(With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore)
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the site,
The conveyor belts were whirring, all through the night.
The hard hats were hung in the lunch room with care,
In hopes that the bus back to town would soon be there.
This tree was planted at Suncor's Wapisiw Lookout on September 23, 2011 and represents the five millionth tree planted on our oil sands site.
The operators were nestled all snug in their rigs,
While on the lookout for dinosaurs during their digs.
And the upgrader running steady and fine,
Producing synthetic crude to put in the pipeline.
When out in the boreal forest there arose such a clatter,
Guests sprang from our camp to see what was the matter.
Away to the shuttle they flew like a flash,
Jumped into their seats and put their coffees on the dash.
The mine spotlights shining on the new-fallen snow,
Gave the impression of warmth, though it was 90 below.
When, what to all wondering eyes should appear,
But a bunch of our stakeholders with special Christmas beer.
There stood Robert Redford and his coifed lid,
We knew in moment it was the Sundance Kid.
He flew up from Utah on his private plane,
And he told us he thought oil sands were a pain.
Beside him stood somebody in business attire,
Who was here to find out if our share price could go higher.
Our operations are reliable and we’re flush with cash,
But we’re not immune to a Euro market crash.
Also in the group were community reps,
Who recognized our contribution and positive steps.
We create jobs and a strong tax base,
Although traffic to our site is never a horse race.
Off to the side and all dressed in green,
Were groups advocating energy that is clean.
Their voice is important in the debate,
As we work for an energy future that is great.
Standing at the back donning their safety gear,
Were our mine staff celebrating another terrific year.
They all contribute in their own way,
And keep the barrels flowing day after day.
Connected to the proceedings by video conference link,
Our in situ employees arrived in a blink.
Working hard to help us prosper and grow,
Their faces were red with a steam-assisted glow.
Front and centre and shaking everyone’s hands,
Were the officials who govern our lands.
They pass the laws that keep us in line,
And sometimes assess us the occasional fine.
Seated near the group in their heated trucks,
Were our business partners on site to make a few bucks.
They’re part of the team and help get things done,
So we meet energy demand now and in the long run.
Perched atop a heavy hauler was old St. Nick,
Wishing a happy retirement to Suncor’s Rick.
With a message to OSQAR readers not on site,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
From us to you, please accept our best wishes for the holiday season.
OSQAR will be taking a break for the holidays. Watch for our first edition of 2012 the week of January 9th.
