Following over a year of legal turmoil, the Saskatchewan Environmental Society is getting its Court of Appeal hearing regarding the Provincial extension of coal-fired power plants.
Back on June 18, 2025, the Province decided to continue operating conventional coal-fired power plants beyond the federally mandated shutdown deadline of December 31, 2029. Subsequently, a challenge was issued by the SES as it believes the decision is a blatant violation of federal law. Then, this January, the Court of King’s Bench determined that the issue was a matter for the legislature, not for the justice system. Now, the SES is appealing that decision.
SES member Peter Prebble says on the basis of economic, environmental, legal, and health impacts, this issue is very much an issue of the courts.
“Saskatchewan it blatantly violating the Paris Agreement in terms of its actions, and that should not be lost on any court hopefully.”
He adds that it is quite challenging to pursue legal matters as a volunteer, nonprofit organization, and it’s only possible thanks to Glenn Wright, a lawyer who is willing to join the fight at a manageable cost.
“He feels very strongly about this case as well and feels that the Government of Saskatchewan is under an obligation to follow federal law.”
Prebble says the decision is expected to cost nearly 11 billion dollars, according to leaked SaskPower documents, cost the health care system an additional $160 million, and add to Saskatchewan’s growing greenhouse gas emission rates- setting Saskatchewan back environmentally, financially, and legally.
“Everyone in Saskatchewan should be concerned that the rule of law is followed in Canada, and generally speaking, citizens of Canada expect that their provincial governments will follow the rule of law. In this case, that’s not happening.”
Prebble says if the Provincial Court of Appeal rules in the SES’ favour, then the merits of the case may be heard. If not, the organization will be forced to either appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada or stop the legal process. A decision is expected in the coming months.
