Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project

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Attachment Letter from WLFN

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation
  • Reference number: 96
  • Submitted: 2021-10-04
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • #480085v1 October 4, 2021 Director General, Crown Consultations Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, Government of Canada VIA EMAIL: Ian.Ketcheson@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Re: Reconsideration Process On August 3, 2021, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the “IAA”) notified Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation #128 (WLFN) of a process to reconsider designation requests for the proposed Coalspur Mines (Operations) Ltd. - Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects under the Impact Assessment Act (the “Reconsideration”). WLFN sent correspondence to the IAA on August 16, 2021, setting out our concerns in relation to the Reconsideration. In a subsequent phone call we arranged a meeting on August 31, 2021, but I did not receive the meeting invitation. WLFN’s legal counsel attended the meeting with the IAA but the discussion focused on capacity funding and other matters. WLFN submitted an application to the Indigenous Capacity Support Program Funding on September 29, 2021, a portion of which communicated a summary of WLFN’s concerns with the overall impacts of resource development in the Eastern Slope (Rocky Mountains) on our traditional economy and land uses. WLFN is optimistic that the study envisioned in the funding proposal will enable the Nation and Canada to work together in partnership to better understand the potential impacts of coal mines and other resource development in the Rockies on WLFN’s Treaty rights. For clarity, it is important to note that in the correspondence from WLFN to the IAA (August 16), WLFN clearly communicated that the scope of consultation must include WLFN’s IBA with Coalspur and referenced Justice Brown’s decision in ...
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Attachment Reconsideration Process

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Ermineskin Cree Nation
  • Reference number: 98
  • Submitted: 2021-09-24
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • #478067v1 September 24, 2021 Director General, Crown Consultations Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, Government of Canada VIA EMAIL: Ian.Ketcheson@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Re: Reconsideration Process On August 3, 2021, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the “IAA”) initiated a process to reconsider designation requests for the proposed Coalspur Mines (Operations) Ltd. - Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects under the Impact Assessment Act (the “Reconsideration”). ECN and IAA representatives met on August 6 and 11 and September 1 and 8 regarding the Reconsideration. Those discussions focused on ECN’s Treaty hunting and fishing and other land uses in the Eastern Slopes and related concerns. ECN is confident that the IAA understands its concerns related to Treaty hunting and fishing rights and traditional land uses and has no additional information to provide the agency in the context of a potential designation of these activities under subsection 9(1) of the Impact Assessment Act regarding those rights and land uses. However, for accuracy and fairness, it is important to note that in the meetings and in correspondence from ECN to the IAA (August 14), ECN clearly communicated that the scope of consultation must include ECN’s IBA with Coalspur and referenced Justice Brown’s decision in support (see para. 9 of Ermineskin v. Canada (2021 FC 758)). In response, Canada has been clear that consultation about the Reconsideration will not address the IBA or directly related matters. ECN’s position is that a review of the Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine or Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects by the Alberta Energy Regulator is sufficient and ...
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Attachment Louis Bull Tribe - Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects - Proposed Project Notification

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Louis Bull Tribe
  • Reference number: 102
  • Submitted: 2021-08-23
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • Consultation & Land August 23, 2021 Allison Lefebvre Impact Assessment Agency Prairie and Northern Region Suite 1145 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton Ab T5J 4C3 Email: iaac.pnr-rpn.aeic@iaacaeic.gc.ca Re: Reconsideration of Designation Requests for the Proposed Coalspur Mines (Operations) Ltd. (“Coalspur”) - Vista Test Underground Mine (“VTUM”) and Vista Mine Phase II (“Phase II”) Expansion under the Impact Assessment Act Dear Ms. Lefebvre: This is in response to the Agency’s letter of August 3, 2021 to Louis Bull Tribe (“LBT”) regarding the reconsideration of the request under section 9(1) of the Impact Assessment Act to designate the proposed expansions to Coalspur’s Vista Mine. LBT remains of the view that both the VTUM and Phase II should be designated under the Impact Assessment Act. LBT continues to rely on the information in our May, 2020 and July, 2020 letters to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change in relation to our previous designation request for the VTUM and Phase II. Our concerns outlined in these previous submissions remain and we rely on those for this reconsideration as well as the additional information in this letter. Additional Information LBT provides the following additional information in support of the designation of Phase II and the VTUM: • Since our original designation request, we have learned more about the VTUM. The estimate of less than 3 hectares as reported in your August 3, 2021 letter and the Agency’s Analysis report dated September, 2020 is no longer accurate. Based on recent information LBT received from Coalspur, the VTUM will result in 7 hectares of additional surface disturbance. This has the potential to ...
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Attachment Additional Comments From DMFNA on Vista Coal mine Phase II

