Donations
Climate Justice Saskatoon is accepting donations to support this legal action.
Donations can be made via etransfer to climateactionsk@gmail.com
Donations can be made via etransfer to climateactionsk@gmail.com
Court Action - Latest Update (June 8, 2023)
Our first court date was scheduled to be May 4, 2023, but it was adjourned at the request of opposing counsel to June 6, 2023 (we consented to that adjournment). On June 6, 2023, we only argued the preliminary application to have our minor applicant, Ms. Sabrina Dykstram, who is 15 years old, to be granted standing to participate in this action as though she is an adult. We presented our argument as to why Ms. Dykstra should be granted leave of the court, but the court yesterday reserved its decision (meaning it is likely to issue within a few weeks). We did state to the court that the Applicants are interested in keeping this action moving forward because we are in a climate emergency, but we acknowledge that the court process can take time.
There is now no return date to court for our action scheduled, but we have meetings scheduled with opposing counsel in July and August to try reach an agreement as to the form and procedure of this matter as we want it to proceed in an expedient manner that makes efficient use of the Court's time. Afterall, we are in a climate emergency and the Applicants position is that we need to pursue this action with the ambition and focus it rightly deserves.
Our court file number is KB 848 of 2023 at the judicial centre of Regina. We would encourage you to read our application and affidavit evidence of the applicants directly. Their stories are compelling and attest to the harms already being experienced by dangerous climate change here in Saskatchewan.
There is now no return date to court for our action scheduled, but we have meetings scheduled with opposing counsel in July and August to try reach an agreement as to the form and procedure of this matter as we want it to proceed in an expedient manner that makes efficient use of the Court's time. Afterall, we are in a climate emergency and the Applicants position is that we need to pursue this action with the ambition and focus it rightly deserves.
Our court file number is KB 848 of 2023 at the judicial centre of Regina. We would encourage you to read our application and affidavit evidence of the applicants directly. Their stories are compelling and attest to the harms already being experienced by dangerous climate change here in Saskatchewan.
Court Action - Update (May 17, 2023)
Our initial court appearance has been delayed and will now take place in Regina on June 6, 2023.
The public discussion on our shared power future is growing. This is important, perhaps more important than the work in the courtroom because we are in a climate emergency. The federal environment minister was interviewed on May 16 on CBC radio discussing the opportunities associated with a net zero electrical grid by 2035: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-88-saskatoon-morning/clip/15985055-the-premier-says-saskatchewan-hit-net-zero-2035.-the
The public discussion on our shared power future is growing. This is important, perhaps more important than the work in the courtroom because we are in a climate emergency. The federal environment minister was interviewed on May 16 on CBC radio discussing the opportunities associated with a net zero electrical grid by 2035: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-88-saskatoon-morning/clip/15985055-the-premier-says-saskatchewan-hit-net-zero-2035.-the
Media Release - April 14, 2023
Citizens file application to halt SaskPower’s expansion of gas fired generation
| media_release_-_sk_decarbonization_future_cjs_rev_april_14_2023.pdf |
| issued_-_originating_application.pdf |
Saskatoon, SK. April 14, 2023 - Saskatchewan Power Corporation, Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Saskatchewan will be challenged in court by Saskatchewan citizens who are deeply concerned about the impacts of dangerous climate change. Climate Justice Saskatoon and seven Saskatchewan residents, aged 15 to 80, filed an application at the Court of King’s Bench on March 31, 2023, claiming that government action to expand gas-fired electricity generation violates our Charter rights to life, security of person, and equality.
SaskPower is currently building a new gas-fired electricity plant near Moose Jaw and is planning to build another near Lanigan, SK. The current provincial Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Regulations permit SaskPower to increase its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thereby accelerating dangerous climate change. Saskatchewan has the highest GHG emissions per capita in Canada and according to the Supreme Court of Canada and our Saskatchewan Court of Appeals, we face an existential threat to the future of all life on this planet caused by ongoing GHG emissions.
Dangerous climate change is upon us and is made worse by these inexcusable actions by our government and SaskPower. The applicants argue our Charter rights are violated and that the government has a duty to mitigate its emissions. The applicants are asking the Court to order SaskPower to set a reasonable target to decarbonize and achieve Net-zero emissions as soon as possible.
This Court application should provide helpful clarification for all parties and spur important dialogue about our shared power future.
For more information contact:
Email: info@sustainablesask.ca or climatejusticeyxe@gmail.com
SaskPower is currently building a new gas-fired electricity plant near Moose Jaw and is planning to build another near Lanigan, SK. The current provincial Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Regulations permit SaskPower to increase its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thereby accelerating dangerous climate change. Saskatchewan has the highest GHG emissions per capita in Canada and according to the Supreme Court of Canada and our Saskatchewan Court of Appeals, we face an existential threat to the future of all life on this planet caused by ongoing GHG emissions.
Dangerous climate change is upon us and is made worse by these inexcusable actions by our government and SaskPower. The applicants argue our Charter rights are violated and that the government has a duty to mitigate its emissions. The applicants are asking the Court to order SaskPower to set a reasonable target to decarbonize and achieve Net-zero emissions as soon as possible.
This Court application should provide helpful clarification for all parties and spur important dialogue about our shared power future.
For more information contact:
Email: info@sustainablesask.ca or climatejusticeyxe@gmail.com
