Refinery Expansion Shows Confidence in Nova Scotia

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Refinery Expansion Shows Confidence in Nova Scotia

The $100-million upgrade of a Dartmouth oil refinery is good news for all Nova Scotia, says Premier John Hamm.

Premier Hamm said the upgrade to Imperial Oil's Dartmouth refinery, announced today, Oct. 14, assures a stable future for the facility. "The refinery will be in a position to continue supplying state-of-the-art products for years to come. The market will also continue to benefit from competition among suppliers."

Part of the upgrade will allow the refinery to produce low- sulphur diesel fuel that complies with federal regulations. Other changes will improve energy efficiency and process control. Last year, Imperial Oil spent about $80 million upgrading the refinery to produce low-sulphur gasoline.

The premier said the investments show that Nova Scotia is a good place to do business. "Nova Scotia is a place where industry leaders like Imperial know they can find a well-trained, motivated and productive workforce," he said. "It's a place where they know they'll be treated fairly by government.

The Dartmouth refinery employs about 220 people.