Extension of Site Rehabilitation Program: Minister Savage

6pecial to the Post

(nergy 0inister 6onya 6avage issued the following statement on updated timelines for the 6ite 5ehabilitation Program

“The 6ite 5ehabilitation Program has been a resounding success for Alberta. 0ore than million in grant funding has already been allocated to more than

Alberta-based companies, creating more than , Mobs for hard-working Albertans.

“0ore than , wells have been approved for abandonment work and more than , have been approved for reclamation. 8p to billion of federal oil and gas relief funding will ultimately help put Albertans to work by speeding up well, pipeline and site closure efforts in the energy sector.

“:ith more work to do, Alberta reTuested that the previous timelines be extended, and is pleased that the federal government granted an additional days for the 6ite 5ehabilitation Program. This will allow a little more time for the processing of applications received by 0arch , and will provide a few extra weeks for companies to carry out cleanup work.

“The program is benefiting workers and families. It’s providing Mobs and other economic benefits to Indigenous communities as well as capacity building, and environmental cleanup across the province. A recent report by the Office of the Auditor *eneral also gave a positive review of the program, and I’ve heard from many operators, landowners and Albertans who’ve benefited from it.

“:e will continue to work with the Industry Advisory &ommittee and

Indigenous 5oundtable to review the progress of the program with this extension. This program would not have been as successful without their feedback and support.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the licensees and the oilfield service workers. Their partnership helped keep workers employed during a downturn and ensured that Alberta would have the capacity in the province when the economy started to rebound. :e will always stand up for the energy sector and the hard-working Albertans who work in it.´