Sask.'s Moe, Alberta's Kenney reaffirm strong opposition to federal carbon tax at Weyburn oil and gas show
The two western premiers met in Sask. for first time on Wednesday
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and his cabinet were in Weyburn Wednesday, meeting with newly elected Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.
The premiers were attending an oil and gas show, where Kenney, whose United Conservative Party was elected last month, promoted Alberta industry.
They appeared to be on the same page when it comes to their opposition of a number of federal initiatives.
Kenney is an ally of Moe in his bid to challenge the constitutionality of the federal carbon tax.
Saskatchewan was unsuccessful in its argument to the province's Court of Appeal, losing a split 3-2 decision last month. An appeal has been filed to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Kenney said he is willing to sit down with the federal government to find common ground on the issue, but warned that the federal government and Environment Minister Catherine McKenna have to be willing to negotiate.
"If Minister McKenna decides she is going to take an all-or-nothing, Ottawa-centric approach and she wants to punish Albertans for heating their homes in the winter, we will see her in court," Kenney said.
Moe concurred, saying he doesn't hold out much hope the federal government will compromise.
"I fully expect that the federal government will not sit down and have a collaborative discussion on how we can actually move forward with respect to the sustainability and competitiveness of our industries here in Western Canada," Moe said.
Kenney said his province is also open to looking at Saskatchewan's carbon capture and storage technology, though he said at the moment the cost is high.
Kenney's visit is the first time an Alberta premier has made the trip to Saskatchewan since the late Jim Prentice did five years ago.
After the Weyburn appearance, Moe and Kenney travelled to Wilcox, where Kenney toured Notre Dame and had another meeting with Moe.
Kenney grew up in Saskatchewan and is an alumnus of Athol Murray College of Notre Dame.
Alberta will host western premiers later this month, while Saskatoon will host all Canadian premiers in July.