Strategic Plan
The purpose of the strategic plan is to create a provincial sustainable development strategy for Alberta’s oil sands that balances the economic, social, infrastructure, environmental, research and innovation and governance aspects of the three oil sands regions, while working toward resource maximization. The plan will include a 50 year provincial vision for oil sands sustainable development, as well as measurable goals, strategies, objectives and action plans based on a 20 year time frame. The recommendations resulting from the following reports as well as research are being reviewed and considered in the development of the strategic plan for the oil sands development:
- Multi-stakeholder committee final report
- Aboriginal Consultation final report
- Investing in our future: Responding to the Rapid Growth of Oil Sands Development
Key objectives and outcomes of the strategic plan include:
- assisting in understanding and realizing the benefits of oil sands development for Alberta given that oil sands production is a significant driver of the economy;
- illustrating a provincial policy approach that manages oil sands resources through an integrated and coordinated process across all levels of government and a broad base of stakeholders;
- utilizing and building upon relevant existing policies, programs and initiatives from various Government of Alberta departments with a focus on high growth areas and informing new policies, programs or initiatives where gaps are identified; and
- ensuring an effective, intergovernmental communication strategy is in place to inform and engage stakeholders and address local, national and international issues.
The strategic plan will address impacts, issues and opportunities resulting from oil sands development relating to the economy, social, infrastructure, research and innovation as well as governance. It will be comprehensive and provincial in focus.
By informing provincial policy, the plan will be implemented at the regional level through coordination with other provincial and municipal initiatives. The plan will inform policy and planning processes at a geographic level for the oil sands regions.
It is anticipated that the strategic plan will be completed by the Fall 2008. Following this, an implementation plan will be developed.
