Federal Government Fails Communities, Endangered Species, and Climate Commitments by Green lighting Coal spur’s Vista Coal Mine Expansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 11th, 2024

EDSON/HINTON IN TREATY 8 TERRITORY – Keepers of the Water condemns the federal government’s decision to allow Coal spur’s Vista Coal Mine expansion to proceed without a Federal Impact Assessment, marking a devastating setback for Canada’s climate and biodiversity commitments.

On Friday, December 6, 2024, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada chose not to designate the expansion of the Vista Coal Mine for a Federal Impact Assessment. This decision permits the project, which is poised to double production at Canada’s largest thermal coal mine, to advance unchecked.

The Vista Coal Mine expansion is set to destroy critical habitats, impact water quality, threaten Indigenous rights, and exacerbate climate change. Most critically, the expansion will devastate the fragile ecosystems of endangered species such as the Athabasca Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout, whose habitats will be irreparably damaged by open-pit mining operations in the Athabasca drainage basin.

A Failure to Protect Canada’s Future

“The Federal Government is on the wrong side of history with the decision to not require a Federal Impact Assessment,” said Jesse Cardinal, Executive Director of Keepers of the Water.“This will have negative impacts for future generations. Canada will be known as allowing the biggest thermal coal mine in Canadian history to be built at a time when countries are committing to phasing out thermal coal and at a time of climate crisis. The land and water is silent as it grieves. The children of Mountain Cree who go to the stream to get water will not be safe from the harm of the mine. A sad day indeed.”

The expansion undermines Canada’s international commitments to phase out thermal coal and address the climate crisis. By prioritizing industry profits over community well-being and environmental stewardship, the federal government has failed its duty to protect future generations and the ecosystems they depend on.

Additional Statements

• Fraser Thomson, Climate Director at Ecojustice:
  “We asked the government to honour its commitments to Canadians and safeguard our environment and the health of frontline communities from the dangers of coal. Instead, Canada is doubling down on exporting one of the world’s dirtiest fossil fuels. By refusing to designate the Vista Coal Mine for an impact assessment, the federal government has removed critical guardrails on thermal coal development.”

• Art Jackson, President, West Athabasca Watershed Bioregional Society:
  “Having had to evacuate our homes during the devastating Jasper wildfires this summer, the mine expansions will put further stress on our communities, who are finding themselves in the crosshairs of wildfires and other climate disasters more and more frequently. Minister Guilbeault chose to put the continuous expansion of this toxic, dangerous fuel source above our health, our life-giving waters, land, and air, our wildlife, and our futures.”

Call to Action

Keepers of the Water calls on the federal government to reverse its decision and require a Federal Impact Assessment for the Vista Coal Mine expansion. Without immediate action, Canada’s reputation as a climate leader and its promise to uphold Indigenous rights will be tarnished by this betrayal of public trust and environmental responsibility.

About Keepers of the Water

Keepers of the Water unites First Nations, Métis, Inuit, environmental groups, concerned citizens, and communities in the fight to protect water, air, land, and all living beings within the Arctic Ocean Drainage Basin. We advocate for a sustainable, balanced, and just future that safeguards clean, fresh water for all.

For more information, contact:

Jesse Cardinal 780-520-7108

Executive Director Ed@keepersofthewater.ca