Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Challenges Alberta Over Oilsands Cleanup in Fort McMurray Court

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is taking Alberta to court over oilsands cleanup concerns. They argue the province’s Mine Financial Security Program isn’t doing enough to ensure companies pay for land reclamation—leaving First Nations to deal with the mess. ACFN’s Acting Chief Hazel Mercredi says without stronger safeguards, companies could walk away from their environmental responsibilities. Reports show Alberta holds only a fraction of the funds needed to clean up mining sites, with liabilities estimated as high as $130 billion. The province says it made changes last year to balance industry contributions with economic interests. But ACFN, backed by environmental lawyers, says Alberta is failing its Treaty obligations. Their case heads to Fort McMurray’s Court of King’s Bench on May 21.