As many are aware, Alberta has always been a best-in-class province. We have captured that western pioneer spirit, with a gritty make it happen attitude. I am very proud to also recognize that we as Albertans have a deep connection with the land, as well as the places that are quite frankly sacred to many of us, that literally move and rejuvenate the soul.
It is with that backdrop, that we view our economic re-launch. I strongly believe in responsible development, as we diversify our economy, and help facilitate the growth of key segments in our economy.
Recently there has been great interest in mining metallurgical coal assets, coupled with the review of legislation or regulations in regards to how or where potential areas could have proponents “Stake Their Claim” similarly to how the oil and gas sectors has operated for decades.
Staking a claim, reserving, specific tracts of land, by no means give the right to mine those areas. That is a fulsome process, where the applicants need to meet very stringent provincial, and dependent on the size of the proposed mine, federal scrutiny as well.
Minister Savage and Minister Nixon recently provided statements, and clarifications on this process, as well as the regions which have most recently been of public interest.
Alberta continues to have strong environmental protections and a robust regulatory system. The claim that Alberta has removed environmental protections and a regulatory review is false.
The decision by Alberta Energy to rescind the 1976 Coal Policy does not allow coal companies to bypass Alberta’s strict environmental rules. Stronger regulation, policy and legislation have long since replaced the protections offered by that policy.
We are listening to the concerns that are being raised regarding coal development in Alberta’s eastern slopes and as a result, our government has paused all future coal leases sales in former Category 2 lands in addition to cancelling all coal leases from the December 2020 lease sale.
This pause will provide our government with the opportunity to ensure that the interests of Albertans, as owners of mineral resources, are protected.
Coal leases do not allow any type of exploration, development or production without a strict science-based regulatory review and modern environmental protections include the Environmental Enhancement Act, the Eastern Slopes Policy, Integrated Resource Plans, regional plans and sub-regional plans.
I hope this brings some clarity and we look forward to your continued participation in the discussions and consultation to come.
All the best,
MLA Shane Getson (UCP)
Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland Constituency, Alberta
For any further questions on the constituency of Lac Ste Anne Parkland feel free to connect to your MLA Shane Getson by calling the phone number 780-967-0760.
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MLA Shane Getson (UCP)
Shane Getson was elected as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland on April 16, 2019.
Engagement
I currently serve as Deputy Chair on the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and as a Member of the Standing Committees on Resource Stewardship.
Check often my Engagement page to discover my Focus Projects for 2021, among which I want to introduce you to the importance of Utility Corridors. I have the firm belief that the usage of these corridors will contribute immensely to Alberta's future so, for more details please contact me at your convenience.