In a crucial moment for environmental advocacy in Alberta, the Water Not Coal petitioners express concern that a pivotal question regarding coal mining on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains may not appear on the referendum ballot this October. Premier Danielle Smith has indicated that if citizen-led petitions gather sufficient support, the issue would be put to a vote. However, uncertainty looms as the organisers of Water Not Coal, having amassed over 200,000 signatures, fear bureaucratic obstacles could delay their initiative.
The Call for Action Against Coal Mining
The Water Not Coal petition specifically targets the proposed Grassy Mountain project by Northback Holdings and the Blackstone mine by Valory Resources. The campaign is driven by a desire to protect the vital headwaters that supply major river systems, including the Athabasca, Oldman, South Saskatchewan, North Saskatchewan, Peace, and Red Deer rivers. Rancher and country singer Corb Lund, who spearheaded the petition, argues that coal mining threatens not only the ecological balance of the Eastern Slopes but also the water supply for countless Albertans.
Last week, Lund formally submitted the signed petitions to Elections Alberta. The organisation is tasked with verifying the signatures within 21 days. If the required 178,000 signatures are confirmed, it would compel Smith’s government to either consider legislation to ban new coal mining or place the issue on a provincewide ballot.
Delays and Doubts from the Premier
Premier Smith, while discussing the petition on her radio show, suggested that it must go through a committee process before a referendum can be arranged. This could mean that the question will not be included in the upcoming fall ballot, a prospect that has been met with indignation by the campaign’s supporters.
Lund expressed his frustration regarding the Premier’s approach. “Now she’s pretending that, through some technicality, she’s not going to put it on the referendum,” he stated, underscoring Smith’s previous track record of including various issues on ballots. He added, “She knows that she can put whatever she wants on a referendum — because she’s done it 10 times in a row.”
Despite these challenges, Lund remains resolute. “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,” he affirmed, signalling the determination of the Water Not Coal movement.
A History of Controversy Over Coal Policies
The ongoing debate over coal mining in Alberta has been fraught with tension, particularly since the United Conservative Party (UCP) lifted longstanding protections against open-pit coal mining in 2020. This decision prompted widespread public backlash, leading the government to reinstate some protections and halt the sale of exploration leases.
The province’s coal policy remains a contentious issue, reflecting a broader struggle between resource development and environmental conservation. As the situation continues to evolve, the outcome of the Water Not Coal campaign may significantly influence Alberta’s energy landscape.
Why it Matters
The implications of the Water Not Coal petition extend beyond immediate environmental concerns; they represent a broader fight for sustainable practices in Alberta’s energy sector. As communities grapple with the realities of climate change and resource management, the potential referendum on coal mining could serve as a critical turning point. A successful campaign could not only safeguard vital water resources but also signal a shift towards more environmentally conscious governance in Alberta. The stakes are high, and the outcome will resonate across the province for generations to come.