This letter was sent to Minister Guibeault and Minister Wilkinson on January 28, 2024.
Climate Justice Saskatoon (“CJS”) wishes to commend and give thanks to Minister Guilbeault and Minister Wilkinson for preparing Powering Canada Forward: A Clean Electricity Strategy. This strategy is the most positive national energy and climate policy to date, proposing an ambitious vision for the country that will truly accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy.
For many years, CJS has advocated for a Just Transition to a Net-Zero Economy. CJS is pleased to see the Government of Canada release the Clean Electricity Strategy. Without clean electricity, there is no clean alternative to replace fossil fuels. Saskatchewan has some of the most polluting electricity and continues to expand dirty energy. CJS is appalled that the Saskatchewan government and SaskPower are proposing to refurbish and run coal-fired power plants well into the 2040s.[1] CJS cannot understand why Saskatchewan neglects to develop our renewable wind and solar resources, which are among the best renewable energy resources in the world. CJS is very supportive of the federal Clean Electricity Regulations and the Clean Electricity Strategy.
As the Ministers know, decarbonizing our electricity as quickly as possible is necessary if we are to have any chance at achieving a net-zero economy by 2050. The Clean Electricity Strategy and its vision for a clean, affordable, and reliable electricity system throughout our country is a nation-building exercise, but CJS worries Saskatchewan is not going to cooperate. Saskatchewan’s “Affordable Power Plan” to extend reliance on coal and gas-fired power will undermine the national ambition to achieve net zero. Saskatchewan is likely to emit 100 million additional tonnes of pollution over the next 25 years, by essentially ignoring the federal regulations and the Clean Electricity Strategy.
CJS wants to help accelerate the transition to clean energy. CJS is part of a court action in Saskatchewan challenging the provincial government’s actions to build new unabated gas-fired power plants.[2] CJS knows that we can have clean, affordable, and reliable electricity by 2035. CJS wants to help realize that future for the benefit of all Canadians and to decarbonize the Saskatchewan exports the world needs.
CJS is grateful for the Clean Electricity Strategy and its vision to move Canada into the “Age of Electricity.” CJS suggests that the federal government should embark on a sustained public education campaign to inform the public about the Clean Electricity Strategy and how all Canadians will benefit. CJS will help do its part to raise awareness here in Saskatoon, SK. The Clean Electricity Strategy is the policy Canada needs now more than ever. Many CJS organizers have anticipated the Clean Electricity Strategy for many years. CJS thanks
the Ministers and their staff for releasing this important work. CJS urges Saskatchewan to go “all in” on renewable energy and electrification. Afterall it’s now 2025, and the Climate Emergency demands immediate action.
Sincerely,
Sherry Olson and Glenn Wright on behalf of
Climate Justice Saskatoon