Stakeholder Engagement
Syncrude’s stakeholder engagement cycle helps us understand the concerns and beliefs stakeholders have about the potential impacts of proposed Syncrude activities.
How we consult with stakeholders – Our consultation processes can be either formal (designed to achieve a specific outcome) or informal (information sharing and dialogue) and are determined by both Syncrude and the affected stakeholder. They are guided by an overarching set of consultation principles.
View the consultation principles at www.syncrude.com
We consult with a broad range of stakeholders including Aboriginal communities, advocacy groups, contractors, educators, governments, industry groups, local community residents, nongovernmental organizations, suppliers and other interested parties. Engagement with Syncrude employees is discussed in Our People.
Refocusing Stakeholder Relations Policy – In October, to better reflect Syncrude’s comprehensive approach to stakeholder and public engagement activities, Syncrude introduced a new stakeholder relations policy. The new policy and its program guidelines encompass stakeholder consultation, relationships with government, external communications, corporate giving and reputation management, and communicating with employees.
Stakeholder Engagement Highlights – The following is a summary of Syncrude’s key consultation activities and actions taken as a result of our stakeholder engagement in 2006.
Community Visits
In order to learn more about neighbouring Aboriginal communities, Syncrude’s Aboriginal Relations Steering Committee commenced a program of periodic community visits in 2006. This action was taken in response to requests from the communities for Syncrude leaders to become more literate about community issues and concerns. As an example, a visit to Fort McKay took place in April, beginning with a presentation from the community’s Industry Relations Corporation (IRC) on the community’s planning process and overall community vision. Information sessions were also held with key people representing Fort McKay’s leadership, community administration, school and daycare. In total, 263 Aboriginal consultation activities took place during the year including meetings, tours, events and telephone discussions.
Outreach on Odour Concerns
In April and into May, Fort McKay residents voiced concerns about sustained odours coming from a new unit at Syncrude. Early on during the incident, five children took ill as a result of the odours and were sent to hospital for observation. In response to the concerns, Syncrude immediately increased air monitoring with our diagnostic and source tracking vehicle, and sent personnel into the community to meet with leaders and affected residents. As well, community bulletins were distributed to all homes, and two town hall meetings with residents were held so Syncrude could learn more about the concerns and communicate the underlying reasons for the incident and plans for corrective action.
On May 18th, the Government of Alberta ordered Syncrude to shut down the operating unit that had been causing the odours until it could be proven to operate in an odour-free manner. Throughout the next three months, Syncrude updated local residents through our web site, community bulletins, face-to-face meetings and daily status briefings with the Industry Relations Corporations of neighbouring Aboriginal communities and representatives from government, the regional health authority and other key stakeholders. The parties were consulted on Syncrude’s plan to restart the unit and modifications to the plan were made as a result.
The consultations also led to the purchase by Syncrude of specialized ammonia analyzers which were installed in the Fort McKay air quality monitoring station operated by the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association, and also in Syncrude’s source tracking vehicle. Syncrude is also funding a new electronic message board in Fort McKay to keep residents better informed on air quality through the real-time display of air quality data.
Operating License Renewal
In March, Syncrude applied to the Government of Alberta for renewal of Syncrude’s operating license under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. The application outlines Syncrude’s methods and plans for protecting air and water quality and includes an updated site closure plan. Syncrude is now working with regional stakeholders to understand concerns about our current operation and future plans, including reclamation and closure activities and mining and production operations. The license must be renewed every 10 years.
Regional Multi-Party Consultations
Throughout 2006, Syncrude maintained close contact with the various Wood Buffalo area groups that are responsible for regional environmental monitoring and management. Tours and meetings were held with the Cumulative Effects Management Association, the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program, the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association and the Industry Relations Corporations that represent the region’s First Nations.
Wood Buffalo Municipal Consultations
In May, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo commenced a series of consultations in six communities to assess how oil sands development is affecting quality of life for the region’s residents. At the Fort McMurray consultation, the Regional Issues Working Group presented industry’s perspective and its plan for sustainable growth. The consultation was launched in response to robust growth in the oil sands industry, which has in turn strained the Municipality’s ability to provide needed services. The Municipality hopes that the consultations will bolster its case for more funding from both oil sands companies and the Government of Alberta. Information gathered from the process was forwarded to the Government and the Regional Issues Working Group for consideration.
Alberta Oil Sands Consultations
In August, the Government of Alberta formed two committees to lead public consultations on the development of Alberta’s oil sands and the short-and long-term issues that need to be addressed to support further sustainable development.
The Oil Sands Ministerial Strategy Committee was charged with developing a coordinated short-term action plan to address social, environmental and economic impacts. After collecting input from Syncrude and other stakeholders, it put forth 30 recommendations for consideration by the provincial government.
The Multi-stakeholder Committee sought input on principles to assist in guiding future government policy decisions. Its scope includes long-term social, economic, environmental and First Nations/MZtis issues related to oil sands development. The first phase of the consultation comprised public information sharing sessions in five different communities; Syncrude made representations at three of these, and our input is posted on Syncrude’s web site at www.syncrude.com
Further information on the consultation is available at www.oilsandsconsultations.gov.ab.ca
Federal Consultations
In the autumn, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources commenced public hearings on the sustainable development of Canada’s oil sands. As part of its work, the Committee visited Fort McMurray in November, where it heard from various industry and community members. The Committee also heard presentations in Ottawa, including two from Syncrude on the topics of economic contribution, environmental stewardship and land reclamation.
Syncrude Tour Program
Syncrude welcomes public interest in its operations. We conduct discretionary tours for visitors in response to our business needs, and Fort McMurray Tourism conducts tours for the public between May and September. In 2006, tours were conducted for more than 6,000 visitors, including 3,587 public guests.
Information on public tours is available from Fort McMurray Tourism at 780-791-4336 or www.fortmcmurraytourism.com
Mining Industry Approves Verification System
In June, Syncrude and other members of the Mining Association of Canada approved a new external verification system for performance data the member companies provide as part of their participation in the Association’s Toward Sustainable Mining initiative. The data relates to Tailings Management, Energy and Greenhouse Gas Management, Crisis Management, and External Outreach protocols. Syncrude expects to have its 2006 data reviewed by external verifiers in the first quarter of 2007. Syncrude was among 16 mining industry companies to provide data for the 2005 Towards Sustainable Mining Performance Report. Data in the report provides a benchmark for industry best practices.
For more information, visit the Mining Association of Canada website: www.mining.ca
Budget Provides for Regional Infrastructure
In its March 2006 budget, the Government of Alberta pledged $446 million to twin Highway 63 north and south of Fort McMurray, and to pave regional Highway 881, which connects Fort McMurray to Anzac, Janvier, Conklin and Lac La Biche; the latter project was completed over the summer months and the Hwy 63 project is expected to be complete within five years. As well, the Northern Lights Regional Health Authority received an 8.3 per cent budget increase, which was the largest increase among all of the province’s health regions. The budget provisions reflect a concerted effort by Syncrude and other regional stakeholders to make a business case for funding for transportation, utilities, health and education infrastructure. Regional stakeholders believe that significant additional resources are required to meet community needs, and work continues through individual and multi-party efforts to advocate for these and also for the release of more Crown land for housing.