Skip to content

Troubled Monk in Red Deer receives online backlash after Premier’s visit

A Red Deer brewery received online backlash after giving Alberta’s premier a tour of its facility.
22488770_web1_190610-RDA-M-IMG_0174
File photo by ADVOCATE staff Charlie Bredo, Troubled Monk co-founder, says a recent visit from Premier Jason Kenney was not a statement of political affiliation.

A Red Deer brewery received online backlash after giving Alberta’s premier a tour of its facility.

On Thursday, Jason Kenney posted a video of him inside the Troubled Monk Brewery chatting with co-founder Charlie Bredo – the video received some backlash on Twitter.

“I like your beer quite a bit but your goal of connecting people may have backfired because that photo op is with someone who is hell bent on dividing everyone,” wrote Twitter user @twopennies5.

Bredo said giving Kenney a tour was not meant to be a sign of political affiliation.

“I am more than happy to show anyone around – all people, all walks of life,” said Bredo.

“I’m so proud of Troubled Monk and I just love showing people what we’re doing here. To me, it’s not at all political – it has nothing to do with politics. When someone says, ‘Charlie, can I check out your place?’ I always say yes.”

“Some people perceive this as us being aligned with the UCP. Troubled Monk has no political affiliations and we don’t endorse any party.”

Bredo said the premier’s team recently reached out to the Troubled Monk in regards to a visit.

“To me it’s about celebrating Alberta’s craft beer industry, it’s about celebrating small business, it’s about being proud of Red Deer and what Red Deer can do,” said Bredo.

“It’s not about politics, so it’s unfortunate how some people interpreted it that way because that’s definitely not how we look at it.”

In the past, the Troubled Monk has hosted NDP-affiliated events and even gave former premier Rachel Notley a tour of the facility.

Bredo said he understands that people are frustrated right now and may take that frustration out on social media.

“It’s frustrating when you’re on the negative end of it. In my opinion we should be celebrating what brings Alberta together and not confusing politics with the success stories Alberta has and things we can be proud of,” he said.

“Yeah, we’re frustrated with COVID and the economy, but let’s celebrate Alberta’s awesome beer and distilling industry, Alberta’s fantastic agriculture industry, and the cool people who make Alberta tick.”



sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter



Sean McIntosh

About the Author: Sean McIntosh

Sean joined the Red Deer Advocate team in the summer of 2017. Originally from Ontario, he worked in a small town of 2,000 in Saskatchewan for seven months before coming to Central Alberta.
Read more