Opponents push back as Alberta says it has a plan for coal mining to follow new modern rules [Video]

The future of coal mining in Alberta will be governed by a new, modern approach, the province announced on Friday.

Brian Jean and Rebecca Schulz released details of the Coal Industry Modernization Initiative, or CIMI, at Calgary’s McDougall Centre on Friday morning.

The framework sets out rules to “guide responsible coal mining practices” while also increasing royalties to Albertans.

“We’re going to modernize it and make it something Albertans can be proud of,” said Alberta energy minister Brian Jean. “They’re not right now, but they will be.”

Some Albertans aren’t convinced.

“The UCP has delivered Albertans a giant lump of coal just before Christmas,” said NDP leader Naheed Nenshi.