Premier Scott Moe’s Saskatchewan Party government introduced a bill today to amend its own constitution, signalling the province is gearing up for a fight with Ottawa over its environmental policies.
The Saskatchewan first act would amend the province’s constitution to reassert that it has exclusive jurisdiction over its natural resources.
It would also set up a tribunal to determine economic harms caused by federal environmental policies.
Justice Minister Bronwyn Eyre says it isn’t about fed-bashing for kicks.
She says it’s about Saskatchewan’s place in this federation and the government’s responsibility to foster economic growth.
Mitch McAdam directs the Saskatchewan government’s constitutional law branch.
He says the bill is not just symbolic, but would help with future court cases dealing with jurisdictional debates.
McAdam says the bill is something the courts could use as an interpretive aid, and would serve as a tool for Saskatchewan when cases are before the courts.
(The Canadian Press)
