The Provincial Minister of Justice and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre his written to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland to express Saskatchewan’s alarm over the federal Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act.

New amendments to the federal Competition Act will allow environmental activists to file complaints before the Competition Tribunal, which could result in maximum fines to companies between $10-$15 million for advertising their sustainability records or defending the energy sector.

Eyre says, “this Bill was rushed, included no consultation with provinces and, if passed, will have irreparably harmful consequences on Saskatchewan’s businesses and economy.”

She adds that companies will be intimidated from making any environmental claims or even pursuing positive climate actions due to the excessive risks involved.

The Government of Saskatchewan is currently considering all options to fight Bill C-59, which is currently at second reading before the Canadian Senate.