Oblivious to the ominous implications of the Kyoto protocol, the Saskatchewan government was, until recently, very quiet on Kyoto implementation.

Not anymore. In a suspiciously sudden change in tone, the Saskatchewan government is now sending a very strongly-worded message to Ottawa: "If it hurts Saskatchewan, we're not supporting Kyoto."

An 18-page report released by the Saskatchewan government sets out 19 points it will use to evaluate the Kyoto implementation plan, if and when Ottawa shows their hand. These guidelines raise the bar so high that Ottawa could never satisfy the requirements. The first point demands that "Stakeholders and residents should have an opportunity for full and informed input into the development of the plan and ratification decision." Sorry, too late. Chretien has already signaled his intention to ratify the Protocol by the end of the year.

Another guideline states that "the plan should not place an unfair burden on any jurisdiction or sector." This point is moot. By its very nature, the Kyoto Protocol will effect the energy industry more than any other sector. Where was this government five years ago when Kyoto was negotiated

Despite it's conciliatory title, Making it Work: A Saskatchewan Perspective on Climate Change Policy marks a dramatic shift in the province's Kyoto policy. Why the sudden change in attitude It may be that the province is finally listening to the multitude of businesses and advocacy groups opposed to Kyoto. There are also strong indications that public opinion is turning against the protocol.

The CTF has already received thousands of signed petitions from across Canada calling for a referendum on the issue. Studies conducted in Alberta indicate that the more people know about Kyoto, the more they dislike it. A CTF supporter survey conducted during the summer shows that 48 per cent of Saskatchewan members oppose Kyoto, with a whopping 32 per cent undecided. In Alberta, where knowledge of the protocol is more extensive, a strong 70 per cent of respondents indicated their opposition to Kyoto, with only 18 per cent undecided.

If the Alberta hypothesis that people oppose Kyoto when they find out how much it will hurt holds up, the percentage of anti-Kyoto Saskatchewanites is likely to approach Alberta numbers. Perhaps Making it work is a sign that Premier Calvert is making some sense.

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan is forging ahead with a government-subsidized ethanol industry. The province announced that it is "investing" as much as $60 million to build three ethanol plants in rural Saskatchewan. MLAs cheerfully point out that increased consumption of ethanol-blended gasoline will help Saskatchewan meet Kyoto targets. Yeah, Right. Saskatchewan's ethanol scheme is nothing more than corporate welfare under the guise of environmental altruism.

Despite the soft sell, the Making it work creates a set of guidelines that are impossible for Ottawa to meet. While it's unlikely that the province has really seen the light with regard to Kyoto, at least there are indications that their eyes are open. We'll take what we can get-for now.