Syncrude announces University grant

Page 15

Syncrude, the mega oil project in northern Alberta, released its Aboriginal review on July 16. The review must've been good, as it was followed with a half million dollar contribution to the University of Alberta's Native Careers program.

The review is a report card on the relationship with Aboriginal people. It focused on employment, community development, and the environment.

"Our Aboriginal development program is based on the belief that to be a successful company we must first be a good neighbor," said company boss Eric Newell. He also announced the company's $500,000 contribution over the next five years to the U of A's Native Careers Program. The program creates opportunities for Aboriginal people pursuing professional careers.

"It is our hope that graduates of the program will find rewarding careers either with Syncrude or in one of northeastern Alberta's communities," said Newell.

Syncrude employs 575 Native people -12 per cent of its total workforce..