Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES), Citizens for Public Justice, along with two individuals from Saskatchewan and one from Manitoba, have filed for a judicial review of the Saskatchewan government’s decision to continue operating coal-fired power plants past 2030. This legal action challenges the province’s decision to ignore federal regulations and reverse Saskatchewan’s previous plans to phase out unabated coal-fired generation, the dirtiest form of energy in the country.
Saskatchewan’s insistence on extending coal power undermines Canada’s national climate commitments and threatens the health, safety, and future of all Canadians. Continuing this trajectory will not only intensify the climate crisis, but it will also add to our air pollution and put Saskatchewan at odds with binding federal laws.
Taking the Fight to Court
The application for judicial review calls for the courts to assess whether Saskatchewan’s decision to extend coal power is justified, given federal law, international law, and previous decisions of Saskatchewan to retire unabated coal by 2030. The application for judicial review seeks to hold the provincial government accountable for its snap decision to extend coal-fired power generation without justification. The application questions whether Saskatchewan’s decision is lawful, reasonable, and consistent with its constitutional obligations to protect the environment and future generations. The case could compel the province to reconsider its decision.
Saskatchewan has enormous potential for wind and solar energy. What’s lacking is political will, not technical feasibility. A clean, reliable, and affordable electricity grid is within reach if we invest now and stop clinging to outdated infrastructure.
“The Saskatchewan government has known for over a decade that coal must be phased out by 2030,” says Sherry Olson, one of the applicants. “Instead of reducing emissions, they are dragging their heels, refusing to act, and placing all the risk on communities, taxpayers, and our children.”
Standing Together
This action reflects a broader public concern across Canada: that climate action cannot be optional and Saskatchewan must say no to coal. Send your message of solidarity to your MLA of the Saskatchewan government.
You can take action now!
Use this one-click tool to send a letter to the Premier, Minister for Crown Corporations, and your MLA:
>> Stop Coal Power In SK <<
To learn more, check out the No more coal power in Canada! webpage:
- Main landing page: Get the facts on why extending coal power is unlawful and dangerous
- Legal documents and media centre: Check out the official legal documents from this case, as well as press releases. This section will be updated as the court case develops, so check back often!
- Donations page: CPJ is requesting donations to help cover the cost of court-related expenses for the coal case. (Note CJS is an applicant in a different court case and is only taking funds that are directed to that case.)