The Saskatchewan government is using its provincial “self-reliance law” for the first time to examine the impacts of the federal government’s proposed “Clean Electricity Regulations.”
Ottawa’s clean electricity regulation would require provinces to work towards an electricity grid without greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
The Minister of Justice, Bronwyn Eyre, believes that this measure creates uncertainty for investors. She therefore declared on Tuesday that she was implementing the “Saskatchewan First Act” in order to set up a tribunal responsible for studying the economic impacts that this new federal “emissions reduction” regulation would have.
“But what exactly does that mean? What will be the impacts of these policies on our businesses: not exploring as much, not doing as much? Absolutely. »
“We need to have a nuanced and detailed idea of what these policies mean for the Saskatchewan economy and for the people of Saskatchewan,” said the Minister of Justice on Tuesday.
The day before, the government of neighboring Alberta had used its “Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act” for the first time by tabling a motion potentially authorizing Alberta officials and regulators not to collaborate. to the application of federal regulations — without going so far as to break the law.
Environmentalists ignored
The “Saskatchewan First” law, passed last spring, aims to reaffirm the province’s jurisdiction over natural resources and electricity production. The law also allows the province to create a tribunal.
Minister Eyre indicated on Tuesday that the members of the tribunal will have to submit a report describing the costs of these federal measures. Its members will work over the coming months, speaking with researchers and industry players to help them develop their report, she said Tuesday.
Minister Eyre said there were no plans to speak with environmental groups, as the tribunal must focus only on the economic impacts for the industry.
Its members also have the power to compel witnesses to speak with them. But Michael Milani, a Regina lawyer who will preside over that tribunal, said members are unlikely to use that subpoena power.
He also added that he would ask Ottawa to present its position, in order to “obtain the best and most complete information possible.”
At the office of federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, spokesperson Oliver Anderson said Tuesday that Ottawa had shown transparency in the development of its draft regulations. He added in an email that the ministry was happy to continue to work with the provinces to make adjustments to the regulations.
“Ultimately, Saskatchewan is very well positioned to take advantage of all the benefits and opportunities that come with building a clean electricity grid, with its world-class nuclear, wind and solar energy capabilities and a leading leader in carbon capture technologies,” Mr. Anderson wrote.
Fight in the West
Saskatchewan and Alberta have long been at odds with Ottawa over its clean electricity regulations.
The two western provinces say that Ottawa’s deadline for 2035 is not realistic — they are aiming for 2050 instead. They also believe that this regulation would lead to higher electricity bills and network reliability problems.
Minister Guilbeault argues that Ottawa plans to cover up to half of the costs, through tax credits, low-cost financing and other programs.
His office said Ottawa spent $40 billion to help provinces build emissions-free electricity infrastructure that supports jobs while reducing emissions.
Earlier this month, Dustin Duncan, minister responsible for Saskatchewan’s power utility, said the federal settlement would cost the province $40 billion.
Saskatchewan finance officials also estimated that a series of federal environmental policies – carbon pricing, clean fuel regulations, emissions caps and methane initiatives – would cost the province $111 billion. by 2035.
In addition to lawyer Milani, the court also includes former Saskatchewan Finance Minister Janice MacKinnon, former SaskEnergy CEO Kenneth From, agricultural researcher Stuart Smyth and oilsands worker Estella Peterson .