March 19, 2025
AWA Statement on the Government of Alberta’s Draft Mature Asset Strategy
March 19, 2025 Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) strongly condemns the Government of Alberta’s plan to…
AWA believes that energy exploration and development must be regulated in a manner that is consistent with the maintenance of wilderness values.
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AWA’s mandate throughout its four decades has been the protection of intact, representative ecosystems across Alberta. In areas where economic development is integrated within a working landscape, AWA supports robust management, regulation, and enforcement strategies.
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We believe in a fundamental need for wilderness that is free of industrial incursion; a network of legislated protected areas is currently the only framework under which this can be ensured. Outside of such areas, exploration and development must be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. Full-field life-cycle planning must be required for all new developments including phase-out, remediation, and reclamation. Adequate reclamation liability must be assessed on a per-project basis that accounts for all remediation and reclamation costs, and does not leave Albertans vulnerable to major financial risks.
AWA believes Alberta’s wilderness and natural capital are non-renewable resources of immeasurable value, and must be considered as such and given priority in land-use planning. An overarching land-use plan is desperately needed in Alberta to set targets for all sectors, determine thresholds and establish priorities for land use throughout the province. Conservation areas must be designated with legal protection.
When considering land disturbance impacts, the cumulative footprint of all past, present and planned developments upon the landscape must be considered. Energy development does not take place in isolation: it occurs on a landscape also impacted by forestry, residential and recreational developments. The combined footprint of all of these activities must be considered in planning decisions.
Collectively, we know that the economic value of the ecosystem services performed by natural ecosystems for humankind far exceeds that of industrial development.
AWA has been involved with Shell Canada as they work to restore landscapes once active with drilling and extraction; Waterton 12 is one such site (shown above). (N. Douglas)
Seen in the photo are AWA and Shell Canada employees discussing the process and early results of reclamation efforts at this site that has reached its full life-cycle. (C. Olson)
March 10, 2025
The Oilsands and Biodiversity
What’s the point of monitoring if the results are withheld, and industry gets to continue…
March 10, 2025
AER Decision Letter Re: CNUL Jackpine Mine Renewal Application Joint Statement of Concern
On Monday, March 10, 2025, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) notified Ecojustice, Alberta Wilderness Association,…
March 3, 2025
The AER rejects Summit Coal’s requests for their Mine 14 Public Hearing
On February 25, 2025, Summit’s legal representatives sent a letter to the AER requesting a…
February 25, 2025
Joint Letter to NDP Leader and MLAs Re: Public inquiry into the Alberta Energy Regulator
The attached letter (link below) was submitted on February 25, 2025, to the leader of…
February 14, 2025
Joint Statement: Appointing an oil executive as new CEO of the Alberta Energy Regulator shatters any hope for a fair and effective oversight of the industry
Joint statement by Keepers of the Water, Environmental Defence and Alberta Wilderness Association on the…
February 11, 2025
AWA granted full participation rights in the Summit Mine 14 Public Hearing
AWA has long fought to represent the environment in government and regulatory processes. A massive…
February 11, 2025
Joint Letter to ECCC Requesting Federal Impact Assessment for Pathways Alliance CCUS Project
On Feb. 11, 2025, Environmental Defence, Alberta Wilderness Association, and 36 other organizations, submitted a…
February 5, 2025
REPORT: Oil Sands Companies Endorse Elevated Cancer Risk for Indigenous Communities
By Phillip Meintzer New evidence from an Alberta government report shows that four Canadian oil…
January 27, 2025
Insights on Coal Development from 5 Retired Fish and Wildlife Biologists
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January 24, 2025
Joint Letter: New Research Reveals Dereliction of Duty by the Alberta Energy Regulator
The attached letter (link below) was submitted on January 24, 2025, to Minister Schulz, Minister…
January 23, 2025
Joint Statement: The charges against Imperial Oil are necessary but do not substitute for reform of the provincial energy regulator
Joint Statement by Indigenous and environmental groups on the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) laying nine…