Hello wee willie,

Travis from CAPP here. The view of oil sands costs versus benefits in the Fort McKay community is not homogeneous. Like other First Nations, the Fort McKay First Nation as been successful in negotiating with companies to mitigate environment damage, but is most recognized across Canada for its business acumen and using economic development as a lever to meet its greater social and cultural goals.

The oil and gas industry strives to award contracts to Aboriginal companies and Fort McKay has made its companies very competitive, earning billions in contracts from oil sands companies. The "corporate sector" sees awarding business to local Aboriginal companies as sound practice in terms of being good neighbours, as well as developing qualified, motivated contractor vendors in the regions where we operate.

The community of Fort McKay owns and operates the Fort McKay Group of Companies. For more information visit their web site at www.fortmckay.com

Best Regards.