Canadians can either pay now or pay later for the looming costs of climate change -- but pay they will, said Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.

Thursday's court ruling prompted Alberta Premier Rachel Notley to announce that her province is withdrawing from the national climate change plan and will stay out until the federal government gets its act together, as she put it.

Proponents of the Liberal plan to phase-out coal-fired power say it's a boon for public health and the environment. Critics say it will be a financial burden for provinces and taxpayers. Here’s what you need to know.