A measure to increase provincial autonomy will be introduced by the Saskatchewan government on Tuesday.
The Saskatchewan First Act specifically gives Saskatchewan control over its natural resources.
The Saskatchewan First Act, which was tabled during the 2022 speech from the throne, seeks to codify the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments that is already established under the Canadian Constitution.
Premier Scott Moe stated, “Our government’s goal is to guarantee that strong growth continues and that it’s growth that works for everyone.”
“That means paying down debt, maintaining our economic independence, and reinvesting in health, education, and affordability measures so Saskatchewan continues to prosper and create employment.”
“Saskatchewan’s constitutional right to govern its natural resources and our economic future will be made clear and upheld through the Saskatchewan First Act.”
According to the speech, Saskatchewan’s ability to attract investment is being threatened by federal climate policies like the carbon price and the projected oil and gas emissions gap. The Saskatchewan First Act aims to restore the province’s autonomy over how it develops its resources without interference from the federal government.
According to opposition leader Carla Beck, Saskatchewan residents are angry with the government.
The premier must be able to deliver results for the people of our province, not just spout platitudes. ”
“Despite huge windfall earnings, the throne speech did not propose any new solutions to the province’s dysfunctional healthcare system or the generational affordability crisis. The majority of the measures announced in the speech are recycled announcements.
The new measures are based on Scott Moe’s white paper, which has received widespread criticism from economists and other academics, Beck added.
On November 1st, the Saskatchewan First Act was publicly launched in Regina by Minister of Justice and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre.
“The federal policies that have caused significant economic harm and run the possibility of harming far more have not prevented Saskatchewan from experiencing economic success.
The framework for defining, addressing, and quantifying economic harm will be established by this measure.
According to Eyre, “We are enforcing our exclusive constitutional jurisdiction, nullifying our fundamental provincial powers, and directing matters requiring economic analysis to an independent economic tribunal.” “We think this will eventually have significant legal, practical, and ethical impact. Putting a value on the economic harm and assessing it will help find evidence for potential future lawsuits.
The Saskatchewan administration claims that even though they already have sole control over the resources of the province, exerting their authority once more will enable them to build a more respectable relationship with the federal government.
In reference to measures like carbon tax rebates and the methane industry, Eyre said, “You cannot force things on provinces who have exclusive control in the sector and not offer them the facts you are using to impose these things on.”
“We seek a cooperation that is honourable. This isn’t about mocking the feds for fun. This is about defining, evaluating, and quantifying economic harm.
As they worked on the bill, Moe promised that his administration would “respect and follow all the rules of the land.”
— with files from Global News’ Brody Langager.
Saskatchewan announces bill for provincial autonomy: “We want a cooperation that is honourable.”
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