Stakeholder Engagement

At Canadian Natural we engage with our stakeholders in an effort to develop and sustain lasting relationships. We are committed to building relationships so meaningful consultation can occur. We dedicate time to discuss our projects with stakeholders to understand their concerns, consider their input in our developments and identify appropriate mitigation.

Canadian Natural approaches stakeholder engagement as an open, flexible and ongoing process. When working with land owners, municipalities, interest groups and Aboriginal communities, we recognize each group has its own unique culture and circumstances, and therefore, its own process preferences. 

We also participate in several Joint Management Advisory and Joint Cooperation Committees which provide a forum where representatives from Council, the community and Canadian Natural can meet regularly to discuss topics such as ongoing operations, employment and business opportunities.

We continue to increase our level of consultation with Aboriginal groups regarding our activities on public lands throughout Western Canada to ensure we work with them on areas of specific concern.

In May 2011, Canadian Natural initiated consultation efforts with stakeholders and Aboriginal communities near our thermal operations to discuss our proposed Kirby Expansion and Grouse Projects applications and environmental impact assessments. This process will continue throughout 2012 to provide opportunities to review and discuss the scope of our projects, socio-economic opportunities and to gain knowledge about their culture and traditional uses of lands and resources for consideration during project planning. Opportunities for dialogue include one on one discussions, open houses, community meetings and Traditional Land Use activities.

Canadian Natural continues to monitor the development of new Government of Alberta Consultation Policy for consultation with First Nations. We will work to incorporate additional tools into our own framework of co-operations, to improve the process and meet regulatory requirements with respect to our existing operations and new projects.

Read our story about Aboriginal engagement at Horizon Lake for more about our stakeholder engagement efforts.
 

Canadian Natural works cooperatively and effectively with communities, government agencies and stakeholders to identify and communicate mutually beneficial opportunities, to reduce potential impacts of our operations and to ensure that we meet or surpass industry guidelines, government regulations and company targets. We believe that such cooperation leads to a better, more sustainable energy industry. 

We discuss a number of topics with governments, either directly or through associations, including safety, environmental performance, economic and social development, policy, regulation, research and technology innovation.