Ottawa’s Denial of Coal Mine Permit to Alberta First Nations Struck Down by Court

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault responds to a question at a news conference in Ottawa on June 14, 2023. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press

The Federal Court has overturned a decision made by the federal government to deny a permit for an open-pit coal mine in the Alberta Rockies.

The Feb. 12 ruling will force Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault to reconsider an application made by two Alberta First Nations after a proper consultation period with the bands.