A coalition of concerned citizens, spearheaded by the Water Not Coal petition, is voicing apprehension that a pivotal question regarding coal mining in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes may not appear on the ballot for this October’s referendum. The petition, championed by country singer and rancher Corb Lund, has garnered over 200,000 signatures, calling for a halt to new coal mining operations in this ecologically sensitive region, which is a crucial source of water for much of Alberta.
A Call to Action
The Water Not Coal initiative has emerged as a significant grassroots campaign aimed at preserving Alberta’s water resources from the potential threat posed by coal mining. The petition specifically targets two proposed projects: Grassy Mountain, developed by Northback Holdings, and Valory Resource’s Blackstone mine. Both projects are situated in the foothills and mountains that serve as headwaters for major river systems, including the Athabasca, Oldman, and South Saskatchewan.
Lund, who delivered the petition to Elections Alberta last week, argues that coal mining in the Eastern Slopes endangers the delicate ecosystems that sustain these vital waterways. “The health of our rivers is at stake,” he emphasised, highlighting the interconnectedness of the region’s ecology and the necessity for preserving its integrity.
Political Challenges Ahead
Premier Danielle Smith has stated that if a sufficient number of signatures were collected through citizen-led petitions, the question would be eligible for a referendum. However, recent remarks from Smith indicate that the petition will need to navigate a committee process before it can be considered for the ballot. This development has sparked frustration among the campaign’s organisers.
“Now she’s pretending that, through some technicality, she’s not going to put it on the referendum,” Lund expressed. “She knows that she can put whatever she wants on a referendum — because she’s done it 10 times in a row.” The sentiment reflects a lack of trust in the current government’s willingness to act on the petition, despite the overwhelming public support it has received.
The Road to Validation
Elections Alberta has a three-week window to validate the signatures submitted by the Water Not Coal campaign. If the required 178,000 signatures are confirmed, Premier Smith’s government will be compelled to either enact a law banning new coal mining or present the matter to voters in a provincewide referendum. Lund remains hopeful, insisting, “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.”
Alberta Justice has confirmed that the validation process will conclude no later than July 1, and officials are awaiting the results of the petition’s verification process.
A History of Controversy
Alberta’s coal policy has been under scrutiny for several years. In 2020, the United Conservative Party (UCP) made controversial changes to remove longstanding restrictions that had safeguarded the Eastern Slopes from open-pit coal mining, leading to a swift backlash from the public. In light of widespread protests, the UCP reinstated protections and ceased issuing exploration leases.
This ongoing conflict underscores the delicate balance between resource development and environmental stewardship in Alberta, where the push for economic growth often clashes with the need to protect natural landscapes and water sources.
Why it Matters
The outcome of the Water Not Coal petition could have profound implications for Alberta’s environmental landscape and water resources. As the province grapples with its coal policy, the voices of citizens advocating for sustainable practices may ultimately shape the future of Alberta’s natural heritage. The decisions made in the coming months will not only impact the local ecology but also set a precedent for how resource management is approached in the face of public concern. The stakes are high, and the call for action is resonating across the province.
