Your statement was correct until Jan of this year when the GOA reinstated the policy.
The policy is the crux of the issue! In 2015, the NDP Government confirmed that open pit mining was allowed on Cat 2 land. Following that, three mining companies suing the government applied for leases and exploration during the NDP government. By granting leases, promises were made by the NDP, and promises were made by successive UCP governments.
The UCP did not ever need to rescind the Coal Development Policy given the NDP's stated position in 2015 confirming that Category 2 land did not preclude open pit mining.
The irony is that the public want the same transparency as the mining companies.
Maybe she can discuss how the NDP first allowed mining on Cat 2 land in 2015.
"How Did we Get Here?
Effective June 1, 2020, the Government of Alberta rescinded its 1976 A Coal Development Policy for Alberta (Coal Policy)." Environmental Law Centre
Your statement was correct until Jan of this year when the GOA reinstated the policy.
The policy is the crux of the issue! In 2015, the NDP Government confirmed that open pit mining was allowed on Cat 2 land. Following that, three mining companies suing the government applied for leases and exploration during the NDP government. By granting leases, promises were made by the NDP, and promises were made by successive UCP governments.
The UCP did not ever need to rescind the Coal Development Policy given the NDP's stated position in 2015 confirming that Category 2 land did not preclude open pit mining.
It's a bizarre turn of events.
Get the popcorn out!!