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Descendants of Michel First Nation Association
  • Reference number: 99
  • Submitted: 2021-08-19
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • Additional Comments From DMFNA on Vista Coal mine Phase II August 19th, 2021 Dear Minister Wilkinson, I am writing today to remind you of the spirit and intent of the treaty. As you are aware, The Vista Coal mine is located near Hinton Ab, on Crown land and the Traditional Territory of my Ancestral ties to the land. The Spirit and Intent of Treaty to Indian Land, Water and Resources “The establishment of reserved Indian Land under treaty is clear: reserve land is land that was reserved by First Nations as sovereign territory and where their sovereign jurisdiction remain in force. It is Important to recognize the fact that reserves were not granted to the Indian Nations under the treaty and the land was retained by them for their exclusive use and benefit.” “Anything not specifically negotiated by the First Nations by the Articles of Treaty remain under Indian Jurisdiction including renewable and non-renewable resources.” - Sol Sanderson The Descendants of Michel First Nation Association was not consulted on phase I by the IAAC and as such, our treaty rights were breached. In honouring the Treaty partnership, we have every right to make decisions and assert our rights to a living and partake in the economic benefit of this project. I am well aware of the political issues of the day and that we are all trying to create a cleaner environment. I have visited the Coal mine and I saw first hand how the technology used is cutting edge and done in a very responsible manner. There is also the fact there is a demand for coal in Alberta and it makes no sense for Alberta to be buying the coal from Montana, USA. Vista Coal mine is stimulating the Local economy as well as Indigenous ...
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Attachment Federal Authority Advice Record: Reconsideration for designation

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Transport Canada (TC)
  • Reference number: 105
  • Submitted: 2021-08-13
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • ATTACHMENT: Federal Authority Advice Record: Reconsideration for designation Response due by August 13, 2021 Proposed Vista Coal Mine expansion physical activities Department/Agency Transport Canada Lead Contact Holly Poklitar Full Address 344 Edmonton St. Winnipeg, MB Email Holly.poklitar@tc.gc.ca Telephone 204-688-3872 Alternate Departmental Contact Adam Downing 204-771-0787 1. Has your department or agency considered whether it has an interest in the proposed physical activities; exercised a power or performed a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the physical activities; or taken any course of action (including provision of financial assistance) that would allow the physical activities to proceed in whole or in part? Specify as appropriate. Transport Canada (TC) may be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function with respect to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act (CNWA) based on the initial Project description provided. TC requires further detailed project information, outlined in response 6, to confirm whether or not TC would be required to issue an approval to enable the project to proceed. 2. Is it probable that your department or agency may be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the physical activities to enable it to proceed? If yes, specify that power, duty or function and its legislative source. Transport Canada’s Navigation Protection Program (NPP) may be able to provide specialist information or knowledge with respect to the CNWA and impacts to navigation. 3. If your department or agency will exercise a power or perform a duty or function under any Act of ...
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Attachment Request for Federal Expert Advice - Reconsideration of Designation Requests for the Proposed Coalspur Mines (Operations) Ltd. - Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects under the Impact Assessment Act

