Workers at Suncor Mine. Image via Suncor.com
FORT McMURRAY — A Suncor decision to localize approximately 200 oilsands positions has drawn widespread praise from municipal, provincial and business leaders, who say the move could strengthen the region’s economy and encourage more workers and families to put down roots in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.
The workforce changes, first reported by Harvard Media News last week, will see certain routine maintenance and support positions at Suncor’s Base Plant and Syncrude operations transition from camp-based staffing to a locally based workforce.
Suncor has since confirmed the initiative could affect approximately 200 positions as part of what the company describes as an ongoing contractor localization effort.
The company said the latest changes build on work that began in 2024 and have already resulted in hundreds of positions moving from camp-based arrangements to locally based employment.
Under the plan, camp accommodations will no longer be provided for a range of routine positions, including safety personnel, administrators, leadership roles and non-trade workers. Additional routine operational, maintenance and technical support positions are expected to be included later this year.
The move has been welcomed by local leaders who have long argued that a larger resident workforce would create broader economic benefits for the region.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has spent more than a year encouraging oilsands operators to increase local hiring and reduce reliance on fly-in, fly-out workers. Municipal leaders have argued that workers who live in the community contribute to local businesses, schools, sports organizations and volunteer groups while helping support long-term population growth.
The initiative has also received support from Alberta’s government.
Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean called the move a positive first step and expressed hope other oilsands operators would adopt similar approaches.
Jean said increased local hiring would help strengthen resource communities and ensure more of the economic benefits generated by oilsands development remain within Alberta.
Reaction has also extended beyond government.
Business groups and residents have largely welcomed the announcement, with many social media users describing the decision as a win for local families, local businesses and the long-term sustainability of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.
Support has also emerged from the provincial opposition.
Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said the decision reflects a principle his party has long supported.
“Workers deserve the opportunity to live where they work, raise their families where they work, and spend their paycheques where they work,” Nenshi said.
He said stronger local hiring helps communities benefit more directly from nearby industrial development.
“When resource projects create jobs, those jobs should help build strong local communities. More workers living in Fort McMurray means more support for local businesses, schools, recreation facilities and community organizations,” Nenshi said. “That’s good for families, good for communities and good for Alberta.”
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