Regina City Council unanimously approved a new Flag and Proclamation Policy restricting the ceremonial flagpole to a short list of approved flags.
Under the updated rules, only the flags of Canada, Saskatchewan, the City of Regina, the Union Jack, Treaty 4, and the Metis Nation can be flown at city hall.
An amendment also permits flags from Regina’s sister cities, including Jinan, China, and Cane, Japan, while local nonprofits unconnected to foreign countries may continue to display their banners.
The policy ends the practice of raising foreign country flags to mark their independence days, unless a visiting dignitary with diplomatic ties to Canada is in attendance.
Mayor Chad Bachynski said council wants to concentrate on local matters instead of entering global political debates.
“We want to focus on city issues and avoid global politics,” Bachynski told the media.
“That's really the core of it. So yeah, I think it's a good step to move forward and try and focus on city issues.”
Ward 4 Councillor Mark Burton supported the policy’s “sparse” approach, saying it reduces the burden of dealing with complex worldwide issues.
"I am glad to see the new flag policy here to be sparse,” said Burton.
“Just sticking to the key things that matter, the world is a complicated place to come up with a policy that covers every permutation, combination, situation, and explanation becomes burdensome. And, as a councillor, I want to work on the things that matter to the citizens of Regina.”
Ward 2 Councillor George Tsiklis argued the changes feel unfair to Regina’s Greek community, which has supported local charities and invested in the city for over a century.
"As I’ve said to my colleagues and anyone who listens, we were not elected to be ministers of foreign affairs,” said Tsiklis.
“So, I am happy that we’re trying to do something here."
Controversy last year caused the policy review when the city flew Israel’s flag to celebrate its Independence Day.
More controversy happened when a planned Palestinian flag raising was cancelled by then-mayor Sandra Masters at the last minute, following an exclusive report by the Western Standard that revealed significant opposition to raising a flag associated with the Hamas terrorist group.
Many in Regina criticized the abrupt reversal, sparking widespread debate about city hall’s role in international affairs.
City Clerk Jim Nicol pointed out that council retains the power to make exceptions if necessary.
Bachynski added that councillors are exploring alternate ways to honour cultural groups.
“Conversation around city council, we have councillors that are looking at other options to celebrate communities within the city,” said Bachynski.