UCP is the ruling political party in the Canadian province of Alberta

The UCP, or the United Conservative Party, is the ruling political party in the Canadian province of Alberta. The situation described involves a conflict between the UCP's decisions regarding coal mining and the concerns of the Alberta public regarding environmental protection.

The UCP has faced criticism for allowing foreign coal companies to pursue new mining projects in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly the Rocky Mountains. These projects have raised concerns about the potential impact on water resources, land, and local ecosystems. In response to public outcry, the government has sometimes offered the option for citizens to collect signatures to demand a referendum or plebiscite, which would allow them to vote on whether these projects should proceed. This process is seen by some as a way for the government to appear responsive while still pushing through with their agenda, as the onus is placed on the public to organize and mobilize opposition rather than the government engaging in comprehensive consultation.

The reference to Peter Lougheed's 1973 coal policy is significant. Lougheed, a former Progressive Conservative premier of Alberta, implemented the policy to protect the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains from open-pit coal mining due to environmental concerns. The UCP's revocation of this policy under the leadership of Premier Jason Kenney has led to the current controversy, as it has opened up these previously protected lands to new mining proposals.

The video by Trevor Scott Howell on Twitter highlights the tension between the government's support for economic development through coal mining and the desire of many Albertans to preserve their natural heritage and environmental integrity. This is an ongoing issue in Alberta's political landscape, with implications for land use, natural resource management, and the balance between industry and conservation.

David Shepard
Watch video;
https://youtu.be/QMaW9zJb4uc?si=Mi99vgNjmY0Oca8E