[The Alberta Environmental Policy Series highlights the many environmental challenges and related government policies in Alberta. SAGE welcomes feedback on these topics.] In 2020, the 1976 Coal Policy was rescinded without public consultation. Significant areas of the Eastern Slopes land were opened to coal leases, initiating a widespread response from concerned landowners, environmentalists, and Indigenous…
In February, Danielle Smith gave us her word: “Whether it’s the independence petition or the coal petition, if they get the requisite number of signatures, our intention would be to put those on the ballot at the same time.” [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/corb-lund-citizen-petition-coal-9.7101200] On Saturday, she mused on her talk radio show that there may not be enough time…
Ecojustice has launched a new legal action against the federal government for “planning to fail” on it’s 2030 climate target. Under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (CNZEAA) the federal government is legally required to: But over the past year, Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government have weakened or repealed key climate measures without presenting credible alternatives to deal with…
At a Coal Town Hall event in Ft. Macleod in the summer of 2025, Danielle Smith challenged country singer Corb Lund to hold a public initiative petition to prove the majority of Albertans are against coal mining of the Eastern Slopes. She promised that a successful petition would be added to the planned referendum. On…
Known as “sipatsimo”, sweetgrass faces pressure from drought in Alberta’s wetlands. Niitsitapi artist and educator Api’soomaahka dedicates his time to restoring native plants using traditional land-based knowledge in Kainai Nation. He teams up with plant biologist Annie Ray to restore this sacred plant using lab equipment and modern botanical science. Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX1_Xj2S7NI…
A SAGE letter sent June 1, 2026 regarding the discussion paper on Getting Major Projects Built in Canada. (https://www.canada.ca/en/one-canadian-economy/services/simplifying-canada-process/engagement-supporting-timely-decision-making/getting-major-projects-built-canada-discussion-paper-proposed-legislative-regulatory-policy-reforms.html) The federal government is asking Canadian to transition to a ‘war economy’ that prioritizes cheap food, water, energy and raw materials in an effort to maintain some notion of economic competitiveness, conflict readiness, and profitability. But…
Lorne Fitch is a Professional Biologist, a retired Fish and Wildlife Biologist and a former Adjunct Professor with the University of Calgary. He is the author of Streams of Consequence, Travels Up the Creek, and Conservation Confidential. Fast food, fast highways, fast project approvals. Everyone is in a rush these days. All introduce greater risk, more danger, and…
Oki, Bonjour, Good morning Rob Miyashiro I am writing to you as a resident of Lethbridge, to inform you that I am among those that are concerned regarding the over-allocation of water in the South Saskatchewan River Basin and the recent amendments by the government of Alberta to the Water Act. The South Saskatchewan River Basin…
Sign at one of these locations in person: www.waternotcoal.ca/sign-the-petition Petition Fatigue Silent, stalwart unarmed forces need your support. The mountains and the hills stand at attention every day. They provide the sanctuary and protection for a miraculous ecosystem. It starts with the understory that receives, stores and distributes the precious water that supports all life.…
Dear Minister Dabrusin and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, The undersigned organizations are writing to express support for a group of concerned Albertans known as “No CO2 Pipelines Alberta”. This community group, located around St. Paul, Alberta, has raised serious concerns regarding the safety, environmental, and long term community risks associated with the proposed…
Alberta Wilderness Association is organizing an adventure on June 6 to the Taber grasslands. It’s an opportunity to see places that are not normally accessible. You can find more information and register at this link