Risky coal mines
Alberta leads the country in cattle production, and it’s important to hear the concerns of ranchers regarding the proposed new coal mines at Grassy Mountain, Tent Mountain and elsewhere in southern Alberta.
On Tuesday (Nov. 5) I was glad to be one of 10 or more Calgarians visiting a Nanton community hall where third generation rancher John Smith was joined by country singer Corb Lund, a former member of Peter Lougheed’s government, a toxicologist, and a member of the UCP-appointed Coal Policy Committee, who all spoke loud and clear before some 400 local townspeople, farmers and ranchers about the risks this mining would present for our land, water, communities and our agricultural industry.
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The Grassy Mountain project was turned down in 2021 by a joint federal-provincial review panel. Why did Energy Minister Brian Jean resurrect this proposal on behalf of the Australian billionaire Gina Reinhart?
Gerald Brewin was born in 1929, and was a rancher in the Taber area. He said, “with rare exception, cattle ranchers have been the best guardians of the land entrusted to them. May we continue to be conscientious caretakers of this precious resource and hand it on to another generation unspoiled.”
This time, however, ranchers are not fighting only against drought, hail and poachers, but also against a billionaire with expensive lawyers and the backing of a provincial cabinet minister.
The M.D. of Ranchlands, as well as local ranchers, are fighting this on the legal front, but they should not stand alone. Who else in Alberta has their back?
From what I saw in Nanton with the Chinook Watershed Crew and the Pekisko Group as our hosts, the number of allies is growing. I’m a lifelong Albertan, and I’m proud to stand on the side of these steadfast rural neighbours.
Roger L. Gagne
Calgary, Alta.
