Syncrude earns Gold Level Accreditation

National program recognizes Syncrude’s commitment to Aboriginal relations

For the fourth time, Syncrude has earned Gold Level accreditation in the national Progressive Aboriginal Relations program. Syncrude is the only oil sands company and one of 11 Canadian companies to hold this distinction.The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business program recognizes companies committed to increasing Aboriginal employment, assisting in business development, building individual capacity and enhancing community relations.

“Achieving Gold Level accreditation in this national program is a testament to our long-term commitment to ensuring local Aboriginal people share in the benefits of oil sands development,” said Marc Theriault, Syncrude Vice-President Production and Chair, Aboriginal Steering Committee. “Celebrating our achievement reminds us how much we are able to accomplish by working with and reaching out to the local Aboriginal community.”

During Syncrude’s 30-year history, the company has made a significant impact through its Aboriginal Relations Program:

· Syncrude is among the largest industrial employers of Aboriginal people in Canada with 415 self-declared Aboriginal employees or about 8.5 per cent of the company workforce. In addition, Syncrude’s rotational employment program invites residents from the Aboriginal communities in Fort Chipewyan, Janvier and Conklin to join Syncrude without having to relocate.

· Since 1992, Syncrude has spent more than $1.1 billion on goods and services with local Aboriginal businesses.

· Syncrude donated $2 million to the Keyano College Syncrude Aboriginal Trades Preparation Program that will train up to 40 local Aboriginal people per eight-month term.

· Syncrude works directly with Elders to enhance land reclamation work. As a participant in a study that collects information on traditional medicinal plants, Syncrude will learn the best ways to re-establish plants when the land is reclaimed. Syncrude also co-manages the Beaver Creek Wood Bison Ranch with the Fort McKay First Nation. The ranch, now in its 14th year of operation, is located on reclaimed Syncrude land.

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture operated by Syncrude Canada Ltd. and owned by Canadian Oil Sands Limited, ConocoPhillips Oilsands Partnership II, Imperial Oil Resources, Mocal Energy Limited, Murphy Oil Company Ltd., Nexen Oil Sands Partnership, and Petro-Canada Oil and Gas.

For further information:
Cheryl Robb (780) 970.6923 or Syncrude’s website at www.syncrude.com