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
  • Reference number: 103
  • Submitted: 2021-08-13
  • Please see the attached submission
  • Attachment included
  • ATTACHMENT: Federal Authority Advice Record: Reconsideration for designation Response due by August 13, 2021 Proposed Vista Coal Mine expansion physical activities Department/Agency Environment and Climate Change Canada Lead Contact Abigayle Blackmore, Environmental Assessment Officer Full Address Environmental Protection Operations Directorate Prairie & Northern Region 9250 49 Street Edmonton, AB, T6B 1K5 Email abigayle.blackmore@ec.gc.ca Telephone 780-239-3894 Alternate Departmental Contact orlagh.osullivan@ec.gc.ca 1. Has your department or agency considered whether it has an interest in the proposed physical activities; exercised a power or performed a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the physical activities; or taken any course of action (including provision of financial assistance) that would allow the physical activities to proceed in whole or in part? Specify as appropriate. Please reference ECCC’s September 20, 2019, Designation Request Letter, ECCC’s June 8, 2020, Designation Request Letter and FAAR Response and ECCC’s May 28, 2021, FAAR Response. In addition, our interest is based on ECCC’s mandate in the context of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Migratory Birds Convention Act 1994 (MBCA), pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act, and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA). ECCC also now notes that it has an interest in the Project for the following additional reasons:  ECCC is currently developing Coal Mining Effluent Regulations (CMER) under the Fisheries Act that would apply to coal mining in Canada, including this proposed Project. These proposed Regulations are expected to be published in the Canada ...
  • Attachment included
  • 1 Environmental Protection Operations Directorate Prairie & Northern Region 9250 49 Street Edmonton, AB T6B 1K5 August 13, 2021 ECCC File: 4194-10-3/6324 CIAR Reference: 80731 Greg Bosse Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 1145-9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3 By email to: Greg.Bosse@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Dear Greg Bosse, RE: Request for Federal Expert Advice - Reconsideration of Designation Requests for the Proposed Coalspur Mines (Operations) Ltd. - Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects under the Impact Assessment Act ECCC has reviewed the information provided for the above noted project (the Project) as requested by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s (the Agency) August 4, 2021 letter. Our advice is based on ECCC’s mandate in the context of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Migratory Birds Convention Act 1994 (MBCA), pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act, and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA). ECCC previously provided advice to the Agency regarding the Designation Request for Coalspur Mines Limited’s proposed Project on September 20, 2019 and June 8, 2020. ECCC also provided advice to the Agency on May 28, 2021 related to the assessment of the Project under the Impact Assessment Act, including comments on the initial project description and list of issues. Therefore, the recommendations we provided along with the information in the attached Federal Authority Advice Record may be considered by the Agency. ECCC will provide support and provide our expertise to the Agency on an as-needed basis, when matters pertaining to our mandate and expertise are requested. The Project Lead listed below can be ...
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Attachment Federal Authority Advice Record: Reconsideration for designation

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
  • Reference number: 104
  • Submitted: 2021-08-13
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • ATTACHMENT: Federal Authority Advice Record: Reconsideration for designation Response due by August 13, 2021 Proposed Vista Coal Mine expansion physical activities Department/Agency Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Lead Contact Terina Hancock Full Address 1028 Parsons Rd SW Email Terina.Hancock@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Telephone (587) 341-4792 Alternate Departmental Contact Clayton James, Clayton.James@dfo-mpo.gc.ca, (587) 338-9714 1. Has your department or agency considered whether it has an interest in the proposed physical activities; exercised a power or performed a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the physical activities; or taken any course of action (including provision of financial assistan ce) that would allow the physical activities to proceed in whole or in part? Specify as appropriate. Nothing new to add from previously issued FAAR. 2. Is it probable that your department or agency may be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the physical activities to enable it to proceed? If yes, specify that power, duty or function and its legislative source. Nothing new to add from previously issued FAAR. 3. If your department or agency will exercise a power or perform a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the physical activities, will it involve public and Indigenous consultation? Specify as appropriate. If a Fisheries Act Authorization issuance is required as a result of the proposed physical activities, Fisheries and Oceans Canada must consider any adverse effects that the decision may have on the rights of the Indigenous peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by ...
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Attachment Federal Authority Advice Record: Reconsideration for designation

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Health Canada (HC)
  • Reference number: 106
  • Submitted: 2021-08-10
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • ATTACHMENT: Federal Authority Advice Record: Reconsideration for designation Response due by August 13, 2021 Proposed Vista Coal Mine expansion physical activities Department/Agency Health Canada Lead Contact Brenda Woo Full Address Suite 910, 9700 Jasper Ave Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4G3 Email brenda.woo@canada.ca Telephone 780-288-3541 Alternate Departmental Contact Melissa Gorman (melissa.gorman@canada.ca) 1. Has your department or agency considered whether it has an interest in the proposed physical activities; exercised a power or performed a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the physical activities; or taken any course of action (including provision of financial assistance) that would allow the physical activities to proceed in whole or in part? Specify as appropriate. Not applicable (N/A) 2. Is it probable that your department or agency may be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the physical activities to enable it to proceed? If yes, specify that power, duty or function and its legislative source. N/A 3. If your department or agency will exercise a power or perform a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the physical activities, will it involve public and Indigenous consultation? Specify as appropriate. N/A 4. Has your department or agency had previous contact or involvement with the proponent or other parties in relation to the physical activities? Provide an overview of the information or advice exchanged. mailto:brenda.woo@canada.ca mailto:melissa.gorman@canada.ca No 5. Is your department or agency in possession of ...
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Attachment O'Chiese First Nation comments on the Reconsideration of Designation Requests for the Proposed Coalspur Mines (Operations) Ltd. - Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects under the Impact Assessment Act

