Tim Hortons has pulled Enbridge ads which were scheduled to run on the internal television system for the coffee chain. This decision has some Canadians and Fort MacMurray residents fuming. The ads would have been displayed so that customers in line to order and those eating at the coffee shop could see the advertisements. SumOfUs, a group against energy companies, launched a petition to demand that the Enbridge ads be canceled. The group also accused Tim Hortons of being a shill for the Calgary based company. A Tim Hortons spokesperson was not available to comment on the ad cancellation. A franchise representative was responsive to some Twitter users though, and the spokesperson said that all the feedback received is valuable. The spokesperson also confirmed that the Enbridge ads would no longer be displayed on Tims TV.
Many are upset that Tim Hortons pulled the Enbridge ads though, reminding the public that the region depends on the energy companies because this industry plays a vital economic role. Keyano College student Riley Maclean, whose father works for Enbridge, intends to get his coffee from MacDonalds or another local coffee shop instead. Maclean said “In reality it doesn’t make a difference but I suppose at the end of the day the customer has to send a message if they’re not happy with what’s happening.” Brian Jean also had strong words, saying “Energy companies fuel our economy, provide jobs, and adhere to strict environmental standards.” Others felt differently. Contractor Tyler Weaver, who had dealt with the energy company before, said “No one watches the ads and Enbridge is worth billions and billions of dollars. Who cares?”
