A joint statement has been signed by a coalition that includes environmental, labour and public health advocates requesting the provincial government to change direction on their announcement of plans to rebuild and expand its coal fleet which the coalition says is a dangerous and regressive energy decision.
Jory Vermette is the Climate Organizer with Saskatoon Climate Hub and says there’s no future in coal because it is the most polluting emission-intensive sources of power and electricity, and to ensure a safe and stable climate, coal needs to be phased our as soon as possible. He says emitting high emission fuel such as coal leads to weather disasters we see like droughts, forest fires, and torrential rain.
Economic and public health impacts are also affected by using coal such as increased healthcare costs due to respiratory illnesses and other health issues caused by air pollution. These health issues also result in lost productivity and higher healthcare expenditures. More jobs can be created by switching to renewable energy and will give communities like Estevan and Coronach, they say, real opportunities for the future.
The coalition says Saskatchewan must move forward with policies that ensure healthy communities, economic reconciliation, clean air, a stable climate, and sustainable jobs for generations to come.
The coalition is calling for:
-An immediate halt to the coal fleet rebuild
-Compliance with Canada’s 2030 coal phase-out mandate
-A just transition strategy for coal-dependent communities such as Estevan and Coronach
-Major public investment in renewables, storage, energy efficiency, and grid modernization
-Respect for Indigenous rights and clean energy partnerships with Indigenous communities and governments, particularly given the disproportionate impact of pollution and climate disasters on Indigenous and rural communities.
Signatories:
Bus Riders of Saskatoon
Café Scientifique-YXE
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment Saskatoon Chapter
Climate Justice Saskatoon
KAIROS Regina
For Our Kids
Liveable YXE
Mennonite Church Saskatchewan Climate Emergency Response Team
Mount Royal Climate Action Group
Nature Regina
Regina Chapter of the Council of Canadians
Saskatchewan Coalition for Sustainable Development
Saskatchewan Environmental Society
Saskatchewan Renewable Energy Coalition
Saskatoon Climate Hub
Saskatoon Cycles
Saskatoon Unitarians
Seniors for Climate
SOS Trees Coalition
Wild About Saskatoon
