C-383 – The Prohibiting the Export of Thermal Coal Act – makes it illegal to export thermal coal without special permission.
So first up, what counts as “thermal coal?” Thermal coal is any coal used for generating electricity as well as bituminous coal, other coal, sub-bituminous coal, lignite, and agglomerated lignite. It does not include metallurgical bituminous coal.
Companies can be given permission if both the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Transport agree it’s needed to address an imminent threat to human safety, health, or the environment. If a company applies for a permit and is denied the Ministers will need to give them a written response explaining why. They will also need to publish for the public if they’ve issued or denied a permit as well as their reason for doing either.
Illegally exporting thermal coal is punishable with a fine up to $6 million on a first offence and $12 million for each offence after.
Progress of C-383
C-383 is currently outside of the Order of Precedence.