Moe, Ford pledge allegiance in carbon tax battle

Saskatchewan and Ontario are joining forces in their fight against the implementation of a federal carbon tax.

Premiers Scott Moe and Doug Ford announced in Saskatoon Wednesday the Saskatchewan provincial government would seek intervenor status in Ontario’s court challenge to the federal carbon pricing plan.

“Saskatchewan and Ontario will continue to be strong allies in the fight against a destructive, made-in-Ottawa carbon tax that does nothing for our environment and is a direct cost to business,” Moe said.

Ford, who called the tax “job-killing,” said he was happy to have Moe’s support.

“I could ask for no better partner than Saskatchewan, and no better friend than Premier Scott Moe,” he said.

Ontario had previously pledged to support Saskatchewan’s own court challenge to the tax.

The announcement came after a morning of meetings involving discussions surrounding the carbon tax, the economy and a roundtable with business leaders.

When asked what could happen if neither Saskatchewan or Ontario’s challenges are ruled on before the Jan. 1, 2019 deadline set by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Moe said the federal government should defer to the court process.

“They’re respecting the courts in the case of (the TransMountain pipeline),” Moe said.

“The federal government should respect the outcome of the courts that is coming through the reference cases that have been filed.”

The premiers also applauded the Manitoba provincial government for announcing their own opposition to the carbon tax.

“We’re pleased to see Premier Brian Pallister has said no,” Moe said.

“It’s clear the opposition to this ill-advised, destructive policy is growing across the nation.”

Now Moe is joining Ford as he continues his western swing. The two are planning to travel to Alberta to meet with United Conservative Party leader Jason Kenney, but not with fellow premier Rachel Notley.

Ford said the reason for meeting with Kenney is because of their personal friendship, and their like-minded views.

“(He) helped lead the fight against the carbon tax in Ottawa, and is now leading the fight against the carbon tax in Alberta,” he said.

The news conference in Saskatoon with Moe and Ford was limited to four questions from reporters, a notably rare occurrence in Saskatchewan.