1) Nearly 200,000 hectares of new coal leases issued since the policy change are still valid

According to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, 194,281 hectares of leases have been granted since May 2020, including 186,186 hectares in what are known as Category 2 lands.

In 1976, the government offered to “buy back” leases it had issued on land where development would be restricted by the new coal policy.

At the time, the government said it “recognizes that the restrictions now imposed on exploration and development in [areas with restricted development] will affect persons holding Crown leases …  and is prepared to purchase such leases.” It was an effort to get industry to pull back from Category 2 lands.

Not this time.

Minister Savage’s announcement paused new coal leases, but did not reverse leases granted since the coal policy was rescinded last year.