Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Rosemarie Falk is weighing in as the federal Conservatives Wednesday, secured a motion in the House of Commons to amend Section 24 of the Saskatchewan Act.
The move clears the way for the repeal of that section of the Saskatchewan Act retroactively to August 29th, 1966.
The matter is tied to Canadian Pacific Rail suing the government of Saskatchewan to get back $341 million in taxes paid. They cite a clause from an 1880 contract between Canada and their predecessor company.
The Saskatchewan government is reported as saying the repeal supports the province’s autonomy and place in Confederation as an equal partner. At the end of November, the Saskatchewan Legislature unanimously passed a similar bill to do what it called, provide “certainty regarding Canadian Pacific Rail’s taxation requirements.”
Falk in a statement says she looks forward to supporting efforts to ensure the amendment commitments are carried out expeditiously by the Federal Liberal government.
“This constitutional change will achieve tax fairness for Saskatchewan on this matter and the success of our motion commits the Government of Canada to it.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant sees how this move will level the playing field.
“This change will ensure that all Saskatchewan taxpayers, both citizens and businesses alike, continue to be fairly treated and bear responsibility for provincial taxes which support our provincial infrastructure and economy.”
With the motion passing in the House of Commons, it will now move to the Senate.