'It’s a terrible idea': UCP coal mining proposal targeted by Alberta country singers
Alberta county star Corb Lund is not backing down on his fight against coal mining in Alberta’s eastern slopes - as he enlisted some help in a new protest video.
Lund re-released his 12-year-old tune “This Is My Prairie” on Tuesday and some of the words have been tweaked to target a proposal for more Rocky Mountain mining.
“I can't blame the miners or the guys drivin’ truck. For feedin’ their families and makin’ a buck. But take a close look at the stock that you own. Cuz this is my prairie, this is my home,” the lyrics go.
Brett Kissel, Terri Clark, Sherryl Sewepagaham, Paul Brandt, Armond Duck Chief, Katie Rox and Brandi Sidoryk (Nice Horse) all appear in the song as well.
Lund said the tune was originally about a rancher trying to preserve the countryside.
The new version captures the fight Albertans launched against mining development in the mountains, he said.
“It's just a terrible idea because all we’re getting out of it is a handful of jobs. And if you weigh those against the agricultural impacts and the tourism impacts, and most of all the impact on our water, it’s a terrible idea,” he argued.
Lund started speaking out about the issue in January when he said he was “kind of pissed off,” about the plan and what he argued was a lack of consultation in building it.
At the time, the UCP government argued metallurgical coal exporting would create jobs for Albertans and the mines would be highly regulated.
But in April, after a public backlash, Energy Minister Sonya Savage said projects on certain lands would “be halted immediately.”
Alberta’s government is currently waiting to hear recommendations from a panel that's been canvassing Albertans to see how, or if, they want that type of development.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.