Coal in Canada: A look back at major milestones

Since 1639, coal has been mined in the country and the mineral has had its share of ups and downs. Coal was a part of Canada's westward expansion, massive labour disputes, major government legislation and was one of Canada's biggest energy sources.

Today, coal is on somewhat of a decline in usage in Canada. Ontario phased-out coal power in 2014 and Alberta will also do so by 2030. Several coal plants and mines have closed in recent years, both as a result of a decline in Canadian consumption of coal and because of a dip in worldwide demand for it.

Here is a timeline on many of the most significant events and points of Canada's coal history: