Alberta's environment minister is heading to Fort Chipewyan on Monday to meet with aboriginal chiefs and community leaders about complaints of high cancer rates.

Since 1999, people in the community have complained about the high incidence of colon, liver, blood and bile-duct cancers — and many believe there is a connection with nearby oilsands developments.

Elders in the community of roughly 1,200 say people started getting sick after major petroleum refineries started production near their homes on the southwestern tip of Lake Athabasca.

Environment Minister Rob Renner said he plans to do a lot of listening during his visit.

"I don't doubt that they're very interested in talking to me. They have an important story to tell and I'm sure that they will be more than interested in talking," he said.

"The last time I was there I only got to meet with one of the chiefs, so this will be an opportunity to meet with a broader part of the community leadership."

In May, the provincial and federal governments announced a comprehensive review of the health concerns, to be conducted by the Alberta Cancer Board and Health Canada.

Government officials had previously said the fears of higher cancer rates in Fort Chipewyan were unfounded.

The report is expected this fall.

Fort Chipewyan is an aboriginal community about 300 kilometres north of Fort McMurray.