The Saskatchewan NDP have raised concerns over a recent decision in Alberta to scrap protections against coal mining in the Rocky Mountains. 

The Critic for the Environment, Erika Ritchie, wrote to Environment Minister Warren Kaeding and Water Security Agency Minister Fred Bradshaw, urging them to put pressure on Alberta to reverse its course.  

“People in Saskatchewan are very concerned that opening the door to open-pit coal mining in the Rockies is opening the door to serious contamination of the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers,” said Ritchie. “By repealing protections against coal mining that have been in place since 1976, the UCP government in Alberta is running the risk of polluting the major sources of Saskatchewan’s agricultural and drinking water supplies.” 

Ritchie also pointed out that while the Saskatchewan government isn’t responsible for the decisions of Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, they do have the responsibility to stand up for the province and to put pressure on the Alberta government to restore the policies to protect the water sources. 

Last year, the Alberta government repealed regulations that protected portions of the Rocky Mountains and the eastern slopes from metallurgical coal mining. The move has been denounced across the country.