Suncor Oil Sands Update

Posted by Kevin L on

(UPDATE FROM SUNCOR LABOUR RELATIONS 8PM THURSDAY)

As forest fires continue in Wood Buffalo, Suncor remains focused on the safety of the community and our employees and their families.

 

Our response has focused on a safe and orderly transport of non-essential and non-resident workers out of the region so that we could make room in our lodges for displaced residents and response-critical employees. We are continuing with this strategy giving priority to those with medical needs and families.

 

In discussions with the province, they’ve now asked that we move all non-essential personnel and displaced residents out of the region as soon as possible so emergency operations can focus all resources on the response efforts and other high level risks in the area. Highway 63 is currently closed and is a high risk transportation corridor, so in order to follow the province’s direction; we’ll be transporting people by air through the Firebag Aerodrome.

 

Non-essential personnel and displaced residents will be transported by bus to leave on flights from the Firebag Aerodrome. Planes are continuing to depart from the Aerodrome to either Edmonton or Calgary as determined by provincial authorities. There is not a current threat to our operations; however, we are closing some of our lodges as a precautionary measure.

 

We recognize that employees are concerned about job security. Once we know that everyone and the communities are safe and secure, we will focus on the return to normal operations and the support and logistics that employees and contractors need to return to work as soon as possible.


We will continue to assess the situation and provide regular updates through Facebook, Twitter, suncor.com and email bulletins.


For More Information:

Employees and family members should continue to follow instructions from local authorities.

 

For the most up to date information on the wild fire and evacuations, please visit:

 

Employees are encouraged to follow these accounts for updated information:

 

 

Evacuation Fact Sheet
May 5, 2016

 

All TRAVELLERS

In discussions with the province, they’ve now asked that we move all non-essential personnel and displaced residents out of the region as soon as possible so emergency operations can focus all resources on the response efforts and other high level risks in the area. Highway 63 is currently closed and is a high risk transportation corridor, so in order to follow the province’s direction; we’ll be transporting people by air through the Firebag Aerodrome.

 

Please take note of the following information as you arrive in Calgary or Edmonton.

 

Safety is our top priority so we will carry out a coordinated and staged evacuation. Over the next few days, we will be flying approximately four to five planes per hour out of the region to either Calgary or Edmonton.

 

As you leave for a Suncor flight out of Wood Buffalo, please do the following at your lodge:

  • Go to the front desk — you will be prioritized based on medical/health need, people with children, etc. and scheduled on a bus to the Aerodrome. Once at the Aerodrome, staff will confirm the time of your flight. Flights leave every 15 to 30 minutes.
  • You will be taken to either the Calgary Suncor Aviation Centre or Edmonton International Airport. We will do our best to get you to your preferred destination, but if you end up in an alternate city, we’ll help with bus transportation to get you to the right city (Edmonton or Calgary).
  • You will be allowed one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person. Pets must be in a carrier. Carriers will be available at the Aerodrome.
  • If you need to leave belongings, including your vehicle at the lodge, you are welcome to do so.  However, Suncor is not responsible for loss or damage of any personal belongings.

BOARDING

What do they need to board?

  • During your flight, you will be given further instructions on transportation to an evacuation centre and/or access to further support services as required upon arrival in Calgary or Edmonton Municipal Crisis Centres. The Red Cross and Suncor HR representatives will be available in Edmonton and Calgary to assist you further
  • In addition to the above, if you are a Suncor employee, you will be given an Evacuation Intake Form once you have boarded the plane.  This information is important for being able to continue to monitor your safety and contact you later as required.
  • Suncor shuttle busses will be taking all people between Edmonton and Calgary if you need to go to either location once you land.

ALL EVACUEES FROM SUNCOR SITES

  • When you arrive in Calgary (Suncor Aviation Centre) or Edmonton International Airport:
  • If you have somewhere safe to stay, please proceed to your destination.
  • If you do not have anywhere to stay, a bus will be available to take you:
  • to a local evacuation Centre OR
  • to Calgary or Edmonton (if you need to go to the alternate city)
  • If you go to an evacuation Centre, register with local emergency authorities. We will have Suncor representatives to assist you.
  • If you have a place to stay upon arriving in Calgary or Edmonton, you do not have to board a bus to an evacuation centre. Please safely proceed to your destination.