Premier defends comments addressing conspiracy theories at town hall

Premier Scott Moe is explaining himself for the first time after a video clip surfaced of the premier addressing questions around conspiracy theories at a town hall event.

The town hall took place in April in Speers, in Moe’s constituency. The premier was invited to attend by local leaders.

Some questions during the two-hour event involved health care, crime, and affordability issues, but the majority appeared to be pulled from common conspiracy theories. Topics included mRNA vaccines, the World Economic Forum and high treason.

Critics, including the Saskatchewan NDP, have said Moe should have tried harder to set the record straight in his answers.

One attendee asked what Moe and his government would do about chemicals being released from jets flying overhead, which was clarified to explain he was asking about chemtrails – a conspiracy theory – before Moe answered.

“My answer at that point in time was ‘I actually don’t believe in chemtrails dropping whatever chemicals,’” said Moe on Tuesday.

At the event, Moe said pollution from jets is a concern. On Tuesday he expanded on that answer, saying pollution and sustainability are important conversations across the board, including in travel.

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There was also a question alleging that the Saskatchewan Health Authority was helping to spread biological weapons from China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moe responded to that question by saying he disagreed that the health authority was poisoning people, but in the video all he said in response was that he’d read the document that was given to him.

“Nobody would question my stance, when it comes to the last four or five years, when it comes to the importance of vaccines and the importance that vaccines played in the pandemic here in Saskatchewan and across Canada,” said Moe on Tuesday.

The premier said he doesn’t think he’s fanning the flames of conspiracy theories by answering and entertaining such questions.

Moe said it’s essential for him to listen to the people he represents and their concerns.

“That is a requirement, I think, of any elected member,” Moe said, “and it’s a requirement that I take very seriously when I can.”