15th Biennial Global Conference

International Association for the Study of the Commons 

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Fort McMurray, Alberta
Oil Sands Tour and Community Engagement

Oil sands mining is among the most controversial  environmental governance challenges in Canada and globally.   The debates about social, health and environmental impacts have captured the attention of movie stars such as Leonardo DeCaprio, global leaders such as Arch-Bishop Desmond Tutu and politicians worldwide. The perspectives of the many thousands those who make their livelihoods in the oil sands industry are a key consideration, as are the voices of the Chipewyan and Cree elders and their children who are at the heart of the debate.  Travel to Fort McMurray by coach bus and stay overnight to get a glimpse into the complexity of oil sands development in Alberta's north. See an active oil sands mining operation and hear from local industry representatives, First Nations, community leaders and citizens about the challenges and benefits of oil sands development in the region.


$300/person will cover coach travel to and from Fort McMurray, shared accommodation and food for the duration of the trip. We will depart Edmonton on Sunday, May 24th at 6:00am and return by 6:00pm on Monday, May 25th.

 


 
 
Pre- Conference Fieldtrip (May 24-25)
 
 
Glacier Trekking
Climate change in Alberta
“The Athabasca Glacier is the single best and accessible example of what we are seeing happening in the world today because of climate change,” (Bob Sanford, University of Saskatchewan).  Have a close up look at the Columbia Icefields a few hours from Edmonton and learn more about the effects of climate change and enjoy some Rocky Mountain air.  Travel by coach bus to Jasper where you will be based for two nights and be shuttled to the glacier site for a half-day tour and interpretative hike. For the more adventurous we can also arrange some time on the new Brewster's Glacier Skywalk that allows to peer through a glass floor of a cliff-edge walk way 918ft above the glacier!

$300/person will cover shared accommodation, coach travel, lunches and glacier trekking excursion. We will depart Edmonton at 9am on Saturday, May 30th and depart Jasper by 12pm on Monday, June 1st.
 
 
Post-Conference Fieldtrips (May 30-June 1)
 
 
Jasper National Park
Outdoor Excursions, Cultural Interpretation and Relaxation in the Rockies
​Experience the awe inspiring beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Jasper National Park is located approximately 350km west of Edmonton. Travel by coach bus for 4 hours and find yourself surrounded by mountains and choose from the numerous outdoor excursions available in and around the Jasper town site. You can choose from a variety of activities for all skill levels from light walking to more vigorous full-day hiking options. Visit Maligne Canyon or ride the Jasper Sky-Tram to a mountain top overlooking the town site. Jasper Park Lodge offers canoe, kayak or bike rentals to explore the area at your leisure. Jasper has an array of great dining options and the quaint town site is ideal for an afternoon of relaxed exploration and window shopping. You will also have the opportunity to meet staff from Parks Canada and learn about the cultural and natural history of one of Canada's oldest and largest national parks!

$300/person will cover shared accommodation, coach travel, lunches and one organized activity. We will depart Edmonton at 9am on Saturday, May 30th and depart Jasper by 12pm on Monday, June 1st.