By Canadian Press

Musician Corb Lund says protections against coal mining in the Rockies should be a nonpartisan issue

May 3, 2023 | 11:50 AM

As Albertans begin what could be a bitter and divisive election campaign, one of the province’s most popular musicians wants to remind them of an issue that brought everyone together just a couple years ago.

Corb Lund says protections for Rocky Mountains against coal mining should be a nonpartisan issue in the May 29 vote.

He says the United Conservative Party government’s protections are just policy documents that can be withdrawn at the stroke of a pen.

Lund says coal companies are still interested in Alberta, despite the fact almost all the major mine proposals have been withdrawn or rejected.

Lund was one of the most prominent voices opposing open-pit coal mines on the summits and foothills of the Rockies.

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Opposition to the mines, proposed after the government revoked protections against such development, included farmers, ranchers, small-town mayors, urban environmentalists and country stars.

The UCP have restored the protections, although only as policy, not legislation.

The New Democrats have twice proposed such a bill, only to have it blocked.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2023.

The Canadian Press