Latest news with #SaskEnergy
CBC
11 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Sask. to extend life of all coal-fired power plants despite federal clean electricity regulations
Social Sharing The Saskatchewan government has informed Crown employees it will extend the life of all its coal-fired power plants, setting up a potential legal battle with the federal government over environmental regulations. Crown Investments Corporation Minister Jeremy Harrison announced the decision in a letter distributed to all SaskEnergy employees on Wednesday. It was not announced publicly. Harrison said the province will continue the use of the coal plants as it moves toward adopting nuclear power generation for its base load requirements, and remains committed to the goal of a net-zero grid by 2050. The letter also tees up a potential dispute between the province and Ottawa, with Harrison writing that the province does not believe the federal government has any standing to shut down provincial coal plants. "We have also been clear that we do not recognize the legitimacy of the federal Clean Electricity Regulations," Harrison wrote. Brett Dolter, a professor of economics at the University of Regina, described the decision as an "incredibly disappointing development." Dolter, who has researched electricity options and pathways in Saskatchewan for more than a decade, said the decision to extend the life of the province's coal-fire plants violates federal regulations meant to reduce carbon dioxide emission. "This opens up the door for protracted legal battles with the federal government and great uncertainty at a time when rapid investment in our electricity system is needed, " Dolter said in an email. The province announced earlier this year that it was mulling this decision over. At the time, it appeared to fly in the face of years of work on the coal-fired power plants. In 2012, then-prime minister Stephen Harper's federal government passed new regulations that would see the end of most coal-fired power by mid-21st century. In 2016, Justin Trudeau's government passed further regulations requiring all coal-fired power stations to be closed down after 50 years of operation, or by 2030, whichever comes first. The province has previously said it would comply with those rules. The decision announced today makes it clear that will no longer happen. Saskatchewan even provided financial support for communities as it initially pushed toward ending its use of coal-fired plants. In 2020, it announced Estevan would receive $8 million and Coronach would receive $2 million. A further $550,000 was announced for Coronach in 2023. A 'Blockbuster Video' decision: expert Work to "restore" Boundary Dam 4 to service and get it recertified is set to begin this year, Harrison wrote. He also promised to extend the lives of all coal units at Poplar River Power Station near Coronach, as well as Shand Power Station and Boundary Dam Power Station near Estevan, in the "years to come." It's not clear how much that work will cost. The province "isn't releasing cost estimates at this time." WATCH| Saskatchewan is looking to build a small modular reactor. Here's why. Saskatchewan is looking to build a small modular reactor. Here's why. 11 months ago Duration 1:56 A final decision on whether an SMR will be built in the province is not expected until 2029. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2030, with the first SMR in Saskatchewan becoming operational as soon as 2034. CBC Saskatchewan reporter Alexander Quon explains why the province is looking to set one up in the first place. Dolter said he believes the cost will be significant and that a better investment would be constructing new power plants that can operate beyond 2050 and are resilient to any future policy changes at the provincial and federal levels. "Investing in coal power plants now is like Blockbuster Video doubling down on building new VHS-rental stores in an era of Netflix and other streaming services. It is a waste of Saskatchewan ratepayers' and taxpayers' money," Dolter wrote.
