On November 14, 2006, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) approved the application submitted by Suncor Energy Inc. to proceed with two major projects in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Alberta, near Fort McMurray. The board made its favourable decision in spite of considerable opposition by stakeholders, who raised concerns regarding serious infrastructure shortages in Wood Buffalo and the impact that these shortages may have on further oil sands development.

Numerous interventions with regard to the Suncor application were discussed at public hearings held by the EUB in July 2006. The interveners cited socioeconomic concerns in relation to further oil sands investment; both Suncor and the EUB agreed that further oil sands development would place greater strain on the existing infrastructure base in the region.