When the Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) hearing for the proposed Sullivan gas project began in November 2008, Petro-Canada recognized the importance of maintaining a transparent dialogue while communicating with people who had limited understanding of the project. In response, a new social media tool — the Sullivan Field Notes blog — was launched.

The Sullivan field is located in the southern Alberta Foothills along the Eastern Slopes of Kananaskis Country in the Rocky Mountains. Although the proposed project falls in an area zoned for oil and gas development, it is an area that some local stakeholders are very passionate about and have strong opinions around developing. Activity in southern Alberta’s Eastern Slopes has attracted the attention of ranchers, environmental groups and local media due to concerns about any potential impact a development could have on local wildlife, rangeland and the surrounding Foothills ecosystem.

Recognizing that not all stakeholders could attend the regulatory hearings, Sullivan Field Notes offered another avenue for stakeholders to have their say and for Petro-Canada to provide perspective from questions raised through the hearing process. Building on the experience gained through PumpTalk, Petro-Canada’s blog designed to provide information and promote dialogue on gasoline prices and fuel consumption, Sullivan Field Notes provides an opportunity for people to ask questions, raise concerns, and to have them addressed in a public forum.

The blog is available as a link from Petro-Canada’s main website. In addition to project information and regulatory documents, hearing dates and locations are posted along with regular updates on the hearing proceedings and other project issues. It also includes web links to regulators, oil and gas industry resources, and other interested parties.

The project’s environmental assessment — developed with external experts to ensure development proceeded in a safe and responsible manner — recognized the ecological sensitivities in the region, but also emphasized the need for a heightened degree of planning and stakeholder involvement. The blog demonstrates Petro-Canada’s transparent and accountable approach to stakeholder engagement and supports the Company’s commitment to establishing and fostering supportive and collaborative relationships with stakeholders.

Public consultation for the Sullivan project — of which Sullivan Field Notes is an extension — began in May 2005 during the early stages of project planning. Petro-Canada has since conducted more than 100 individual and small group meetings with stakeholders, ranging from landowners and environmental organizations to municipal government and regulatory authorities.