Environment

"This is a shocking decision made by a government that tries to brand itself as a global climate leader."

“It is going to make it possible to address our mitigation and protection preparedness efforts in terms of an emergency like a fire…"

"Caribou herds need at least 65 percent of their range to be undisturbed to have a shot at survival. Currently, six of Alberta’s caribou ranges have less than 10 percent undisturbed habitat remaining, and some – like the Little Smoky Herd – have less than one percent remaining."

“I also don’t want to end up in a situation where we’re caught in the middle between the feds and the provincial government’s sort of ongoing friction."

“Over the last two years, we've seen zero progress on the thermal coal export ban, and now we're seeing Canada move in the opposite direction by refusing to even assess the impacts of a major expansion of Canada's largest thermal coal mine,” said Julia Levin of Environmental Defence.

A wildfire that left a third of the popular Rocky Mountain tourist town of Jasper, Alta., in ashes and forced tens of thousands to flee is Environment and Climate Change Canada’s most impactful weather story of 2024.

“The site has been thoroughly assessed by our public safety specialists with Parks Canada, and it’s been deemed that there’s numerous safety hazards with the canyon and the surrounding area due to the significant impact of the wildfire in July.”

Parks Canada is working to clear out damaged trees as well as replace and repair infrastructure in Jasper campgrounds such as Whistlers ahead of the 2025 summer season.

Major frontcountry campgrounds reopening include Whistlers, Miette and several self-registration sites. Wapiti Campground will operate at reduced capacity, while Wabasso and Whirlpool group campgrounds will remain closed for ongoing restoration.

Simon Sharp, a field officer with Fish and Wildlife, reported there had been multiple sightings of black bears looking for easy food before the winter.