Sask. premier will 'flex provincial autonomy' after feds announce emissions cap
Saskatchewan’s premier expressed growing frustration with the federal government’s policies on the oil and gas sector – saying the province will be “flexing its provincial muscles” going forward.
On the Roy Green Show Sunday, Scott Moe said the emissions cap placed on the oil and gas sector by Ottawa has created a “national unity issue”.
“We're going to be looking for every opportunity for us to carve out our provincial autonomy, whether it be in the energy industry, whether it be in the immigration file, whether it be in the collection of taxes,” Moe said.
“I think you're going to see you know, many more steps just like that in the weeks and months and even the years ahead, as long as this federal government continues to work against the province's best interests.”
At the 26th meeting of the Council of Parties to the UN Climate Convention, the prime minister formally launched Canada’s latest effort to reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by committing to a cap on emissions from the country's oil and gas sector.
The cap was promised in the Liberals' recent election platform, with plans to force emissions down until they hit net zero in 2050. A lack of regulations for the oil and gas sector has long been a sore spot between environmental groups and Ottawa.
Moe said Saskatchewan will be forced to purchase oil from Saudi Arabia, as a result of the cap. He's also disappointed Saskatchewan's oil and gas sector was not consulted about the cap.
“It'll be [a] much higher environmental footprint and it's going to cost us more as well,” Moe said Sunday.
Moe believes such a cap would only drive prices up at gas stations, and ultimately increase emissions by decreasing Canadian fossil fuel production.
He told the recent Sask. Party convention that if the world’s oil and gas producers practiced the extraction methods Saskatchewan does, “global emissions and oil production would drop by 25 per cent overnight.”
He said purchasing oil from abroad leaves Saskatchewan – and Canada – vulnerable to the stipulations placed on the industry by other countries.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September
Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Ukraine's army chief reports tactical retreat in the east, and warns of front-line pressure
Ukraine's troops have been forced to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the embattled east, the country's army chief said Sunday, warning of a worsening battlefield situation as Ukrainian forces wait for much-needed arms from a huge U.S. aid package to reach combat zones.
Zendaya tennis movie ‘Challengers’ scores at weekend box office
Zendaya and castmates Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor have been on a globetrotting press tour to get the word out about Italian director Luca Guadagnino's original film, which opened in 3,477 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
Have you heard the one about Trump? Biden tries humour on the campaign trail
U.S. President Joe Biden is out to win votes by scoring some laughs at the expense of Donald Trump, unleashing mockery with the goal of getting under the former president's thin skin and reminding the country of his blunders.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Laurentian University to spend millions on recommendations in second budget post insolvency, but nothing new to reopen pool
Laurentian University's board of governors approved a budget of just over $201.7 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.