Health Minister John Haggie is defending a decision to go ahead with a fundraising event at Bally Haly last night, organized by the Gander Liberal District Association.

The event hosted 23 people in a venue with a capacity for 250 people.

The event came even as Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald urged people to cancel Christmas party plans.

She expressed disappointment about continuing to hear about workplace Christmas parties. “We need to find new and creative ways without parties” said Fitzgerald.

Minister Haggie says they chose a venue that is used to hosting public events and adhering to public health protocols.

He says the concern is around “crowded kitchens and basements.” Bally Haly is a commercial venue “used to hosting events way bigger than this” says Haggie. He defended the fundraiser saying it’s also an attempt to help support the hospitality industry which has had a hard go of it this year.