Government's Ban on Coal Exports in Canada Remains Elusive as Exports Increase in 2023

The export of thermal coal from Canada has been on the rise, with a seven percent increase last year alone. This surge in exports comes at a time when Canada has been advocating for the global phase-out of coal as a power source, including domestically. While the Canadian government had pledged to end thermal coal exports by 2030, exports have actually increased by almost 20 percent since that commitment was made.

Data released by the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert reveals that 19.5 million tonnes of thermal coal were exported through their terminals in the previous year. This marks a significant increase from just over 18 million tonnes in 2022 and nearly double the amount exported in 2015 when the current government came into power.

The majority of Canada's thermal coal exports originate from the United States, particularly from states like Wyoming and Montana, and are shipped via rail to Vancouver for further export to Asia. With most U.S.

west coast ports no longer allowing thermal coal exports, Canada has become a key transit point for this type of coal. Fraser Thomson, a staff lawyer at Ecojustice, has called on the Canadian government to fulfill its promise of ending both Canadian-produced thermal coal exports and the transit of U.S.

coal through the country. He emphasized the urgency of taking action, stating that the issue is only worsening with time. Coal is known for being one of the most environmentally damaging sources of electricity due to its high greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Burning coal produces nearly twice the amount of carbon dioxide compared to natural gas for the same energy output. Despite global efforts to reduce the use of coal, demand surged in 2022, partly due to geopolitical factors like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. China and India are among the top consumers of thermal coal globally, with China accounting for over half of the world's usage.

In Canada, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault has indicated plans to announce a strategy for phasing out coal exports later this year. However, NDP MP Laurel Collins introduced a private member's bill to expedite the process, expressing frustration over the lack of action from the government. Collins highlighted the importance of providing support for workers in the coal industry to transition to new job opportunities as the phase-out progresses.

She emphasized that delaying action could result in harm to these workers and hinder Canada's reputation as a leader in combating coal power. Despite significant progress in reducing coal usage domestically, particularly with the closure of coal power plants in Ontario and the transition to natural gas in Alberta, Canada continues to export thermal coal overseas. With regulations in place for provinces like Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia to phase out coal reliance by 2030, there is an ongoing discrepancy between domestic policies and international actions.

Thomson underscored the need for the government to address the issue of increasing coal production and exports, especially as the country aims to position itself as a leader in clean energy. Most of the thermal coal produced in Canada originates from Alberta and is shipped to Asian markets through ports in British Columbia. As the global community increasingly prioritizes clean energy solutions, the pressure mounts on Canada to uphold its commitment to phasing out thermal coal exports and aligning its actions with its environmental objectives.

The time for decisive action is now, to ensure a sustainable and greener future for generations to come.