SASKATOON — The government of Saskatchewan has defended its decision to extend the operations of the province’s coal-fired power plants, and will stand firm despite environmental groups joining forces in a legal challenge at the Court of King’s Bench.
The Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES), Citizens for Public Justice, and three residents from Saskatchewan and Manitoba filed the challenge against the province’s coal extension plan last week. Environmental advocate Glenn Wright represented the group.
The government argues the matter should not be in court. The SES, however, says it is a legal issue since a federal law is about to be defied, citing the International Court of Justice’s opinion that all governments must reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Federal law, part of Canada’s effort to phase out coal-generated electricity, requires coal-fired power plants to cease operations by 2030 or meet strict emission standards of 420 tonnes of carbon dioxide per gigawatt hour.
In a statement sent to SaskToday, the government said it is committed to providing reliable and affordable power costs in Saskatchewan—for residents, businesses and communities.
“Extending the life of our existing coal power plants while we bridge to a nuclear future powered by Saskatchewan uranium will provide fuel supply certainty. We will continue to take an all-of-the-above approach to power generation,” the statement read.
The province’s power generation plan includes coal, natural gas, renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal), a hydro power plant and, soon, an operational nuclear reactor. The Saskatchewan Research Council is also pursuing a microreactor project.
“Our approach is guided by the realities of Saskatchewan’s geography, economy and existing infrastructure. Our plan supports Saskatchewan workers, communities and industries while maintaining an affordable and secure supply of power,” the statement added.
The government also criticized the Saskatchewan NDP, noting Saskatoon Nutana MLA Erika Ritchie, the Opposition critic for Crown Investments Corp., is a member of SES, one of the co-applicants in the case.
“The lost and reckless NDP owe an explanation to the people of Coronach and Estevan as to why they are fighting in court to force the closure of SaskPower’s coal power plants, which would result in the loss of thousands of jobs in these communities. With respect to today’s proceedings, we will not be offering further comment as these matters remain before the courts,” the statement concluded.
This summer, Premier Scott Moe reaffirmed that provincial coal plants would continue operating and urged the federal government to change its rules. He said the province is committed to transitioning from coal-fired generation to nuclear power as a cleaner alternative, including retraining coal plant workers for nuclear operations.
Moe said the province will pursue an organized and structured transition from coal to nuclear power, providing lower-cost energy and offering a strategy to attract investment and create jobs.
