The Citizen Initiative Petition on No New Coal Mining in the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains is approved.

The full petition statement is:

“The Government of Alberta shall prohibit through legislation all coal exploration and mining activities within the Eastern Slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains, other than mines that are in actual production as of January 1, 2026. For clarity, this prohibition includes Northback Holdings' Grassy Mountain Project and Valory Resources' Blackstone Project as well as any projects to expand any producing mines.”

A federal and provincial (Alberta Environment Regulator) conducted an Environmental Assessment in 2021 and jointly rejected the development of the mine.

In 2024, The United Conservative Party announced the Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI). 

Investigative reporter Brett McKay presents a history of lobbying by the coal industry to overturn previous moratorium on this development here.

McCauley resident Joe Simons explained why he signed. “I am worried that renewed coal operations on the eastern slopes will reduce the water volume, and almost certainly affect water quality downstream clear to Manitoba. This short-sighted play for a few dozen jobs will negatively affect irrigated farms, wetlands, fish and wildlife, and municipal water for a million people for generations.” 

Earth's Refillery Coop (10831 95th Street) has offered table space for signature collection every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m., and every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., until June 7th.

The petition period runs until June 10th, 2026

This petition is being conducted in accordance with new Alberta Citizen Initiative Regulation which lowered the number of signatures needed to 177,000. Canvassers are expected to check your ID to confirm you are eligible to sign as an elector (Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age, and ordinary a resident of Alberta). However, there does not seem to be a mechanism for people without a permanent address (the unhoused) to participate in this Citizen’s Initiative.  I have reached out to the Alberta Government for clarification.

For more information: www.waternotcoal.ca.

Gail Silvius is happily retired and living in McCauley. 

Disclosure: The article’s author and Simons are volunteering on this campaign.