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After reviewing concerns shared about Andy Evans speaking at Calgary Teachers’ Convention, I have consulted with @CCTCA organizers and we will be cancelling AARC’s session. I sincerely regret the impact this has had on survivors, victims and their supporters. #abed #CCTC2019 — Greg Jeffery (@ab_teacher) February 7, 2019

Jonathan Teghtmeyer, a spokesman for the Alberta Teachers’ Association, which organized the convention, said that there have been few complaints from teachers, though they have received backlash from the public.

“Teachers are smart and thoughtful professionals capable of examining contentious issues and sensitive topics with critical thought,” the Alberta Teachers’ Association said in a statement. “By sharing this story with teachers, it is hoped that lives can be saved and other tragedies can be prevented.”

The statement added that the organization does not “shy away from scheduling controversial sessions.”

But Teghtmeyer said this session, one of more than 600 over two days, was organized by the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre, and he suggested the teachers’ association didn’t previously know about Evans’ past.

“I don’t think the organizers were fully aware,” Teghtmeyer said. Late Wednesday evening, the association confirmed Evans would no longer be speaking.

Photo by Screenshot

“Mr. Evans has committed a violent and heinous act and we in no way condone his past actions. For that act he has confessed, he was convicted and he served his sentence,” Teghtmeyer said earlier on Wednesday. “We want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Parisien for their terrible loss.”

Back in August 2007, Evans had a few beers and “six or seven tokes of marijuana” at home, then a couple shots of hard liquor at a friend’s place — plus some ecstacy — and seven more beers at the Roxy nightclub. After that, he headed home, according to court documents.