In February 2018, officials initiated engagement with industry, non-governmental organizations, academics, First Nation and Métis, among others, to gather insight and seek feedback on the contents of Prairie Resilience. The purpose of the engagement was to gain a comprehensive understanding of participants views and perspective on commitments within the strategy, and particularly the regulatory framework proposed for emissions management in Saskatchewan and the Climate Resilience Measurement Framework.
The engagement sessions throughout 2018 and 2019 have included a series of open, plenary sessions and closed, bilateral meetings, online session and the opportunity to provide written submissions on multiple occasions.
A report summarizing what was heard during the February–March 2018 engagement was released to all participants in May 2018. Read the MNP Report on What We Heard, Prairie Resilience: A Made-In-Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy – Consultation Summary, April 23, 2018. Government also produced additional discussion papers and engagement summary reports specific to each of the compliance options.
OBPS Engagement
In August 2021, the federal government introduced a new 2023-2030 federal carbon pricing benchmark.
The Ministry of Environment is reviewing Saskatchewan's Output Based Performance Standards (OBPS) program legislated under The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases (Standards and Compliance) Regulations (the Regulations) to ensure the program meets new federal benchmark requirements.
Ensuring provincial autonomy over the provincial OBPS program and bringing the federally imposed carbon tax under provincial control will allow the ministry to minimize regulatory burden, recognize sector-specific capacity for emissions intensity reductions, maintain industry competitiveness and support continued economic growth.
The ministry will be engaging with industry and the federal government on the federal benchmark and potential changes to the provincial OBPS program.
Read the discussion paper
For further information on this initiative, please email prairie.resilience@gov.sk.ca using the subject line OBPS 2023.
Webinar: Federal Benchmark
In August 2021, the federal government introduced a new 2023-2030 federal carbon pricing benchmark.
The Ministry of Environment recognizes that the new benchmark has introduced uncertainty for regulated emitters. In extending the compliance return and compliance obligation deadlines – announced on September 22, 2021, and outlined under Program Deadlines – the ministry will have additional time to engage with industry and the federal government on the new benchmark so that companies have clear expectations and can make informed decisions about how to fulfill their compliance obligations in a predictable regulatory environment.
As part of this effort, the Ministry of Environment hosted a webinar on September 29, 2021, to provide an overview of the new federal benchmark, to assess its implications for Saskatchewan, and to outline the steps that are being undertaken by the ministry to respond to the new benchmark.
View the webinar presentation
Should you require any additional information, please contact the Climate Change Branch via prairie.resilience@gov.sk.ca.
Technology Fund
Offset Program
Performance Credit Program
The Government of Saskatchewan is moving forward in 2021 with additional engagement on three key initiatives related to the Prairie Resilience strategy and Saskatchewan's Growth Plan:
- Emission management for electricity generation
- Development of Saskatchewan offset program
- A strategic plan to explore the development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs)
Emission management for electricity generation
As part of the regulatory framework for emissions management, the Government of Saskatchewan is developing new regulations to manage greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation. The Ministry of Environment has prepared draft Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases (Electricity Standards and Compliance) Regulations. This document lays out the provisions of the new regulations and explains the regulatory approach. Starting in March 2021, the ministry will begin engaging with regulated and affected parties to provide information, answer questions and receive feedback.
For further information on this initiative or engagement opportunity, please email prairie.resilience@gov.sk.ca using the subject line Electricity Regulations.
GHG offsets program
Saskatchewan is developing a provincial greenhouse gas (GHG) offset program to fulfil a commitment made in Prairie Resilience: A Made-in-Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy. Offset credits will serve as a compliance option for regulated emitters subject to The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases (Standards and Compliance) Regulations. Having an offset program also creates incentives for farmers, foresters, ranchers, municipalities and other businesses to sequester carbon and sell GHG offset credits.
The Ministry of Environment is leading engagement on GHG offsets with Saskatchewan stakeholders throughout the year. In March 2021, the ministry will host webinars to provide information on a proposed approach for the program and a protocol development process, and gather stakeholder input. In addition to written submissions, feedback will be compiled and used to support decision-making on the offset program and the process for developing offset protocols.
For further information on this initiative or engagement opportunity, please email prairie.resilience@gov.sk.ca using the subject line GHG Offsets Program.