A judge is ordering the Alberta government to produce a massive trove of documents concerning its efforts to encourage coal mining in the province's Rocky Mountains. A section of the eastern slopes south west of Longview, Alta., Wednesday, June 16, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS
In Edmonton, a judge has ordered the Alberta government to release a large volume of documents regarding its push for coal mining in the Rocky Mountains, following a four-year legal battle. Justice Kent Teskey dismissed the government's attempt to block the documents' release, emphasizing the importance of transparency in decision-making processes.
The case stems from efforts by a group of southern Alberta ranchers to understand the government's decision to overturn a long-standing policy prohibiting open-pit coal mining in the region. Despite repeated requests for information, the government delayed responses and provided only a fraction of the requested documents, citing exemptions under freedom of information laws.
Justice Teskey's ruling criticized the government's handling of the matter, particularly its reliance on cabinet confidentiality loopholes and inconsistent representation of the number of documents involved. He stressed the fundamental right of citizens to access government records and highlighted the need for timely disclosure to uphold democratic principles.
Laura Laing, one of the ranchers involved in the case, expressed determination to continue the fight for transparency despite facing heavily redacted documents. She emphasized the importance of understanding the decision-making process behind the controversial coal mining policy.
The opposition and environmental activists have criticized the government's lack of transparency and called for full disclosure of all relevant documents. The ruling comes amid ongoing concerns about coal mining in the Rockies and recent developments regarding exploration license applications by an Australian company.
The case also reflects broader issues with government transparency in Alberta, highlighted by a review launched by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner into various government departments' compliance with access to information laws.
Despite the ruling, the Alberta government has not provided immediate comment on the matter.
