Recreation, Culture & Social Support Services
Stakeholder Relations Department
The Stakeholder Relations Department works with the oil sands industry, other orders of government, local advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, Aboriginal communities, health and education service providers and other key stakeholders to ensure the residents of Wood Buffalo have access to the same or better services and amenities enjoyed by other cities of a similar size in Canada. The efforts of Stakeholder Relations contributes to the convergence of public policy and private investment to sustain our prosperity, protect our environment, ensure our social welfare, and preserve the unique cultural heritage of our Aboriginal community while welcoming new Canadians into the fold.
The department has four branches:
- Economic Development
- Government and Community Relations
- Industry Relations
- Rural and Aboriginal Relations
| Director: | Michael Evans |
| Phone: | (780) 743-7897 |
| E-mail: | michael.evans@woodbuffalo.ab.ca |
Economic Development Branch
The Economic Development Branch facilitates the development, implementation and monitoring of Regional Economic Development strategies and initiatives to help strengthen the region through innovative business attraction, development and retention strategies. The Branch also leads the Regional Economic Development Alliance (REDA) initiative, which focuses on stakeholder collaboration and capacity building.
Government and Community Relations Branch
The Government and Community Relations Branch promotes collaboration with other municipalities, and the provincial and federal governments. The branch also develops and maintains a network of relationships with community agencies, responding to their varied interests. As well, the branch coordinates the Regional Municipality’s interactions with its Part IX subsidiary companies.
Industry Relations Branch
The Industry Relations Branch is the one-window portal for the oil sands and natural resource industries into the Regional Municipality. The branch coordinates regulatory filings with respect to resource development and coordinates the municipal panel if required for any regulatory hearings. The branch also prepares agreements for negotiation with resource developers to mitigate specific social, economic and environmental impacts.
Rural and Aboriginal Relations Branch
The Rural and Aboriginal Relations Branch supports and facilitates a corporate-wide approach to rural service delivery, rural issues management and Aboriginal relations. The branch helps to research, evaluate, develop and revise corporate policies, agreement protocols, and programs and initiatives related to the Regional Municipality’s relationship with its Aboriginal population.
