A yellow banner on the advertisement reads, “Freedom of Speech, NO Climate Emergency!,”

Speaking to CHAT News Today Saturday afternoon, Barnes said it’s important as an MLA to listen and learn about both sides of the issue.

“We believe that freedom of speech is important and for me as an MLA I think it’s important that I keep attending things like this, and I keep learning what is the best policy to balance the economy, climate change and to make sure that families and communities and Albertans have the best opportunities moving forward,” said Barnes.

Since posting the tweet Saturday morning it has since generated over 50 retweets and over 115 likes.

Still, despite the heap of criticism Barnes said he’s not backing down from his decision to attend, and added that 10 of his UCP board members will also be taking part.

“I’m looking forward to the speakers they have even if the end of the night I totally disagree. It’s always nice to hear what other people are thinking,” he said.

This will be the second time Barnes has attended at Friends of Science Society event.