Minutes after the Saskatchewan Court of Appeals came to it's split decision the federally imposed carbon tax is constitutional, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney wrote his support for the Province and disagreement with the court's decision.

Premier Kenney says the Alberta Government is reviewing the ruling.

"Our initial reaction is that this narrow, split decision is far from the broad victory the federal government sought and we are glad all five justices rejected the federal government’s claim for a sweeping power to regulate Green House Gas emissions in the provinces."

Kenney adds, they'll have to wait to see how this ruling could affect Alberta.

“The decision’s application to Alberta remains to be seen because, frankly, the previous NDP government under Ms. Notley was missing in action, failing to participate in the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. As a result, Alberta did not contribute to the record before the court."

Obviously, Kenney says he disagrees with the ruling and the new UCP government of Alberta will stand with Saskatchewan.

“We disagree with the narrow ruling by the majority that the federal government has the power to ensure a provincial minimum price on carbon, and will be joining Saskatchewan in their appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada."  Premier Kenney says. “That said, the new government of Alberta takes our environmental responsibilities very seriously and during the election we put forward a serious plan for reducing GHG emissions."

The Premier adds he believes a federally imposed carbon tax on top of the UCP plan to curb emissions isn't needed.

“We believe that our strong plan makes a federal carbon tax redundant and that a consumer-punishing retail carbon tax – whether imposed by the NDP or by Justin Trudeau ­– is the wrong way to go. It’s all economic pain and no environmental gain.”

Saskatchewan's Court of Appeal says in a split decision that Ottawa has the power to impose the tax under a section of the Constitution that states Parliament can pass laws in the name of peace, order and good government.

Federal lawyers say Green House Gas emissions are a national concern.

 

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