Brian Zinchuk is editor and owner of Pipeline Online
Poplar River Power Station, one of three SaskPower coal-fired generating stations and currently the one with the highest nameplate capacity. Photo by Brian Zinchuk
SASKATOON – Do a 12 year old, a podcaster and someone who doesn’t even live here get to kill 1100 coal-related jobs? According the Court of King’s Bench, no, they don’t. Governments get to make those sorts of decisions, and can’t be second guessed by the courts.
In other words, the coal injunction is dead it its tracks. SaskPower can continue rejuvenating its coal fleet. And the decision is also a rebuke of the trend of judge-made law and activist courts, clearly noting the supremacy of the legislative branch in making policy.
Federal coal regulations require all coal-fired power generation that does not have carbon capture and storage attached shut down by Jan. 1, 2030. The Saskatchewan Party government has decided to flaunt those regulations, asserting its constitutional jurisdiction over power generation and reasserted through the Saskatchewan First Act.
This past summer five parties took part in an injunction suit led by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society meant to stop Saskatchewan’s plan to revive its coal-fired power generation fleet in its tracks. That June 18 coal announcement, which Pipeline Online broke, would see Saskatchewan rebuild its seven coal-fired power generating units, two of which are retired, at a cost of $900 million over the next several years. Crown Investments Corporation Minister Jeremy Harrison said the province was doing this as a bridge to nuclear power generation, which would not have greenhouse gas emissions.
The applicants were a 12-year-old child, and environmental podcaster, a Manitoba activist famer as well as Saskatchewan Environmental Society and Citizens for Public Justice. The application was filed in July, and was first heard in court on Aug. 12.
- 0085 Turnbull snow removal call office0085 Turnbull snow removal call office
- 0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter
- 0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
Big stakes
What was at stake? A recently re-elected government, whose Saskatchewan First Act was passed unanimously and set the stage for this coal decision, had made the most significant energy policy decision in a decade. That decision, if carried out, will save three power plants, two coal mines, three communities (Estevan, Bienfait and Coronach), and 1,100 direct jobs most of which pay over $100,000 per year. If the injunction successfully stopped coal’s revival, not only could those towns, mines, coal plants and workers be out of luck, Saskatchewan could find itself short of up to 44 per cent of the power it uses on cold winter nights in three years, 11 months and 17 days.
Also at question was whether a very recently elected majority government can proceed on a policy path it had spent several years laying the groundwork for; or whether a 12 year old student, a 55 year old university student who hosts an environmental podcast, and a farmer activist who is neither an Saskatchewan resident nor a SaskPower customer, along with two environmental groups, can reverse a decision made by said democratically-elected government? And that decision is the most significant energy decision made by said government in a decade, with billions of dollars, over 1,100 jobs, and perhaps the fate of the planet at stake.
Additionally at question was whether governments can change course when they find the current path untenable, as the Saskatchewan government had done? If it follows current federal coal regulations, we could be short up to 44 per cent of our power needs on the coldest nights in winter come January 1, 2030, as there is not nearly enough baseload power generation available to replace the 1,500 megawatts of coal by then. SaskPower would have to start construction, today, on four additional 370 megawatt combined cycle plants like the one under construction at Lanigan, at a cost of $1.7 billion each, to replace coal in that timeframe. And that natural gas plant is costing more than double the one commissioned in December, 2024.
When it comes to environmental lawfare, the stakes could hardly be higher. It really wass a question of who gets to be in charge?
According to Court of King’s Bench Justice R.S. Smith, it’s the elected government, answerable to the body politic.
- 0085 Turnbull snow removal call office0085 Turnbull snow removal call office
- 0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter
- 0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
Decision
The Jan. 12 decision, which you can download here in pdf form, 2026 01 12 KB Coal injunction decision, is in some ways brutal in its clarity, not only in describing the efforts of the applicants, but in relaying that governments need to govern and applicants can’t use the courts to force governments to do certain actions.
“In support of their arguments, each of the applicants have filed an affidavit averring to the sundry shibboleths of environmental activism. This is not to say they do not have cause for concern,” wrote Justice Smith in the 15 page decision.
Just what is a shibboleth? It’s a biblical term which Merrian-Webster Dictionary defines as, “a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning.”
Justice Smith wrote in conclusion, “Not every dispute is justiciable. Climate change is real. Therapeutic steps should be taken. This is why it is important that all citizens of the body politic elect thoughtful and intelligent people to sit in our parliament, legislature and municipal councils.
“I respectfully posit, the Court’s role is to administer justice, resolve legal disputes and interpret the Constitution and laws, acting as the independent judicial branch of government that upholds the rule of law and protects rights. It is not for the Courts to sift through the granular details with a view to directing departments and government agencies as to the appropriate steps to be taken to reach a particular goal.
“The Courts are not designed to manipulate the nuts and bolts of government action with a view to achieving policy ends. Those steps should be taken by men and women who will be answerable to the body politic for their actions.
