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CBC
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First Nation seeks court ruling on Alberta ending coal mining moratorium
An Alberta First Nation is asking a judge to review the provincial government's decision earlier this year to end its moratorium on coal mining. In an application for judicial review filed this week, Siksika Nation says Alberta failed in its duty to consult when in January it lifted its moratorium on new coal mining projects on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Siksika Nation, 95 kilometres east of Calgary, says the effects of coal mining in the Rockies threaten treaty rights and the land that supports its livelihood. It's the second time Siksika Nation has challenged a United Conservative Party government's coal mining decisions. When Alberta lifted its long-standing coal policy in 2020, Siksika challenged the move in court, but proceedings were discontinued the following year when public outrage spurred the province to reinstate the policy. That policy flip-flop prompted coal companies to sue Alberta for a combined $16 billion, arguing that the reinstatement and effective moratorium amounted to expropriation of land. The province recently reached settlements with two companies involved in the lawsuit for undisclosed amounts.
CBC
21 minutes ago
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Ottawa announces funding for 5 Alberta carbon capture projects
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson has announced $21.5 million in federal funding for five Alberta projects that aim to lower the cost of capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions. The projects are being funded under the Energy Innovation Program, which put out a call for carbon capture, utilization and storage technology proposals. Bow Valley Carbon Cochrane Ltd., a partnership between Inter Pipeline Ltd. and Entropy Inc., is to receive $10 million to add equipment to a gas extraction plant northwest of Calgary that aims to capture emissions equivalent to taking more than 12,000 cars off the road a year. Enbridge Inc. is to get $4 million and Enhance Energy Inc. is to receive $5 million for separate storage hubs in Central Alberta. The remainder of the funds are going toward a project looking to improve analysis technologies and another to test small-scale carbon capture from diesel engines. The announcement comes as uncertainty continues to cloud a $16.5-billion carbon capture project proposed by the Pathways Alliance, a consortium that includes six major oilsands producers. The companies have not made a final investment decision on the project, which would be one of the largest in the world if built, and federal and provincial support remains a question mark. Pathways would capture carbon dioxide emissions from more than 20 oilsands facilities in northern Alberta and transport them 400 kilometres away by pipeline to a terminal in the Cold Lake area in eastern Alberta, where they would be stored in an underground hub to prevent them from entering the atmosphere. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has pitched a "grand bargain" where that emissions-cutting project would go ahead in tandem with a new crude oil pipeline to the West Coast, which no company has thus far proposed to build. Ottawa is weighing which projects deemed in the national interest will be subject to a sped-up regulatory review under newly passed federal legislation.
CTV News
24 minutes ago
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Northern Ont. First Nation rallies against fast-tracked development bills
Chief Louis Kwissiwa of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg among other protestors during a four-day rally against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections. June 30, 2025. (Supplied/Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg) Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation) wrapped up a four-day protest against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections, culminating in a Day of Unity and Peaceful Action on July 4. First Nation Rally against Bills 5/C-5 Chief Louis Kwissiwa of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg among dozens of protesters, including representatives from neighbouring First Nations, regional Chiefs and political allies, like the Anishinabek Nation, gather for a photo during a four-day rally against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections. June 30, 2025. (Supplied/Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg) The demonstrations, held near Highway 17 – a vital transportation corridor in northern Ontario – drew dozens of protesters, including representatives from neighbouring First Nations, regional chiefs and political allies like the Anishinabek Nation. The site, adjacent to active mining, forestry and energy projects, was chosen to emphasize the community's role as a development partner while rejecting policies they say exclude Indigenous voices. 'This protest was never about disruption for the sake of headlines,' said Chief Louis Kwissiwa of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, in a news release Friday. 'We came here out of duty to protect our children's future. Let me be clear: we directly oppose Bill 5 and Bill C-5, and the way these laws have been developed and imposed without proper consultation.' Chief Louis Kwissiwa of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Chief Louis Kwissiwa of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg among other protestors during a four-day rally against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections. June 30, 2025. (Supplied/Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg) Kwissiwa criticized the legislation for sidestepping treaty rights and democratic processes, calling it a threat to Indigenous sovereignty and environmental security. 'This is not just about policy – it is about respect, fairness and the survival of our lands, cultures and communities,' he said. Police acknowledge peaceful demonstration The Ontario Provincial Police commended Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg for their cooperation in maintaining a lawful and safe event. In a social media post Thursday, police expressed gratitude to the community for their 'patience, strength and steadfast commitment to community safety,' adding, 'Your leadership and collaboration were deeply valued.' Protest organizers also acknowledged the OPP's respectful presence, noting officers ensured safety while upholding the right to peaceful assembly. Broader Indigenous opposition The protest reflects mounting frustration among First Nations over Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, which allows federal fast-tracking of major industrial projects, and Ontario's Bill 5, which empowers the province to exempt 'special economic zones' from provincial laws. Both bills have faced accusations of ignoring Indigenous consultation requirements. In June, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak condemned Bill C-5's lack of 'free, prior and informed consent' provisions, calling it a violation of Indigenous rights. Prime Minister Mark Carney has since agreed to a national gathering with First Nations leaders next month. Youth leaders have also held rallies in Toronto, Ottawa and across northern Ontario amplifying concerns. 'If the land is sick, we're going to be sick as well,' said Hanna Sewell, a nurse from Batchewana First Nation, at a protest last month. Symbolism and solidarity The Pic Mobert protest included speeches from Neskantaga First Nation delegates, who warned of ecological risks posed by industrial development in the Ring of Fire, a mineral-rich region overlapping critical peatlands known as 'The Breathing Lands.' Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg emphasized that their opposition is not to development itself but to exclusionary processes. First Nation Rally against Bills 5/C-5 Dozens of protesters, including representatives from Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg/Pic Mobert First Nation, neighbouring First Nation communities, regional Chiefs and political allies held a four-day protest against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections. July 3, 2025. 'Development must proceed with respect, equity and genuine participation,' First Nation leaders wrote. A pledge to continue the fight Chief Kwissiwa framed the protest as the beginning of a sustained movement. 'We will always stand up and fight back,' he said. 'This is our responsibility to future generations.' First Nation Rally against Bills 5/C-5 Dozens of protesters, including representatives from Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg/Pic Mobert First Nation, neighbouring First Nation communities, regional Chiefs and political allies held a four-day protest against federal and provincial legislation they say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental protections. July 3, 2025. The AFN is planning a July 10 virtual forum and a September general assembly to oppose the bills. 'This was only the beginning,' the news release said. With files from journalist Lydia Chubak and The Canadian Press
