In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Growing a beard is a deeply significant expression of faith for the Muslim community, firmly taught in the authentic Hadith (sayings and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). Trimming the mustache and allowing the beard to grow are not merely cultural practices but core expressions of Muslim identity and devotion

Yet many oil sands contractors and operators including Suncor Energy, CNRL, and others enforce clean‑shaven policies to meet traditional PPE standards, forcing Muslim employees to choose between their faith and their livelihood. Companies often cite respirator‑seal requirements as a safety necessity, but this blanket rule undermines religious freedom, workplace inclusion, and the dignity of affected workers.

Most day-to-day tasks across oil sands facilities do not require the use of tight-fitting respirators.These masks are only essential in limited high-risk zones, such as areas with potential gas leaks. In such cases, alternative certified PPE like Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) can be used effectively, allowing workers to maintain beards without compromising safety. If insurance liability is cited as a barrier, it's important to stress that human rights particularly religious freedom must not be sacrificed in the name of liability or convenience.

Practical, inclusive solutions include permitting the use of alternative PPE and implementing a fair process for role reassignments. Workers can be temporarily or permanently transferred to roles that do not require tight-seal respirators, such as mine-site or low-risk areas, with a clear, non-punitive process for requesting such accommodations.

By adopting alternative PPE policies, Suncor, CNRL, and other oil sands employers can uphold safety standards while respecting fundamental religious freedoms.These changes will foster a more inclusive and harmonious workplace, where no worker is forced to choose between their faith and their livelihood, ultimately enhancing workplace diversity and recognizing the multicultural nature of today’s workforce.

This isn’t just a religious concern; it’s about dignity, fairness, and basic human rights. No one is asking for special treatment; we’re simply seeking respect within the existing human rights framework and the option for reasonable alternatives. People from all backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life are welcome to support this cause. Whether you care about freedom of expression, equality in the workplace, or have your own reasons for opposing rigid policies, your voice matters. Together, we can help build a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

Please consider signing this petition to respectfully urge Suncor Energy, CNRL, and other oil sands stakeholders to support religious freedom by revising grooming policies and permitting safe, alternative PPE options for workers who maintain beards for faith-based reasons.