Country music artist Corb Lund has been authorized to initiate the collection of signatures for a petition urging the Alberta government to enact a prohibition on new coal mining activities in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. The official approval was disclosed on Monday by Elections Alberta. Lund, a prominent figure with several Juno and Canadian Country Music Association accolades, resides in southern Alberta and has been a vocal critic of coal mining operations. In his petition application, he cited concerns that mining ventures could pose a threat to the land and water resources in the region.
“I often face criticism for my celebrity status, with suggestions that I should stick to music. However, the water I consume, my animals, and my family all rely on the water from the Oldman River,” Lund stated during a phone interview from Las Vegas, where he was performing. “As a sixth-generation rural Albertan, my aim is simply to preserve clean water.”
Following the completion of administrative tasks, such as appointing a chief financial officer, Lund will officially commence the signature collection process. He has a four-month window to amass signatures amounting to 10% of the votes cast in the most recent general election, which equates to nearly 178,000 signatures. If successful, the legislature will contemplate enacting a law to prohibit coal mining or present the matter for a province-wide referendum.
Lund expressed confidence that the petition would garner support beyond political affiliations, appealing to both urban and rural residents of Alberta. This initiative is part of a series of ongoing petitions urging governmental action on various issues, including political recalls and Alberta’s position within the Confederation.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind his efforts, Lund cited the actions of Premier Danielle Smith and her administration in pursuing coal mining projects. In response to queries, Premier Smith’s office referred to her earlier statements, where she expressed support for citizen-led referenda and emphasized the importance of public engagement in decision-making processes.
The trajectory of Alberta’s coal policy has been tumultuous in recent years, characterized by policy reversals and public backlash. The United Conservative government initially revoked a long-standing coal policy in 2020 to enable increased mining activities in the eastern slopes. Subsequently, due to public outcry, the decision was overturned in the following year. However, the debate resurfaced in 2024 when the government introduced regulations prohibiting new mines in certain areas but exempting advanced projects like Grassy Mountain near Crowsnest Pass.