A celebrity visit to a city which could use a shot in the arm isn’t getting a lot of support.
That’s because actress Jane Fonda is using Tuesday’s visit to criticize energy development.
The reaction from the oil patch has been one of frustration.
Pro-oilsands activists say this is not the time for Fonda to visit, with the region still recovering from a wildfire and a limp economy.
Robbie Picard of the industry booster group Oilsands Strong says this is kicking the region while it is down.
The group has launched a social media campaign opposing Fonda’s visit on its Facebook page.
Fonda will tour the area by air and meet with several indigenous leaders Tuesday.
Greenpeace Canada is holding an event at the University of Alberta in Edmonton Wednesday night where Fonda is one of several speakers.
Fonda has a lengthy track record of being involved in political activism, speaking out on issues such as indigenous people’s rights, feminism, American civil rights issues and the Vietnam War.
