United Conservative government hosts town hall to address Alberta coal mining concerns
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, along with several ministers, will attend a town hall meeting in Fort Macleod over the controversial coal mining project on the eastern slopes of the Rockies. (File)
The United Conservative Party government is hosting a town hall Wednesday to address concerns related to coal mining on the eastern slopes of the Alberta Rockies.
Premier Danielle Smith, the Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean, the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson and the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz are all expected to be in attendance, as well as Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic.
The province has faced fierce opposition over its handling of the issue, and the event is expected to see a large turnout of people who support coal mining and those who do not.
The RCMP confirmed to CTV News that they are aware of the event taking place at the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall.
In May, the Alberta Energy Regulator granted Australian-based company, Northback Holding Corp., permission to start a controversial coal exploration project.
The project was initially rejected in 2021 when a panel ruled the likely environmental effects on fish and water quality outweighed potential economic benefits.
The town hall is being held to engage and address concerns regarding Alberta's coal industry and policies.
The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.
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