Suncor Energy isn’t making vaccinations mandatory to work on-site.

A letter has been circulating on social media claiming the oil company was starting a new program that required people to get the vaccine to continuing working on Base Plant.

Speaking to Mix News, Suncor spokesperson Paul Newmarch says they are encouraging residents to get the shots, however, they have no plans to make them mandatory.

This was evident when they held voluntary vaccination clinics at their sites in the region over the past week.

Just at Base Plant, around 1,700 individuals took part.

Meanwhile, Newmarch says a rapid test is essential for their temporary workforce.

“In Alberta, rapid antigen screening is required for site access to our Firebag, Fort Hills, and MacKay River sites for all contractors supporting planned maintenance events in the region and at our Edmonton Refinery.”

According to the Oil Sands Community Alliance, these individuals are tested before they get on the plane and again once they land.