Fossil fuels are still an important part of the economy according to Regina and District Chamber of Commerce CEO John Hopkins.

The claim comes after Regina’s Executive Committee approved an amendment that would prohibit fossil fuel companies from advertising with the city.

Hopkins says the energy sector is a top three industry for Saskatchewan’s economy.

“When you come into Regina and you look at the (economic) anchors, we have our steel mill that makes pipe for pipelines, and then we also have the refinery that’s really important, has very good-paying jobs, then we have all the pipeline jobs, and then we have all the ancillary jobs to that,” Hopkins said. “Then you go even further and say ‘okay, what about all of the car dealerships and the repair shops, and all the autobody shops,’ and the list kind of goes on and on.”

However, Hopkins says he’s encouraged Mayor Sandra Masters voted against the amendment.

“This is an important sector within our economy and the people within it need to be supported,” Hopkins said. “We’re happy that the mayor is doing that.”

When council convenes on Wednesday, Hopkins says he will have a delegation prepared urging council not to approve the motion as it reads.