“The Courts should be cautious and exercise deference to those who are elected and thus accountable to the people who bear the impact of those decisions.
“In sum, Courts should not be dictating to the Government of Saskatchewan what its overarching environmental policy should be. Nor should the Courts purport to decide the multiple steps to be taken to combat climate change. In fact, the Courts should not be deciding the day-to-day steps of a government, like where to put the town dump or where the bicycle lanes should be situated.”
And with that, the justice threw out the injunction case, saying, “It is appropriate to grant the relief sought by the government, namely an order under Rule 7-9 of The King’s Bench Rules striking out and setting aside the application brought by the applicants in its entirety.”
In coming to this decision, Justice Smith took note of a recent decision by Justice Kuski Bassett in another case brought forward by the same lawyer, Glenn Wright, who led the case for the applicants. Wright gave up his membership on the board of the SES to deal with these legal matters.
- 0085 Turnbull snow removal call office0085 Turnbull snow removal call office
- 0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter
- 0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
Charter
A major issue was Sec. 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and recent court decisions in other provinces where the Charter was used to force government policy on items as mundane as bicycle lanes.
Justice Smith wrote, “My colleague, Justice Kuski Bassett, recently grappled with a similar debate in Dykstra v Saskatchewan Power Corporation, 2025 SKKB 175 [Dykstra]. In it, the applicants brought an Originating Application asking the Court to impose “an exacting plan on the Respondents to combat climate change”.
That case sought to shut down SaskPower’s expansion of natural gas-fired power generation via construction of the Aspen Power Station at Lanigan, which is now over half done. It, too, was recently thrown out.
While the applicants had used arguments with respect to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and climate change, Justice Smith pointed out a citation from R v Chouhan, 2021, saying, “the court’s role in conducting a Charter analysis. They stated the analysis requires the court to “protect against incursions on fundamental values” but “not to second guess policy decisions” of the legislature, because when “struggling with questions of social policy and attempting to deal with conflicting [social) pressures ‘a legislature must be given reasonable room to manoeuvre”‘
(emphasis in the original).
Justice Smith highlighted in the Dysktra decision, “In the circumstances, I agree with the submissions made by the Respondents. The issues in the Claim are not properly advanced for constitutional adjudication. Through the remedies sought, the Applicants ask the Court to direct the enactment of new laws and engage in ongoing policy oversight, which is in essence court-directed legislative reform. The Applicants are dissatisfied with what they regard as the Respondents’ completely inadequate, irresponsible, and harmful response to climate change, and they ask the Court to direct the legislative branch and control Government choices around electricity delivery in the province for years to come. In my view, to do so would require the Court to disregard the time honoured separation of powers in our constitutional democracy in a manner that exceeds its institutional capacity and legitimacy.”
- 0085 Turnbull snow removal call office0085 Turnbull snow removal call office
- 0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter
- 0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
Doing through the courts what could not be done at the ballot box
Notably, the effort to force the government to change policy via the courts was led by a lawyer who, himself, had failed five times to reach elected office. These two efforts, the natural gas and coal injunctions, were essentially efforts to achieve through the courts what could not be achieved through the ballot box.
Wright is an associate with Saskatoon law firm Procido LLP, founded by Chad Eggerman. Both have run unsuccessfully for political office in recent years. Wright has run as an New Democrat provincially and federally a total of three times from 2011 to 2016, an independent federally in 2019, and for the Green Party of Saskatchewan in 2020. Eggerman was the federal Liberal candidate for Saskatoon-West in 2025.
Glenn Wright. Photo courtesy Glenn Wright
In an Aug. 13, 2025, interview, Wright told Pipeline Online, “I’ve been active in organizing in the environmental space for more than a decade, and I’ve had people approach me asking me to sue the government on its continued use of coal fire power for a long time. And I haven’t been able to do that because there hasn’t been a reviewable decision that I’ve seen published or put forward by the government.
“So when this letter came out, my phone was ringing off the hook, and I had all kinds of people messaging me and asking me to do something about this. So it was actually quite, I wouldn’t say easy. Nothing is easy. It takes time and effort, but it wasn’t difficult at all to find applicants willing to put their name on an action like this and lead the way. The applicants are really like the plaintiffs.”
Wright worked pro bono on the case.
- 0085 Turnbull snow removal call office0085 Turnbull snow removal call office
- 0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter
- 0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
Costs
About the only thing the government did not win was “costs,” which means the loser not only has to pay for their legal fees, but their opponents as well. It’s generally a way to discourage frivolous lawsuits, because if you lose, the financial penalty can be harsh.
To this end, Justice Smith said, “The government has sought costs. I note that the government is fortunate to have two very insightful counsel on its staff who have argued this matter. No fees were paid to outside firms. Although the legal debates herein are somewhat esoteric, it all stems from the problem of climate change which should concern all citizens. Respectfully, in my view, an award of costs against the applicants serves no larger good.”
So the SES will not have to pay the government’s legal fees.
