Premier Scott Moe is touting Saskatchewan as Canada’s first carbon tax free province.
The Government of Saskatchewan issued a release as the premier spoke at a press conference outlining the impact on Saskatchewan residents and the mechanism for withdrawal from the corporate side of the carbon tax.
"Today, we are making Saskatchewan the first carbon tax free province in Canada," Premier Scott Moe said. "In taking the lead on the removal of this harmful tax, we hope all federal leaders will support our position and allow the provinces to regulate in this area without imposing the federal backstop."
The release said the decision to pause the industrial carbon tax rate under its Output-Based Performance Standards (OBPS) Program will provide immediate financial relief to families, farms, businesses and industry. The carbon tax rate rider will be removed from all SaskPower bills. This will save hundreds of dollars a year for Saskatchewan families and businesses.
"Saskatchewan led on the removal of the carbon tax on home heating last year, saving families in our province over $400 on their household SaskEnergy bills," Minister of Crown Investments Corporation Jeremy Harrison said. "Now we are leading again as the first province in Canada to remove the industrial carbon tax on electricity generation, delivering further savings for Saskatchewan families, businesses and industries on their SaskPower bills."
He says the move is part of a strategy to buffer residents from the effects of US tariff threats and a rising cost of living.
"Now more than ever, the world needs our clean and sustainable food, fuel and fertilizer" Environment Minister Travis Keisig said. "This is not the time to risk undermining our economic growth and prosperity. Pausing the industrial carbon tax will allow industries to grow and operate sustainably while maintaining our economic competitiveness during these uncertain times."
The news follows on the heels of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s removal of the consumer carbon tax.
The province says the decision will foster an economic environment where industries can feel confident to make investments, increase production, and protect the jobs and families they support.