Epoch Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Premier Moe Calls for 10 Changes From Ottawa to ‘Reset' Its Relationship With Sask.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has released a letter addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney detailing 10 policy changes he says Ottawa must implement to restore the relationship between the federal government and his province. The 'The PM has the ability to move forward on all 10 of these items quickly, which would clearly signal a new, more positive relationship between Saskatchewan and the federal government than we have had for the past 10 years,' Moe wrote in his post. 'A stronger Saskatchewan means a stronger Canada, and all of these changes will be positive for both our province and our country.' Moe is urging the Carney government to 'immediately' initiate negotiations with China to remove its tariffs on Canadian agri-food products. He is also asking Ottawa to expand pipeline, rail, and port capacity across Canada and repeal the Moe is requesting Carney 'fundamentally reform' the Impact Assessment Act, which outlines the process for assessing approval of infrastructure projects, including by 'cutting red tape' and streamlining the process to avoid 'infringement into provincial jurisdiction.' Related Stories 3/27/2025 4/8/2025 Also on the list are changes to the Criminal Code to address bail reform and an introduction of 'stronger penalties to fight against new street drugs.' Moe has raised the same issues in the past as well. The premier has long criticized the Liberal government's handling of the items cited in the letter, and the day after the federal election he called on Carney to 'hit the reset button' on Ottawa's relationship with his province. Moe noted in his Moe also released a In his victory speech after winning the April 28 election, Carney noted that he visited Saskatchewan and Alberta during his campaign, and said his government will work for all of Canada. 'You know we're Liberals, it's tough out there. But I went because I intend to govern for all Canadians,' he said. Carbon Tax Moe's administration has had a tumultuous relationship with Ottawa in recent years, partly due to the carbon tax. Moe has been one of the most vocal opponents of carbon pricing among Canada's provincial leaders, and made the decision in 2023 to begin withholding the carbon tax on home heating as of Jan. 1, 2024. The province halted collection of the carbon tax on residential heating following the government's decision to not exempt all types of home heating from the tax. Ottawa suspended the tax on home heating oil in the fall of 2023, a decision that predominantly benefited Atlantic Canada while having minimal effect in the western provinces, where natural gas is the main heat source. Saskatchewan unanimously passed legislation to designate the province the exclusive registered distributor of natural gas. The measure was implemented to safeguard SaskEnergy employees and board members from being held liable by Ottawa for failing to enforce the tax on residential heating. Then-federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault called Moe's action illegal, saying he was 'not respecting federal laws.' Moe's administration said the tax was contributing to inflation within the province and deemed it a justifiable course of action. Carney signed a directive on March 14 instructing the consumer carbon charge be set to zero percent effective April 1, but he has said 'big polluters' will continue to pay the tax through an output-based pricing system. Moe has said he disagrees with the Liberal stance and announced in March that his government would take steps to remove the industrial levy in Saskatchewan, making it the first province in Canada to be 'fully carbon tax-free.' Moe's May 14 letter clearly stated that the federal government must refrain from implementing the federal backstop on the industrial carbon tax. He asked Carney to 'transfer responsibility for the output-based pricing systems for heavy emitters to the provinces to ensure measures consider each province's unique industrial structure, economic realities and trade exposure.' Premier Requests Moe is the most recent premier to unveil a list of projects and policies he wants Carney's government to address. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith gave Carney a The list included guaranteeing Alberta would be given 'full access' to oil and gas corridors to the north, east, and west, as well as repealing the Impact Assessment Act. She said the demands need to be addressed or the country would face an 'unprecedented national unity crisis.' Ontario Premier Doug Ford also sent a While Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has not published a list of demands or requests, he has
CTV News
14-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Saskatchewan preparing for possible second Canada Post work stoppage in under 6 months
With a possible Canada Post work stoppage on the horizon, the province says it is taking multiple steps to ensure disruptions can be limited as much as possible. The province says ministries, Crowns and agencies all have contingency plans and are encouraging clients, suppliers and businesses to switch payment methods to direct deposit. Following a 2024 strike, Canada Post may be heading to the picket lines again in May because current deals between the Crown and unions representing employees are set to expire on May 22. A strike or lockout would mark the second time in less than six months the postal service ground to a halt after 55,000 employees walked off the job for 32 days in November and December. SaskPower, SaskEnergy, SaskTel and SGI are encouraging residents to sign up for online billing and notifications to ensure information regarding utility bills, drivers' licence and vehicle registration renewals and other business is received. A possible work stoppage would also disrupt applications for health cards and certificates for births, deaths and marriage. According to the province, residents should visit to learn about options available to minimize delays that includes ordering online. Social Services payments are received by most recipients through direct deposit, but the province says it is using experience from the 2024 Canada Post work stoppage to put a contingency plan in place for those who receive benefit cheques by mail. It is again encouraging recipients to switch to online direct deposit. 