Coal Mining Town Hall Hack Job
Brad Lafortune YOUTUBE
Chelsea Petravic (MLA for Livingstone-Macleod) introduced:
Premier Danielle Smith
Minister Rebecca Schulz (Environment and Protected Areas)
Minister Brian Jean (Energy and Minerals)
Minister RJ Sigurdson (Agriculture and Irrigation)
Minister Brian Jean (Energy and Minerals):
Thank you, Chelsea. It’s fantastic to be here. Alberta is the greatest place to live, work, and play on the planet.
When I became Minister of Energy, part of my mandate was to modernize Alberta’s energy policies to remain globally competitive. In December, we launched the Coal Industry Modernization Initiative to update the outdated 1976 Coal Policy.
Key points:
Water protection is our top priority. If coal mining is allowed, it will only be to the highest standards—among the best in the world.
No open-pit mines or mountaintop removal in the Eastern Slopes. Never.
Why metallurgical coal? It’s essential for steel production, critical for infrastructure, renewable energy (wind turbines, solar panels), and global markets.
Royalties & property rights: We’ll increase royalties for Crown-owned coal and introduce a freehold coal tax, respecting existing property rights.
This isn’t about unlimited development. It’s about balance: protecting the environment while creating jobs and economic opportunity.
Minister Rebecca Schulz (Environment and Protected Areas):
Thank you all for coming. Protecting Alberta’s environment is my top priority.
On selenium and water quality:
Selenium is a contaminant of concern, but Alberta has strict regulations.
Crowsnest Lake selenium levels: 1.6 micrograms per liter—well below Health Canada’s drinking water standard (50 µg/L).
Ongoing monitoring at 100+ sites across the province.
No open-pit mines in the Eastern Slopes. Period. Any project must prove it can prevent selenium leaching before approval.
Minister RJ Sigurdson (Agriculture and Irrigation):
Agriculture is Alberta’s backbone. Water is life, and we’re investing $933 million in irrigation modernization to ensure sustainable water use.
We’re committed to protecting farmland and working with ranchers. This government will not sacrifice agriculture for industry.
Premier Danielle Smith:
We inherited a complex issue with coal leases and lawsuits. Our goal is to:
Settle disputes responsibly.
Modernize policies based on feedback from 30,000 Albertans.
No mountaintop removal. Preference for underground mining where possible.
This isn’t just about coal—it’s about critical minerals (lithium, graphite) and Alberta’s role in a changing economy.
Q&A Highlights:
Q1 (Water Quality):
"How can we trust companies to control selenium when past projects failed?"
Brian Jean: New projects must prove prevention upfront. No permits without guarantees.
Q2 (Land Acknowledgment):
"Why no Indigenous land acknowledgment?"
Premier Smith: Acknowledged Treaty rights in opening. Committed to Indigenous consultation.
Q3 (Economic Impact):
"Why prioritize coal over tourism/agriculture?"
RJ Sigurdson: Agriculture comes first. Coal must coexist without harming water or land.
Q4 (Transparency):
"Why weren’t scientists available to explain the selenium study?"
Rebecca Schulz: Standard practice for department spokespersons to handle media. Data is publicly available.
Q5 (Jobs vs. Environment):
"72% of locals oppose coal mining. Why proceed?"
Premier Smith: Balancing property rights, legal obligations, and economic benefits. Not all projects will proceed.
Closing:
Chelsea Petravic: Thank you to all attendees and panelists. This dialogue is critical. Safe travels home.
(Note: Premier Smith exited quickly after the event, leading to shouts from unanswered questioners.)
Key Takeaways:
The government emphasized no mountaintop removal and strict selenium controls.
Tension between economic promises and environmental concerns dominated the Q&A.
Critics demanded stronger protections for water and agriculture.
