Letter lacked context of MLAA Neudorf’s statement to Chamber
By Lethbridge Herald on March 14, 2025.
Editor,
The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering informed discussions on matters that impact our business community. We appreciate engagement on issues of economic policy and government communication; however, it is essential that information from our events is accurately represented when referenced in public discourse.
In the March 6, 2025, letter titled “Albertans can’t afford Nathan Neudorf,” Chris Spearman referenced a statement made at a Chamber event held on January 28, 2025, later covered by the Lethbridge Herald on Jan. 30, 2025. The letter quoted Minister Neudorf as saying: “So do you want to choose coal mining with higher than ever regulatory thresholds for any environmental infractions, or do people want a 10 to 20 per cent tax increase?”
However, the next paragraph —providing important context—was omitted:
“He said his position for Lethbridge East has never wavered, that the agriculture and food processing sectors can’t be sacrificed for another industry.”
The Chamber develops policy on issues affecting businesses at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels and actively communicates these positions. While we do not endorse any political party, we take issue when statements from our events are selectively quoted in a way that does not reflect the full context of the discussion. Accuracy and integrity in public debate are critical, particularly when discussing policies that impact businesses and residents.
It is important to note that Mr. Spearman was not in attendance at the event. We encourage readers to review the full Lethbridge Herald article from January 30, 2025, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the discussion. Selective quoting can lead to misinterpretations, and we believe that a well-informed public dialogue benefits everyone.
As a non-partisan organization dedicated to supporting our local economy, we encourage open and fact-based discussions on these important issues. We invite all community members and stakeholders to engage with us directly to ensure that the conversations taking place at Chamber events are represented fairly and fully.
Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce
Cyndi Crane
CEO, Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce
-1
To address Neudorf’s question of “coal mining with higher regulatory thresholds vs a 10 to 20% tax increase,” for me, and many, this is the issue of the UCP government catering to the $billion legal action the big mining friends are attempting to take against this government for delays, i.e. if the UCP government loses, or settles, with the big mining friends, it will cost us taxpayers. There is also the thing with the next Neudorf comment re: not sacrificing the ag and food sector…the UCP is not to be trusted with them believing/or saying, that increased mining regulations will take care of every problem, i.e. lack of water, contamination of water, damage to the environment, unsightly damage to the mountain vistas, etc. They still, appear to be leaning toward allowing open pit coal mining.
Do the UCP believe that any of us are going to swallow the increased regulation be-all and end-all kool aid? No, we do not, want, open pit coal mining, period. And the $billion in legal issues? Trust the UCP for allowing things to get this far. Well, here, again, stupid can only be fixed by paying the big mining friends out and of course, us taxpayers getting the hit again for failed UCP $billion dollar policies/dabblings. What else would be new?
Good points, SoAb. I don’t quite see how the additional comment diminishes the threat voiced in the first. And this pro-UCP lobby group would be foolish to believe these words, which are belied by Mr. Neudorfs actions (and inactions). Mr. Neudorf, even when acting as the Water Czar, has made no move to protect our water from industrial contamination. He is all in for coal exploitation in our headwaters.
Your comments do not reflect the letter posted by the Chamber. Are you covering up for the deceitful remarks made by Chris Spearman?
Your comments do not reflect the letter posted by the Chamber. Are you covering up for the deceitful remarks made by Chris Spearman?
Why were Albertans put in this position in the first place? Lougheed’s protection should never have been destroyed but that’s what Reformers do, they destroy everything conservatives have created for the good of the people it’s a well known fact and why Poilievre wanted to destroy the carbon tax and cbc they where created by Conservatives. Now that he doesn’t have Trudeau to bad mouth or the carbon tax to axe the poor fool has nothing. It’s why Alberta is in financial ruin and no other oil rich nation in the world is as oilmen point out, and why Poilievre will likely lose the next election.
They couldn’t have picked a dumber guy to be their leader making it so true conservatives are switching their loyalties to the Liberals, and why wouldn’t they? The guy is another Donald Trump.
Here is letter in response to the letter Crane CEO wrote, this one was written by ChatGPT
To the Editor,
I appreciate the opportunity to address the concerns raised by the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce regarding my letter titled “Albertans can’t afford Nathan Neudorf.”
First and foremost, I respect the Chamber’s role in fostering informed discussions on economic policy and government decisions. My intent was never to misrepresent statements made at the January 28, 2025, event but rather to highlight the concerns many Albertans have regarding economic choices that affect them directly.
While I acknowledge that Minister Neudorf also referenced his commitment to agriculture and food processing, the core issue remains the dichotomy he presented: either accept coal mining with stricter regulations or face a significant tax increase. This framing suggests a limited range of options, which is precisely what I sought to challenge. Economic policy is complex, and presenting such stark choices without broader context can leave Albertans feeling as though they are being forced into a false dilemma.
I also appreciate the Chamber’s encouragement to engage with the full Lethbridge Herald article for a more comprehensive view. However, my concerns—and those of many others—stem from the fundamental implications of the statement itself, not just its phrasing. Selective quoting is a valid concern, but it is equally important to scrutinize the policy directions being suggested and their potential impacts on Albertans.
I welcome further dialogue on this matter and encourage open discussions about how we can ensure economic policies serve the best interests of all citizens. I value the Chamber’s commitment to integrity in public debate and hope that conversations about Alberta’s future remain transparent, inclusive, and focused on long-term sustainability.
Sincerely,
CHAT GPT not written by our former mayor.
Your comments do not reflect the letter posted by the Chamber. Are you covering up for the deceitful remarks made by Chris Spearman?
What does CHAT GPT say about Harold’s pithy rebuttal?
The Lethbridge COC is just covering for a UCP member so as to not risk being put on the govt naughty list. Neudorf threatened a tax increase if east slope mining was not allowed then suggesting his govt so called strict regulations would protect our water supply. Our govt regulations have proven to be a joke as powerful industries support the UCP and fail to follow the rules on a regular basis. The orphan well fiasco will cost us taxpayers billions of dollars while we continue to subsidize a money machine that is the same oil industry that abandoned these wells. So Chamber of Commerce take ur indignation and shove it while the clean water still flows. Since I’m unaware of the Chambers position on east slope mining I’ve emailed them to let me know if they approve or oppose mining.
Your comments do not reflect the letter posted by the Chamber. Are you covering up for the deceitful remarks made by Chris Spearman?
It’s ok Harold grade 6 reading was a toughie.
Exactly, and I did comment on Mr. Spearman’s letter that he posted a couple weeks back. This failed former Mayor definitely has a negative agenda, and it is appreciated that in this instance, the record has been set straight.
In light of this, one would expect a retraction of his (Spearman’s) letter and an apology from him (Spearman) to MLA Neudorf. Knowing the arrogance of Chris Spearman, neither of these will occur.
And speaking of “arrogance” , try looking in the mirror.
As my friends would say “All mouth and no brains ” A true Reformer so proud of what he says , yet can’t get the message, no one wants to hear the lies you spread.
In true Reform Party fashion he doesn’t give a damn about what his Reform Party Pals have done to this province or our children and grandchildren’s future, does he?
Nathan Neudorf and the UCP are in the wrong. Best to demand that they stepped down.
The agriculture and food processing sectors cannot co-exist with coal mining, and even coal exploration has caused serious harm to the watershed. Listen to this excellent analysis by Lethbridge’s own Lorne Fitch. Ms. Crane is guilty of not doing her research on behalf of our businesses when she promotes the idea, along with Nathan, that we can do coal mining without major harmful impacts. The two of them are putting our Southern Alberta industries and water supply at risk.
Alberta’s Coal Problem with Biologist Lorne Fitch