By Canadian Press

Provincial Politics

NDP wants provincial government to end coal mine uncertainty

Oct 21, 2022 | 2:25 PM

Alberta’s Opposition New Democrats want the provincial government to end any uncertainty about the future of the province’s Rocky Mountains by legislating that no new coal mines will be permitted there.

Energy critic Kathleen Ganley says Premier Danielle Smith’s recent suggestion that she might reopen discussions on a mine already denied federal and provincial permits just roils the waters on an idea Albertans have already said they don’t support.

Smith reportedly told people in Crowsnest Pass, an area of southwestern Alberta, she would consider supporting the Grassy Mountain mine if enough local people showed they were behind it, perhaps through a local referendum.

But Ganley says Albertans have already been surveyed on coal mining in the Rockies and have responded decisively they don’t want it.

She says suggesting things could be different just adds uncertainty for both local people and businesses considering investing in Alberta.

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Ganley says Smith’s musings show the current ministerial order protecting Alberta’s summits and foothills isn’t enough and that legislation is needed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2022.

The Canadian Press