Environmentalists concerned with Wall’s rhetoric on climate change

REGINA – More than 150 people met in Saskatoon Wednesday night to discuss the province’s environmental policies, all while a petition criticizing Wall’s rhetoric on climate change circulates online.

A line in Wall’s throne speech rubbed the Climate Justice Saskatoon group the wrong way. The source of the discontent stems mostly from what the premier says refers to the controversial Leap Manifesto.

The speech, read by the lieutenant-governor on May 17, did not mince words against Leap supporters.

“There are some in this country who, given the opportunity, would shut down major parts of Saskatchewan’s economy and put thousands of hard working Saskatchewan people out of work, all in the name of some misguided dogma with no basis in reality.” – throne speech

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There are some in this country who, given the opportunity, would shut down major parts of Saskatchewan's economy and put thousands of hard working Saskatchewan people out of work, all in the name of some misguided dogma with no basis in reality." - throne speech

Wall has passionately opposed the document, which outlines how to best transition to renewable energy.

READ MORE: What is the Leap Manifesto? Talk of the NDP convention explained

Justin Fisher with Climate Justice Saskatoon believes that opposition is anti-environment in nature.

“Saying that the Leap Manifesto is not based in reality kind of amounts to the same thing. It’s interesting to talk about specific policy recommendations but it’s a document that’s based on the best climate science available,” he explained.

An online petition says Wall’s remarks in the throne speech “looked very much like denial of the science of climate change.”

However, the premier says the province is doing its part, focusing its efforts on carbon capture technology.

READ MORE: Carbon capture essential for action on climate change: Wall

Wall also pointed to his promise of 50% renewables by 2030 to be achieved through flare gas, wind and solar projects.

While the premier staunchly defends his position on climate change efforts, the Climate Justice group remains unconvinced.

“If he believes climate change is a misguided dogma then that’s pretty unacceptable in this day and age.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "If he believes climate change is a misguided dogma then that's pretty unacceptable in this day and age."