Federal Court in Vancouver is to hear a case today from the Saskatchewan government asking for an injunction to stop the Canada Revenue Agency from collecting millions in carbon levy money. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe listens during a news conference after a meeting of western premiers, in Whistler, B.C., on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
VANCOUVER – A court hearing for the Saskatchewan government to argue for an injunction to stop the Canada Revenue Agency from collecting millions in carbon levy money has been cancelled.
Federal Court in Vancouver did not provide an explanation for the cancellation or say when the case would be heard.
Premier Scott Moe’s government argues it’s unconstitutional for Ottawa to take from the province’s bank account, and that it’s unfair Saskatchewan has to pay.
Earlier this year, Saskatchewan stopped remitting the carbon levy on natural gas to Ottawa, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau exempted home-heating oil users from paying.
Trudeau’s move was largely seen as helping those in Atlantic Canada, where home-heating oil is commonly used and where polls suggest the federal Liberals need to bolster support.
Court documents say Saskatchewan’s unpaid bill has grown to $56 million between January and April, and the revenue agency had tried to take $28 million through a bank order.
Ottawa has said it’s standing firm on getting the money back from Saskatchewan, noting the province is breaking federal emissions law by not paying.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2024.
