Connacher is an active supporter, directly and through staff participation and involvement, in various charitable causes in the regions in which it conducts activities. Our internal donations committee appropriately places an emphasis on the needs of children, the Elderly, the disabled and the unfortunates in society who require support or encouragement.

Connacher believes it is a fair and sound employer, a good corporate citizen and that it conducts its business in a proper manner. Its constituent parts – the company, the Board of Directors, management and staff – endorse good governance practices. An emphasis is placed on strong internal financial and operating controls and this commitment is manifested in the company’s reputation as a good place to work, as a good company with which to do business and as a company in which to be a shareholder.

Mindful of its corporate obligations, Connacher regularly consults with stakeholders, including Aboriginal peoples and First Nations, in its conduct of business throughout Western Canada.

Stakeholders

Committed to Long-Term Relationships

Connacher is committed to working with its stakeholders to develop and maintain long-term beneficial relationships. These stakeholders include a variety of individuals and businesses, such as investors, employees, community members, government and Aboriginal people that are impacted by Connacher’s operational development in Alberta. Connacher continues to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure they are informed of our operations, any future development plans and our progress.

In 2011, Connacher completed over 200 engagements with Aboriginal stakeholders. Connacher’s Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) received no statements of concern from the local Aboriginal communities in regards to a proposed expansion at Great Divide. In addition to these engagements, Connacher employees were trained in Aboriginal Awareness to recognize the impact our operations have on the surrounding communities and people. This awareness helps to better equip our employees with knowledge to maintain these favorable relationships. In addition to Connacher’s Aboriginal stakeholder initiatives, the company conducted numerous tours of its SAGD plants in 2011. Participants ranged from politicians to business owners, regulatory boards and various media from within North America. Conducting these tours allows Connacher to engage its stakeholders and reinforce its commitment to building relationships with those interested and impacted by our projects.

Connacher will initiate discussions directed at education, training, employment and economic development appropriate to the size of various activities or projects. Results of these discussions will provide us, the Aboriginal community and others with information to enable all stakeholders to design and implement programs and policies that will positively impact the community’s experience with industry into the future.

Connacher will continue to follow a process adopted from the onset of our activity. We will ensure that the company adheres to the following principles in their consultation process:

• Recognize that each First Nation has its own manner of doing business and therefore Connacher will develop a process specifically designed for each community;
• Consultation and the resultant programs and policies will be based on a long term, mutually beneficial relationship that will be encouraged until the property life cycle and reclamation are complete;
• Consultation will be completed in a timely manner that recognizes the busy schedules of all the  Aboriginal communities, their members and advisors and information provided will be understandable;
• Records of meetings, open houses and informal discussions will be compiled, as required. Information that is appropriate will be incorporated in the technical and regulatory plans of the project;
• Information that is gathered during consultation that is proprietary will be treated as such; and
• Consultation with the Aboriginal communities will comply with all Consultation Guidelines as outlined by the Province of Alberta.