A growing coalition against coal mining in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes has raised alarms that a pivotal question regarding coal mining may not appear on the upcoming referendum ballot this October. The Water Not Coal campaign, which has gathered over 200,000 signatures, is calling for a ban on new coal projects in these vital watersheds, where many of the province’s rivers originate.
Significant Signatures Collected
The Water Not Coal initiative, spearheaded by Alberta rancher and country musician Corb Lund, specifically targets two controversial projects: Northback Holdings’ Grassy Mountain venture and Valory Resource’s Blackstone mine. The petition highlights concerns that these developments could jeopardise not only the local ecosystem but also the headwaters feeding major river systems including the Athabasca, Oldman, South Saskatchewan, North Saskatchewan, Peace, and Red Deer rivers.
Lund recently submitted the petition to Elections Alberta, which now has a 21-day window to verify the signatures. If the necessary 178,000 signatures are confirmed, Premier Danielle Smith’s government will be compelled to either enact legislation banning new coal mining or place the matter before voters in a provincewide referendum.
Premier’s Response and Potential Roadblocks
During a recent broadcast of her radio programme, “Your Province Your Premier,” Premier Smith stated that the petition would require a committee review before it could be included in a referendum. This development has raised concerns among Water Not Coal supporters, who fear that such a process could delay or derail their efforts.
“Now she’s pretending that, through some technicality, she’s not going to put it on the referendum,” Lund remarked, expressing skepticism about the government’s commitment to addressing the issue despite the substantial public backing for the petition. “She knows that she can put whatever she wants on a referendum — because she’s done it 10 times in a row.”
Lund has previously voiced doubts about the government’s willingness to act on the petition, even if it meets the signature threshold. Nevertheless, he remains determined, asserting, “We fully expect to be on the referendum if our signatures are verified. Not only do we expect to be on the referendum, but we expect our question to be used verbatim.”
The Historical Context of Coal Policy in Alberta
Alberta’s coal policy has been a contentious issue for years. In 2020, the United Conservative Party (UCP) lifted long-standing protections against open-pit coal mining in the Eastern Slopes, subsequently issuing leases for exploration. This decision sparked widespread public outcry, leading to a reversal of the policy and a cessation of lease sales.
The ongoing debate highlights the delicate balance between resource development and environmental stewardship in a province rich in natural resources. As the government navigates the complexities of coal policy, the forthcoming referendum could serve as a critical juncture in determining the future of Alberta’s landscapes and water systems.
Why it Matters
The outcome of the Water Not Coal petition and its potential inclusion in the referendum could have profound implications for Alberta’s environmental landscape and resource management. With the Eastern Slopes serving as a crucial watershed, the stakes are high for both local communities and the broader ecological health of the region. As public awareness and activism grow, the upcoming referendum may ultimately reflect the collective will of Albertans to safeguard their natural heritage against the pressures of industrial development.
