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

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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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; - ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...
• 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 ...

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Attachment No Coal

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Kim Wiggins
• Reference Number: 51
• Submitted: 2021-05-26 - 3:23 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• This project should not be approved. Albertans have overwhelmingly rejected the notion of expanded coal mining in the province and want to see the industry retired. Increasing coal production does not fit within Canada's own climate or environmental targets; it does not align with the G7's announcement that it will stop international financing of coal projects; and it does not align with the International Energy Agency's call for immediately ending investments in coal mines in order to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Bold action is needed in order to mitigate the effects of anthropogenic climate change, many of which are already occuring. Canada cannot be caught talking out both sides of its mouth-- preaching the need for this bold action while also increasing our own coal production. This would be utterly unacceptable. Furthermore, Coalspur Mines' tactic of splitting the project to avoid a federal environmental review was underhanded and, if allowed, would set a ...

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Attachment Vista Coal Mine expansion application

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Kelly Blackstock
• Reference Number: 50
• Submitted: 2021-05-26 - 11:44 AM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• Dear Sirs/Madams; In light of recent news of the G7 on climate change issues, I feel the Vista Coal Mine's request for expansion should not be approved. I also believe our governemnt needs to focus on the problems at hand regarding reclamation of this or any other mine, and especially regarding selenium and other toxins entering into, and causing environmental disaster to our streams, rivers, lakes and air before further consideration of any future mine projects. Water is our most precious natural resource and it's health and welfare needs to be top priority. Another issue here is the fact that Vista mines could possibly go bankrupt and, as we have seen in Oil & Gas regarding abandoned drill rigs in this province, the taxpayers will end up holding the bill for environmental clean-up of the remains of the mine. Should the UCP decide to bail out Vista Mine to push the project forward, that too will cost tax payers huge sums ...

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Attachment Coalspur Project - Comment Response Letter

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Tsuut'ina Nation
• Reference Number: 70
• Submitted: 2021-05-26
• 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
• Tsuut’ina Nation T.U.S. Consultation 9911 Chiila Blvd. Tsuut'ina, AB. T3T-0E1 Ph. 403.281.4455 Email: ttnconsultation@tsuutina.com May 26th, 2021 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd Floor, Place Bell 160 Elgin Street Ottawa, Ontario KiA-0H3 Attention: Shelly Boss, Project Manager Prairie and Northern Region Re: Coalspur Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects Dzinisi guja, Tsuut’ina Nation has concerns in regards to this project and its potential impacts to our Rights to hunt, fish, gather, harvest and conduct ceremonies within the project area. Our identity as a resilient and fearless Peoples come from the mountains, one of our oral narratives speak of a time when our warriors would trade and acquire a “dark green” rock in which they would make their spears, knives and arrow points. If your encountered warriors with these dark coloured weapons to not engage them, that ...

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Attachment Fw: FW: Horse Lake First Nation - Coalspur Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Horse Lake First Nation
• Reference Number: 81
• Submitted: 2021-05-26
• 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
• Page 1 of 2 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:Horse Lake First Nation IRC Contact Name: Casey Horseman Telephone: (780) 356-2472 Address: Box 18, Hythe, Alberta, T0H 2C0 Fax: Email: 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 ...

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Attachment Y2Y comments on Vista Mine expansion projects: IACC project reference number 80731

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
• Reference Number: 78
• Submitted: 2021-05-26
• 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
• 1 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd floor, Place Bell 160 Elgin Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3 IAAC.VistaMine-MineVista.AEIC@canada.ca May 26, 2021 Subject: Y2Y Comments re: Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects. IAAC project reference number 80731 Dear Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Vista Mine Expansion Review Committee, The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) is concerned about the Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion projects (hereafter: ‘Vista Mine expansion’) outside of Hinton, Alberta. Y2Y is a conservation organization that has worked for the past 25 years with over 450 partners to protect and connect habitats so that people and nature can thrive. We submit this letter of concern on behalf of our supporters, including those who live, work, and/or recreate on Alberta’s Eastern Slopes, and who value the fish and wildlife that live and move through this ...

