Canada’s provincial premiers are convening in Halifax to address several critical issues facing the nation. Among them, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has taken the spotlight, speaking candidly about his province’s ongoing battles over carbon taxation, the need for a reformed equalization payment system, and the potential of nuclear power to meet future energy demands.
The Future of Energy: Saskatchewan’s Push for Nuclear Power
Premier Moe began his remarks by discussing Saskatchewan’s energy future, particularly focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). “We are looking towards the future of providing electricity for our residents in Saskatchewan,” Moe stated, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with Alberta and other provinces to ensure affordable and clean electricity. As Canada projects increasing electricity needs over the next 5, 10, and 15 years, Saskatchewan views nuclear power as a vital component of its energy strategy.
“We don’t have a lot of other choices in Saskatchewan,” Moe explained. “Nuclear is a cleaner choice, and we want to make sure that we’re working with other provinces to make it as affordable as possible.” The premier highlighted the importance of transitioning from existing facilities to nuclear power to meet the province’s and the country’s growing energy demands sustainably.
Equalization Payments: A Call for Reform
The conversation then shifted to the contentious topic of equalization payments. Saskatchewan has long voiced concerns over the current formula, which Premier Moe describes as “very flawed.” He noted that the formula fails to account for many ways Saskatchewan residents generate wealth, particularly through the province’s key industries.
“There’s a per capita cap involved that impacts our province and others,” Moe explained. He called for a mature, collaborative discussion on how the equalization formula should be reformed to reflect the changing economic landscape across Canada. One proposal Moe mentioned was a “50/50 plan,” where half of the equalization funds would be distributed on a per capita basis, and the other half under the existing formula. This, he argued, would ensure that all provinces receive some level of equalization while addressing specific regional disparities more effectively.
The Carbon Tax Fight: Legal and Economic Implications
Premier Moe did not hold back when discussing Saskatchewan’s legal battle against the federal carbon tax. Describing the federal government’s attempts to garnish funds from the province’s bank account as unconstitutional, Moe stressed the importance of negotiating a settlement that does not involve direct financial penalties. “We look forward to those negotiations going well, with the federal government not garnishing from the province of Saskatchewan and the case heading towards the tax courts,” he said.
Moe argued that the carbon tax is a significant driver of inflation, citing recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers showing Saskatchewan and Manitoba with the lowest inflation rates in the country. He attributed this to measures taken by these provinces to remove or reduce the carbon tax. “The consumer carbon tax on all items is largely pushing up inflation in our nation and in our province,” Moe asserted, calling for the complete removal of the tax to ease financial pressures on Canadians.
Asylum Seekers and Immigration Policy
The premier also touched on the issue of asylum seekers and the broader immigration policy. Moe called for a coordinated approach among provinces and the federal government to manage asylum claims and support new immigrants. He pointed out that while Quebec and Ontario are currently the most impacted, other provinces, including Saskatchewan, have also faced significant pressures in the past and could again in the future.
“This is a federal opportunity to limit, stop, or support provinces in this space,” Moe said, emphasizing the need for a robust national immigration policy. He highlighted the importance of shared responsibility and adequate federal support for provinces to provide necessary services to new Canadians.
Rebranding the Carbon Tax
When asked about the federal government’s recent efforts to rebrand the carbon tax rebate, Premier Moe was dismissive. “A tax is a tax is a tax,” he said. “You can rebrand it all you want. There is no rebranding the carbon tax, and the consumer carbon tax’s days are numbered.”
As the premiers’ meeting continues, it is clear that Saskatchewan will remain vocal on these key issues, advocating for changes that Moe believes will better serve not only his province but the entire nation. The discussions in Halifax are set to shape Canada’s policy landscape on energy, fiscal federalism, and immigration for years to come.