That's the Price

That's the Price

| 40 min
Free
streaming

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What happens to two dying coal towns in British Columbia when an American corporation provides a contract for millions of tons of coking coal? The film follows the consequences for the towns of Natal and Michel, suggesting that industrial growth has its price, especially with regard to the environment.

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That's the Price, Michael Scott, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

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Credits
  • director
    Michael Scott
  • producer
    William Canning
  • script
    Kenneth McCready
  • photography
    Tony Ianzelo
  • sound
    Joseph Champagne
  • editing
    Torben Schioler
    F. Whitman Trecartin
  • re-recording
    George Croll
    Michel Descombes
  • narrator
    Budd Knapp

  • Cheecho

    Born and raised within the one community of Natal has left me filled with many happy and sad memories. I am proud of our heritage but regretful that we could not have established a more significant tribute to honour the people and era of our "roots". Thank you "kpod" for expressing such insightful perspectives.

    Cheecho, 8 Nov 2014
  • sixam

    That scientist was totally wrong in his prediction.

    sixam, 22 Feb 2014
  • kpod

    Remember your roots! As I watch this documentary and recall those pioneers who are still with us, those about to pass and those who remain I can't help but think of how society has forgotten the debt of gratitude we owe these people. It was hard, dirty and dangerous work and like all historical development in the world came at a cost but if not for these people and their sacrifice much of what we take for granted today. My family are third generation Natal residents and while it was “an industrial environment” that we grew up in the sense of family, support, mutual respect and brotherhood that the communities of Michel and Natal residents felt is something our children (and most others) will not likely experience in their residential lives. The hypocrisy that exists today can be a challenge to accept, those who despise our industry gladly jump in their car or SUV for a family vacation, a trip to the mountains to enjoy their favorite recreational pursuit or attend gatherings or meetings to speak out against the very industry that have given them the quality of life they enjoy today. I long for the days when we all understand and APPRECIATE OUR PAST and respect the lives and sacrifice of those who came before us as we WORK TOGETHER to improve our industry and not apologize for it. Could “things” have been more environmentally responsible…sure but for all those who care to critique the coal industry, remember: hind sight is 20:20 and remember your roots!

    kpod, 27 Jan 2013
  • Cactusflower47

    I was born in Michel in 1947 and my sister was born in Natal in later years. I grew up and was educated in Coleman Alberta. To watch this film was very heart- wrenching because the town I was born in no longer exists. I also had many friends from Michel/Natal who were later moved to Sparwood - so sad that so many lost their homes with so many memories.

    Cactusflower47, 1 Apr 2011
  • anka13

    I was in this film as a young girl, well done documentary Michael, I look back and feel the same way I felt then, sorry for the older people but not sorry to see the pollution go and progress take over... in retrospect Kaser Resources was not such a bad company - their reclamation dept kept the trees growing and young kids earning money for thier education.. dont hear about the same nowdays, do you?

    anka13, 1 Sep 2010

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