Conservative motion to amend Saskatchewan Act passed in Congress

Another step has been taken to modify Saskatchewan Act.

A conservative proposal to repeal Section 24 of the act passed in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

The Act is currently waived Canadian Pacific Railroad from some Saskatchewan taxes due to capital investments its predecessor made in 1880 to complete the coastal railway.

CP Rail is currently suing the province for $341 million over the provision, saying it wants a refund of taxes paid since 2002 and claiming that future taxes will not be payable.

The Government of Saskatchewan said the waiver ended in 1966 when CP’s chairman canceled the deal in exchange for regulatory changes.

“This change will ensure that all taxpayers in Saskatchewan, both citizens and businesses, continue to be treated fairly and accountable for the provincial taxes that support infrastructure and the economy. of our province,” Gordon Wyant, Attorney General and Attorney General, said Wednesday. .

The Government of Saskatchewan launched a petition in November 2021 to change the Constitution of Canada regarding the Saskatchewan Act.

It received bipartisan support in the Saskatchewan legislature and was passed unanimously.

Members of the Saskatchewan caucus in Congress said the passage of the petition in the House of Commons meant the province’s voice could no longer be ignored.

“Conservatives have said from the outset that we will always respect the jurisdiction of our provinces and their respective right to amend the constitution,” said a joint statement from Saskatoon-Grasswood Congressman Kevin Waugh and Congressman Warren Steinley of Regina-Lewvan.

“This is the second time the Conservatives have asked the Liberal government to scrap a longstanding agreement imposed by the former federal government to give CP Rail a permanent tax exemption in Saskatchewan.”

The debate moves to the Senate where it can be formally declared by the Governor-General.

If it is passed, it would repeal Section 24 of the Saskatchewan Act from August 29, 1966 or earlier.

– with files from Ryan Kessler

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Saskatchewan government unanimously supports Constitutional amendment move amid CP $341 million lawsuit