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

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As a result, the Mikisew Cree First Nation has withdrawn as an intervener from the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) hearing on Syncrude’s Mildred Lake Extension (MLX) project that began Jan. 22.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

“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. 

“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.

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

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.”

“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.).

“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.

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 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

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.

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.).