An example of this can be found in the Conklin community in north-eastern Alberta, Canada, where we are supporting the Conklin Resources Development Advisory Committee (CRDAC). The committee was formed to meet the need for a unified approach to dealing with the rapid rate of industrial development in the area.

CRDAC was launched in January 2008 and industry representatives in the area were invited to participate. We were one of the first companies to join the committee, and now that eight other oil sands companies have joined, it has developed into what we consider to be an effective consultation process that aims to benefit all parties.

The responsibilities of CRDAC include relations-building, effective regulatory processes and engagement, community consultation and mitigation of agreements. The Committee provides an interface to safeguard the interests, needs and expectations of the Conklin community, and the business objectives of industry and government are addressed in what we believe is a collaborative, well-organised, and positive manner. 

CRDAC promotes better communication between all stakeholders and aims to address community issues such as infrastructure, schooling and housing. Conklin has created a one-stop approach to consultation, and we support and respect the protocols and processes stipulated by this community. 

Many social issues arise as a result of increased growth and development and it becomes necessary to mitigate these issues.  Recently, through the Conklin Resources Development Advisory Committee (CRDAC), a policing initiative was put in place in which two federal (RCMP) officers are now permanently stationed in Janvier, and the cost of this service is paid for by the participating oil sands companies, including StatoilHydro. The task of these officers is to help control incidents and crime.   The result is a safer community and a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship between business and society.

CRDAC is needed because the Conklin community and surrounding area are experiencing rapid change as oil sands projects, forestry and other resource development activities grow. Uncertainty with respect to the rate of regional development and increased pressures from industry are widely felt in the community. 

Responsible authorities are required to consult with communities regarding resource development on traditional lands. The authorities then task resource developers with fulfilling this obligation, a responsibility we aim to take very seriously.

CRDAC is currently operating as a pilot initiative for 2008/2009, and it is hoped, that with continued success and support from local regional industry and responsible authorities, the committee will continue to meet the community's consultation needs relating to resource development and serve as a model for other communities that are similarly affected.