Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

Calgary, AB – To appease a noisy minority, the Government of Alberta appears to be opening the door for motorized recreation and industry in the Castle Parks, despite the direction of public consultation on creation and management of the parks.

In 2017, the Castle Parks in southwestern Alberta were officially designated. Based on the longest and most extensive public consultation in Alberta Parks’ history, a management plan was developed that reflects the wishes and directions expressed by the people of Alberta. Read more about Albertans Ignored to Allow Motorized Recreation and Industry in Castle Parks

EDMONTON – A Joint Review Panel recommends approval of Teck’s Frontier Oil Sands Mine project, despite acknowledgments of a long list of adverse environmental impacts, including high risks to wildlife that use the area 

In the same month that the UN warns Canada of swift action required to stop the degradation of Wood Buffalo National Park, a massive 290 sq-km open-pit oil sands mine project has been recommended for approval, which would place it just 30-km south of the Park’s borders. The project would be the largest of its kind in Alberta. The provincial-federal Joint Review Panel found the project to be in the public’s interest, despite the findings that it,

[…] is likely to result in significant adverse environmental effects to wetlands, old-growth forests, wetland- and old-growth-reliant species at risk, the Ronald Lake bison herd, and biodiversity.” And “likely to result in significant adverse effects to the asserted rights, use of lands and resources, and culture of indigenous groups who use the project area. The proposed mitigation measures have not been proven to be effective or to fully mitigate project effects on the environment or on indigenous rights, use of lands and resources, and culture.” Read more about Panel recommends approval of Teck’s Frontier Oil Sands Mine project, just 30-km south of Wood Buffalo National Park

On July 3, 2019, representatives from around the world gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 43^rd World Heritage Committee meeting and discussed the fate of Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada’s largest national park. The World Heritage Committee called upon Canada to take further actions and warned that if Canada fails to address the threats facing the Park, it could be placed on the List of World Heritage Site in Danger.  Read more about UNESCO World Heritage Committee decision on Wood Buffalo National Park is a warning to Canada