Lloydminster will see a rally of its own in support of oil and gas this February. TheĀ Support Canadian Oil and Gas Industry Lloydminster Rally will be at the Alberta Building at the Lloydminster ExhibitionĀ on Wednesday, February 6. Co-organizer of the rally, Drew Lake, says the rally is to help the majority be heard, based on an Angus Reid poll showing 60% of Canadians see a lack of new pipelines as a crisis.
“We’re asking that nationwide majority to stand up with us to support Canadian energy. Without that support, the small minority of anti-energy crowds will continue to rise above us. They’re well funded by foreign special interests and effective at advancing their cause,” says Lake.
Lake highlights the high environmental and social standards ofĀ Canadian oil production as the need for its sale to countries around the world. He adds the local rally will see a number of high-profile people in attendance to speak and support Canadian energy.
“We’re working on a list of notable dignitaries to attend and speak. We’ve got confirmed presence of Canada Action, Oil Sands Proud, several politicians. We’ve got some really exciting dignitaries that we haven’t confirmed yet, but if we do it’ll be a really exciting event,” says Lake.
Some of the dignitaries attending the rally include Dr. Richard Starke, Mayor Gerald Aalbers, Chief Henry Lewis of Onion Lake First Nation and President of the Canadian Association of PetroleumĀ Producers Tim McMillan. Alberta’s opposition leader Jason Kenney has also been invited but hasn’t confirmed his presence. Lake emphasizes that the event is non-partisan in nature.
“We’ve extended invitations to all political parties and all government officials. If they’re willing and able to attend, we’d really appreciate them being here too,” says Lake. Members of Parliament will not be attending because Parliament is in session. However, Lake says they have extended an invite to record a video message to be played for the rally.
The rallyĀ is based off a similar support rally in Grande Prairie and is a family-friendly event. Any signs brought to the rally are asked to be kept PG, and the event emphasizes that it is not a Yellow Vest rally. The high-viz vests are asked to be left at home for the rally, and Lake says it’s because the movement’s focus is so diverse compared to the rally’s purpose.
“We’re wanting to keep the focus on oil and gas for this particular rally, and that’s we chose to designate that it wasn’t a Yellow Vest rally,” says Lake. He hopes to see 2,000 people in attendance and says that he welcomes volunteers to manage things like parking and fundraising. Those interested in volunteering can contact him through Facebook, or on the event page.