A Saskatchewan judge dismisses a climate lawsuit against the province, saying policy reform lies with lawmakers, not the courts.
Court strikes down climate case
A Regina Court of King’s Bench judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Saskatchewan government, ruling that claims over its climate policies fall outside the court’s authority. The decision, released last week, ends a legal effort launched in 2023 to push the province toward stronger climate action.
Grassroots challenge to provincial policy
The case was filed by Climate Justice Saskatoon and seven residents aged 15 to 80. They alleged that Saskatchewan’s continued reliance on gas-fired power plants violated their Charter rights by worsening the impacts of climate change. The lawsuit named the province, SaskPower, and the Crown Investments Corporation as respondents.
Ruling focused on legislative limits
Justice Holli Kuski Bassett heard the government’s motion to strike the claim in October 2024. In her written ruling, she concluded the applicants were effectively seeking “court-directed legislative reform,” which she said lies within the provincial legislature’s, not the judiciary’s, jurisdiction. As a result, the claim was struck in its entirety.
Applicants express disappointment
Members of Climate Justice Saskatoon said they were “disappointed” by the ruling but not deterred. “I don’t think it’s the end of our case,” said Amy Snider, one of the applicants. “Our fears for our children’s and grandchildren’s futures remain. The decision doesn’t take away the problem.” The group is now considering an appeal.
Court acknowledges environmental importance
While dismissing the case, Justice Kuski Bassett underscored that the decision did not address the merits of the climate claims. She emphasized that the ruling should not be interpreted as shielding the province from future constitutional scrutiny over its environmental policies.
Reaction from environmental groups
The Saskatchewan Environmental Society, involved in a separate legal challenge over the province’s continued use of coal-fired plants, echoed the disappointment. “This case raises urgent and fundamental questions about climate change and human rights. We believe it should have been heard in full,” said SES president Margret Asmuss in a statement.
Province defends its energy strategy
The Saskatchewan government welcomed the decision, reaffirming its commitment to an “all-of-the-above” approach to power generation. In a statement, the province said it aims to maintain energy security, reliability, and affordability while transitioning its electricity system.
Broader climate context
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatchewan ranked among the country’s top five greenhouse gas emitters in 2023, alongside Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and B.C. Together, those provinces produced 92 per cent of Canada’s total emissions. The case’s dismissal renews debate over how far courts can go in compelling governments to act on climate change.
