Ottawa, Ont. – We applaud Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson for listening to Canadians and taking the bold step of unequivocally recognizing that thermal coal mining has no role in Canada.  The dangerous impacts of coal – on health, on water quality, and on the climate – are clear, and the Minister has rightly chosen to ensure a brighter, safer future.

Thermal coal mining belongs in the past. With this decision, the door is finally shut on Coalspur’s plan to expand their Vista thermal coal mine – already Canada’s largest thermal coal mine.

Canada has already committed to phase out coal-powered electricity, and as it does so, production from existing mines is expected to wind down. However, to fully power past coal, the final step is for Canada to end its practice of exporting Canadian and US thermal coal around the world.

About ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE CANADA: Environmental Defence Canada is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

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For more information, or to request an interview, please contact:

Barbara Hayes, Environmental Defence, bhayes@environmentaldefence.ca