A group of NDP MLAs has wrapped up a two-day tour of the West Country, visiting scenic sites and meeting with concerned residents about coal mining and education.

Calgary-Glenmore MLA Nagwan Al-Guneid, Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi and Edmonton-Rutherford MLA Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse toured locations including Fish Lake and Crescent Falls. But Al-Guneid says the visit wasn’t just for sightseeing.

“We do not support coal mining in the eastern slopes,” she said. “We are concerned about the UCP government’s so-called modernization of coal mining in Alberta — there is nothing modern about coal mining in the majestic Rocky Mountains.”

The group also visited proposed coal development sites in Clearwater County, including Ram Aries and Valory Blackstone, and spoke with residents who expressed concerns about impacts to drinking water, health and the tourism economy.

Calgary-Glenmore MLA Nagwan Al-Guneid speaking to her opposition to expanded coal mining in the Rocky Mountains.

 

In 2024, the Alberta government announced the Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI), which allows for expanded coal development if done responsibly.

“Alberta deserves a modern coal policy that balances responsible resource development with strong environmental protections,” said Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean. “Our job now is to develop a policy that respects the natural spaces in the foothills and protects water while allowing for responsible coal development that can attract investment and create jobs.”

CIMI includes guidelines aimed at protecting Alberta’s waters from contaminants such as selenium.

Still, the NDP remains skeptical.

“I’m looking forward to bringing these stories and concerns back to the legislature and continuing to push for policies that protect our communities, our environment and our waters for future generations,” Al-Guneid said.

She adds, another announcement regarding coal policy is expected before the end of 2025.

Education crisis in Rocky Mountain House

During their tour, the group also met with parents, teachers and a school principal in Rocky Mountain House on Oct. 16 to hear how an ongoing strike is affecting families.

Al-Guneid says families shared stories of students missing school, along with growing issues of food insecurity and mental health struggles due to the lack of school-based support.

In a statement, the group says while families are doing their best to cope, public spaces like libraries are overcrowded and can’t meet the growing demand.

Premier Danielle Smith, Finance Minister Nate Horner and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said Friday they were disappointed after the Alberta Teachers’ Association rejected an offer to enter enhanced mediation and end the strike.

In a joint statement issued Oct. 17, the ministers said mediation would have allowed students to return to class by Oct. 20 while talks continued.

Now entering its third week, the strike has kept more than 740,000 K–12 students out of school since Oct. 6.

ATA president Jason Schilling said the government’s offer was biased, claiming it failed to address class size — a core issue for teachers.

He adds, Alberta classrooms are overcrowded and underfunded, and the ATA “won’t accept a process that avoids the real issues.”

The government says it remains committed to hiring more teachers, improving pay and providing more classroom supports — but warns it may explore further options if the union refuses to negotiate.