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of O'Chiese First Nation
  • Reference number: 107
  • Submitted: 2021-08-06
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • Page 1 of 5 O’CHIESE FIRST NATION Box 2127 Rocky Mountain House, Alberta – T4T 1B6 Phone: (403) 989-3943 Fax: (403) 989-3795 Toll Free: 1-888-256-3884 Allisson Lefebvre Senior Consultation Advisor Prairie and Northern Region Canada Place Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Ave Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 Sent via e-mail allisson.lefebvre@iaac-aeic.gc.ca on August 6, 2021 Dear Ms. Lefebvre, RE: O’Chiese First Nation comments on the Reconsideration of Designation Requests for the Proposed Coalspur Mines (Operations) Ltd. - Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects under the Impact Assessment Act. This letter is sent on behalf of O’Chiese First Nation Chief and Council. The Chief and Council of O’Chiese First Nation have the elected authority and responsibility to protect the Inherent and Treaty Rights of O’Chiese First Nation. The Inherent and Treaty Rights of O’Chiese First Nation are recognized by Treaty 6 and Section 35, Constitution Act, 1982. O’Chiese First Nation is bound by Kaa-Ke-Chi-Ko-Moo-Nan, O’Chiese First Nation’s Great Binding Law (“Natural Laws”). As such, O’Chiese First Nation operates under its own distinct set of legal principles and laws that have been in place since time immemorial, which we understand and expect are protected by Treaty 6 and Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Our Natural Laws are the foundation for O’Chiese First Nation Peoples. We submit this letter to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (“IAAC”) in response to its request for comments on the reconsideration of the designation for Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects (the “Projects”) proposed by ...
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Attachment Samson Cree Nation Response to Impact Assessment Agency of Canada's Correspondence

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Samson Cree Nation
  • Reference number: 101
  • Submitted: 2021-08-03
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • August 23, 2021 Without Prejudice Impact Assessment Agency - Prairie and Northern Region Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 Attention: Allisson Lefebvre Senior Consultation Advisor Dear Allisson Lefebvre: Re: Response to Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s Correspondence I. Introduction and Overview Thank you for your letter from August 3, 2021 in which you indicate that the Impact Assessment Agency (Agency) is commencing the process for reconsideration further to the Federal Court’s July 19, 2021 order in its decision of Ermineskin Cree Nation v. Canada (Environment and Climate Change), 2021 FC 758 (the “Reconsideration Process”). I also want to acknowledge that the Agency is seeking information on the potential effects of the proposed Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects (the “Physical Activities”). I understand that this information will inform the Minister of Environment of Climate Change Canada decision on whether the Physical Activities should be designated pursuant to subsection 9(1) of the Impact Assessment Act. As your letter indicates, the Physical Activities would be located within our territory. In particular, the Physical Activities would be located in and around the Eastern Slopes region, which is a culturally and ecologically important area to Samson Cree. Given its importance, Samson Cree commissioned cumulative effects assessment reports that, among other things, assess the current state of affairs of the Eastern MaM SAMSON CREE NATION CONSULTATION P.O. Box 159 Hobbema, ...
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Attachment Irresponsable and contradictory to what the apparent priorities of the Government

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Kathleen mulawka
  • Reference number: 92
  • Submitted: 2021-07-23 - 1:17 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • 1. This company and their current projects have faced enormous scrutiny from the canadian and international public. Canada is criticized for proclaiming committment to addressing climate change, while also approving resource development initiatives for the dirtiest of resources. Trudeau has also pledged to reduce Canada's emissions by 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 AND said this decision applies to the proposed expansion of the Vista Coal Mine near Hinton. He also said it is a fuel of the past century. Approving this project is contradictory, deceptive, misleading, destructive and unacceptable. Phasing out coal by 2031 is too late.  In addition, the company is financially unstable. There is a LONG history of resource intensive industries profiteering off exploitative processes and then burdening communities (up and down stream) with health implications, destroyed natural habitat, lost value in the long run for their communities and the responsaibility of paying for remediation and clean up. Vista mine is no exception and has been explicietly flagged by the province's own Auditor General. They already have a mining footprint of more than 1500 hectares.  "New thermal coal mining projects or expansions are not in line with the ambition Canadians want to see on climate, or with Canada’s domestic and international climate commitments. Eliminating coal-fired power and replacing it with cleaner sources is an essential part of the transition to a low carbon economy, and as a result, building new thermal coal mines for energy production is not sustainable.” – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate ...

