At Climate Justice Saskatoon (CJS), our mission is to hold decision-makers accountable for their environmental responsibilities and advocate for a sustainable, equitable future. The Saskatchewan government’s decision to investigate refurbishing coal-fired power plants and extend their operations beyond 2030 is a concerning direction that risks profound harm to our climate, economy, and public health.
Coal-fired power generation has long been a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. While the rest of Canada is steadily transitioning away from this polluting energy source, Saskatchewan seems committed to clinging to outdated technologies. A decision to extend reliance on coal would be an environmental and economic misstep and a direct affront to the federal Clean Electricity Strategy, which envisions a net-zero electricity system by 2050.
A Setback for Reasonable Action
Refurbishing coal plants flies in the face of scientific consensus on climate change and the imperative to rapidly reduce emissions. Saskatchewan is already a leader in Canada in per capita greenhouse gas emissions, and this move guarantees continued reliance on coal and other fossil fuels for decades to come. Extending the lifespan of coal plants not only undermines Canada’s national targets but also risks increasing Saskatchewan’s contribution to electricity sector pollution. In 2021 Saskatchewan was generating 4% of Canadian electricity but produced 28% of Canada’s GHG emissions from power generation. [1] [2] As other provinces and territories of Canada move to renewable energy, we will be left behind.
With renewable resources like wind and solar widely acknowledged as among the best in the world here in Saskatchewan, it’s baffling that the government isn’t prioritizing their development. California went 98 days out of 116 providing 10 hours of electricity with renewables alone.[3] Battery power enabled them to provide 162% of peak demand at one point. Instead, Saskatchewan’s “business as usual” approach to energy policy doubles down on polluting technologies at a time when the province should be leading in the transition to clean energy.
Legal Action: A Call for Accountability
In March 2023, CJS, along with seven courageous Saskatchewan residents, took legal action against the Government of Saskatchewan and SaskPower for expanding gas-fired power plants. Our lawsuit centers on the government’s failure to act meaningfully on climate change, a failure that violates Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms—the right to life, liberty, and security.
The same lack of climate leadership that drove us to challenge new gas plants is evident in the push to extend coal-fired operations. Saskatchewan has already committed to a net-zero emissions goal by 2050. Continuing to invest in coal only makes achieving that target more expensive and difficult while delaying the necessary transition to clean energy.
A Just Transition or Stranded Assets?
Proponents of refurbishing coal plants argue that this move is necessary to maintain affordable electricity. Yet, this money will be wasted. The long-term costs of this decision—ranging from climate-related damages to stranded infrastructure investments—outweigh any short-term benefits and just make our future efforts harder. The extension of coal-fired power generation not only locks Saskatchewan into years of unnecessary pollution but also risks financial losses when stricter climate policies inevitably render these facilities obsolete.
Rather than pursuing costly and polluting energy solutions, the provincial government should embrace a Just Transition—a forward-thinking approach that uses financial resources responsibly to prioritize renewable energy development while creating sustainable economic opportunities for impacted workers and communities.
Hope for Change
CJS remains steadfast in the fight for climate justice. Our legal case against SaskPower reflects a struggle to ensure accountability and sustainability in energy policy. The Saskatchewan government has filed to strike the motion, but our resolve is unwavering. This case has the potential to set an important legal precedent in Canada, one that could compel governments to take meaningful action on climate change and align energy policies with the rights and needs of their citizens.
Join Us!
The climate crisis is an existential threat that demands immediate and collective action. Refurbishing coal-fired plants is a step backward, but together, we can steer Saskatchewan toward a sustainable future. We urge all residents to get involved—whether through advocacy, voting, or supporting CJS’s efforts.
Follow us for updates on our lawsuit or visit the Court Action page on sustainablesask.ca. Join us in holding our government accountable and ensuring a Just Transition to a net-zero economy that protects the environment, our communities, and the rights of future generations.
Together, we can overcome the challenges ahead and build a cleaner, more equitable future for Saskatchewan and beyond.
For more background read:
Saskatchewan Renewable Energy Coalition renewablesask.ca
[1] https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-markets/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles-saskatchewan.html
[2] https://energy-information.canada.ca/en/subjects/greenhouse-gas-emissions-national-inventory-report-nir
[3] https://grist.org/energy/california-just-debunked-a-big-myth-about-renewable-energy/