In the wake of the Government of Saskatchewan’s announcement to rebuild and expand its coal fleet, a growing coalition of environmental, labour, and public health advocates are speaking out against what they call a dangerous and regressive energy decision.
Organizations across Saskatchewan have signed on to a joint statement demanding that the provincial government reverse course on this plan and invest in a just, renewable energy transition that benefits all residents, especially the communities of Estevan and Coronach, who deserve real opportunities for the future, not false promises built on stranded assets.
“This plan is economically reckless, scientifically indefensible, and morally irresponsible,” said Jory Vermette, Saskatoon Climate Hub. “Doubling down on coal will worsen climate change, increase public health risks, hinder economic reconciliation and saddle Saskatchewan taxpayers with enormous legal and financial burdens.”
Despite clear federal regulations requiring the phase-out of unabated coal by 2030, Saskatchewan’s government continues to defy evidence, federal law, economic trends, and the urgent need for climate leadership.
The provincial government’s recent messaging blames foreign countries such as China, while ignoring the opportunity for Saskatchewan to lead in agriculture, clean energy, and sustainable growth.
The coalition is calling for:
- An immediate halt to the coal fleet rebuild
- Compliance with Canada’s 2030 coal phase-out mandate
- A just transition strategy for coal-dependent communities such as of Estevan and Coronach
- Major public investment in renewables, storage, energy efficiency, and grid modernization
- Respect for Indigenous rights and clean energy partnerships with Indigenous communities and governments, particularly given the disproportionate impact of pollution and climate disasters on Indigenous and rural communities
Signatories:
- Bus Riders of Saskatoon
- Café Scientifique-YXE
- Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment Saskatoon Chapter
- Climate Justice Saskatoon
- KAIROS Regina
- For Our Kids
- Liveable YXE
- Mennonite Church Saskatchewan Climate Emergency Response Team
- Mount Royal Climate Action Group
- Nature Regina
- Regina Chapter of the Council of Canadians
- Saskatchewan Coalition for Sustainable Development
- Saskatchewan Environmental Society
- Saskatchewan Renewable Energy Coalition
- Saskatoon Climate Hub
- Saskatoon Cycles
- Saskatoon Unitarians
- Seniors for Climate
- SOS Trees Coalition
- Turning the Tide
- Wild About Saskatoon
Let us be clear: there is no future in coal. Saskatchewan must move forward—not backward—with policies that ensure healthy communities, economic reconciliation, clean air, a stable climate, and sustainable jobs for generations to come.
For related information:
Global TV interview Aired July 2, 2025
From the Ground Up Episode 365 – July 16 2025 https://climatejusticesaskatoon.ca/from-the-ground-up/