Saskatchewan’s plan to pause industrial carbon levy reveals fiscal hole: NDP

REGINA – Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says he still plans to balance the budget despite a pause on the industrial carbon levy that appears to blow a hole in the province’s finances. 

He says the effect of removing the pricing system is “immaterial” to the books and will save electricity ratepayers money. 

The budget shows Saskatchewan is forecasting a surplus of $12 million this year, with $431 million in industrial carbon levies contributing to revenues. 

The Opposition NDP says without those carbon levy revenues, Saskatchewan would find itself in a deficit. 

NDP Leader Carla Beck says she supports pausing the industrial levy, but its removal demonstrates the Saskatchewan Party government’s failure to properly plan.

The province’s industrial carbon pricing system saw electricity ratepayers and heavy emitters pay into a fund used for projects to lower emissions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2025.

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