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Attachment Vista Test underground mine and Phase II Expansion Project

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Tom McDonald (Aseniwuche Winewak Nation)
  • Reference number: 91
  • Submitted: 2021-07-13
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • July 13, 2021 Sent via email to: The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P. 310 Esplanade E Suite 201 North Vancouver, BC V7L 1A4 iaac.minister-ministre.aeic@canada.ca RE: Vista Test underground mine and Phase II Expansion Project Dear Minister Wilkinson, On behalf of the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation Board of Directors, I would like to express our support for Coalspur’s Phase II Expansion Project and Visa Test Underground Mine. It is our understanding that the federal government is attempting to halt the progression of the Phase II Expansion and Vista Test Underground Mine projects. The AWN Board of Directors is supportive of Phase II and would suffer negative impacts should it not continue as planned. AWN has worked with Coalspur throughout Phase I where they demonstrated their ability to operate a mine without disturbing the environment. We look forward to continuing to work with Coalspur and want to see their projects succeed. Sincerely, Tom McDonald President, Aseniwuche Winewak Nation CC: stakehodler@bighornmining.com iaac.vitsamine-minevista.aeic@canada.ca <Original signed by> mailto:iaac.minister-ministre.aeic@canada.ca mailto:stakehodler@bighornmining.com mailto:iaac.vitsamine-minevista.aeic@canada.ca

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Attachment Federal Authority Advice Record - Employment & Social Development Canada

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Employment & Social Development Canada
  • Reference number: 82
  • Submitted: 2021-06-04
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • ATTACHMENT: Federal Authority Advice Record Response due by May 26, 2021 Coalspur Mines Ltd. – Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects Registry number: 80731 Department/Agency Employment & Social Development Canada Lead IA Contact Eric Lalonde – Policy Analyst Full Address 140 Prom. du Portage, Gatineau, QC J8X 4B6 Email Telephone Eric: Alternate Departmental Contact Athanasia Vouloukos : 1. Is it probable that your department or agency may be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the Project to enable it to proceed? If yes, specify the Act of Parliament and that power, duty or function. The Minister’s powers, duties and functions extend to and include all matters relating to human resources and skills development in Canada or the social development of Canada over which Parliament has jurisdiction and which are not by law assigned to any other Minister, department, board or agency of the Government of Canada. Should any such activities or physical works occur, the Canada Labour Code would be responsible for federally regulated industries and workplaces in the private sector (Parts I, II and III of the Code). Labour standards such as minimum wage, hours of work, working conditions and fairness in the workplace depend on legislation such as the Canada Labour Code. The Labour Program administers and enforces these and other laws and regulations to ensure that all Canadian workers are treated fairly and receive proper compensation for their work. 2. Is your department or agency in possession of specialist or expert information or knowledge that ...
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Attachment ECCC FAAR for Coalspur Vista (see related document #32)

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • Reference number: 86
  • Submitted: 2021-05-28
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • May 6, 2021 ATTACHMENT: Federal Authority Advice Record Response due by May 26, 2021 Coalspur Mines Ltd. – Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects Registry number: 80731 Department/Agency Environment and Climate Change Canada Lead IA Contact Abigayle Blackmore, EA Officer Full Address Environmental Protection Operations Directorate Prairie & Northern Region 9250 49 Street Edmonton, AB, T6B 1K5 Email abigayle.blackmore@canada.ca Telephone Alternate Departmental Contact Chris Aguirre, Senior EA Officer, christopher.aguirre@canada.ca 1. Is it probable that your department or agency may be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the Projects to enable it to proceed? If yes, specify the Act of Parliament and that power, duty or function. Species at Risk Act permits For species listed in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as Extirpated, Endangered or Threatened, a permit may be required from ECCC (section 73 of SARA) for activities that affect a listed terrestrial wildlife species, any part of its critical habitat, or the residences of its individuals, where those prohibitions are in place. Such permits may only be issued: if all reasonable alternatives to the activity that would reduce the impact on the species have been considered and the best solution has been adopted; if all feasible measures will be taken to minimize the impact of the activity on the species or its critical habitat or the residences of its individuals; and if the activity will not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species. Permits are also required by those persons conducting activities that contravene the ...
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Attachment Response- vista test underground mine expansion projects

