Alberta PC leadership candidate Ric McIver is apologizing for taking part in the March for Jesus walk over the weekend and says he didn’t do his homework before taking part.
McIver walked in the event last Sunday and has faced criticism for his actions because the organization that supported it has anti-gay comments posted on its website.
He says he became acquainted with the group through his time as a city councillor.
“Back when I was on city council the street church used to set up in front of city hall and feed poor people, well actually feed anybody, but to be clear it was mostly homeless people and poor people that went there to eat every day, and of course I developed a bit of a relationship with them because I would stop and say hello to the organizers and those people that were being fed every day and that really is the nature of the friendship,” said McIver.
McIver says he thinks the public deserves an explanation and so that is why he is speaking out.
“I’m a Roman Catholic and a Christian and proud to be that so there it is. I went, showed up, it is an expression of my faith and what I did not do and what I regret and what I apologize for is I didn’t do my homework. I didn’t check the website with all this ugly, I’m angry. Anybody’s that’s angry, I agree with them, nasty, mean-spirited, stuff on this website, there’s no excuse for it and I apologize for drawing attention to it,” said McIver.
He says he didn’t know about the posts at the time. “I knew that Art had some strong religious beliefs but there’s one thing to have strong beliefs, it’s quite another to publish, to broadcast through the internet, ugly, negative, nasty, untrue things that I in no way believe or support.”
McIver says he has contacted officials with the walk and asked them to remove his name and photos of him from the website.
CTV News asked McIver if this means he is not ready to lead the province and he said he has received mixed reviews from Albertans on the miscue.
“Everybody makes mistakes, this is one of mine and there’s no one to blame for drawing attention but me and I accept that responsibility.”
McIver also says this is the end of his relationship with the group.
