Being a Good Neighbour

Governments can grant a company a licence to operate, but it is the community that gives permission. Whether in Canada or Albania, we strive to be a good corporate citizen and build strong community relationships based on respect, trust, and open communication.

Respectful consultation with communities where we do business is a key component in maintaining our social license to operate. We're dedicated to being an important part of the communities in which we work and live, and will continue to be committed to their future wellbeing.

We seek to ensure that communities share in the benefits from oil and gas development in their backyard. Community input helps us plan our operations in a way that minimizes inconvenience to residents and local businesses. Employing local workers and spending our dollars locally -- utilizing local suppliers and services -- multiplies the economic benefits.

We work closely with members of the local communities where we live and work, providing advice, knowledge, and where appropriate, funding for community welfare, cultural, education, and infrastructure projects. Our community investment program focuses on those areas that we believe offer the greatest long-term benefits to the community.

For example, we have:

• Refurbished or constructed local roads and drainage channels both on the Company's and local farmers' lands;
• Sponsored local athletic clubs;
• Donated supplies and equipment to neighbouring schools; and
• Sponsored and donated to cancer research charities.

In addition, we refurbished the kindergarten next to our offices in Fier, Albania: designing a garden suitable for young children with play areas for mini-sports, seating areas for lunches and reading classes, and a waiting area for parents. We've provided urgently needed equipment to the paediatric intensive care ward of the local Fier Hospital, and sponsored a national theatre competition held near Fier.

During 2012, Bankers made payments of US$78 million, $46 million to the Government of Albania and $32 million to Albpetrol, the state owned oil company.