December 18, 2023
Building a Relationship with the People of McClelland
By Phillip Meintzer Note from the author: In early September 2023, AWA staff spent three…
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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.
- Introduction
- Archive
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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)
December 12, 2023
Canada and Alberta at the Controversial COP28
Canada’s federal government recently made a handful of overdue, yet welcome announcements which should hopefully…
November 28, 2023
CST Canada Coal Limited response to AWA statement of concern
On November 16, 2023, AWA received a letter from CST Canada Coal Limited in response…
November 28, 2023
Northback Holdings Corp. response to AWA statement of concern
On November 9, 2023, AWA received a letter from the legal counsel of Northback Holdings…
November 28, 2023
Summit Coal Inc. response to AWA statement of concern
On October 5th, the legal counsel for Summit Coal Inc. sent a letter addressing all…
November 24, 2023
News Release: Alberta Energy Regulator fails Albertans by Ignoring Evidence; Won’t Reconsider its Approval of Suncor’s Flawed Operational Plan for McClelland Wetlands
Suncor has permission to expand mining at their Fort Hills oil sands mine into the…
November 23, 2023
AER Decision Letter Regarding the Reconsideration Process for its Approval of Suncor’s Operational Plan for McClelland
Regarding the Reconsideration Process for the AER’s approval of Suncor’s McClelland Lake Wetland Complex Operational…
November 21, 2023
AWA’s Statement of Concern regarding CST Canada Coal Limited’s mine expansion application
On October 10, 2023, CST Canada Coal Limited submitted an application (#1948872) requesting life-of-mine (LOM)…
November 21, 2023
AWA written submission for AUC renewables inquiry
In response to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) inquiry into the ongoing economic, orderly and…
November 1, 2023
News Release: Indigenous Elder Speaks Out for First Time Against Suncor’s Planned Fort Hills Expansion into McClelland Wetlands
Elder Barb Faichney of Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) says Suncor hasn’t meaningfully addressed the…
October 18, 2023
Opportunity to give input in AUC inquiry
Until November 22, the AUC are accepting comments for Module A of their inquiry into…
October 16, 2023
News Release: Suncor oil sands mine expansion will add 60 square kilometers of new tailings in its lifetime, the same size as Manhattan
October 16, 2023 Edmonton, AB/Calgary, AB – New analysis reveals that Suncor’s Fort Hills oil…
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