UCP government’s flip-flopping on coal policy leads to $143 million payout

Naheed Nenshi, Leader, Alberta’s New Democrats, issued the following statement after the UCP government’s flip-flopping on coal policy leads to $143 million payout:      

“Albertans deserve a competent government capable of handling the day-to-day decisions that need to be made. Instead, we have Danielle Smith and her woefully unqualified UCP government.  

“This latest payout is another example of how this UCP government doesn’t know what they’re doing. Taxpayers are on the hook for nearly $150 million, directly as a result of this government’s flip-flopping on their coal policy. 

“This money could have been used for teachers, nurses, schools or hospitals. Instead, it’s going into the pockets of shareholders and directors of a coal company.  

“We also don’t know how much more taxpayers will have to pay. The government has announced none of these settlements itself. We are only hearing from the coal companies. We call upon Premier Smith to immediately disclose the amounts of all other settlements. 

“Albertans should be outraged that Smith and her UCP government are silent on the payout. This government prefers to distract Albertans with picking fights and separatist talk to take attention away from their many failures as a government.  

“Alberta’s New Democrat Caucus are clear on the prospect of coal development in the Rockies: No. If the government had been clear, as Peter Lougheed was in 1973, we would have saved $150 million and counting.” 

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