(November 30, 2021) – Lloyd Parrott, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Industry, Energy, and Technology and MHA for Terra Nova, says today’s announcement regarding the Come By Chance Refinery is good news for the province, but leaves key issues unaddressed.

The PC Official Opposition Caucus has been advocating from the beginning for a resolution to this situation which ensures continued employment and benefits for the surrounding region.
“The Come by Chance Refinery is an important asset for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and I’m happy to see people getting back to work. Moving to sustainable fuel production at the refinery means moving toward a green economy in a way which ensures employment for the region and the province,” said Parrott.

“Previously, as many as 450 employees have worked on the site during full operation. The 200 full-time equivalent positions needs clarity: how many people will be employed on this site when it is operational? We will continue to advocate for maximum local employment. Secondly, the agreement in principle is missing a local benefits agreement, which would ensure maximum benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador. These are missed opportunities for our province, in what is otherwise a good day.”

Parrott is also concerned about the five cent surcharge on gasoline in our province, which continues to drive up the cost of living in Newfoundland and Labrador. He wants assurances the five-cent charge will be removed once and for all.
Jeff Dwyer, MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue, says the continued employment will give benefits to his constituents.

“These jobs mean families in my district and the surrounding districts can have some stability compared to the uncertainty over the last 18 months. I thank the companies for coming together for an agreement to keep people working in Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Dwyer.

“I would have liked to see a local benefits agreement in place along with this deal to give further assurance to families and their futures. Hopefully this is a long-term arrangement, but there is no guarantee. But most of all, today is a good day for my district.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca