This release was issued under a previous government.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the energy companies and their staff for their tremendous efforts to help in our time of crisis. Their role with the evacuation, temporary housing and then relocation of thousands of Albertans was essential. This work was happening while companies were also securing their own facilities and shutting in oil production. While everyone’s focus continues to be on the safety of people, the situation is having an impact on the jobs of so many Albertans and the overall economy. I gave my commitment to industry that we will continue to work closely together to protect key infrastructure and on the plan for a safe and timely recovery.”

Rachel Notley, Premier

“The industry, the community, and its people are resilient, and that resiliency will allow industry to return to full production and provide North America and other markets the energy the world needs.” 

Tim McMillan, President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

“This has been a crisis like none other. From Day 1, industry employees, emergency responders and the government have worked together around the clock to help fight the fire and move people out of the region, and we will continue to work together. There are many, many stories of how the community, the province and people across our country came together to respond. What this speaks to is the character of Fort Mac.  If you’ve lived in Fort Mac, like I have, you know it’s an incredibly strong and close-knit community – one we’re proud to call home.”

Steve Williams, President and CEO Suncor

Oil sands sites in the Fort McMurray region have been secured and are not in danger from the wildfire at this point. No consequential damage was sustained by any oil sands facility or other energy infrastructure.

Each facility has extensive safety procedures in place to protect employees and infrastructure. Also, the industry is experienced in executing safe shutdowns and restarts of its operations.

At the meeting, government and industry officials discussed the requirements for returning to normal production and confirmed substantial progress has been made.

The Alberta Energy Regulator has created a recovery team to assist on planning for the safe and environmentally responsible resumption of operations. The regulator is working with each affected company on a start-up plan. This will work will include appropriate authorizations, inspections, monitoring and logistical support to get sites operational.

Backgrounder: Alberta Government and energy sector meeting – May 10, 2016

Energy Sector attendees

  1. Michael Crothers, President and Country Chair, Shell Canada
  2. Steve Williams, President and CEO, Suncor
  3. Al Monaco, President and CEO, Enbridge
  4. Mark Ward, President and CEO, Syncrude
  5. Steve Laut, President, Canadian Natural Resources Limited
  6. Rich Kruger, Chairman, President and CEO, Imperial Oil
  7. Rob Broen, President and CEO, Athabasca Oil Corporation
  8. Bill McCaffrey, President and CEO, MEG Energy Corp.
  9. Fang Zhi, CEO Nexen Energy
  10. Ken Lueers, President, ConocoPhillips
  11. Al Reid, Executive Vice President, Cenovus
  12. Toshiyuki Hirata, President, Japan Oil Sands Limited
  13. Siegfried Kiefer, President and Chief Operating Officer Canadian Utilities Ltd.
  14. Asim Ghosh, President and CEO Husky Energy
  15. Tim McMillan, President, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

Topics discussed

  • Situation Report
  • State of Facilities
  • Emergency Response activities
  • Anticipated Economic Consequences
  • Resuming Normal Operations