Energy Minister Andrew Parsons is pleased that Origin remains interested in the Come By Chance oil refinery but won’t say if the provincial government will consider an equity stake in the facility.

Origin this week revealed it is looking for an equity stake from the provincial and federal governments in order to operate the refinery for the long-term.

The US-based company says time is of the essence indicating that once the facility moves into a cold shutdown, the chances of getting it back up and running are “almost zero.”

Minister Parsons says he is aware that time is a factor and that he understands moving into the cold season presents greater challenges for any potential purchaser.

Parsons won’t say exactly what kind of conversations have taken place but says all options are on the table.

While the issue of an equity stake has not yet been explored, he says they’ll discuss whatever needs to be discussed to make sure it’s a viable purchase.