Former NDP candidate Tom Moffatt apologizes for 'karmic' tweet on Fort Mac fire

A former Alberta NDP candidate has deleted a tweet implying a karmic connection to the raging fire in Fort McMurray, and posted an apology Wednesday evening after receiving online outrage.

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Tom Moffatt, a candidate for the Lethbridge-East riding, tweeted "Karmic #climatechange fire burns CDN oilsands city #uspoli #FeelTheBern #yql #yyc #yeg #yvr #Toronto #cdnpoli" Tuesday.

Some on Twitter didn't like the connection they interpreted.

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel commented "No. Not this" retweeting Moffatt's post before it was deleted.

That prompted a string of negative comments.

Nathan Wade of Sylvan Lake posted "Tom Moffatt is low class...have some sympathy for people who will lose everything....kids, moms, parents..."

Tom Moffatt was trending early Wednesday morning according to Trendsmap Edmonton.

The Town of Taber, Moffatt's employer, distanced themselves from the statement.

"A recent post made by a Town employee on a personal account in no way reflects the Town's views on this terrible tragedy."

The Lethbridge library, where Moffatt is a volunteer board member, said in a Facebook post the tweet "unequivocally … does not in any manner reflect the view of the [organization]."

Late Wednesday, Moffatt apologized online, tweeting "My apologies 4 a recent tweet interpreted as attacking people in Fort Mac. Not my intent. These people have my full support & sympathy. #yql"

CBC News has approached Moffatt for comment but he has not yet replied.