Social Impacts

What We're Doing: Social Impacts

Since we launched this website in June 2008, thousands of people have visited the site and voiced their opinions.

For what we’ve heard, go to “What You’re Saying –Social Impacts”.

For information on what the oil sands industry is doing, go to “What We’re Doing – Social Impacts”.

The growth of oil sands development has been faster than most people predicted, including most of us who work in the industry. The rapid growth has created social pressures, which are particularly acute in the City of Fort McMurray, Region of Wood Buffalo, Peace River and Cold Lake/Bonnyville, Alberta. The entire province has also experienced these growth pressures, as an overheated economy has pushed up housing costs and strained social services.

There is a not-for-profit association funded by industry, the Regional Issues Working Group (RIWG) that works on many of the issues specific to the oil sands region of Northeastern Alberta. Social impacts are one of the categories of issues that RIWG strives to address.

As well, oil sands development is happening within the traditional territories of Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 First Nations and Metis people. It is critical that the constitutionally protected rights of Aboriginal people be respected throughout the development cycle. And Aboriginal communities should see economic benefits as well as the protection of treaty rights.

Where are the biggest pressures? Affordable housing? Accessible health care? Child care availability? Adequate roads? Is it possible to have too many jobs and too much capital investment in a short period of time? What pressures are you feeling and what should be done? Tell us what you think.

See the related links below. Please note that these links are intended to provide diverse perspectives. We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the specific views or information presented.

Related Links

Edmonton Journal:

Boomtown hustles to keep up with breakneck growth from the Special Report Alberta’s North

CBC Radio Newfoundland and Labrador:

To Fort Mac and Back

Athabasca:

Oil Sands Developers Group

Petroleum Human Resources Council:

Petroleum Human Resources Council

Globe and Mail:

Life on the cold side of the country’s hottest economy