Standing Up for Our Right to a Sustainable Future

At Climate Justice Saskatoon (CJS), we are committed to holding those in power accountable for their environmental responsibilities. The legal action against the Government of Saskatchewan and SaskPower represents a critical moment in the fight for climate justice, not just for our province, but for all Canadians.

In March 2023, CJS, alongside seven courageous Saskatchewan residents ranging in age from 15 to 80, filed a lawsuit challenging the provincial government’s decision to expand gas-fired power plants. The basis of this lawsuit is clear: the expansion of these facilities threatens our Charter rights—specifically, Section 7, which guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security.

At its core, this case is about the government’s failure to take meaningful action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as Saskatchewan continues to lead Canada in per capita emissions. Despite this, SaskPower’s plans to construct and operate additional natural gas plants, such as the Great Plains Power Station near Moose Jaw and the proposed Aspen Power Station near Lanigan, reflect a “business as usual” approach that exacerbates the climate crisis.

Why This Matters

The expansion of gas-fired electricity generation contradicts both the scientific consensus on climate change and global commitments to reducing emissions. Our lawsuit asks the court to compel SaskPower to develop and implement a robust plan for decarbonizing the provincial electrical grid, aligning Saskatchewan’s energy policies with the broader goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

At CJS, we believe this lawsuit is not just about protecting the environment—it’s about safeguarding our collective future. The climate crisis is already impacting vulnerable populations, particularly youth, Indigenous communities, and low-income families. Extreme weather events, such as wildfires and droughts, have become more frequent and severe, underscoring the urgent need for government accountability and action.

The Legal Process and Next Steps

Although the provincial government and SaskPower have filed an application to dismiss the case, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction to challenge their energy policies, we remain confident in our cause. On October 4, 2024 the Court of King’s Bench in Regina had a special hearing to consider the applications and reserved its decision on whether to strike the case. While the timeline for a ruling is uncertain, our resolve is not.

Climate change is an existential threat, and we don’t have the luxury of waiting for action any longer. Regardless of the court’s decision, CJS will continue to fight for a future that prioritizes sustainability, justice, and the well-being of future generations.

While we may wait for some time for a decision, we urge everyone to follow this case closely. CBC reached out to Martin Olszynski, an associate professor in the faculty of law at the University of Calgary, who has been following the case since it was filed. He was quoted as saying “I actually think the Saskatchewan case is probably the strongest in terms of the theory behind it and how it works under the Charter.” This could become one of the important cases in Canada.

Join Us

The legal system is one avenue we are pursuing to push for climate action, but it is not the only one. Community engagement, voting, and continued advocacy remain essential in ensuring that our government takes meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. If you want to support our efforts, there are many ways to get involved. Your involvement is critical in showing that the people of Saskatchewan demand climate action.

For updates on this case and other ways to get involved, stay connected with CJS by signing up for our newsletter and following us on social media.

Together, we can ensure that Saskatchewan takes the necessary steps to address the climate crisis and protect the rights of all its residents.

Standing Up for Our Right to a Sustainable Future

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