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Attachment Federal Authority Advice Record - Transport Canada

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Transport Canada
• Reference Number: 74
• Submitted: 2021-05-26
• 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
• 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 Transport Canada Lead IA Contact Holly Poklitar Full Address 344 Edmonton St Winnipeg MB R3B 2L4 Email holly.poklitar@tc.gc.ca Telephone (204) 688-3872 Alternate Departmental Contact Adam Downing adam.downing@tc.gc.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. Transport Canada (TC) may be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function with respect to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act (CNW A) based on the initial Project description provided. TC requires further detailed project information, outlined ...

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Attachment Federal Authority Advice Record - Natural Resources Canada

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Natural Resources Canada
• Reference Number: 76
• Submitted: 2021-05-26
• 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
• May 26, 2021 CIAR File No.: 80731 Shelly Boss Project Manager, Prairie and Northern Region Impact Assessment Agency of Canada shelly.boss@canada.ca Subject: Natural Resources Canada’s Submission of the Federal Authority Advice Record for the proposed Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects On May 6, 2021, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) requested that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) complete a Federal Authority Advice Record (FAAR) for the proposed Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects (the Projects) by Coalspur Mines (Operations) Ltd. NRCan has reviewed the proponent’s Initial Project Description based on the Department’s requirements pursuant to subsection 13(1) of the Impact Assessment Act. Please find attached NRCan’s submission of the ...

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Attachment Re: Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement - Coalspur Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement
• Reference Number: 77
• Submitted: 2021-05-26
• 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
• <Email address removed> <Personal information removed> <Original signed by>

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Attachment Michel First Nation Comments on the Initial Project Description for the Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Michel First Nation
• Reference Number: 75
• Submitted: 2021-05-26
• 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
• 1 | P a g e May 26, 2021 Shelly Boss Project Manager, Prairie and Northern Region Email: iaac.vistamine-minevista.aeic@canada.ca Canada Place Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 Dear Ms. Boss, RE: Michel First Nation Comments on the Initial Project Description for the Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion related to Participation in the Impact Assessment Planning Phase I am writing this letter as the elected Chief, and on behalf of the Council and Membership, of the Michel First Nation (“MFN”). MFN has been governed since 1985 through democratic election every three years. MFN Chief and Council represent approximately 10071 people 2 currently registered as Indians, under the Indian Act Registry on the Alberta General List as well as many non-status descendants. MFN has the following rights protected by Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, 1982: a. MFN members are “Indians” within ...

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Attachment This is the letter from Chief JimOchiese. Read this one !

• 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: 80
• Submitted: 2021-05-26
• 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
• May 26, 2021 Foothills Ojibway First.Nation 17908 98A ave Edmonton AB T5T 3P4 Dear Ms. Shelly Boss In 2008 the government did not consult with Foothills Ojibway at that time. Later, I had wanted to participate but something happened. I didn't participate. This time I want to participate on phase one and more. First of all I want to I want to say that things were outlawed for so long for us, that we couldn't talk about our own education structure . For 550 years, we've been keeping it We could not talk about our sacred, cultural, historical and heritage sites, because things were outlawed for a long time. Since the beginning of the mining, I have strong reasons why I wanted to participate. I had an interest in the mining area because that's one of the areas that I have cultural and sacred sites. So we're at this phase two now. I acknowledge that mining expansion is underway for approval. This time I have concerns about my cultural ...

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Attachment No to coal in any form, anywhere in Alberta or Canada

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Virginia Smith
• Reference Number: 49
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 11:45 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• Due to the negative impacts of selenium contamination of our drinking water, and all other forms of resulting pollution, there should not be any coal mining of any kind anywhere!  Full stop!

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Attachment Completely Opposed

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Colleen Griffin
• Reference Number: 48
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 10:01 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• After much research and watching the detrimental environmental impacts of coal mining in the Elk Valley if south eastern BC, I am completely opposed to any expansion of coal mining anywhere in the eastern slopes.  Science has shown there are no reliable methods for keeping selenium and other toxins out if the water. Mining leads to habitat destruction, wildlife impacts, water and air pollution as well as depletion of water due to processing of the coal. A few measly jobs and minimal royalties are not worth decades of toxic water pollution that will affect aquatic life, wildlife, agriculture and drinking water. If you look at the markets, the price for coking coal is dropping. These projects are too high risk for these companies abandoning their projects once they're no longer profitable, and leaving an expensive mess for taxpayers to pay for remediation.

