Alberta won’t appeal ruling that criticized oilsands hearing review decision

EDMONTON – Alberta won’t appeal a court ruling that criticized the government for preventing environmental groups from voicing concerns about an oilsands project.

Last month a judge threw out a decision by a government official who refused to allow the Oil Sands Environmental Coalition to speak at a review into the proposed Southern Pacific project near Fort McMurray.

Queen’s Bench Justice Richard Marceau ruled the official was biased because a government memo stated the coalition should be denied standing at a hearing because it had been publicly critical of the oilsands.

Environment Minister Diana McQueen says it is important that all Albertans directly affected by projects share their concerns with the government.

She says Marceau’s ruling has provided the government with an opportunity to assess how it handles statements of concern, but won’t say if her staff were wrong or made a mistake.

McQueen says the coalition is welcome to resubmit its request to take part in the review of the project.