Provincial government uses Sask. First Act for 1st time to review federal electricity regulations

The Saskatchewan government is using its autonomy legislation for the first time to review the federal government's proposed clean-electricity regulations.

Justice Minister Bronwyn Eyre told reporters Tuesday that she's implementing the Saskatchewan First Act to establish a tribunal to study the economic effects of the rules.

The regulations would require provinces to work toward an emissions-free electricity grid by 2035, which Eyre said is creating investor uncertainty.

"[The regulations] are about emission reduction, but what does it mean? How will it impact our companies in anticipation of these policies? Not exploring as much, not doing as much? Absolutely," Eyre said.

"We need to get a nuanced, detailed sense of what these policies mean for the economy of Saskatchewan and the people of Saskatchewan."

The act, passed in the spring, is meant to reassert that Saskatchewan has jurisdiction over natural resources and electricity generation.

It also allows Saskatchewan to set up a tribunal. Eyre said the tribunal's members are to submit a report outlining costs of the federal regulations. She said they are to work over the next few months, speaking with researchers and those in industry to help inform their report.

The minister said there are no plans to speak with environmental groups, as the tribunal is to only focus on economic costs.

Its members also have the power to compel witnesses to speak with them.

Michael Milani, a Regina lawyer who will chair the tribunal, said it's unlikely members would use that power.

He added he will ask Ottawa to make a submission.

"If the goal is to obtain the best and most complete information possible, I would think, as chair, we'd want that from all places and all quarters," Milani said.

"It may well be that the federal government will provide us with additional information and details so that the report will be the most complete and accurate that we're able to create."

Oliver Anderson, a spokesperson for the office of federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, said Tuesday that Ottawa has been transparent in developing the draft regulations.