Sask. premier, feds still butting heads over carbon plan

A meeting between Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau failed to see the two leaders come to an agreement on a climate change plan.

Moe and Trudeau met Wednesday in Saskatoon, where the Liberal caucus is gathering this week.

“It’s no secret we’ve had a frosty relationship when it comes to economic files,” the premier told reporters following the meeting.

The premier said the federally-imposed plan, which would take effect Jan. 1, would pull more than $1 billion out of the provincial economy due to heavy-emitting industries such as potash.

“We would first and foremost like to see the carbon tax removed. The threat of an imposed federal carbon tax backstop should be removed,” Moe said.

“It’s an ineffective tool to reduce emissions. It’s an effective tool in moving those emissions to other parts of the world.”

Moe said his government will also continue to oppose Bill C-69 — legislation that would overhaul how energy projects, such as oil pipelines, are reviewed.

“The repeal of Bill C-69 would be a good foot forward with respect to any Western Canadian growth strategy,” Moe said.

The premier reaffirmed the province’s backing of federal NAFTA talks, while stating his concern over the current state of affairs.

“I want a fair deal with the United States,” he said.

“I support the prime minister and I support (foreign affairs) minister Freeland in continued engagement not only with NAFTA, but with all of our trade deals,” he said.

—With files from The Canadian Press