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Chief Jim Ochiese - Foothills Ojibway First Nation
  • Reference number: 79
  • Submitted: 2021-05-27
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
  • Please see the attached submission.
  • Attachment included
  • Answers for Guiding questions Coal spur Mines From Ojibway foothills First Nation Contact : Chief Jim Ochiese Telephone Responses to Questions Question 1 Fishing that we use for ceremonial purposes is not even mentioned, or the creek there and some of the log cabins that we have by the creek. These are of significance and are footprints of our traditional cultural sites Also not only impacting our medicine and cultural Ceremonial sites but also the animals that use fish and some other medicines that we use in the, in that Creek There is no mentioning the lakes that are surrounding the moss land for calving. We have cultural fasting not only on phase one, but phase two. Nobody ever consulted on these. I don't know why somebody will ignore cultural historical sacred sites. In this case, we wanted to be involved because we’ve been always living in this area and we are going to be directly impacted with this mining. So, I have concerns for my future generation. I will not speak for for any other nations, but I know that we have cultural sites here. I will not say these are my cultural sites. I will not speak for any cultural use areas for other <Personal information removed> <Personal information removed> people but I know the sites that we have an area phase one and phase two because we always have been here in Hinton. The cabin that's here on the , mine area was my grandfather's cabin. I know I used to play around a creek and I used to have slept with my grandfather or even fasted. Somebody says that prayer flags that are tied in these areas places are my brothers in those areas. I've been there for a long time and would be sad for ...
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Attachment I oppose the project

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Chris Wiggins
  • Reference number: 59
  • Submitted: 2021-05-26 - 10:53 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
  •  I would like my opposition to the project noted. There has been insufficient assessments made to proceed, and the project is not in the best interest of Albertans. I have no confidence in the current provincial government as it stands to properly regulate any of these coal projects, yet they are intent on forcing these projects through against the wishes of their constituents.  

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Attachment No to Vista Coal Mine Expansion

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Deborah Kully
  • Reference number: 58
  • Submitted: 2021-05-26 - 8:22 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
  • I appreciate the opportunity to give input. The Vista Coal Mine Expansion project should not be approved: 1. The majority of Albertans have rejected the notion of expanded coal mining in the province. 2. Destructive environmental impacts of expanding the vista site cannot be circumvented. The mine will require removing 192 million cubic meters of overburden. Forests, rock, soil will be removed, exposed overburden will leach harmful substances into streams (which includes a tributary to the Athabasca river), affecting endangered species of bull and rainbow trout. The Impact Assessment Agency  also listed adverse effects on species at risk, migratory birds, indigenous peoples and traditional activities.  Mitigation technologies have not been proven effective (many examples of failures such as Elk Valley Teck Mines). 3. Carbon pollution. Should expansion proceed, it could result in emissions of 22-33M tonnes of CO2/year, equal to 4.6-7 million new cars on the road for a year. Indeed, estimated emissions of the existing mine  are concerning, at an estimated  222,000 tonnes/yr (Impact Assessment Agency). 4. Canada and Alberta have committed to eliminate thermal coal.  The proposed expansion of Vista will make it one of the largest mines in NA, affecting perception of Canada on the world stage. Mining coal to be burned elsewhere is not an ethical work-around. Canada’s credibility and negotiating power as a member of the international community on addressing climate change will be eroded by such hypocritical actions. 5. Coalspur’s tactic of splitting the project to avoid federal review was underhanded,  set a ...

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Attachment Samson Cree Nation - Guiding Questions for this Comment Period

