We are part of the energy technology programs sector from Natural Resources Canada. It has three hubs: Varennes, Quebec; Ottawa; and Devon. Devon is focused on oil sands and heavy oil.
We have been in the Edmonton area since 1956. We began by working on coal. So we have a long history in being part of NRCan, or Energy, Mines and Resources, as it was formerly known. We have always worked in collaboration with industry to solve problems and to make sure that things are done in a more responsible way.
We moved to Devon in 1994. Since 1995, we have been focusing on oil sands and heavy oil. We have between 80 and 120 scientists and engineers, depending on the projects. We have a large number of collaborations with industry. We have a number of consortia with the province. We have joint programs, partnerships with the province of Alberta and with the university. We have a university activity on site. We have 12 Ph.D. and M.Sc. students doing research with our scientists and the University of Alberta.