• Reference cases seek clarification of federal and provincial jurisdiction 

• CTF to argue on behalf of taxpayers’ interests                                                                                      

OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) will seek standing as an intervener in two upcoming court references launched by the governments of British Columbia and Saskatchewan, respectively.

In Saskatchewan, the provincial government is asking the courts to decide whether the federal government can impose a carbon tax. In B.C., the provincial government is asking the courts if they have the power to regulate oil shipments, which could effectively lead to blocking interprovincial pipelines.

“It is critical that the interests of everyday Canadian taxpayers be represented in these proceedings,” said CTF Federal Director Aaron Wudrick. “Accordingly, the CTF will be seeking intervener status in order to fight against the federal carbon tax and in favour of getting pipelines built.”

Wudrick noted that clarifying the appropriate spheres of federal and provincial jurisdiction will serve to enhance political accountability, by allowing Canadians to hold the proper level of government accountable for their policy choices.

The CTF will be filing intervener applications over the coming weeks.