Saskatchewan Premier Calls Federal Government One of the ‘Biggest Threats’ to Province in Throne Speech

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe speaks at a press conference in Regina on March 18, 2020. The Canadian Press/Michael Bell

Saskatchewan’s government called Ottawa one of the biggest threats to the provincial economy and said it intends to have the federal Clean Electricity Regulations reviewed by a newly created tribunal.

Premier Scott Moe made the announcement during the provincial Throne Speech on Oct. 25, saying his government would defend its autonomy and economy from federal overreach.

Mr. Moe called the energy standards and the net-zero emissions targets of 2035 “unrealistic” and “unaffordable.”

“My government will take the next step to defend our economy and autonomy by using The Saskatchewan First Act to refer the federal Clean Electricity Regulations, the Clean Fuel Standard regulations, and the oil and gas emissions cap to the Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal,” he said in the speech.

He said his government would rely on legislation passed on March 16, which led to the creation of an Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal tasked with defining, quantifying, and reporting on the economic effects of federal initiatives, according to a government news release.

“The Tribunal will define, assess, and report on the economic harm caused by these destructive federal policies,” he added during the speech.

Mr. Moe said the federal regulations were hurting Saskatchewan’s economy.

“The federal carbon tax increases the cost of everything we produce, manufacture, transport to market, and buy,” he said.

The premier said that his government will continue to work towards net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Together with Saskatchewan people, we will continue to build a strong province, a strong economy, strong communities, and strong families,” Mr. Moe said. “And we will protect what we have built together from the risks of global uncertainty and from a federal government that seems intent on shutting down important parts of our economy.”

The Epoch Times reached out to the federal government but did not hear back by publication time.

However, Environment and Climate Change Canada Minister Steven Guilbeault previously said that “clean electricity projects” were becoming “more cost competitive” with alternatives.

“It’s about creating quality long-term jobs within a stronger economy while cutting the pollution causing climate change,” he said. “The bottom line is our government is eager to work with Saskatchewan on creating a grid, that will support jobs and keep energy rates affordable for the long term.”

Alberta to Battle Regulations

Alberta’s government also said it may use the Sovereignty Act to prevent federal Clean Electricity Regulations from being forced on the province.

“I’m hoping we don’t have to use it,” Premier Danielle Smith said during a news conference in Calgary on Sept. 28. “We are going to bend our constitutional jurisdiction to make sure that we develop our oil and gas industry at our own pace, and that we develop our electricity system so that it achieves the goal of reliability and affordability.”

Ms. Smith said her government was prepared to meet net-zero emissions by 2050, but opposed Ottawa’s push for a net-zero electricity grid by 2035.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.