P.E.I backs off Saskatchewan's carbon tax court challenge

The Saskatchewan government says it respects Prince Edward Island's choice not to intervene in its Supreme Court of Canada case over the carbon tax after all.

A spokeswoman from the island province says the decision was filed today.

P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said last month his province was joining the court challenge because it wanted to have a chance to speak to the issue if necessary.

He said at the time he didn't want to be perceived as another Progressive Conservative premier joining other provincial conservative leaders fighting the federal government's carbon tax.

A spokesman for Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's office says the island initially intervened in case to reserve the right to participate in the proceedings on either side of the debate.

"We are encouraged by the support of Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, and New Brunswick in our case, and we respect PEI’s decision not to intervene," said Jim Billington in a statement to The Canadian Press.