Guiding Principles for Oil Sands Development 

Canada's oil sands industry will provide a secure source of energy, reduce its impact on the environment and provide economic benefits to society while developing this globally significant resource. We will achieve this through continuous improvement, by developing new technology and by committing to these guiding principles:

• View CAPP's Guiding Principles for Oil Sands Development
  (PDF | English | Sep 2009)

Translations: French | German | Norwegian

• Read CAPP's Introduction to Canada's Oil Sands
  (PDF | English | Sep 2009)

Translations: French | German | Norwegian

• Learn more about Canada's Oil Sands
  (CAPP's website)

People

• We will provide a safe environment for our employees, contractors, and the communities where we operate.
• We will provide employment and business opportunities for regional communities, including Aboriginal peoples.
• We will consult with directly-affected stakeholders through all stages of our operations.
  • Oil Sands: A Solution to North America's Growing Energy Demands?
    (PDF | English | Sep 2009)

  Translations: French | German | Norwegian

  • Oil Sands: An Important Asset Generating Benefits Across Canada
    (PDF | English | Sep 2009)

  Translations: French | German | Norwegian

  • Oil Sands: The Principles and Relationships Behind the Resource
    (PDF | English | Sep 2009)

  Translations: French | German | Norwegian

Air

• We will design and operate our facilities to ensure that regional air quality continues to exceed provincial air quality objectives.
• We will continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per barrel of production by improving our energy efficiency and by developing new technologies.
  • Overview: Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Canada's Oil Sands
    (PDF | two page | Sep 2009)

  Translations: French | German | Norwegian

  • Detailed: Air Emissions in Canada's Oil Sands
    (PDF | English | Sep 2009)

  Translations: French | German | Norwegian

Water

• We will continue to reduce the amount of fresh water required per barrel of production by improving water recycle rates, using non-potable water sources where feasible, and by developing new technologies.
• We will safeguard the quality of regional surface and groundwater resources.
  • Overview: Water Use in Canada's Oil Sands
    (PDF | two page | Sep 2009)

  Translations: French | German | Norwegian

  • Detailed: Water Use in Canada's Oil Sands
    (PDF | English | Sep 2009)

  Translations: French | German | Norwegian

  Land

  • We will mitigate our impact on the land while maintaining regional ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • We will progressively reclaim all lands affected by oil sands operations, returning them to self-sustaining landscapes.
    • Overview: Land Use in Canada's Oil Sands
      (PDF | two page | Sep 2009)

    Translations: French | German | Norwegian

    • Detailed: Land Use in Canada's Oil Sands
      (PDF | English | Sep 2009)

    Translations: French | German | Norwegian

Join the conversation

It is important to have a balanced conversation about the oil sands and its impacts. You can participate: www.canadasoilsands.ca

Canada's Oil Sands - Come see for yourself

Learn what the oil sands are and how they’re developed.

Watch the video
(CAPP Video Production)