The Importance of Public Policy
Engaging in the public policy landscape can feel overwhelming, but CPAWS Northern Alberta works to empower the public with resources that make environmental advocacy feel more accessible. Policy development processes are often unclear, opaque, and contain significant barriers to public participation. We aim to bring clarity (and evidence) on how provincial policy decisions impact the places Albertans care about, making it easier for people to raise their voices.
This blog features some of the public policies that are impacting natural spaces across Alberta and how CPAWS encourages people to engage with these policies to inform land use decisions. Alberta deserves an “ecosystem” of public policies that work together to advance conservation in the province. Without public participation, environmental safeguards can slip, leaving Alberta’s wildlife, land, water, and economy vulnerable.
Sub-regional Planning
The sub-regional planning process began as a way to develop legally enforceable plans for caribou recovery, as required under the Species at Risk Act and federal recovery strategies for boreal and southern mountain woodland caribou. Sub-regional plans were also agreed upon as the right path for caribou in the Agreement for the Conservation of the Woodland Caribou in Alberta (2020).
Instead of providing actionable steps towards caribou recovery (despite this being one of the main purposes of sub-regional planning), the Government of Alberta repeatedly commits to increasing industrial activity within critical caribou habitats. No information is given on how these changes would impact caribou survival or other environmental values, making it difficult for the public to provide meaningful feedback. Read more here.
CPAWS Northern Alberta has kept Albertans informed about the recent Upper Smoky and South Athabasca Sub-regional Plans. This includes sharing updates, analysis of plan impacts, and engagement guides to support the public during open feedback phases for each plan. We continue to mobilize public input on caribou conservation during sub-regional engagement periods and through the creation of a public action letter.
Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI)
On June 1st, 2020, the Government of Alberta rescinded the 1976 Coal Policy, resulting in the approval of coal mining leases across the Eastern Slopes. Today, thousands of Albertans are still fighting for protection of this critical habitat from new coal mines. Read our blog here for a detailed timeline of coal related events.
In 2024, Alberta announced the development of the Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI), which has only been completed in consultation with industry thus far. CPAWS Northern Alberta, along with partners, have been actively monitoring the progress of coal projects and advocating for policy that prohibits coal mines in sensitive and irreplaceable environments, like the Eastern Slopes.
CPAWS Northern Alberta has provided accurate, evidence-based information about the environmental and economic risks of coal developments in Alberta. Sharing this information is essential to enabling effective engagement in public discourse on coal. We have also provided avenues for action, such as letter templates used by many Albertans to send a definitive message to their elected representatives.
Three projects of special concern: the Aries Mine, Grassy Mountain and Mine 14. All of which have been met with public concern surrounding Alberta’s lack of a renewed Coal Policy and its announced Coal Industry Modernization Initiative.
Alberta’s Nature Strategy
The Government of Alberta is developing a provincial Nature Strategy intended to guide how nature is managed in Alberta for years to come. In 2024, Albertans and Indigenous communities provided input on the development of this strategy, and CPAWS submitted a Freedom of Information request to access this public survey data. Results make it clear that Albertans support effective conservation measures and greatly value their local natural spaces. Feedback from these surveys continue to guide our outreach efforts and overall path towards greater protection of nature in Alberta.
As of today, Albertans and Indigenous Nations are still waiting on a draft strategy that incorporates public feedback and commits to prioritizing the protection of nature. Stay tuned for updates and learn more by reading A Collaborative Vison for Alberta’s Nature Strategy.
New Plan for Parks
Plan for Parks is a strategic plan from the Government of Alberta that provides direction on sustainable management of Alberta’s provincial parks system. From 2024 to 2025, thousands of Albertans, including many CPAWS’ supporters, participated in public engagements to inform a new and improved Plan for Parks.
We shared a survey guide that empowered the public to ask for low-impact recreation in parks and the creation of new parks. These messages were later reflected in the final Plan for Parks, and while the plan still has its weakness, we were inspired to see Albertans’ advocacy inform policy direction. CPAWS is closely monitoring the implementation of this new Plan and will share opportunities to hold Government of Alberta accountable.
All-Season Resorts Act (ASRA)
In December 2025, the Government of Alberta released the All-Season Resorts Act (ASRA), opening a pathway to delisting parks and privatizing public lands. Three All-Season Resort (ASR) areas were proposed, which included multiple commitments to remove and alter the boundaries of nearby provincial parks.
CPAWS Northern and Southern Alberta developed letter templates, news releases, and survey guides to help Albertans submit informed feedback on this issue, particularly in response to the Fortress Mountain’s ASR and Silvertip Gondola ASR proposals.
Albertans Developing Policies for Nature
You do not need to be an expert to show you care about coal, caribou, or conservation within Alberta. Advocating for environmental protection is a crucial part of inciting change, and your voice matters. CPAWS Northern Alberta has witnessed the power of public participation in land use and policy planning processes.
Actions you can take now regarding the mentioned policies and plans:
- Make your voice heard using our Simple Guide to Calling Your Elected Representative
- Send a Caribou Action Letter
- Send a Coal Action Letter
- Send a letter opposing the Silvertip Gondola’s All-Season Resort Area
- Send a letter opposing the Fortress Mountain Resort Master Plan
- Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay informed on future opportunities to act
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