Our industry respects and understands the unique interests and constitutional rights of Aboriginal communities.
The Issue: Working Together to Understand Concerns
The exploration and development of oil and gas resources can result in shared and potentially conflicting interests in a region for industry and Aboriginal Peoples. This can lead to misunderstandings and disagreement if we do not communicate openly and honestly with one another.
It is beneficial to our industry to develop relationships with Aboriginal communities so that we understand each other’s interests and concerns, and work toward solutions that benefit all parties. We support the development of strong business relationships and partnerships based upon trust and respect.
For us, this means ensuring access to resources, minimizing delays for regulatory approvals, and gaining access to service industry companies and labour.
For Aboriginal communities, improved communication can lead to identification of the communities’ interests, concerns and priorities. It can also result in opportunities for local service providers, employment opportunities and industry agreements to avoid culturally or ecologically significant areas.
What We’re Doing: Communication is the Key to Shared Success
To help our members develop and maintain strong relationships with Aboriginal communities, CAPP has created the publication Developing Effective Working Relationships With Aboriginal Communities. This guide encourages our industry to develop and maintain relationships with Aboriginal people, businesses and communities, and offers guidance to companies for their consultation efforts.
Read CAPP president Dave Collyer's keynote address at the 2008 Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business on November 25, 2008
In addition, many of our members share a long history of strong Aboriginal relations and working with Aboriginal and First Nations communities.
Suncor Energy Inc.
In 2008, Suncor Energy Inc. surpassed a $1 billion goods and services spending milestone with Aboriginal companies. Aboriginal owned and operated businesses have played a vital role in helping Suncor develop the Athabasca oil sands resource. The businesses range in scope and scale and include fuel distribution, maintenance, reclamation, heavy equipment operation, tire shredding, manufacturing, and hotel and airline services. Read more about Suncor's relationships with Aboriginal communities
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
Syncrude Canada Ltd. is one of only eight companies in Canada to be accredited at the Gold Level in the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business's Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program. PAR measures corporate performance in Aboriginal employment, business development, capacity development and community relations. Find out more about Syncrude's Aboriginal Relations
(www.syncrude.ca)
CAPP's Stewardship Report: People
Our industry respects and understands the unique interests and constitutional rights of Aboriginal communities. We support the development of strong business relationships and partnerships based on trust and respect.
2009 Stewardship Report
(PDF | 2.7MB | Jan 2010)
What Do You Thnk?
We're Listening.
The oil and gas industry wants to hear Canadians' thoughts and opinions about what we do. Tell us what you think
It is important to have a balanced conversation about the oil sands and its impacts. You can participate: www.canadasoilsands.ca