Syncrude is aware of an increase in odours in the local region during the last week. We take odour concerns seriously and all reports are investigated.


Currently, work is progressing to address identified sources of odours that may be associated with sour water tank repairs at our Mildred Lake site and air quality is being monitored continuously. We expect maintenance activities to continue during the month of October and all appropriate actions will be taken to identify and minimize any potential further odours throughout this period.

Syncrude is committed to being a responsible neighbour and we appreciate your patience. If you have a concern or would like to report an odour, please reach out through the Alberta Energy and Environmental Response Hotline at 1-800-222-6514. In addition, the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) operates one of the most extensive air monitoring networks in North America and up-to-date air quality information is available on their website at www.wbea.org.

Thank you,
Syncrude Community Relations

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on June 6, Syncrude emergency crews responded to an incident involving an employee operating an excavator at its Aurora site. Unfortunately, the employee was fatally injured despite emergency response efforts. No other workers were injured.

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At approximately 9:30 p.m. on January 19, Syncrude emergency crews responded to reports of an incident at its Aurora site involving a contract worker.


“This is devastating news for all of us at Syncrude. The safety and well-being of our employees and contractors is always our top concern,” says Steve Yatauro, Senior Vice President, Production. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this difficult time.”

Syncrude is working with the RCMP and Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. “We have also commenced our own investigation to find out what happened,” adds Yatauro.

No other workers were injured in this incident.

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Imperial Oil Resources Limited; CNOOC Oil Sands Canada; Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership; and Suncor Energy Inc. (with the Suncor interest held by Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1 and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership, both wholly owned affiliates of Suncor Energy Inc.).

For further information:
Will Gibson
Media Relations Advisor
780-742-5930 | gibson.will@syncrude.com

Syncrude is commemorating its production milestone of three billion barrels through a series of donations to regional initiatives totaling more than $3 million.


Proudly based in Wood Buffalo, Syncrude is committed to building a strong and vibrant place to live and work. The company also supports the hiring of local people who want to pursue opportunities in the industry by investing in education and training.

The new investments will fund initiatives including the University of Alberta Faculty of Engineering for student engagement in northern communities, Tree Canada Operation Releaf program, Inside Education’s Wood Buffalo Environment Education Project, a machining program with the Fort McMurray Catholic School District, a nondestructive apprenticeship program with CAREERS: The Next Generation, an e-learning program with the Fort McKay First Nation and an education training program with the Mikisew Cree First Nation.

These investments also support sponsorships for Girls Inc., the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre and the Syncrude Arts Alive Series at Keyano Theatre.

It builds on the nearly $84 million Syncrude has dedicated to the community in the past 20 years. These projects and organizations are a vital part of the community in helping enhance the quality of life in the region.

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Imperial Oil Resources Limited; CNOOC Oil Sands Canada; Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership; and Suncor Energy Inc. (with the Suncor interest held by Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1 and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership, both wholly owned affiliates of Suncor Energy Inc.).

For further information:
For more information contact:
Cheryl Robb
Public Affairs Advisor
780-717-9638  |  robb.cheryl@syncrude.com

Syncrude produced the three billionth barrel of crude oil at its Mildred Lake upgrading complex earlier this month, surpassing a milestone not reached by any other single source of oil production in Canada’s history.


“We are proud to celebrate this remarkable achievement with our employees and retirees, whose tenacity and know-how enabled us to produce three billion barrels over the past 41 years,” says Doreen Cole, Syncrude’s Managing Director. “What’s always been consistent, from 1978 through to today is how the more than 24,000 employees in that time have worked together to produce the oil Canadians need responsibly.”  

Doreen also thanked valuable partners in the region and beyond who helped contribute to this success which brings both economic and social benefits to our region, province and country. These partners include suppliers, contractors, Indigenous communities as well as local agencies and institutions. “You need strong partnerships to succeed and we’ve really benefited from productive relationships with so many different groups in the region,” she says.

This historic milestone could not have been achieved without their support. And it’s an achievement we share with all of them.

– Doreen cole

During the next two weeks, Syncrude will feature some of the employees and partners who have helped contribute to this production milestone. The stories will be posted Syncrude’s website at  www.syncrude.com. There will be profiles posted on Syncrude’s LinkedIn page. Updates will also be provided on Twitter at @SyncrudeCanada.

