Corb Lund files notice of intent to reapply for anti-coal petition

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on December 20, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

Country singer Corb Lund has filed a notice of intent to reapply for the issuance of a citizen initiative petition after his previous petition was struck down by a change to the Citizen Initiative Act.

Lund’s petition puts forth the proposal: “The Government of Alberta shall prohibit by law any and all new coal mining activities, including new approvals, within the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains.”

The original application was received and approved, but the petition not issued, prior to the passing of Bill 14, which came into force on Dec. 11 and cancelled pending petitions.

According to the bill, previously approved applicants could submit a notice of intent with the same subject matter within 30 days and have the application fee waived.

The application fee for citizen initiative petitions was raised from $500 to $25,000 by an amendment Wednesday. The fee change will not apply to this citizen initiative.

According to a release from the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, the CEO now has seven days to determine whether an application meets the requirements outline in the legislation.

The changes outlined in Bill 14 which resulted in the cancellation of the petition relocated the power to approve citizen-led referendum questions to Justice Minister Mickey Amery.

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