Yet, Premier Kenney seems determined to try and upend any environmental progress in the province. He has pushed back against any climate action, going all the way to the Supreme Court to challenge federal carbon pricing law. Just last week, his government was in court defending its witch-hunt, poorly disguised as a “public inquiry”, into environmental groups who dare challenge the fossil fuel industry.
The Alberta government has effectively adopted a policy of pitting Albertans against the rest of Canada. Not only does this foster disharmony at a time when all governments need to work together to tackle the massive environmental challenges that this country faces, but it also puts the health and security of Albertans at risk by attacking important environmental laws and protections.
Which brings us back to the Impact Assessment Act (IAA).
Ecojustice lawyers, thousands of Canadians from all backgrounds, and the federal government worked together to shape the IAA into a law that balances industry, environment, and Indigenous interests. It is a good law that works to protect all Canadians, and that is why Ecojustice will be in court to protect it from a political attack.
The legislation sets out the factors that determine whether a project’s effects on areas of federal jurisdiction such as fish, oceans, and migratory birds, are in the public interest. The law mandates consideration of Indigenous rights, climate commitments, sustainability, cumulative impacts and mitigation.
Perhaps most importantly, the IAA brings important issues to light early in the planning phase, which can help head off headaches and further litigation in the future. The law provides for greater transparency – no more decision-making behind closed doors for reasons that are not disclosed to the public.
Greater clarity and transparency about the future of major projects and infrastructure should be welcomed in Alberta. The Kenney government learned a hard lesson when the Biden administration cancelled the Keystone XL pipeline in its first days in office after the province had already invested at least $1.5 billion into the project.