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Imperial Oil Resources Limited; CNOOC Oil Sands Canada; Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership; and Suncor Energy Inc. (with the Suncor interest held by Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1 and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership, both wholly owned affiliates of Suncor Energy Inc.).

For further information:
Cheryl Robb
Public Affairs Advisor
780-717-9638
robb.cheryl@syncrude.com

The Mikisew Cree First Nation and Syncrude have ratified an agreement on oil sands development that addresses project-specific impacts and benefits of Syncrude’s operations on the community.

 
The agreement builds upon longstanding ties between the Mikisew Cree First Nation and Syncrude first formed in the 1970s, when band members were able to begin working for the oil sands company as part of the Fort Chipewyan Rotational Program.

As a result, the Mikisew Cree First Nation has withdrawn as an intervener from the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) hearing on Syncrude’s Mildred Lake Extension (MLX) project that began Jan. 22.

“This new partnership with Syncrude builds on the successes that we have had with Syncrude for more than 40 years and ensures we both share in the benefits of the this new mine extension,” says Chief Archie Waquan.

“It also ensures our members will have access to long term, stable employment opportunities that support Mikisew families”


“Reaching an agreement with the First Nation with the largest membership in the region is a tremendous accomplishment,” says Syncrude Managing Director Doreen Cole.

“This agreement reflects our philosophy that Indigenous communities should share in the opportunities that come from developing the oil sands,” says Cole. 

This agreement ratifies our goal of shared success for Syncrude and the Mikisew Cree while responsibly developing the oil sands.

doreen cole

“Entities that are wholly and majority owned by the Mikisew Cree have substantially grown their presence at Syncrude,” Cole adds. “A key example is their joint venture with Guthrie Mechanical, Mikisew Guthrie Limited Partnership, which has become an integral part of Syncrude onsite operations. In addition, many Syncrude employees are members of the First Nation.”

The MLX project will maintain Syncrude’s current level of jobs, translating into ongoing jobs, economic activity and community benefits beyond the mid-2020s, when the current supply in the Syncrude North Mine will run out.

Syncrude also contributed

$2,300,000

to help establish the Birch River Wildland Provincial Park, which is a significant area within the Mikisew Cree’s traditional territory.

As a result, the Alberta government granted a land disturbance offset to Syncrude for future mining development. The oil sands operator intends to use some of those offsets for MLX.

In addition, Syncrude acknowledges the recent efforts of the MCFN and others to add to this conservation area through the Biodiversity Stewardship Area.

“Syncrude is very proud of the MLX project,” says Cole. “We have been consulting MCFN for many years and actively addressing the concerns the community has raised throughout the consultation process.”

Syncrude also reached agreements ahead of the AER’s MLX hearing with the Fort McKay First Nation, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation and the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation as well as Fort McMurray Métis Local 1935 and Fort McKay Métis Local 63.

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Imperial Oil Resources Limited; CNOOC Oil Sands Canada; Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership; and Suncor Energy Inc. (with the Suncor interest held by Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1 and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership, both wholly owned affiliates of Suncor Energy Inc.).

Syncrude has come to an agreement with federal and provincial Crown prosecutors on the charges related to an incident in August 2015, when 31 blue herons were found to have perished near an inactive sump on the Mildred Lake site.


Syncrude has agreed to plead guilty to both federal and provincial charges and pay a total fine of $2.75 million.

“Our organization is saddened by this incident because we don’t want our operations to adversely affect wildlife,” says Managing Director Doreen Cole. “Coming to an agreement with the Crown reflects our remorse about this regrettable incident.”

Syncrude worked with provincial and federal regulators as well as launching an extensive investigation into the cause to address it. Incidental bodies of water, such as the inactive sump where the blue herons were found, were not covered by the deterrents used for tailings areas.

“We immediately took steps to bring all these areas on our Mildred Lake and Aurora sites into our waterfowl protection plan,” Doreen says.

We immediately took steps to bring all these areas on our Mildred Lake and Aurora sites into our waterfowl protection plan.

Doreen cole

“We also shared our findings with other operators.”

Syncrude understands the public expects operators to responsibly develop the oil sands. “We’re committed to being a responsible operator and this has strengthened our resolve to reduce the impact of our operations on wildlife.”

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Imperial Oil Resources Limited; Nexen Oil Sands Partnership; Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership; and Suncor Energy Inc. (with the Suncor interest held by Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1 and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership, both wholly owned affiliates of Suncor Energy Inc.).

