Direction from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to her new energy minister suggests the United Conservative government hasn't given up on a controversial program that would see taxpayers backstop the cleanup of old oil and gas wells that companies are already legally required to do.
Recent leaks of toxic tailings from northern Alberta oilsands mines have revealed serious flaws in how Canada and Alberta look after the environment, observers say.
Alberta’s government house leader is accusing federal officials of trespassing on private property, but the provincial Justice Department said there’s no evidence of that occurring.
Alberta is preparing to change how it ensures oilsands companies are able to pay for the mammoth job of cleaning up their operations, but critics fear a year of consultations hasn't been enough to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Alberta’s deputy premier says amendments may be needed to clear up confusion over a bill that grants Premier Danielle Smith and her cabinet unfettered power outside the legislature to rewrite laws and direct agencies to resist federal rules.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is rejecting accusations that a bill granting her and her cabinet sweeping powers to rewrite laws while bypassing the legislature is an undemocratic, dangerous power grab.
Premier Jason Kenney says his party was founded on a strong Alberta within Confederation and he won’t sit idly by while one of the candidates vying to replace him pitches a "risky, dangerous, half-baked" and "banana republic" plan for more provincial independence.
"I am of the opinion that the project, as currently proposed, would likely cause unacceptable environmental effects within federal jurisdiction," Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault wrote.
The public inquiry report into what the Alberta government labels troublesome foreign funding of enviro-groups was delivered on Friday, July 30, 2021, – a year late and million dollars over its original budget.
