NDP unimpressed with UCP coal decision

After the Alberta government announced earlier this month they were reversing their decision to rescind the 1976 Coal Development Policy, many Albertans felt a sense of relief.

While the decision was a welcome one, many questioned why it had gotten this far to begin with since protest had been mounting in some quarters in Alberta throughout 2021. The Alberta NDP were among those who questioned why the UCP went ahead with policy changes without consulting Albertans.

Party leader Rachel Notley came out stating “As long as this government is in charge, our mountains and water are at risk and the fight to protect them has only just begun.”

Now, additional NDP MLAs are speaking out on coal development in the province and are asking the UCP to pause all coal exploration and lease activity on Category 2 lands on the eastern slopes.

They also are requesting to cancel all leases granted after the government had rescinded the 1976 coal policy last May.

“Jason Kenney’s claim that his environmental record is somehow ‘historic’ is comical and insults the tens of thousands of Albertans who fought for months to stop the UCP from allowing foreign companies to strip-mine the Rockies with no public consultation,” said NDP Environment and Parks Critic Marlin Schmidt in a media release last week.

The media release also states reinstating the policy is considered by many to be a ‘bait and switch’.

The NDP is worried about the ability for the government to continue exploration in the province without an environmental assessment.

With no cancellation in sight, the NDP states they hope the government listens to Albertans during upcoming the consultation phase which Sonya Savage, Minister of Environment, did say (they) would “vigorous and lengthy” and they “will hear the input of all Albertans.”

“Albertans have been clear. They don’t want any coal-related activity in sensitive parts of the eastern slopes.”

“Until this government actually conducts meaningful consultation, and Albertans have had their say, all coal leases, applications, sampling and exploration for minerals ought to be put on hold,” continued Schmidt.

No firm date on when consultations will begin has been given by the Alberta government.