Syncrude has kick-started this year’s drive to stock the shelves at the Wood Buffalo Food Bank with $85,000 and a challenge for others to support a vital service to the region.


“Syncrude is proud to have supported the food bank for more than 20 years,” says Doreen Cole, Managing Director.

The food bank hopes to raise $300,000 for the Syncrude Corporate Challenge and I’m confident the people and businesses of the region will meet that goal.

Doreen cole

The Corporate Challenge is a one-day fundraiser that encourages pledges and challenges from businesses, clubs, service groups and individuals. Syncrude has donated more than $500,000 to the food bank in the past five years through the annual event. 

The Syncrude Food Bank Drive will run from November 30 to December 2. Volunteers will collect food and cash donations at grocery stores and other retailers across the region to help provide warm meals to community members in need.

“The Syncrude Food Bank Drive and Corporate Challenge is one of our most important events of the year. It brings in approximately 40 per cent of our annual donations and sees the community come together for a great cause,” says Dan Edwards, Executive Director of the Wood Buffalo Food Bank. “Without Syncrude’s support, the Food Drive would not be nearly as successful. We are so grateful they are alongside us every year as we fight hunger issues in our community.”

The food bank is looking to raise a total of $350,000 and 80,000 pounds of food in this year’s drive.


“Please give what you can, as every bit counts,” Doreen says. “With your help, families will get the support they need this holiday season and beyond.”

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Imperial Oil Resources Limited; Nexen Oil Sands Partnership; Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership; and Suncor Energy Inc. (with the Suncor interest held by Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1 and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership, both wholly owned affiliates of Suncor Energy Inc.).

To celebrate the Wood Buffalo Food Bank Drive’s 25th anniversary, Syncrude will donate $85,000 to this year’s Corporate Challenge.


“Syncrude is proud to have supported the Wood Buffalo Food Bank for more than 20 years,” says President and CEO Mark Ward. “The food bank provides vital services to the community. We’re confident the people of this region will respond with their continued generosity, which has always seen the food bank’s shelves filled.”

The Corporate Challenge is a one-day fundraiser that encourages pledges and challenges from businesses, clubs, service groups and individuals. Syncrude has donated more than $500,000 to the food bank in the past five years through the annual Corporate Challenge event. 

Following the Corporate Challenge, the Syncrude Food Bank Drive will run from Dec. 1 to 3. Stationed at grocery stores and other retailers across the region, volunteers will collect food and cash donations to help provide warm meals to community members in need.

The Syncrude Food Drive and Corporate Challenge provide much more than a hamper of groceries. Syncrude is providing something even more powerful, more meaningful; hope

Arianna johnson

Executive Director of the Wood Buffalo Food Bank

“Without Syncrude’s yearly support, this Food Drive would not be nearly as successful. We are so grateful they are alongside us every year as we fight hunger issues in the community.”

The Wood Buffalo Food Bank is looking to raise $350,000 and a total of 75,000 pounds of food in this year’s drive.


The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Imperial Oil Resources Limited; Mocal Energy Limited; Nexen Oil Sands Partnership; Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership; and Suncor Energy Inc. (with the Suncor interest held by Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1 and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership, both wholly owned affiliates of Suncor Energy Inc.).

For more information contact:
Will Gibson
Media Relations Advisor
780-742-5930  |  gibson.will@syncrude.com

Syncrude is giving away $10,000 this weekend to a worthy cause – but we need your help to decide.


Those attending the Spring Show & Market at MacDonald Island Park are invited to visit Syncrude’s booth to vote for one non-profit community group to receive the donation.

People can cast a ballot at the Syncrude booth for the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo, Canadian Mental Health Association, Norfort Gymnastics Club or Big Brothers/Sisters.

These groups represent just a small percentage of the organizations that have a big impact on our community. We are pleased to be able to show our support through this donation and year-round through the Good Neighbours program

Kara flynn

Syncrude’s Vice President, Government and Public Affairs

Syncrude distributes over $6 million annually from its Community Investment Program to local organizations and initiatives. We proudly support our employees and retirees who invest their time and talents to non-profit groups within our region through our Good Neighbours Program. More than 275 Syncrude volunteers helped us distribute close to $210,000 in 2016.
 
The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Imperial Oil Resources; Mocal Energy Limited; Nexen Oil Sands Partnership; Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership; and Suncor Energy Inc. (held as Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1 and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership, both wholly owned affiliates of Suncor Energy Inc.).