Minister of Environment Dustin Duncan said he’d be happy to speak to students regarding environmental concerns after he didn’t attend Friday’s global climate strike in Regina.
The rally was organized by Fridays for Future Regina which saw hundreds of people walk from the Royal Saskatchewan Museum to the Saskatchewan Legislative Building. A large number of protesters were students from elementary to high school.
Duncan was at his constituency office in Weyburn this past Friday, explaining why he was not in attendance. He said he schedules meetings with the public on Fridays at his office which makes it hard for him to commit to the event.
“I don’t want to make an exception here without looking at my calendar because people take time out of their busy lives to make appointments with me, so I don’t want to just cancel meetings,” he explained. “We deal with some pretty serious issues in the constituency office as well.”
Minister Dustin Duncan speaks to the media on Monday, September 23 at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)
When asked by reporters if he has any interest in attending a second rally scheduled this Friday, he mentioned how he’d have to look at his schedule first before making any promises.
However, he said he’ll make the commitment to meet with concerned students.
“I have no issue. I think it would be a great opportunity to engage with the students and assure that we have a plan in Saskatchewan.”
NDP MLA Trent Wotherspoon thinks it’s “gutless and weak” to see Minister Duncan and members of the Sask. Party were absent at the climate rally in Regina.
He stated how it’s important for government officials to make an effort in attending the rally considering many young people came out to the event.
“It shows me the government has lost touch with their role in serving people and who they serve,” said Wotherspoon.
He added that his NDP colleagues were at the rally last week and confirmed they will be attending the strike this Friday.
