Suncor's more than 6,800 employees reflect the innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, drive and determination that led to the initial development of the oil sands over 40 years ago.

Significant growth in the oil sands industry has until recently led to labour shortages. Suncor recognized this trend early, putting into place a comprehensive recruitment and retention campaign to ensure it had the right people in the right place at the right time.

Although the economic downturn has somewhat eased pressure on recruitment and retention, we continue to view availability of skilled labour as a significant issue for our company. Our labour strategy focuses on:

• Recruitment, retention and development of skilled employees. Retention includes offering career development and fair rewards in a challenging environment.
• Supporting community development. Suncor and the Suncor Energy Foundation are committed to building strong, vibrant communities where our employees and prospective employees live and work. We're partnering with educational institutions like Keyano College in Fort McMurray and NAIT in Edmonton to support skills development.
• Partnering with industry. Suncor is working with other companies to avoid unnecessary workforce scheduling conflicts and to make the best use of available workers.
• Encouraging innovative labour practices. Suncor is supporting labour policies that assist in Canada's economic growth.
• Investments in technology. Technology and innovation hold significant promise in addressing labour challenges. Suncor is working to harness these in support of its business.

Employer of choice

Suncor has developed a solid foundation for both business success and employee success: industry-leading experience, a reputation for social and environmental responsibility, an achievement-oriented culture, opportunities for career growth and a rewarding compensation package. We're pleased to have been named one of Canada's top 100 employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc. in October 2008.

We know our work to attract the brightest and the best isn't done. That's why we're working hard to attract qualified trades people and professionals in oil sands mining, extraction operations and upgrading, natural gas production, refining, wind power, marketing, retail and corporate functions.

We know that to attract people to our company, we have to distinguish ourselves. We encourage prospective employees to learn about:

• How our compensation and benefits programs are among the best in the industry
• Our high standards of safety, environmental responsibility, respect and integrity
• How we fuel the local and national economies through job creation, taxes and royalties
• How we're investing in technologies and practices that help reduce our environmental footprint
• How we're taking action on climate change
• How we're committed to supporting volunteer efforts and charitable giving in communities where our employees and retirees live, work and play

Our diverse employee base

At the end of 2008, Suncor employed more than 6,800 employees. The average age of our employees is 40, combining a dynamic mix of newcomers and veterans. Our team brings a diversity of skills, experience and culture, hailing from all parts of Canada, North America and the globe.

We believe that a diverse workplace has its benefits and we continue to work to make the company accessible to people with diverse backgrounds. For example, we continue to support Aboriginal career fairs and work with Aboriginal communities to create employment and career opportunities at Suncor.

With recent labour shortages, our recruitment efforts have taken an international flavour, particularly for hard-to-fill positions. We are proud to include employees from virtually every continent on the globe.

In the spirit of operational excellence we will continue to review our diversity recruitment processes.