Hi everyone!
It has been a few weeks since the last update has been sent out. During this time, several groups have been voicing their concern and their opposition to the planned open-pit mine projects just like we have. Their views can be found here:
https://www.cochranetoday.ca/local-news/stoney-nakoda-concerned-about-coal-mines-2676698
https://okotoksonline.com/local/livingstone-landowners-battle-against-mine
https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/opinion/alberta-cant-endure-the-loss-of-valuable-parks/
In other news, our e-mails and petition are having an impact! As detailed in the Stoney Nakoda article, the federal government initially neglected to make a federal assessment. However, due to "...concerns expressed in letters and other public concerns", Jonathan Wilkinson (Minister of the Environment) was "... helped (in) his recent decision." This is good news, as a federal assessment will ensure it is not just the provincial government who gets to choose whether natural areas are destroyed in Alberta or not. If we influence the federal government to reject the permits, we can end these projects before they even begin.
As well, be watchful of the Australian coal companies. Recently they have been attempting to obtain support from Albertans by giving us “gifts”! They want us to trade our beautiful areas for renovated golf courses and money! We need to stay faithful to our values and prevent ourselves from falling into the trap set by these destructive and dirty companies; our nature is worth so much more than a simple golf course and cash. They do not care about Alberta at all, but only see it as an area to rip up for their economic gain. A link to the article showing their under-handedness and lack of respect for our love of natural areas can be found here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/gina-rinehart-hancock-prospecting-grassy-mountain-1.5685824
As such, if you want to continue helping the movement to keep our Alberta free from new open-pit mines, please send e-mails to Minister Wilkinson and to your Alberta MLA (if you live in Alberta) to indicate your opposition to the mines. If you are stuck, refer back to the previous updates and click on the google docs for ideas on what to say. As well, please continue sharing, as the more signatures we get, the better. If we all work together, we will keep Alberta beautiful and free from new scars for many years to come.
Until next time,
-Concerned Citizens of Alberta's Administrator