Banff, Alta. — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he is more than ready to rumble with Alberta Environment Minister Lorne Taylor after being called a fear-monger on environmental issues.
"I think that he wants to pick a fight, and the thing is I'm always ready for a fist fight," said Mr. Kennedy, who is playing host at a celebrity fundraiser for the Waterkeepers Alliance in Banff this weekend.
"I got off the plane and people were saying there's a guy here saying bad things about you," Mr. Kennedy said. "Well, I don't have anything bad to say about him, but I'll debate him any time."
The Waterkeepers Alliance is a coalition of more than 100 environmental groups working to protect waterways in North America.
Mr. Taylor accused Mr. Kennedy of fear-mongering even before the prominent U.S. environmental lawyer arrived in Canada. Mr. Taylor suggested that Mr. Kennedy raises money for his cause by creating false fears about Alberta's water resources.
"Last time he was here, he fear-mongered on water," Mr. Taylor said. "He fear-mongered on livestock operations, and then he used that fear-mongering to raise a bunch of money."
The two men first sparred two years ago after Mr. Kennedy criticized Alberta's extensive hog operations and water management.
Mr. Taylor said he expected another attack from Mr. Kennedy even though the government announced a $916-million comprehensive water-conservation blueprint in November.
"He's characteristic of old-style environmentalists that raise money, and they have to create fear to raise money. I hope he actually reads our plan before he comes and ... if he has any questions he should call me and I'd be more than happy to talk to him about it."
Mr. Kennedy said he did read Alberta's blueprint but remains unconvinced.
"The details of it have not been worked out yet, so it's a water strategy that has strong points and potential areas of concern when you see it on paper.
"But I didn't come out swinging when I got off the plane. I came here to have fun. I think Lorne feels he gets political benefit by taking shots, but it doesn't bother me in the least."
Some of Hollywood's biggest stars — including silver screen megastar couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones — have been joined by more than 50 sports, film and television stars at the celebrity event.
Some of the guests include Matt Dillon, Fran Drescher, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Matthew Modine, Mimi Rogers, Andie MacDowell and Peter Fonda.
The celebrities will snowshoe and ski during the event at Sunshine Village and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
