Calgary's mayor to fire off letter to Victoria council in support of energy industry

After being asked to show city council's support for the energy industry goes beyond just words, Mayor Naheed Nenshi will be sending words to their counterparts in Victoria.

Earlier this month, Victoria's council voted to support asking a municipalities group in B.C. to file a class-action lawsuit against energy companies for costs related to climate change.

Coun. Sean Chu said Calgary's council voted last month to support the energy industry and the pursuit of pipelines to help get Alberta's energy resources to markets.

So during Monday's council meeting, he asked the mayor to send a letter to their municipal counterparts in B.C.'s capital city to let them know Calgary stands with the energy industry.

Chu said council should do more than just offer words of support.

"I think it's important that not only that we talk about it, we're actually doing something about it," said Chu.

Nenshi happy to send letter

Nenshi made it clear that there was no need for council to pass a motion asking him to send such a letter.

"I'm happy to do it," he said.

Chu said the oil and gas industry is the engine of Canada's economy. He's also unhappy that Victoria dumps raw sewage into the Pacific Ocean, something he said it shouldn't do if it's concerned about the environment.

The councillor said he'd like to see council file a complaint with the federal environment minister about Victoria's methods of disposing of raw sewage.

As for whether a letter from the Calgary mayor will change anything at Victoria city hall, Chu was less than optimistic.

"Most likely not. But we have to show the sector that as Calgary, the city, we support them. We fight for them. That's important."

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