Scott Moe Reacts: Bid to stop fossil fuel companies advertising with City of Regina loses steam

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Regina city council is set to discuss a motion to restrict energy companies reliant on fossil fuels from advertising or sponsoring with the city.

Last week, a majority of councillors voted in favour of the motion, which is to return to council for a final vote today.

The councillor who brought forward the proposal says he’s heard concerns from community members over the past week and plans to withdraw his support.

Coun. Dan LeBlanc had posted on Facebook that because Regina aims to become sustainable by 2050 he felt that didn’t mesh with the goals of fossil fuel companies.

He says he heard from residents the motion was “too much, too soon.”

Business leaders and Premier Scott Moe said the idea was hypocritical and would penalize those who work in the oil and gas industry.

Moe suggested if council adopted the change, his Saskatchewan Party government could redirect the millions the city receives from SaskPower and SaskEnergy bills to other municipalities.

He also said he would reconsider future sponsorships from both provincial energy Crowns.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 27, 2021

The Canadian Press