Councillor Ted Daly could have shifted the tide toward approving warning labels on gas pumps located in the district, but a sample label convinced him otherwise.
North Saanich resident Alec Scoones wrote to council, asking them to consider warning labels on gas pumps. Like the illustrations on cigarette packages, the labels would warn motorists of the negative effects of fossil fuels. Yet the example provided — stating “Use of this fuel product contributes to climate change which may cause anxiety and depression in children” — was too much for Daly, which he said changed his vote.
“I think it’s nuts,” added Coun. Craig Mearns, wondering if similar labels would go on fuel pumps at the airport and the B.C. Ferries terminal. “It’s silly. Yes, fossil fuel use needs to be weaned … but this is nuts.”
Mayor Alice Finall said the district could impose such a requirement (on the one gas station located in North Saanich), noting that this may seem outrageous to some, but so were the cigarette package labels once considered.
Council voted 4-3 to reject such gas pump labels in North Saanich.