Canadian Country music star Paul Brandt was removed from the speaker lineup for a recent teachers’ convention in Edmonton, with the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) declining to explain the decision.
The ATA initially stated that Brandt was not part of this year’s programming. That statement was later revised, acknowledging that he had been originally scheduled to speak, but was ultimately not included in the final schedule. The association has since said it will not provide further comment.
Brandt said he had been invited to speak to teachers about human trafficking through his initiative, Not in My City, which raises awareness about sexual exploitation and human trafficking across Canada.
In a statement, Brandt said he regularly speaks to audiences “large and small” on the issue and remains committed to the work.
Premier Danielle Smith weighed in saying she was “immensely disappointed” and described efforts to combat sex trafficking as a non-partisan issue.
The premier also encouraged Albertans to learn more about Brandt’s work through the organization’s website.
The controversy comes amid recent online criticism of Brandt after he declined to publicly clarify his stance on Alberta independence, though neither Brandt nor the ATA has linked that issue to the decision.
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