Province hasn’t been advised on possible refinery sale, MHA says

While North Atlantic Refining Ltd. (NARL) is keeping quiet about recent reports the oil refinery in Come By Chance is for sale by the owner, Silverpeak Financial Partners, the provincial government is monitoring the situation. Reuters news agency reported earlier this week the refinery is up for sale by the owners.

Placentia West Bellevue MHA Mark Browne says the refinery is an integral part of the economy, not just for the local region, but across the province.

Browne said the provincial government has not been advised about any details of a sale and, as far as he’s concerned, the reports of an impending sale are just rumours.

NARL announced the layoff of more than 100 workers last November. The local United Steelworkers union held a gathering in Arnold’s Cove earlier this month and shared possible safety concerns at the facility.

TC Media contacted NARL, but requests for comment were not answered.