Statement by Julia Levin, Associate Director, National Climate
Ottawa | Traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People – We are disappointed with Minister Guilbeault’s decision to not assess the impacts of a massive thermal coal mine expansion in Alberta.
Coalspur’s Vista thermal coal mine expansion has twice been designated for assessment by former Environment Minister Wilkinson. The mine owner, Coalspur, fought those decisions in court. Coalspur wants to turn Vista into one of the largest coal mines ever to exist in Canada – with zero federal oversight. Rather than ensure this massive project was properly assessed, Minister Guilbeault instead failed to take responsibility, and instead left the decision with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.
This means that the Vista thermal coal mine will move forward with a massive expansion of its operations – with no assessment of the impacts on the environment, local communities or species at risk. An assessment would have given decision-makers and the public a chance to better understand how this project would impact the climate, environment, and Indigenous rights before the government had to make a final decision on whether or not it could go ahead.
This move represents massive backtracking on Canada’s efforts to move beyond thermal coal – the dirtiest fossil fuel. Canada prides itself on having launched the global Powering Past Coal initiative, introduced rules to stop burning thermal coal and committed to banning the export of thermal coal by 2023. The decision to allow Vista – already the largest thermal coal mine in Canada – to potentially double its production is out of step with Canada’s actions to date to curb thermal coal use and take climate action.
Thermal coal is devastating to human health, the environment and the climate. It has no place in the 21st century.
For more information:
- In July 2020, former Environment Minister Wilkinson designated the expansion project for federal impact assessment. However, that decision was challenged by the company, Coalspur, and Ermineskin Cree Nation. In September 2021, Minister Wilkinson re-designated the project. Coalspur once again challenged the decision. On June 20, 2024, the amended Impact Assessment Act was passed, allowing for re-designation of the expansion project. Last week’s move reversed the 2021 redesignation decision.
- Ecojustice’s background information on the project
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Alex Ross, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
