What We Do
Assess
The Oil Sands Sustainable Development Secretariat, with the support of its ministry partners, is assessing existing information related to oil sands development. This includes review of all of the recommendations contained within the Radke, Multistakeholder Committee, and Aboriginal Consultation Reports. Working together, ministries are helping municipalities assess infrastructure and service needs, and secure the appropriate resources to meet those needs (view announcements). As part of this the Secretariat is also working on the development of a social and infrastructure assessment model to determine the social investment that is required to provide the public services and goods associated with oil sands development. These assessments will contribute to the development of short-term action plans and a long-term strategic plan for the oil sands regions.
Plan
The Oil Sands Sustainable Development Secretariat is working with ministries, industry, First Nations and Métis, communities and other stakeholders to formulate a strategic plan to improve planning, communications and service delivery in the oil sands regions.
In priority areas, the Secretariat is stepping up its planning work. For example, the Secretariat is working with other ministries and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo to create a Community Development Plan for several areas of Fort McMurray that will accelerate much-needed housing development in the region. Innovative models are being considered that would ensure the timely delivery of reasonably priced housing.
Implement
The strategic plan for Oil Sands Sustainable Development will be released in Fall 2008, after which it will be implemented and monitored.
The Secretariat’s mandate will be re-evaluated in 2009.
