GOVERNMENT, FORT MCMURRAY

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo ranks, by area, among the largest municipalities in North America. It was established April 1, 1995, through amalgamation of the City of Fort McMurray and Improvement District No. 143.

While the perception may be that Fort McMurray was born overnight during the 1960s oil sands development, history shows that the community has been surging for more than 100 years, since its inception as a Hudson's Bay Company post in 1870. Today Fort McMurray is one of Canada's youngest, fastest growing and most dynamic places-a close-knit community with an abundance of natural beauty as well as energy.

Fort McMurray is a young community. The average age is 30; less than 2,000 residents are over 60 years of age. More than half of the population, which includes a large representation of former Newfoundland residents, is connected to the oil industry. Not surprisingly, there are 10 per cent more men than women in Fort McMurray.

Entrepreneurs will find a welcome economy in the municipality. The present and future oil sands projects rely on local contractors to provide valuable skills and support. A healthy forestry industry lies within the boreal forest-with stands of spruce, pine and fir being harvested.

Government of Canada Information
Comprehensive list that provides direct links to the primary Web sites of the Government of Canada departments, agencies and Crown corporations, as well as links to major Canadian Political Parties.

ALBERTA POLITICS:

Government of Alberta
Today, Alberta's economy reflects the diverse nature of its people. Principal industries in Alberta include agriculture and related industries, forestry, telecommunications and oil and gas.

Alberta New Democrats
The New Democratic Party is Canada's social democratic party. As social democrats, we believe that all people have the right to a rewarding personal life in a healthy, safe environment. We believe in the right of every person to a job, to a decent income and an equal opportunity to develop his or her human potential to the fullest. Our objective is to work for social justice and ensure that the needs and aspirations of ordinary men and women - in Alberta and across Canada - are effectively represented in the political process.

Alberta Social Credit Party
The Alberta Social Credit Party is neither a "right-wing" nor a "left-wing" political party. Social Credit seeks to return government to the people by allowing individuals, not "big business" or "big government," to control decisions which affect them. We believe in the right of the people to benefit from economic policy and the natural resources of Alberta and that the Government of Alberta should have the courage to boldly accept and represent the "provincial rights" of Alberta.

Liberal Party of Allberta
A strong organization that champions the cause for an Alberta that puts "people first". Policies that support putting people first. Membership that will live the vision, carry the message, and sustain the organization. Financial support structure that is strong and dependable with capacity to carry the vision.

PC Party of Alberta
As Progressive Conservatives we unite in a common vision for Alberta. We desire to lead Alberta into a prosperous future, capable of facing new realities while valuing the richness of our history. We are a Party that pursues new opportunities and initiatives. We are energized by imagination and motivated by optimism, believing that our vision for Alberta will be successfully realized.

The Green Party of Alberta
Greens believe in direct participatory democracy by all citizens in formulating and implementing policies and practices at all political levels. Every person has the right to influence and participate in decisions that affect his/her life. These decisions are the political and economic ones in the local community and the areas on which these communities depend, as well as decisions at the regional, national and international levels.