Minister of Environment and Parks Shannon Phillips reiterated Wednesday that security concerns had spurred the province to cancel meetings in Edmonton, Red Deer, Drayton Valley and Sundre.
“The situation is fluid,” she told reporters. “It is unfortunate that there is a small minority of people ... for whom their operational behaviour is quite frankly undemocratic.”
But UCP house leader Jason Nixon accused the minister of “a blatant lie,” referencing comments she made about consulting with the RCMP on the issue.
“Caught in a blatant lie the Minister is backpedaling (sic),” he tweeted Tuesday.
He also said from what he has seen at meetings, claims of threats and intimidation were unfounded.
“We would of course condemn any documented incidents in the strongest possible terms — but, to date, there appear to be no such documented incidents,” he said in a statement.
During a teleconference with reporters Wednesday, Phillips said she misspoke regarding RCMP involvement in the complaints. She quickly corrected the record and tweeted that there are no open investigations.
In November, the province announced a $40-million proposal to create three new provincial park sites and four recreation areas within Bighorn Country, east of Jasper and Banff national parks.
Public feedback has included concerns about how the project might affect industry and off-road vehicle use.
Phillips cancelled sessions Saturday after she said her office received reports from business owners who allegedly experienced harassment and intimidation over their support of the plan.
Postmedia has learned of one email — addressed to Nixon in December — where a business owner in Nordegg alleged he was being bullied in his community.
But Nixon said public debate has been “completely civil” and dismissed the allegations of harassment.
Phillips said Wednesday that government staff had experienced harassment, but she wouldn’t go into details.
SEVEN COMPLAINTS MADE
Postmedia obtained a list of the alleged harassment reported by government staff in November and December. The seven complaints mainly involved verbal harassment, and in one situation a staff member reported being pushed on the shoulder by an “agitated member of the public.”
That complainant also alleged the person threatened physical violence if the proposal passed.
In another instance, a staff member said someone made inappropriate comments to her.
The list also included an eighth complaint in January from a venue owner who said the organization received intimidating phone calls and Facebook messages.
Postmedia has not independently verified the complaints.
On Wednesday, the UCP called on Phillips to resign.
“The Minister has torched any possible remaining credibility on the Bighorn file,” Nixon tweeted.
NO OPEN POLICE INVESTIGATIONS
Alberta RCMP said they were contacted by members of the public who wanted the police to be aware of concerning social media interactions.
Media Relations Manager Fraser Logan said police do not have any ongoing investigations related to the consultations.
Phillips said telephone town halls in the affected communities will be organized as soon as next week.
In-person information sessions will be restored when public safety can be guaranteed, which includes ensuring venues are secure, she added.