Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford began his western tour Thursday by visiting a kindred spirit, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. Moe clearly indicated he’s glad to have Ford on his side on several issues, but particularly Saskatchewan’s long-standing opposition to the carbon tax.
Ontario announced it is intervening in the Government of Saskatchewan’s reference challenging the federal carbon tax — in addition to bringing its own reference to the Ontario Court of Appeal.
It would seem Saskatchewan’s leader is very happy to reciprocate. Moe says, “I am pleased to announce that Saskatchewan will show the same support by intervening in support of Ontario’s constitutional challenge launched by Premier Ford on behalf of the people of Ontario.”
The big news, of course, are the legal interventions, but Moe says there were four reasons for the visit and the show of solidarity. Those include:
- Support the seeking of intervener status in each other’s courts
- To call on federal government to delay or get rid of the backstop they’re threatening to impose on provinces across the nation — at least until they hear back from the courts
- To encourage the federal government to commit to providing the infrastructure funding to all the provinces through the Low Carbon Economy Fund
- Also to encourage the federal government to restart the relationship with many provinces to increase trade and reduce regulation, where it inhibits trade and competitiveness.
Ford will continue his trip out west with a visit to Alberta’s UCP leader, Jason Kenny tomorrow. He has no plans at this time to visit Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.
Related:
- Ontario joins Saskatchewan in legal case against federal carbon tax
- Premier Moe confident on legal and political fronts in fight against carbon tax