The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has once again authorized the destruction of Critical Habitat for threatened bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout. This time, the authorization allows for more than 60 crossings to be built in the Upper Oldman, including a crossing just one kilometre downstream from the Upper Oldman Falls. This is vital spawning habitat for bull trout, as has been documented by the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council Native Trout Recovery Project and ourselves. Allowing this to proceed poses an unacceptable — and unjustifiable — risk to both Critical Habitat and Species at Risk.

We are therefore calling on DFO and Minister Joanne Thompson to exercise their authority and REVOKE the permit granting permission for this destruction. Send your own letter demanding the Upper Oldman, bull trout, and westslope cutthroat trout be protected.

Whether it’s the coal dust, soil erosion, water pollution, closed access to public lands, or the particulate matter entering our air, soil and water, Albertans across the political spectrum agree: Coal makes for a bad neighbour.  It also makes for a bad investment — the economics simply don’t add up.  The Government of Alberta MUST develop a coal policy that protects Albertans and our future. The proposed Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI) is being developed without consideration of Alberta’s values. It has only consulted coal mine industry insiders and has ignored public consultation. Over the past five years, Albertans have been loud and clear that they oppose ANY new coal exploration or mining in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and Eastern Slopes, yet the government continues to push its coal agenda forward. Send a letter now asking for a coal policy that reflects the will of Albertans and prevents any new destructive coal mining.