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July 25, 2007
Final oil sands reports set a framework for the future
Edmonton... Setting out a vision and identifying principles to guide the future development of Alberta’s oil sands are highlighted in the Oil Sands Consultations Multistakeholder Committee (MSC) Final Report and the Aboriginal Consultation Final Report.
“These reports reflect the views and input of a number of environmental and industry organizations, First Nations and M�tis groups, municipalities and private citizens we heard from throughout the province,” said MSC Chair, Vance MacNichol. “The reports include a vision, principles, strategies and action plans that we believe are relevant and essential to the responsible development of our oil sands resource.”
Based on input from committee members and received from stakeholders, the MSC developed 120 recommendations for action. Of these, the committee reached consensus on 96 recommendations. The 24 non-consensus items are also included in the report for the government’s consideration.
The Aboriginal Consultation Final Report provides an overview of the separate consultation processes, as well as a wide range of recommendations First Nations and M�tis would like the government to consider when determining how to respond to the work of the MSC.
The recommendations contained in the Oil Sands Consultation MSC and Aboriginal Consultation Final Reports were drafted after extensive public consultations held throughout the province over the last year.
Energy Minister Mel Knight thanked the committee and those who participated in the consultations for their work on behalf of government. “Earlier this year, our government took steps to address some of the immediate growth pressures associated with oil sands development,” Knight said. “This work will be extremely valuable as we move to develop long-term actions and strategies for the long-term development of the oil sands.”
As the recommendations within both reports cover a wide variety of topics that fall under the mandate of a number of government departments, the government will fully review both reports before developing a response.
The oil sands consultations and both reports reflect Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to build a stronger Alberta. Other priorities for the government are to govern with integrity and transparency, manage growth pressures, improve Albertans’ quality of life and promote safe and secure communities.
The reports are available online at
Attachment: Backgrounder - Additional information on the Final Report of the MSC and the Aboriginal Consultation Final Report.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Jason Chance
Alberta Energy Communications
(780) 422-3667
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Additional information on the Final Report and the Aboriginal Consultation Final Report
Multistakeholder Committee Background and Process
- The Multistakeholder Committee (MSC) was formed in spring 2006 to lead a public consultation on development of Alberta’s oil sands. Sectors represented included municipal, provincial and federal governments; industry; First Nations; Métis; and Environmental Non-Government Organizations (ENGOs).
- Consultations were held throughout the province with an emphasis on the three primary oil sands regions: Peace River, Athabasca and Cold Lake.
- The Phase I Interim Report, which was submitted to government November 2006, set out a vision and principles for oil sands development.
- Phase II of the process again sought public input on a range of strategies and actions to implement the vision and principles.
- Separate, parallel First Nations and Métis consultation processes were also established during Phase II to discuss the potential adverse impacts oil sands development may have on constitutionally protected rights and traditional land uses.
- The MSC and Aboriginal Consultation Final Reports were submitted to the Ministers of Energy, Environment and Sustainable Resource Development on June 30, 2007.
Highlights of the Reports
- The MSC Final Report contains 96 consensus recommendations for strategies and actions that are aligned with nine vision elements.
- Vision 1, First Nations and Métis: actions aimed at improving the provincial government’s interactions with First Nations and Métis to more effectively address issues related to oil sands development.
- Vision 2, Quality of Life: recommendations to use quality of life indicators to measure and evaluate quality of life and assist the province in making decisions to respond to growth pressures.
- Vision 3, Environment:
- Actions to ensure good information and management systems, regional level planning, baseline data to assess cumulative effects, standards to protect human and ecosystem health, and use of best available technology economically available (BATEA).
- Actions regarding pace of reclamation and assurances that there would be no financial liabilities for the public.
- Vision 4, Maximizing Value Added: recommendations to help determine the optimal level of value-added activity in the province.
- Vision 5, Healthy Communities: actions to ensure necessary levels of health and wellness, and strategies to ensure there is sufficient planning and established standards.
- Vision 6, Benefits to Albertans and Post-oil Economy: actions to ensure a fair share of resource development is received for current and future generations.
- Vision 7, World Leader in Education, Technology and Skilled Workforce: recommended actions to attract, develop and retain a skilled workforce and to coordinate research and development policies on world-class technology.
- Vision 8, High Quality Infrastructure and Services: recommended actions on infrastructure and services, particularly in the Wood Buffalo area, especially related to housing, planning and transportation.
- Vision 9, Governance: recommended actions relate to: planning, legislation and appropriate resources for government departments to regulate effectively, as well as Cumulative Environmental Management Association’s (CEMA) ability to carry out its mandate under the Regional Sustainable Development Strategy.
- The Aboriginal Consultation Final Report provides an overview of the separate consultation processes as well as a wide range of recommendations including those addressing:
- impacts on the environment, including land, air, water, fish and wildlife;
- education, training, jobs and economic development opportunities;
- impacts on First Nations and Métis communities;
- communication and relationship building;
- First Nations and Métis rights, interests and traditional uses;
- cumulative impacts;
- consultation policies and processes; and
- revenue sharing and economic participation.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
| Jason Chance Alberta Energy Communications (780) 422-3667 |
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Copyright(©) 2007 Government of Alberta
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