Storylines Raked over the coals: Mixing politics & music
8 snips
Apr 2, 2026 
Corb Lund, Canadian country musician and sixth-generation Albertan turned activist, talks about why he stepped into the fight against coal development in Alberta’s eastern slopes. He recounts his musical roots, the 2020 policy reversal that sparked action, the science and community tensions around mining, and the personal toll his advocacy has taken on his life.
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How Corb Lund Became A Reluctant Activist
- Corb Lund was pulled into anti-coal activism after ranchers asked him to help raise awareness following Alberta's 2020 coal policy reversal.
- He spent six to seven weeks doing a deep dive: meeting scientists, industry people, ranchers, First Nations, and regulators before committing to speak out.
Policy Reversals Kept The Coal Issue Alive
- The coal fight has been cyclical: policy reversals, legal challenges, and new project proposals kept the issue alive for years.
- Grassy Mountain remains central as Northback revises a previously rejected proposal while exploration continues.
Use Citizen Initiatives To Force Government Action
- Use citizen-initiated petitions to force legislative consideration when governments suggest it as an option.
- Corb filed a citizen initiative asking to ban exploration and mining on the eastern slopes after the premier suggested a referendum.