REGINA - In a unanimous vote, the Regina city council has voted in favour of passing a revised Flag and Proclamation Policy.
Under the revised policy, only the Canadian, Sask., Union Jack, City of Regina, Treaty 4, and Métis Nation flags will be flown in the courtyard and council chamber.
City council also passed a separate amendment to allow the raising of the two sister cities flags that Regina has a close relationship with, which are Jinan, China and Cane, Japan.
With the motion passed, the city will no longer raise nations' flags for their National Day/Day of Independence. The city will also now deny requests for a nation's flag to be raised on the ceremonial flagpole. A country can still have its flag raised at city hall if a dignitary of a nation that has diplomatic relations with Canada is visiting Regina as a gesture of respect.
The updated policy was first presented to city council in July 2024, where it was referred back to city clerk Jim Nichol to prepare a report in Sept. 2024 that includes options and recommendations.
Regina faced controversy back in Nov. when the city originally approved the raising of a Palestine flag. Previous Regina Mayor Sandra Masters then ordered the flag-raising not to proceed, which caused backlash from protestors.
During the city council meeting, certain councillors mentioned wanting to continue to have the city celebrate the different cultures in the area without having to raise their flags.
More to come...
