Saskatchewan plans to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada after the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the federal government and its carbon tax.
The federal government has mandated provinces to introduce carbon pricing starting at a minimum of $20 per tonne and is to increase $10 each year until 2022.
Saskatchewan has been challenging the carbon tax, saying it is unconstitutional. But, a panel of 5 judges ruled 3-2 in favour of Ottawa, saying the carbon tax imposed on the province is constitutionally sound.
Airdrie Member of Parliament Blake Richards said he was disappointed with the decision.
“The justices in the dissenting opinion are pretty clear and firm that they believe this is, in fact, unconstitutional,” Richards explained. “I think they used the words even that’s it’s repugnant for Parliament to exercise its power that way.”
Meanwhile, Canada’s Environment Minister Catherine McKenna hailed the ruling as a ‘win’.
“[The] decision is a win for Canadians and for future generations,” said McKenna.
“This decision confirms that putting a price on carbon pollution and returning the revenues to Canadians through the Climate Action Incentive rebate, is not only constitutional, it is an effective and essential part of any serious response to the global challenge of climate change.”
Ontario is launching its own court challenge of the carbon tax, and Manitoba will use the courts to contest the tax as well. New Brunswick hasn’t initiated any court action but is also opposed to the carbon tax.
With the United Conservative Party being elected in Alberta, Premier Jason Kenney has said one of his first moves will be to scrap the carbon tax and join in the fight against Ottawa. Kenney said Alberta will join Saskatchewan’s case as it appeals to the supreme court.
MP Richards said with a federal election on the horizon, Canadians have the ability to send a strong message in relation to the carbon tax and other federal policies.
“Should we [the Conservative Party of Canada] form government in October, the fight will end because we will scrap the carbon tax,” Richards said.
McKenna fired back at the conservatives and said it was time for them to accept the carbon tax.
“It is time for conservative politicians to stop the partisan games and join in on serious and effective climate action,” said McKenna.
Saskatchewan has around 30 days to appeal.
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