Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - April 5 2025 - Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) is challenging the Alberta provincial government's 2024 decision to renew the Mine Financial Security Program (MFSP), arguing that it failed to consult and ignored ACFN's concerns about infringement on Treaty rights.

The MFSP collects deposits from energy companies to cover the cost of remediating oilsands and coal mine sites after decommissioned.

The ACFN's legal application argues that the MFSP is "grossly inadequate for achieving its intended purpose" and that the province hasn't addressed recommendations and concerns raised during a recent review.

The judicial review is scheduled to be heard in the Fort McMurray Court of King's Bench on May 21.

The ACFN also filed a lawsuit against the Alberta Energy Regulator last year, alleging negligence and failure to live up to Treaty obligations after multiple tailings leaks at Imperial Oil's Kearl facility.