Saskatchewan Moves to ‘Defend and Protect’ Economy From Federal Emission Regulations Estimated to Cost $111 Billion by 2035

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe speaks during a media event at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon on June 28, 2022. The Canadian Press/Liam Richards

REGINA—Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says his government will take steps to protect Saskatchewan’s families, businesses, and jobs from federal policies that could cost the province’s economy $111 billion by 2035.

A policy paper released on Oct. 11 “clearly defines the boundaries between provincial and federal jurisdiction when it comes to our natural resources and the potential they have for a strong and growing Saskatchewan,” Moe said on Twitter.

Titled “Drawing the Line: Defending Saskatchewan’s Economic Autonomy” the paper considers policy options in light of the current federal government intrusions into Saskatchewan’s exclusive areas of jurisdiction under the Constitution.

The analysis by the Ministry of Finance indicates that nine different federal climate change policies are estimated to cost Saskatchewan’s economy $111 billion between 2023 and 2035.

“The situation has been exacerbated in recent years by the current federal government’s continued interference in the province’s jurisdiction over natural resources under the guise of federal environmental regulation,” Moe said in a press release.

“It is time to defend and assert Saskatchewan’s economic autonomy by ‘drawing the line’: taking a number of steps including the introduction of provincial legislation to clarify and protect Saskatchewan’s constitutional rights.”

In a ruling earlier this year striking down The Impact Assessment Act, Alberta Chief Justice Catherine Fraser wrote: “Through this legislative scheme, Parliament has taken a wrecking ball to the constitutional rights of the citizens of Alberta and Saskatchewan and other provinces to have their natural resources developed for the benefit.”

“This cannot continue,” Moe said. “We have so much potential in Saskatchewan to grow and prosper. A strong Saskatchewan means a strong Canada, but we cannot allow continued federal intrusion into our exclusive constitutional right to develop our natural resources and grow our economy. We will defend and protect Saskatchewan jobs and our economic future.”

In comments to the Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce carried by CPAC, Moe said, “Good fences make good neighbours.” He said the cost of federal policies are $9.6 billion annually, or $6500 per person per year, and would cost even more if they hindered future investment.

The paper recommends new ways to recognize Saskatchewan industry contributions to sustainable growth, including the development of a carbon credit market to support its natural resource industries.

The paper calls for provincial legislation to clarify and protect constitutional rights that belong to the province. It also advises Saskatchewan to increase its population and for greater autonomy over immigration policy, as Quebec has done. Last November, Moe called Saskatchewan “a nation within a nation.”

The paper recommends legal action, legislative or otherwise, to maintain control of electricity, fertilizer emission and usage targets, and oil and gas emissions and production. It also calls for greater provincial autonomy in tax collection.

The announcements were made shortly after Danielle Smith was sworn in as Alberta premier. In her leadership campaign, Smith proposed an Alberta Sovereignty Act. Moe said Saskatchewan would “work closely with Alberta ... and with other provinces,” but his province may follow in Quebec’s footsteps by “unilaterally changing the constitution.”

Moe said the government will further elaborate and outline next steps in the speech from the throne on Oct. 26. He added he would “not preclude the government taking additional steps even beyond what you’re going to see this fall.”