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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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 19, 2023
News Release: Four Big Oil Companies Used 200 Billion Litres of Alberta’s Freshwater Last Year
According to a new report published by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), oilsands companies used…
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• News Release
• Oil Sands
• Rivers
December 18, 2023
AER Reform or Revolution?
By Phillip Meintzer The Alberta Energy Regulator “is a joke, a complete joke,” according to…
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• Energy
• Groundwater
• McClelland Lake
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
• Wildwater
• WLA Archive
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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• Boreal Forest
• McClelland Lake
• McClelland Lake
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
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…
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• Climate Change
• Oil and Gas
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…
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• Coal
• Kakwa
• Little Smoky
• Native Coldwater Fish
• Rivers
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…
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• Coal
• Headwaters
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Native Coldwater Fish
• Rivers
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…
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• Climate Change
• Coal
• Grizzly Bears
• Kakwa
• Little Smoky
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…
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• McClelland Lake
• News Release
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
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…
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• McClelland Lake
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands
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)…
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• Coal
• Kakwa
• Little Smoky
• Native Coldwater Fish
• Wildwater
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…
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• Grasslands
• Protected Areas
• Wind Power
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…
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• McClelland Lake
• News Release
• Oil Sands
• Wetlands