'Absolutely devastating': Estevan mayor on Ottawa’s plan to phase out coal

The federal government’s announcement on Monday to phase out the use of coal-powered electricity by 2030 came as a shock to the mayor of Estevan.

Mayor Roy Ludwig said there was a lack of consultation, something he called “very disappointing.”

“I would like to think that you would have proper communication and dialogue with the stakeholders,” he said. “The province, SPC (Saskatchewan Power Corporation), the mine owners, the employees. We’ve had, as far as I know, none of that.”

Estevan is home to the Boundary Dam carbon capture project, which uses a type of technology the Trudeau government said must be adopted

But Ludwig said the phasing out of coal could have drastic consequences for the Estevan-area.

“Between SPC, the mine and all the spinoff jobs, it would be well, well over a thousand jobs in our community,” he said. “It would be absolutely devastating.”

Ludwig said he isn’t sure what the future holds for carbon capture and storage technology, but in light of the government’s announcement on Monday, more information is needed.

“(It’s) pretty bold to come out with a statement then leave it hanging like that … when you’re talking about people’s lives, when you’re talking about people’s jobs.”

Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna said the new goal is to make sure 90 per cent of Canada’s electricity comes from sustainable sources.

The announcement quickly drew the ire of Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.