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Samson Cree Nation submitted by Kyra Northwest
  • Reference number: 57
  • Submitted: 2021-05-26 - 8:21 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
  • Please see the attached for Samson Cree Nation's Comments on the guiding questions for the Coalspur Mines Ltd. - Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects. 
  • Attachment included
  • Page 1 of 3 Enclosure 2 : Guiding Questions for this Comment Period Please respond by May 26, 2021 Coalspur Mines Ltd. - Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects Canadian Impact Assessment Registry File No.: 80731 The Agency encourages you to use the “Submit a Comment” feature on the Agency’s Registry website using reference number: 80731 Indigenous group: Samson Cree Nation Contact Name: Kyra Northwest & Kaylyn Buffalo Telephone: 780-585-3793 Address: PO Box 159 Maskwacis, Alberta T0C1N0 Fax: 780-585-2104 Email: samsoncreedata@gmail.com We request that you carefully review this form and that you refine your input as appropriate. Potential Effects and Impacts 1. Please identify any effects of the Projects that are of concern to your community. Also please identify any effects that you are aware of that are not listed in the initial project description. Note: Information on effects and direct and incidental effects as well as effects within federal jurisdiction are defined in section 2 of IAA1. Samson Cree Nation (SCN) would like to communicate to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) that the Project will cause significant adverse effects to the environment, significant adverse effects to water quality and quantity, result in significant carbon emissions, and impacts to Samson Cree’s Treaty Rights. Samson Cree would like to communicate to the IAAC that their Territory has been the subject of substantial historical development and alteration that have resulted in adverse environmental effects and impacts on Samson Cree’s Rights. Samson Cree would also like to communicate to the IAAC that its Rights are highly ...
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Attachment Submission on behalf of CPAWS Northern Alberta

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: CPAWS Northern Alberta submitted by Gillian Chow-Fraser
  • Reference number: 56
  • Submitted: 2021-05-26 - 7:18 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
  • On behalf of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) - Northern Alberta Chapter, I submit our letter summarizing various environmental concerns regarding the proposed Coalspur Mines Ltd. Phase 1 Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Phase 2 Expansion projects. Thank you. 
  • Attachment included
  • PO Box 52031, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2T5 www.cpawsnab.org Keeping Alberta Wild Since 1968 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 1145-9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 May 26, 2021 Dear IAA, On behalf of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s - Northern Alberta Chapter, we write to the Impact Assessment Agency about our concerns on many of the potential adverse environmental impacts of the Coalspur Mines Ltd. Phase 1 Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Phase 2 Expansion projects. Concerning environmental impacts include impacts on: - Endangered Rainbow Trout (Athabasca River) populations and destruction of their critical habitat and, therefore, jeopardization of Canada’s recovery strategy under the Species At Risk Act; - Other species at risk, including migratory birds; - Canada’s commitments to reduce carbon emissions and Canada’s ability to meet their climate change commitments; - Contributions to cumulative downstream water impacts, including negative impacts on water from underground mining; - The proposed tailings plan for the projects, which are based on methods from Phase I, are not appropriate for the Phase II expansion or Underground Mine; - Adverse impacts on Indigenous communities, such as those previously raised by the Stoney Nakoda Nations and Louis Bull Tribe; and, - Viability of follow-up programs, including reclamation and remediation, and risk of environmental liabilities. Herein, we provide detailed feedback on each of these concerns. Athabasca Rainbow Trout • ...
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Attachment Coal Mines

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Winchester Cattle Co LTD submitted by Lore Bruder
  • Reference number: 55
  • Submitted: 2021-05-26 - 6:02 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
  • Dear Sir and/or Madame;    I am extremly concerned at the developement on the east side of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta.  To date no matter how much money has been put in to the research to keep Selenuim and many other highly water soluable poisens out of the water supply it has proved to be a fail.  There is so much data about the harms of coal why would we purposly do something so harmful.  Canada is supposed to helping to lead the world into a more climate and earth friendly era and yet we continue to ruin the most valuable assest we have.  Just look at what they have done in the oceans around the world.  Where they convinced people to stop hunting sharks, turtles and over fishing people are goign their in droves to see these animals.  Do you think people will continue to come to Alberta to see coal mines, deformed fish, limited wild life in towns covered in dust?  You know in your heart this is wrong.  This will not help create long term jobs rather maybe a veiw decades of jobs and then a thousands years if ever to repair the damage to peoples lungs and mental state, the water all the way to the Hudson Bay.  There is such good tecnology on how to make steel with out coal now so why do we not develope that!  The future for our people, our province, our country and our world is in the hands of those who can see new ways of keeping a balance.  Education and advancment is our future.  We need to put money into the future not the past.  There are trucks loads of documentation on the evils of Coal mining.  We did not know all of it in the past but we do now.  Please, I am begging you all Please stand up for our most ...

