Mr. Speaker, first let me say that I share the member's concern for the employees and their families at this Ultramar facility, concerns that he and his colleagues from the Halifax area have raised repeatedly with me over the last few months.
As he is aware, the undertakings to the director of investigation and research by Ultramar are a contractual matter to be dealt with by the director. Under the Competition Act the director is an independent law enforcement officer and I cannot interfere with that role.
The legal action initiated by the Attorney General of Nova Scotia against the director and Ultramar has had the unfortunate effect of preventing the director from carrying out his responsibilities to deal with the issues of material adverse change and the sale process relating to the refinery.
Given that the matter is before the courts and despite my real concern for the employees involved, it is inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.