Syncrude releases report on Aboriginal relations

The relationship between Syncrude and its Aboriginal neighbours are highlighted in a comprehensive report released today.

“Syncrude has always been a leader in developing a strong relationship with our Aboriginal stakeholders,” said president and chief operating officer Jim Carter. “We’re proud to have it documented in one extensive publication that we’re sharing with our region and the rest of Canada.”

Syncrude is one of the nation’s largest industrial employers of Aboriginal people and is the only company in Canada that publishes a report of this nature.

For 30 years, Syncrude has worked with Aboriginal stakeholders in six key areas: corporate leadership, employment, business development, education, community development and the environment.

“Even before Syncrude began producing oil in 1978, we knew that Aboriginal people are integral stakeholders in the development of the oil sands,” added Carter. “Not only do they have the right to be consulted about decisions that could impact them, they also have the right to share in the socio-economic benefits created by our operation. Syncrude’s Aboriginal Review outlines how we’re living up to those commitments by working together with these key stakeholders.”

Some of the highlights include Syncrude’s employment of 1,300 Aboriginal people directly or through our contractors.

“In the past 12 years, that has totalled to more than $600 million.”

On the education front, Syncrude involvement includes investing more than $400,000 in early intervention programs.

The 2003/2004 Syncrude Aboriginal Review is being delivered to homes in the Aboriginal communities within the Wood Buffalo region. It’s also available on the company’s web site at www.syncrude.com [please click here] as well as by calling 1-800-667-9494.

Syncrude is one of only two companies in Canada to achieve gold-level status in the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program, managed by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture operated by Syncrude Canada Ltd. and owned by Canadian Oil Sands, ConocoPhillips Oilsands Partnership II, Imperial Oil Resources, Mocal Energy Limited, Murphy Oil Company Ltd., Nexen Inc., and Petro-Canada Oil and Gas.

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