The provincial government says they want to see the results of the Occupational Health and Safety investigation into a flash fire at the Come By Chance refinery before exploring the possibility of an inquiry into the situation.
One of the workers injured in the incident passed away over the weekend, and the union that represents workers is calling for a police investigation under Westray Law, Bill C-45 provisions.
Digital Government and Service NL Minister Sarah Stoodley says it is too early to say if an inquiry should be called as the investigation is ongoing, noting that public prosecutions then has a two-year window to file charges.
She understands the need for answers, but the investigation has to conclude first.
Opposition Leader Barry Petten says government needs to do whatever it takes—whether that be an inquiry or an investigation, to get answers.
He believes people deserve answers “sooner rather than later,” especially considering the refinery is an active job site and if there is a danger workers should know about it.
Newfoundland and Labrador officials say there were no outstanding occupational health and safety directives for the company at the time of the explosion.
An email from Digital Government and Service NL says there were nine occupational health and safety inspections at the Come By Chance refinery since its current operator took over a year ago. There were also 51 boiler pressure vessel inspections conducted at the refinery.
The email says six OHS directives and five boiler pressure directives were issued to the company, and none were outstanding on September 2 when the fatal explosion occurred.