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Attachment Coalspur Mindes Ltd.-Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects (File No. : 80731)

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Peavine Metis Settlement submitted by Lynn Smith
  • Reference number: 54
  • Submitted: 2021-05-26 - 5:55 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
  • Please find attached comments for the Coarspur Mines Ltd. - Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects (80731).
  • Attachment included
  • Please see the attachment to view the content.
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Attachment Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine (VTUM) and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects: Comments from Environmental Defence

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Environmental Defence submitted by Julia Levin
  • Reference number: 53
  • Submitted: 2021-05-26 - 5:21 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
  • Please see the attached document, containing Environmental Defence's comments on the Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects.  The serious health and environmental impacts of thermal coal mining are not in dispute. Considering the project’s impacts on Canada’s environmental and climate commitments, as well as the impacts on Indigenous Peoples, Environmental Defence strongly recommends that this project undergo a full impact assessment.  
  • Attachment included
  • Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine (VTUM) and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects: Comments from Environmental Defence May 26, 2021 Re: Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects We are writing to express serious concerns about the Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects by Coalspur Mines (Operations) Limited.  The proposed expansion would increase output by an average additional 4.2 million tonnes of coal each year. Thermal coal is widely recognized as one of the most harmful fossil fuels and its mining, transportation, and combustion can have severe impacts on the environment and human health. The serious health and environmental impacts of thermal coal mining are not in dispute. Considering the project’s impacts on Canada’s environmental and climate commitments, as well as the impacts on Indigenous Peoples, Environmental Defence strongly recommends that this project undergo a full impact assessment. Climate Impacts Vista is already one of the largest thermal coal mines in Canada. The Vista Mine Expansion Phase will result in significant downstream greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions. The total production of the mine, should the expansion go ahead, could produce anywhere between 22 million tonnes and 33 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, including downstream emissions. It is critical that the impact assessment consider all lifecycle emissions of the mining, export and end use of the thermal coal, including emissions resulting from burning coal in importing countries. Research shows that the total amount of emissions from Canada’s exports of fossil fuels is greater ...
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Attachment Keepers of the Water Council stands for the Water, Fish, and all our relations against coal

  • Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Keepers of the Water Council submitted by Jule Asterisk
  • Reference number: 52
  • Submitted: 2021-05-26 - 4:25 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Participation notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
  • To: the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, Coalspur Mines Ltd., and interested parties RE: Project #80731 Coalspur Vista Mine expansion Keepers of the Water is an Indigenous led organization that is comprised of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples; environmental groups; concerned citizens; and communities working together for the protection of water, air and land - and thus, for all living things today and tomorrow. Keepers of the Water works with Indigenous communities who are working to instill Indigenous water governance, with policy, legislation, natural law, traditional knowledge and also looking at ways bodies of water are being managed, this in turn provides the solutions to ensuring water is kept safe now and for future generations. Keepers of the Water was founded in 2006 by Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who have walked alongside each other guided by Indigenous wisdom, knowledge, science, and culture. Additionally, our 2006 Declaration ratified in 2007 asserts the sacredness of water and our mandate to honour and protect her. We thank the Government of Canada for providing environmental assessment for this project, focusing on fostering sustainability, science and Indigenous Knowledge, public engagement, and Reconciliation.  We need this federal assessment in particular because the Province of Alberta has shown ...
  • Attachment included
  • Keepers of the Water keepers.communications@gmail.com 780 805-1709 To: the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, Coalspur Mines Ltd., and interested parties RE: Project #80731 Coalspur Vista Mine expansion Keepers of the Water is an Indigenous led organization that is comprised of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples; environmental groups; concerned citizens; and communities working together for the protection of water, air and land - and thus, for all living things today and tomorrow. Keepers of the Water works with Indigenous communities who are working to instill Indigenous water governance, with policy, legislation, natural law, traditional knowledge and also looking at ways bodies of water are being managed, this in turn provides the solutions to ensuring water is kept safe now and for future generations. Keepers of the Water was founded in 2006 by Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who have walked alongside each other guided by Indigenous wisdom, knowledge, science, and culture. Additionally, our 2006 Declaration ratified in 2007 asserts the sacredness of water and our mandate to honour and protect her. We thank the Government of Canada for providing environmental assessment for this project, focusing on fostering sustainability, science and Indigenous Knowledge, public engagement, and Reconciliation. We need this federal assessment in particular because the Province of Alberta has shown industry bias, lowered environmental monitoring and independent science inputs, and exposed their lack of true sustainability measures for many decades on so many different files. The current government of Alberta has recently cut hundreds of positions in environmental monitoring ...
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