Premier Andrew Furey says discussions about the future of the oil refinery in Come By Chance are ongoing.
Furey tweeted Monday night in response to a report late Monday that the sale of the Come By Chance refinery to Irving Oil has fallen through. Furey tweeted that he recognizes these are difficult and uncertain times for the refinery’s workers.
I recognize that this is an unsettling time for the hard-working people at the refinery in Come by Chance.
The refinery is an asset to this province, and one our government will maximize.
Discussions are ongoing, and the owner continues to work on its options. pic.twitter.com/HacYyTtcZx
— Andrew Furey (@FureyAndrew) October 5, 2020
Energy Minister Andrew Parsons says refinery owner Silverpeak, a U.S.-based investment firm, is working on its options. He says the province has been in regular talks with Silverpeak and will support the company as it can.
Silverpeak and Irving Oil announced in May they had signed an agreement for Irving Oil to acquire North Atlantic Refining Corp., the company which operates the Come By Chance facility.
Area MHA Jeff Dwyer expects to have more information today on the refinery.
North Atlantic’s assets include the 135,000 barrel-per-day refinery and a network of retail sites.