Media

Representing tens of thousands of members and supporters across the province, Alberta’s conservation community is today calling for strict limits on off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on public lands, and a ban on OHVs in parks and protected areas across Alberta’s Eastern Slopes. Read more about Conservation Community Calls for Swift Action to Protect Alberta’s Headwaters

EDMONTON – In its third annual review of government action to conserve Canada's boreal woodland caribou, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) finds there has been spotted progress – with too few jurisdictions showing significant leadership in protecting the species that long graced our 25-cent piece.  

Under the federal Species-at-Risk Act, all provinces and territories are required to have plans in place to recover their boreal caribou populations by 2017, based on the 2012 Final Recovery Strategy for Boreal Woodland Caribou.

“In Alberta, we give credit to the government for deferring the sale of oil and gas leases in caribou habitat over the last six months, however, we are deeply concerned that the situation for boreal caribou has not improved over the last year,” says Alison Ronson, Executive Director of CPAWS Northern Alberta. Read more about Canada’s Boreal Woodland Caribou Still At Risk

Read more about Alberta Conservation Groups Celebrate the Critical Habitat Order Issued for Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Alberta Populations

CALGARY — Chris Severson-Baker, Alberta Director at the Pembina Institute, adds his comments to the growing support for Alberta’s coal phase-out plan.

“The decision to phase out coal by 2030 makes it clear the government of Alberta is intent on improving Albertans' air quality and tackling one of our highest-emitting fuel sources. Given the international attention on coal as an unnecessary source of pollution, the government of Alberta's decision to phase out coal stands it in good stead to bring a better message and approach to Paris.

“The province's approach will mean significant savings for our health care system. Coal plants are a major source of air contaminants, including mercury, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter. This pollution contributes to over 4,000 asthma episodes, over 700 emergency visits for respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and around 80 hospital admissions, with chronic exposures resulting in nearly 100 premature deaths every year in Alberta. The cost to the health care system is close to $300-million dollars annually.

 “Alberta is now a leader in the transition away from coal and can proudly stake its territory among the world’s most proactive jurisdictions.”