Smith says taxpayers must be protected from lawsuits as Alberta lifts coal moratorium
Premier argues lawsuits by foreign coal companies means Alberta has to authorize new coal mines in the Rocky Mountains to spare taxpayers multi-billion dollar cost of Jason Kenney bungle.
By Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press
EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the province had taxpayers in mind when it decided to lift a ban on new coal exploration and development on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Smith cited lawsuits against the province filed by five coal companies arguing they are owed more than $15 billion combined in lost revenues and sunk costs.
"We have to take that seriously, and we have to make sure that the taxpayers are protected," Smith said.
Trying to think of the best word to describe this travesty….so many spring to mind.
So extortion from foreigners now sets our government's policy making? We are in a heap full of crappola. What stops other foreigners from doing this now. Simply threaten to sue and you get your way? This is ghastly.