Federal Regulations Impact on Saskatchewan Economy and Jobs

In a recent report, Saskatchewan’s officials have raised concerns over the federal government’s Clean Electricity Regulations, arguing that compliance would entail significant economic drawbacks for the province. Minister Eyre emphasized the necessity of understanding the costs involved before making any decisions. The report highlighted that the regulations could lead to billions in lost economic growth and exports between 2025 and 2035, along with substantial job losses compared to Saskatchewan’s own plan.
Minister Duncan pointed out that achieving net zero by 2050 is already challenging for Saskatchewan due to its lack of non-emitting power resources, making the 2035 target particularly impractical and costly. He argued that the necessary rate hikes would undermine the viability of industries, affect employment, and disproportionately impact lower-income households.
Eyre also questioned the federal government’s jurisdiction over provincial electricity sectors, referencing a past Supreme Court decision that did not grant the federal government authority to regulate specific provincial sectors. She asserted that provinces have the right to challenge federal overreach and hinted at possible constitutional battles ahead, though she did not confirm whether the issue would be taken to court.
Duncan expressed hope that the report would prompt the federal government to reconsider and restart the regulatory process, rather than making incremental adjustments to the existing plan.