CANADALAND Alberta's Green Energy Plan to Dig up the Rockies for Coal
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Jun 20, 2025 Cole Bennett, an independent journalist from Edmonton, dives into the controversial decision to rescind a long-standing coal mining moratorium in Alberta, revealing public anger and environmental concerns. He discusses the troubling implications for democracy across Canada, emphasizing issues of transparency in governance. The conversation touches on Ontario's Greenbelt debacle, government manipulation of public information, and the erosion of local power through 'strong mayor' policies, raising crucial questions about trust in political leadership.
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Alberta's Coal Policy Reversal
- Alberta's 1976 coal policy was rescinded in 2020, reopening protected Rocky Mountain lands for mining, which sparked public backlash.
- Coal mining led to legal risks and lawsuits allegedly costing the province billions, driving policy reversal under Danielle Smith.
Coal's Role in Clean Energy
- Metallurgical coal is essential for steel production used in wind turbines and solar panels.
- Despite environmental harm, coal remains crucial for building a clean energy economy.
Government Transparency Eroded by Code Words
- Governments use code words to obscure sensitive documents, making FOI requests ineffective.
- This practice raises concerns about transparency and accountability in both Alberta and Ontario governments.