Ministers set to discuss timing of carbon tax legal challenges during meeting

The provincial government appealed to the Supreme Court and says it has a tentative hearing date set for Dec. 5.

Alberta Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer says his government is trying to play catch-up to Saskatchewan and Ontario when it comes to mounting its own legal challenge.

He says it’s important for the ministers to compare notes about what they’re hearing from their legal teams and he wants the provinces to work together so that the matter is heard by the Supreme Court in a “co-ordinated and thoughtful way.”

Schweitzer says he wants Alberta’s case heard by the Alberta Appeal Court before the country’s highest court rules on the issue, so the Supreme Court has the opportunity to consider the province’s evidence when it makes its decision.

“We’re trying to work out (the) strategy to make sure each province can bring forward its strongest case to the Supreme Court,” he said.

Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey says his government has until August to file a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court after that province’s appeal court upheld the federal carbon tax in a split decision.

“It’s my understanding that (Saskatchewan) may be looking to have some of the cases consolidated so that … the Supreme Court’s hearing more than one at a time,” said Downey.

He said there are pros and cons about presenting the cases together, but wouldn’t comment on his government’s preference or strategy.

“From what I understand Saskatchewan is asking for an extension or for more time.”

— by Stephanie Taylor of The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Ministers set to discuss timing of carbon tax legal challenges during meeting

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