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CALGARY — The energy industry is losing the public relations battle against environmentalists and needs to redouble efforts to get out its side of the story, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said Wednesday.

“Today there continues an existential threat to this industry,” said Wall.

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“It’s posed by … some who just aren’t that comfortable that we have all this oil and what oil might mean. And it’s also posed by some who just want to shut it down completely.”

Wall made the remarks Wednesday in a speech at the Petroleum Club in Calgary to the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada, which represents small and medium oil and gas producers.

He said the industry needs to do a better job of promoting the benefits it provides and continue to ask questions of its critics.

“Frankly, we’re in the middle of a battle and we haven’t been winning many battles,” Wall said. “I fear we’re in danger of losing more battles if we’re not vigilant.”