Minister of Crown Investments Corp. Jeremy Harrison on Oct. 20. Photo by Brian Zinchuk
Minister’s reaction
Crown Investments Corporation Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a texted statement on Jan. 14, “The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to see the Court of King’s bench has struck the application that had been brought against the Government of Saskatchewan challenging the decision to continue to operate coal-fired generation in Saskatchewan.
“The Court determined that the issue is essentially one of government policy and, as such, is not for the courts to decide.
“Our government is proud of the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan we introduced in the fall. The strategy lays out our plan to transition to nuclear power generation fueled with Saskatchewan uranium, by life extending our existing coal-fired thermal power plants fueled with Saskatchewan coal. This decision was taken to ensure a reliable and affordable energy future for Saskatchewan residents.”
NDP reaction
Pipeline Online is expecting a reaction from NDP Shadow Minister for Economy and Jobs and SaskPower Critic Aleana Young momentarily. When received this story will be updated.
- 0085 Turnbull snow removal call office0085 Turnbull snow removal call office
- 0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter
- 0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
SES press release
Here’s the full press release from the Saskatchewan Environmental Society on the decision:
The Saskatchewan Environmental Society reacts to Court ruling in Saskatchewan coal extension case
The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is disappointed by the Court of King’s Bench’s January 12, 2026 ruling striking our legal challenge (KBG-SA-00865-2025) on procedural grounds related to the Court’s role. Our challenge concerned the Government of Saskatchewan’s June 18, 2025 decision to continue operating conventional coal-fired power plants well beyond the federally mandated shutdown deadline of December 31, 2029, and was filed together with Citizens for Public Justice and three individuals. The Court did not assess evidence or decide whether extending coal-fired power generation is lawful, justified, or in the public interest, but instead ruled that such questions are not for the courts to determine.
This ruling does not change the scientific facts about coal pollution or the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Canada. “The environmental and health risks posed by extending coal use for many more years remain just as serious as ever,” said Margret Asmuss, SES President. “Saskatchewan residents deserve responsible, evidence-based energy planning that protects people, communities, the economy, and the environment.”
Coal use is declining throughout the developed world, and every other province in Canada has already phased out its coal-fired power stations or is committed to doing so by 2030. Saskatchewan is the outlier. Coal is the most polluting way to generate electricity and extending its use contradicts clear scientific evidence, the direction of modern electricity systems, and our national commitments.
- 0085 Turnbull snow removal call office0085 Turnbull snow removal call office
- 0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter
- 0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
Saskatchewan’s decision to extend coal also increases the province’s exposure to climate-related disruptions that are becoming more frequent and more severe. “The Prairies are warming at roughly twice the global rate and Saskatchewan is already feeling the strain of climate change, including extreme heat, dangerous wildfire smoke and other damages, drought, floods, and stressed water supplies,” said Elaine Wheaton, SES board member and climate scientist. “Keeping coal plants running well beyond 2030 would only worsen these risks.”
Extending coal is also expensive and short-sighted. Investing in outdated infrastructure will raise costs for Saskatchewan families while delaying the transition to more affordable and reliable technologies. “Extending old coal plants isn’t a plan for the future—it’s a costly detour,” said Bob Halliday, SES Vice President. “While other provinces attract investment in wind, solar, energy efficiency and storage, and grid innovation, Saskatchewan delays these opportunities by doubling down on coal. This means missing out on new jobs, technology development, and long-term economic resilience.”
“Canada’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement depend on co-operation across all provinces, and Saskatchewan’s plans to extend coal-fired power generation weaken that shared responsibility,” said Peter Prebble, SES board member. “Despite producing only 4 per cent of Canada’s electricity, Saskatchewan accounts for 24 per cent of all greenhouse gas pollution caused by power generation in Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed climate change is real and poses a grave threat to humanity’s future. That reality means the Saskatchewan government has a responsibility to rapidly phase out conventional coal-fired power stations, and by doing so help reduce the transboundary greenhouse gas pollution that is causing climate breakdown in many parts of the world.”
As the Court of King’s Bench itself acknowledged in its January 12, 2026 ruling in this case, the issue is not whether climate change is real, but how governments choose to address it. Saskatchewan deserves an energy future rooted in science, responsibility, and care for the people who live here. The Saskatchewan Environmental Society will continue to advocate for evidence-based decisions in Saskatchewan’s electricity sector.
- 0085 Turnbull snow removal call office0085 Turnbull snow removal call office
- 0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter0110 SaskEnergy SEI_Network_Members_Burn_Brighter
- 0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY0109 SaskPower SASPO_2817_PLT_Recruitment_DIVERSITY
- 0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety0105 SaskEnergy Commitment to Safety
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
In depth
Pipeline Online ran a full week of in-depth stories on the injunction last August. Here are those stories:
And here was the June 18 breaking story:
BREAKING: Saskatchewan to rebuild its coal fleet, despite federal regulations calling for its demise