STATEMENT: Teck withdrawal an opportunity for bold leadership on a sustainable economy

MEDIA STATEMENT

February 24, 2020

Leadnow: Teck withdrawal an opportunity for bold leadership on a sustainable economy

Leadnow’s Co-Executive Directors released the following in response to the withdrawal of Teck’s application for the Frontier Mine:

“Teck’s withdrawal of the Frontier Mine application presents an opportunity for both the federal and Alberta governments to invest in an economy that takes the threat of climate change seriously. That is exactly what Teck is urging them to do in order to create a favourable investment environment.

“It’s time for governments to step into leadership. The decision by Teck is a result of a people-powered movement that has been filling the gap in leadership that is needed from our political leaders. In recent weeks, over 140,000 people signed petitions and more than 700 visited their MPs to urge them to reject the Teck Frontier Mine and instead invest in good green jobs that deliver bold action on climate change and Indigenous rights.

"In his letter, Teck CEO, Don Lindsay agreed: ‘The promise of Canada’s potential will not be realized until governments can reach agreement around how climate policy considerations will be addressed in the context of future responsible energy sector development.’

“Teck, like Suncor before them, sees the writing on the wall. It is irresponsible to allow the agenda of Alberta’s Premier Kenney - steeped in denial about the changes required to securely face the future, and seeking to divide the country for short-term gain - to continue holding us back from being world leaders in the new energy economy. Indigenous communities and resource workers in Alberta and beyond deserve a realistic plan for their future prosperity.

“The onus is now on this federal government to reconcile our climate commitments with a clean energy ‘Just Transition’ that supports communities through this period of intense change. Our future depends on it.” 

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Co-executive Directors, Logan McIntosh and Sonia Theroux available for comment.

Media Contact:

Max Mosher

Cell: 647-888-6453

Email: [email protected]