Tim Hortons has been facing heat on Twitter – first because it showed an energy company’s advertisements on its in-store screens, and now because it stopped showing the ads.
Tim Hortons confirmed Enbridge ads are being pulled from its screens, known as Tims TV, on Thursday.
That was in response to an online petition and number of tweets from people who had said they were boycotting the chain for showing the ads.
@nikkiskuce Hi Nikki, we value your feedback and the Enbridge advertisements are no longer airing on Tims TV.
— Tim Hortons (@TimHortons) June 4, 2015
.@TimHortons I do not want #tarsands with my morning cuppa joe.I'm quitting you till you dump #enbridge Ads #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/qX6mIkNjo7
— faisal moola (@faisal_moola) May 29, 2015
Enbridge is behind a controversial plan to run a petroleum pipeline from near Edmonton to a marine terminal that would be built in Kitimat, B.C. Opponents believe the pipeline, known as Northern Gateway, is risky for the environment.
But many support the pipeline because of the economic benefits, particularly in the Alberta oilsands. That’s why they are joining a new boycott in response to Tim Hortons pulling the ads.
Michelle Rempel, minister of state for Western diversification, tweeted that she supports a boycott of Tims.
Yep. Agreed. https://t.co/nj3WVoYgis
— Michelle Rempel (@MichelleRempel) June 4, 2015
Former Alberta Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith said she will join the boycott by switching to McDonald’s coffee.
Me too. https://t.co/Q9SV4Tee9f
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) June 4, 2015
Defence Minister Jason Kenney did not say he supports a boycott, but tweeted that he is “proud to represent thousands of constituents who work for Enbridge and other Canadian energy companies.”
I'm proud to represent thousands of constituents who work for @Enbridge & other CDN energy companies, @stephen_taylor #SupportCanadianEnergy
— Jason Kenney ن (@jkenney) June 4, 2015
Enbridge spokesperson Graham White said the ads were supposed to air for four weeks at 1,500 locations in B.C. and Ontario. He said he respects Tim Hortons’ decision.
With files from The Canadian Press