A group of citizens and environmental advocates has launched a legal challenge against the Saskatchewan government’s plan to extend the use of coal-fired power. The Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES) and Citizens for Justice are seeking a judicial review of the province’s plan to continue operating coal plants. The review allows a court to determine whether a government decision is lawful and fair. “We’re ignoring the realities of climate change. We’re ignoring the fact that coal is the number one reason why climate change is occurring,” said Peter Prebble, a board member with the SES. In June, Jeremy Harrison, the minister responsible for SaskPower, sent a memo to employees stating that coal plants would continue operating beyond their expected lifespans until nuclear power becomes available. Federal regulations introduced in 2016 require all coal plants to close after 50 years of operation, or by 2030 — whichever comes first. Premier Scott Moe said the province is asking the federal government to change those rules. “We’re going to be operating those plants into the future to provide affordable, reliable power,” Moe told reporters. Court proceedings began Tuesday at Saskatoon’s Court of King’s Bench. Along with the judicial review, the SES and Citizens for Justice are seeking an interim stay — a court-ordered pause — on the province’s plan to restart Boundary Dam Unit 4, a coal plant unit, until the case is heard. Elaine Thompson, legal counsel for the province, argued the application is flawed because it is based on a letter to employees, not a government decision. Glenn Wright, representing the SES and Citizens for Justice, disagreed. “It’s clear to me that the government has made the decision. They have directed SaskPower to start refurbishing coal, and we think the court should look at that decision and determine whether it was reasonable and lawful,” Wright told reporters outside the courthouse. Justice Heather MacMillan-Brown has reserved her decision on whether the matter falls within the court’s jurisdiction. She said she will issue a written decision outlining the next steps.
