All posts by News Release

Environment, Industry

Friends of Cortes Island: Re the proposed Cortes Island Quarry Expansion

To: Ministry of Mining and Critical Infrastructure

Re: Cortes Island Quarry, Mine File 1610613

Friends of Cortes Island wishes to formally object to the proposed expansion of Cortes Island Quarry by the applicant 2385425 Alberta Ltd (operating locally under the business name of Island United).

We are deeply concerned that the proposal will cause significant harm to nearby sensitive ecosystems, namely riparian and wetland habitat and fish-bearing creeks. It will also result in the direct loss of a sizeable area of associated forest habitat.

In addition, we are very concerned that the application has been submitted without a comprehensive environmental impact assessment or any meaningful mitigation measures. As such, we respectfully ask the Ministry to reject the proposal in its current form. Please see our comments and recommendations below.

Continue reading Friends of Cortes Island: Re the proposed Cortes Island Quarry Expansion →
Politics

Alberta Premier’s address to the province

Press release from the Government of Alberta

My fellow Albertans

Tonight I wish to speak with you about the debate we are having in this province on the future of Alberta and Canada.

Last week, an Alberta judge released a decision finding that the citizen initiative petition organized by the group “Stay Free Alberta” on the issue of Alberta separation, is unconstitutional because, in the judge’s view, there was not adequate consultation done with a First Nation’s band about the potential effect of the petition on their treaty rights. This ruling fundamentally misinterprets the nature of the duty to consult, which was never meant to prevent citizens from making their voices heard through a democratic process.

Now, I want to be clear. I support Alberta remaining in Canada. That is how I would vote on separation in a provincial referendum. It is also the position of my government and caucus.

Continue reading Alberta Premier’s address to the province →
Energy, Politics

Lopsided MOU undermines yesterday’s clean electricity strategy

Press release from Clean Energy Canada

TORONTO — Rachel Doran, executive director at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to the Implementation Agreement for the Canada-Alberta MOU:

“The long-awaited agreement between the federal government and Alberta was promised to strengthen Canada’s competitiveness and the effectiveness of key climate policies—but is, in reality, a step backward. This is true not only when it comes to reducing climate-change-causing emissions from big industry, but also on the aspiration laid out yesterday to double Canada’s electricity grid as the economic backbone of our future.

“Indeed, the federal government’s goal of a net-zero grid by 2050 may be fundamentally at odds with the details in this MOU. Alberta, once the Canadian capital of renewable investment, has not made any concrete commitments to unleash its once-booming free market. It has, conversely, secured a commitment that natural gas generation will be expanded and is likewise not dropping its legal challenge against Canada’s Clean Electricity Regulations. Furthermore, the federal government’s suggestion that the regulations will be ‘in abeyance’ until after all court cases have been finalized—a process that may take years—will create significant investment uncertainty. 

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Politics

Area C Director’s Report: recycle depot opening, Strathcona Gardens Service advocacy + MORE

From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Hello,
The buzz of bees in blooms has been welcome and the buzz around the community is increasing as spring days warm and lengthen. This report shares news about Quadra’s recycle depot (it’s opening May 30!), ongoing advocacy re: Strathcona Gardens assent vote, and Board support for investigating a First Responder Service for the Outer Discovery Islands.

Continue reading Area C Director’s Report: recycle depot opening, Strathcona Gardens Service advocacy + MORE →
Industry

Area B Director’s Report: Cortes Quarry expansion?

By Regional Director Mark Vonesch

As many of you are aware, 2385425 Alberta Ltd. (Island United) has applied to increase the size of the tenure of their quarry on Cortes Island from 1.25ha to 5.16ha.

Applications have been submitted to the Ministry of Forests and the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals to increase the footprint, approve washing as a permitted activity, introduce a concrete plant, and increase the annual extraction rate to a maximum of 39,999 tonnes per year (up from approximately 5,000 tonnes per year).

These applications impact public land and our community and there is now opportunity for us, the public, to provide input into the decision.

Continue reading Area B Director’s Report: Cortes Quarry expansion? →