A Strategic Shift in the Oil Sands: Suncor Prioritizes Local Employment
For years, the landscape of Northern Alberta’s oil sands has been defined by the “fly-in, fly-out” (FIFO) model. Thousands of workers from across Canada have traditionally rotated through massive work camps, staying for one or two weeks at a time. However, Suncor Energy Inc. is now steering the ship in a different direction.
In a move designed to revitalize the regional economy, Suncor has announced significant changes to how it manages contractors at two of its major sites: Syncrude and the Base Plant. The goal is clear: enhance local workforce participation and ensure that the economic benefits of oil sands operations stay within the community.
The New Mandate: From Camps to Communities
Suncor has informed its vendors that contractors and employees performing ongoing operations and maintenance must be locally located by June 30. Furthermore, by September 30, all affected roles must be filled by local residents. This policy shift means that company-provided accommodations at work camps will no longer be available for these specific positions.
Who is affected by this change?
Approximately 200 jobs are expected to transition to local hiring, including roles in:
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- Site safety personnel
- Administrative staff
- Non-union labourers
- Janitorial services
Why Move Away from the FIFO Model?
The reliance on non-local labour has long been a point of contention for regional leaders. Brian Jean, the provincial Energy Minister and Fort McMurray MLA, has frequently argued that while FIFO workers are essential, their presence in remote camps does little to support local businesses or stimulate the regional economy.
Beyond the economics, there is a human element. According to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s 2025 census, nearly 21,300 people lived in oil sands work camps last year—accounting for nearly 20% of the region’s population. While these workers are vital, many have reported feelings of isolation and cramped living conditions in remote locations.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Suncor recognizes that certain highly specialized tasks require external expertise. Therefore, the new local-living requirement will not apply to:
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- Turnarounds: Significant, large-scale maintenance activities.
- Short-duration projects: Site outages or urgent productivity upgrades.
- Capital upgrades: Major infrastructure improvements.
Even in these cases, Suncor expects contractors to maintain a hiring balance that maximizes local participation whenever possible.
A Blueprint for the Alberta Energy Sector
This move by Suncor is seen as a “good start” by provincial leaders. By encouraging workers to settle in the Fort McMurray region, the company is helping to build stronger, more sustainable communities. The hope is that other industry giants in the Alberta energy sector will follow suit, ensuring that the wealth generated by Canada’s natural resources directly benefits the people living and working in the region.
