UCP reverse course on coal mining

Where to begin? In 1976, we all know that the PC government under Peter Lougheed implemented an effective and restrictive Coal Policy to ensure that our Eastern Slopes, the Rocky Mountains and, Albertans would be protected from the devastating effects of coal mining. That policy was well received in 1976 and, it has been supported for a half century. Before it’s time, that policy has been at the forefront in the fight against the destruction of our environment. And yet, as we also all know, the UCP government, under the leadership of Jason Kenney determined that a perfectly honest and effective policy be revoked so that he could invite foreign coal mining interests into the province to begin the process of coal mining. 

All of this, despite a Calgary Think HQ Public Affairs Institute poll that clearly indicated to him that Albertans were not in favour of opening up the slopes or the mountains to coal mining. That might have been the end of this debacle but for the suspicion that Kenney had already made some sort of agreement, or guarantee, to Aussie coal miners ensuring them that they would have access to coal reserves in Alberta. Wisely, or so many thought, Sonja Savage, Energy Minister of the day, in February 2021 announced the full restoration of the 1976 Coal Policy. Further that, “An important part of being a responsible government is to admit when you’ve made a mistake, and to fix it…” Of course, we all know that the press conference that she held to make this announcement was designed, not only to cover a serious political blunder but, was also fraught with double-speak or, a very obvious, ominous caveat. That suspicious caveat, “that a modern coal policy was being developed” should have surprised no one. 

Revisiting the coal policy has proven to be fraught with misdirection and caveats. What has become more egregious than the numerous flip flops and mixed messages provided to Albertans by various Ministers who have assumed this portfolio, is the fact that the UCP is working toward implementing a “New Modern Coal Policy”. Not one to protect the Eastern Slopes and Albertans but, to try to convince us that coal mining is a done deal and in our best interests and, to keep the UCP from looking too inept and embarrassed. This “New Policy” of course, again as we all know, is nothing more than window dressing as the UCP continuously disregards the wishes of the electorate. They continue to behave in a willfully ignorant manner, following down a path that will cause great harm to Albertans. I need not outline those facts or concerns to any of you, they are very well documented. From the time that the UCP opened 1.4 million hectares on the Eastern Slopes to coal exploration, to attempting to isolate Grassy Mountain as an advanced coal project, to the most recent announcement that now, the entire Eastern Slopes are again open to coal mining, this government has monumentally mismanaged this entire portfolio. 

Peter Lougheed’s vision was honest, forthright, and effective. I urge you to invoke the spirit and wisdom that he practiced, say no to coal mining on the Eastern Slopes, and restore confidence in Albertans that the UCP government can be relied upon and trusted. 

Daniel Windle, Lethbridge

One response to “UCP reverse course on coal mining”

1. Fedup Conservative says:

   January 31, 2025 at 11:48 AM

   Great comments Daniel. I hope you put it in the Lethbridge Herald.

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