The following document has been posted to the Government of Alberta website.
News Release
Building a stronger Alberta
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 Métis 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 Métis 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 http://www.oilsandsconsultations.gov.ab.ca/
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Attachment: Backgrounder - Additional information on the Final Report of the MSC and the Aboriginal Consultation Final Report.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Jason Chance
Alberta Energy Communications
(780) 422-3667
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. The following document has been posted to the Government of Alberta website to view this document online and/or additional information/backgrounder http://www.alberta.ca//acn/200707/21552.html