Fort McMurray candidates condemn opponent's racial slur

Candidates in the Fort McMurray/Conklin byelection are condemning a five-year-oldpost by the Alberta Party candidate which containeda racial slur.

Alberta Party candidate Sid Fayad apologizedfor a 2013Facebook comment where he used theN-word.

• Fort McMurray-Conklin Alberta Party byelection candidate apologizes for racial slur

On the weekend,Fayadsaid the comment was made a long time ago and no longer reflects his views.

"I'm very sorry and I apologize for the remarks that I've made. It was five years ago, and it is not a reflection of my beliefs or how I conduct myself today,"Fayadsaid in astatement.

Despite the apology Jane Stroud, the NDPcandidate, said the comment was offensive and derogatory language cannot be tolerated.

"I believe all people should be treated equally and fairly in our society," Stroud said. "I think residents will take offence. I think the results at the polls will be the final decision."

The Alberta Liberal Party issued a newsrelease on behalf of theircandidateRobin LeFevrecondemning the language that was used.

• MORE FORTMcMURRAYNEWS:Fort McMurray man raising awareness about missing Indigenous woman last seen 8 years ago
• MORE FORTMcMURRAYNEWS:Notley, Kenney raise issues, throw mud during byelection stops in Fort McMurray
• MORE FORTMcMURRAYNEWS:'I will not be resigning,' says embattled Fort McMurray councillor

United Conservative Party candidateLailaGoodridgesaid the Alberta Party needs to answer for its candidate's actions.

The Green Party did not get back to the CBC.

Connect with David Thurton, CBC'sFort McMurraycorrespondent, onFacebook,Twitter,LinkedInor email him atdavid.thurton@cbc.ca