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Nov. 27, 2020 Facebook photo posted by Grant Creasey
Namibian Safari

Lacombe mayor calls November vacation ‘lapse in good judgment’

Jan 7, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Lacombe’s mayor says he exercised a “lapse in good judgment” in going on a safari trip to Namibia.

Grant Creasey says in a statement provided to rdnewsNOW his trip was originally planned for last spring before he postponed due to the pandemic. He then decided to go in early fall when COVID-19 numbers were relatively low.

“At no time have I violated any provincial, national, or international travel restrictions, rules or regulations,” Creasey notes. “With the benefit of hindsight, I understand and can empathize with the concerns of those who feel it was unwise or could have posed a risk to the health of myself or those around me.”

Creasey went to Namibia in November and quarantined upon returning home into December. He says he did not attempt to deceive anyone about his trip and shared photos on social media while he was away.

“The purpose of this trip, a wildlife safari and tour, was not essential. I apologize for this lapse in good judgment – it wasn’t a good decision,” he admits.

“While we are all interpreting recommendations and determining the right balance in our personal lives, it’s fair to expect more from your leaders.”

Albertans became outraged after it was learned several UCP MLAs travelled out of country in recent weeks despite provincial and federal government advisories issued last March against non-essential foreign travel. They include Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan who resigned from the province’s treasury board and later apologized after flying to Arizona last week.