'Residents requiring letters to submit to their private insurance providers for Special Support, Seniors' Drug Plan, or Exception Drug Status may submit the request through the online Saskatchewan Formulary. Letters will be mailed once the Canada Post service disruption is resolved,' the province said in a news release. Businesses are still expected to file and pay taxes to the Ministry of Finance on time. 'Mail delays do not change tax deadlines or the assessment of penalties and interest. For more information, please review the Information Notice - IN 2025-03, Filing and Paying Provincial Taxes in the Event of a Postal Disruption,' the province said. The province says the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) will be working with customers to find alternate options to access information that is typically delivered through Canada Post. Some options include faxing, emailing or delivering information to a local SCIC office, according to the province. 'Producers are encouraged to sign-up for direct deposit for receiving program payments.' More information can be found on the province's website. -With files from The Canadian Press
Epoch Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Sask. Premier Moe Calls on Carney to ‘Reset' Ottawa's Relationship With Province
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is calling on newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney to 'hit the reset button' on Ottawa's relationship with his province and make good on promises to work with the Sask. government. Carney's Liberals won 169 seats in the April 28 federal election, which will see the party form a minority government. Moe congratulated Carney on the victory in a 'This is an opportunity for you to hit the reset button on the federal government's relationship for Saskatchewan, and it's an offer that we make, and I hope you take it,' Moe said. Moe said the strong showing of support for the Tories in his province indicates that Saskatchewan wants change, and he urged Carney to take that call seriously. He also said he is hopeful a Carney government will improve on the previous administration in engaging and consulting with Saskatchewan regarding legislation and policies. 'You said you wanted to work with both Saskatchewan and Alberta,' Moe said. 'You have said you want to make Canada into a world-leading energy superpower, and that's great to hear, but those can't be just words... Policies really matter, and some of your government's policies are going to need to change in order for Canada to achieve that goal.' Related Stories 4/23/2025 2/26/2025 Moe added the province has 'ideas and suggestions' on taking advantage of Saskatchewan's natural resources and on how to handle the tariff situation with the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian products not included in the North American free trade agreement, a 10 percent tariff on energy and potash, a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum, and a 25 percent tariff on auto parts. Moe said one of the best ways to deal with tariffs is by making sure Canada becomes 'the world's leading energy superpower,' saying that being both self-sufficient as well as a reliable supplier would be 'a pretty good position of strength to work from.' Days before the election, Moe released a Carbon Tax Moe's government has long had a rocky relationship with Ottawa in recent years, with the carbon tax being one of the main points of contention. Moe has been one of the most vocal opponents of the carbon tax among Canada's provincial leaders, and made the decision in 2023 to begin withholding the carbon tax on home heating as of Jan. 1, 2024. The province stopped collecting the carbon tax on home heating in response to the government's decision not to exempt all forms of home heating from the tax. Ottawa paused the tax for home heating oil in the fall of 2023, a move that largely benefited Atlantic Canada but had little impact in the western provinces, where natural gas is primarily used for home heating. Saskatchewan unanimously passed legislation to designate the province as the exclusive registered distributor of natural gas. The measure was put in place to protect SaskEnergy employees and board members from being held accountable by Ottawa for not imposing the tax on residential heating. Then-federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault called Moe's action illegal, saying he was 'not respecting federal laws.' Moe's administration said the tax was contributing to inflation in the province and deemed it a justifiable action. Carney signed a directive on March 14 instructing the consumer carbon charge be set to zero percent effective April 1. It was one of the first moves Carney made after being sworn in as prime minister. Unlike Poilievre, who vowed to get rid of industrial carbon pricing if the Conservatives won the election, Carney has said 'big polluters' will continue to pay the tax through an output-based pricing system. Moe has said he disagrees with the Liberal stance and announced in March that his government would take steps to remove the industrial levy in Saskatchewan, making it the first province in Canada to be 'fully carbon tax-free.' Moe said he is hoping the new federal government will not implement a backstop to collect levies from Saskatchewan as a result of his decision to end the industrial tax.