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Attachment Coal is about water

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Nancy Lowery
• Reference Number: 47
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 8:17 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• I am pleased with the opportunity to comment regarding coal expansion in Alberta as sadly the provincial government doesn't seem to care what Albertan's think. While Alberta has been a resource province, Albertan's are realizing the cost of that singular focus is not a good path. Literally moving mountains comes at a cost. The Alberta government has know through wildlife studies that selenium is poisioning the water and showing up in wildlife. Their solution to stop water monitoring at the same time that coal mining is expanding. The economic advantage of coal is short term gain for a long term problem. No mountains, no water, no wildlife. The eastern slopes are the source of the water we drink in Alberta and that carries through Saskatchewan and Manitoba.  Let's stop this shortsighted ongoing expansion and decide that coal mining is relegated to bygone eras.

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Attachment Vista Mine is a stage on which Indigenous cultures, colonialism, and infrastructure clash.

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Jerzy Maslanka
• Reference Number: 46
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 7:41 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• The Mountain Cree have a documented history in the area of proposed mine expension that begins in the Legendary History with the first arrival of man in the region. Legendry recounts events involving the legendary hero WISAKACHAK; this legendry states that WISAKACHAK arrived in Cree lands of southern Alberta from the Blackfoot. Travels and stories recount events as he traveled north along the foothills to the Athabasca River. The first Cree ancestors arrived in Alberta some 15,000 years ago, moving north in the wake of the retreating ice age. Indigineus people have been ever since in the area of proposed mine. This is the historic Mountain Cree territory. Statistical Linguistic and Ethnological Content Analysis indicate that indigineus stories have a basis in historic fact. Legendry also recounts the Mountain Cree in the foothills in the immediate post-glacial period, which can be dated by the geological details included in the legend. ...

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Attachment Concerned about Vista

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Amanda Lesko
• Reference Number: 45
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 7:14 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• I am very concerned over any surface mining that is planned for the Rockies and Eastern Slopes. Through all my research, I do not see any evidence that the coal companies will be able to keep selenium and other pollutants out of the rivers and streams and I certainly have no faith that they will properly reclaim the area at the end of their operations. I think coal mining can be done safely in other areas but certainly not in the mountainous areas of Alberta which are already environmentally sensitive and home to multiple species at risk. We must also protect our rivers and streams to keep the water clean and plentiful. Thank you for your consideration! Amanda Lesko 

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Attachment Coal Mining on Eastern Slopes of the Rockies

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Denise Roberts
• Reference Number: 44
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 7:01 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• The only way to protect the environment on the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies is to not allow any further mining. Period. Full stop. We have one chance to prevent further destruction and preserve the Eastern Slopes for future generations. This responsibility is in your hands. 

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Attachment Unacceptable

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Sandra Mills
• Reference Number: 43
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 6:19 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• It is completely unacceptable that we are considering expansion of mining activitiy in this sensitive area. This area coincides with the habitat of caribou, a threatened species. We know that habitat disruption and degradation are primary reasons for their declining population. We know that mining contributes to GHGs; we know that extractive industries are sunset industries and completely incompatible with climate goals. We know that ungulate species in Alberta (bighorn sheep) have already displayed high rates of selenium as have fish and birds. There is no viable reason for Albertans nor the Canadian government to co-sign on and sponsor this kind of destruction. 

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Attachment Completely Against Mine Expansion

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Nadine Harrington
• Reference Number: 42
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 6:11 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• I am completely against the expansion of this mine. It goes against everything we as a society need to improve at. We need to move away from coal, stop wanton destruction of land, forests, water and living creatures for the benefit of humans. Poisoning our watersheds and tearing up our land for a dead-end fuel only puts us further behind in our quest for preservation of our biosphere. Stop expanding coal and find a more environmentally conscious way to make energy. Invest the money in technological advancements in clean energy.

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Attachment COAL MINING

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Elite Business Services Ltd. submitted by Sherry Jensen
• Reference Number: 41
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 5:46 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• leave our mountains alone - you are all grandstanding enviromental protection and green energy ............ you have proven multiple times that is not good for the environment so just stop, you want fees for maintaining parks yet your willing to destroy them for investment dollars at the cost of land, water, wildlife, tourism ....... are you telling us that you wasted the money to shut down the exisiting coal mines ......... or just can't make up your head cause someone flashed a deal in your face ..............  MOUNTAINS NOT MINES> as if we need to waste our breath on pointing out the obvious ............. :( 

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Attachment Low reward, high risk

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Andrea Willman
• Reference Number: 40
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 5:38 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• Dear Powers that Be, Risk vs reward is the basis of many, if not most, decisions in business, government, household, and personal relams. When it comes to resource development, it is very important. There was a time when the rewards were the focus and the risks seemed so far into the future that they were not considered as much. We are living in that distant future now. Choices made in the past now have a huge impact on that risk vs reward assessment. The data is there. The cost on tourism, water quality, and downstream stress are clear. We need to know for sure that the rewards benefit all stakeholders - not just the shareholders. The price of coking coal has been volitile at best and decreasing at worst: Average price of U.S. metallurgical coal export (https://www.eia.gov/coal/production/quarterly/pdf/t12p01p1.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3ASt_O0VZVOR43_nJJMwv7vDkhABL2XBtSr5704SRPArlZ_QKvx-V-qMs). That’s the industry they are asking us to invest our future ...

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Attachment Eastern Slopes Coal Mining - Vista Mines Expansions

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Anne Murphy
• Reference Number: 39
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 5:28 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• Selenium is a by product of mining and CANNOT be removed with current technology. Poisoned watersheds will absolutely occur WHEN (not if) tailing  ponds fail. AS Well selenium and arsenic and other contaminants are already in these watersheds ...... we need to be fixing the problem by PHASING OUT these mines ....NOT Expanding them!!! These watersheds feed into the North Saskatchewan River system carrying this bio accumulating pollution and poisons ever eastward right through to Hudsons Bay.  This pollution must not get worse!! Specises at risk use these areas as well as other flora and fauna. We must halt these ecology devastating industries and care for our biodiversity.  This expansion will require much more water to wash this coal ..... we are already in a drought prone area .... why would we waste precious clean water washing coal ??? Our agriculture needs this water to FEED US ...

Attachment Concerns re: Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives submitted by Beth Lorimer
• Reference Number: 38
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 3:16 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• To whom it may concern,  Please see attached a letter outlining our concerns with the initial project description for the Coalspur Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and the Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project.  We urge IAAC to proceed with a full impact assessment of this project.  Regards,
• Attachment Included
• May 25, 2021 Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects Impact Assessment Agency of Canada – Prairie and Northern Regional Office 1145-9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 To Whom it May Concern: 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. Considering Canada’s environmental obligations and commitments in respect of climate change, and an assessment of the impacts on the rights of Indigenous peoples, KAIROS Canada strongly recommends that this project undergo a full impact assessment. The proposed projects will adversely impact on the rights of Indigenous peoples and treaty rights of local First Nations. Concerns have been raised by local First Nations, ...

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Attachment Vista impact assessment needed.

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Albertan submitted by Art Jackson
• Reference Number: 37
• Submitted: 2021-05-25 - 2:47 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• This letter of concern is being sent to Canada’s Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson. Dear Sir you, having been Saskatchewan born, and now the M.P. for North Vancouver know full well the love Westerners have for their expansive lands and clear waters. Our Heritage. Knowing what is happening now in Alberta makes one very sad and very angry at the same time. The proposed Vista coal mine expansions located in huge areas of Jaspers East slope foothills is not only disgusting but heart rendering to those of us with generations tied to the lands of Alberta. These lands and waters are used by countless Albertans and visitors alike for recreation: defined by the way as “a refreshment of strength and spirit”. ...

Attachment RE: IAAC FAAR due by April 26, 2021 - Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion

• Vista Coal Underground Mine Project and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Women and Gender Equality Canada
• Reference Number: 72
• Submitted: 2021-05-25
• 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
• May 6, 2021 ATTACHMENT: Federal Authority Advice Record Response due by May 26, 2021 Coalspur Mines Ltd. U Phase I Vista Test Underground Mine and Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Projects Registry number: 80731 Department/Agency Department for Women and Gender Equality Canada Lead IA Contact Denise Gareau Full Address 22 Eddy St, Gatineau QC Email CFC.EvaluationImpacts-ImpactsAssessment.SWC@cfc-swc.gc.ca Telephone 819-938-1132 Alternate Departmental Contact Catherine Adams 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. WAGE does not hold any regular power, function or duties. 2. Is your department or agency in possession of specialist or expert inf ormation or knowledge that may be relevant to the conduct of an impact assessment of the Projects? Specify as ...

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