The petition raises concerns about the federal government’s upcoming decision on an investment in a Canadian coal company. The petition emphasizes the ecological importance of the Elk Valley, British Columbia, stating that it houses rare ecosystems and species and the Elk River, which supplies drinking water for humans and non‑human life. The petition claims that rocks surrounding coal deposits contain selenium, which when disturbed, leeches into the surrounding environment. According to the petition, selenium is toxic and can accumulate in the environment. The petition additionally claims that the company’s coal mines have contaminated the Elk River and many of its tributaries with high concentrations of selenium, affecting surface and groundwater in the Elk Valley and downstream communities.
The petition claims that a foreign-owned company wants to make a majority share investment in the Canadian coal company. The petition claims that this investment will require the approval of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry under the Investment Canada Act on the basis of whether it will provide a net benefit to Canada. The petition stresses that the minister’s decision about whether to approve the investment will affect sustainable development in the Elk Valley given the severe environmental consequences associated with mining operations. The petition questions whether the government assesses environmental and financial liabilities related to investments undergoing review under the act. The petition asks whether during such a review, any federal policies, guidelines, or practices ensure a systematic review of potential federal or provincial financial liabilities for future environmental remediation.
According to the petition, British Columbia has a policy that requires mining operators to post sufficient reclamation security during the life of a mine to reduce the burden on taxpayers. The petition claims that the coal company had posted $1.49 billion as security costs associated with the reclamation of its operations. The petition alleges that this number is insufficient compared with the estimated $6.4 billion it would cost to remediate the effects from the coal mines. Because of this, the petition expresses concerns about the substantial burden on taxpayers. The petition asks whether the minister has assessed the environmental and financial liabilities of the foreign company’s proposed investment and whether the minister has assessed the long-term financial effects of the investment on future taxpayer liabilities.
Finally, the petition alleges that the foreign company has a poor environmental track record, including issues in British Columbia, Quebec, Montana, and Colombia. The petition asks whether any policies, guidelines, or practices require that the government undertake a comprehensive review of a potential purchaser’s track record on environmental security.