SCOTT MOE’S $26-BILLION COAL CATASTROPHE COULD COST SASKATCHEWAN $160M IN ADDITIONAL HEALTHCARE COSTS: REPORT

Pembina Analysis Comes As Medical Experts Across Canada Also Warn About Impacts of Backwards Sask. Party Plan
REGINA – Independent analysis from the Pembina Institute estimates that Scott Moe’s catastrophic $26-billion coal plan could cost Saskatchewan over $100 million in additional healthcare costs.

“Scott Moe’s coal catastrophe is going to saddle us with unimaginable costs on so many fronts for generations to come,” said Meara Conway, Shadow Health Minister.

“Our economy can’t afford this mess, our already-overrun healthcare system can’t afford this mess and, frankly, our province can’t afford four more years of a government that would try to ram this catastrophic plan through.”

The Pembina report estimates numerous health impacts from continuing to run coal for decades to come and says the total impact could be $160 million in additional healthcare costs. It also notes that much of the world — and fellow Canadian provinces like Ontario, Manitoba and even Danielle Smith’s Alberta — have moved to phase out coal. If Moe proceeds with this plan, Saskatchewan would be the only province without a coal phaseout plan that complies with federal requirements.

"Every other province is moving forward. Scott Moe is taking Saskatchewan backward," said Aleana Young, Shadow Minister for Jobs, Economy & SaskPower.

Young said the report adds to a growing body of evidence showing the Sask. Party's coal strategy is economically and environmentally irresponsible. Recently, a letter was sent to every member of the Legislative Assembly from leading health organizations across Canada also demanding Moe reverse course on his coal catastrophe.

The plan only became public after SaskPower briefing notes were leaked to Carla Beck’s team. In those materials, the Crown’s own officials identified the risk of the plan as “extreme” in several instances.

“We know this plan is going to double power rates and put the hammer to families, farms and small businesses,” Young said. “We know it’s going to pile unimaginable debt onto our province’s books for generations to come. Now, we’re learning it’s going to have to major impacts on our overstretched healthcare system too.

"Scott Moe needs to scrap this disastrous plan, stop hiding from Saskatchewan people and finally come back with an energy strategy that is affordable, reliable and actually built for the future.

“It’s time for change.”

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