Review Panel Mandate

Reference Number
445
Text

My grandparents moved to the Crowsnest Pass to find work in the early 1900’s and I was born and raised there. I know the area well, visit there frequently and did see the original Grassy Mountain mine in operation in the late 50’s. The area was prosperous over the first 100+ years and the economy was supported by logging, coal mining and natural gas. Jobs were plentiful and pay was good. Slowly, these industries closed, and today few or none are currently operating in the area. Families in The Pass now have few good job opportunities and businesses struggle to stay afloat. Young people must leave the Pass for opportunities elsewhere. There are coal mining jobs across the border in BC, but the long commute makes for a long work day.

In spite on the many years of resource development in the Pass, the environment has not suffered even though there was very little or no regulation in the early days.

People in the Pass overwhelmingly support the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project, as it brings hope for job and business opportunities. I am confident that the development can proceed with minimal impact to the environment and provide opportunities for the people of the Pass.

The mandate for the review panel is to “consider potential environmental, health, social and economic impacts of proposed projects, including benefits. Potential impacts on Aboriginal treaty rights are also assessed and consulted on. The Agency or review panel uses the information to develop an impact assessment report.”

In reviewing the project, I would urge the panel to give greater weighting to the views of the people of the Pass and those that grew up there who understand the benefits of the project and know the area well. I urge the panel to give lesser weighting to comments by people that do not live there, pontificate about their obligation to protect the environment and who have well-paying jobs in communities not affected by the proposed mine. They are not directly impacted by the project and do not rely on the Crowsnest Pass for the livelihood of their families.

Submitted by
Tom Yanota
Phase
N/A
Public Notice
N/A
Attachment(s)
N/A
Date Submitted
2020-07-27 - 6:18 PM
Date modified: