Minister of Justice releases judicial inquiry report

Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, today released the Judicial Inquiry Report into the Deaths of Jerome Kieley and James Mercer at the Come By Chance Oil Refinery on March 25, 1998.

Minister Marshall noted that the judicial inquiry report dated August 8, 2005, contained 57 recommendations with 11 pertaining directly to government. �Government has currently satisfied seven of these recommendations and is in the process of satisfying the others,� Minister Marshall said. �Through the Occupational Health and Safety Branch and boiler pressure vessel inspectors with the Government Services Branch, there has been sustained vigilance in ensuring a safe working environment.�

On October 7, 2000, the Minister of Justice called for a judicial inquiry into the circumstances of the incident at Come By Chance refinery that led to the deaths of James Mercer and Jerome Kieley. The judicial inquiry, led by Judge Patrick Kennedy commenced on April 30, 2001. Standing at the inquiry was granted to North Atlantic Refining Limited, the Department of Government Services and Lands, the Department of Environment and Labour, the United Steel Workers of America and the Mercer and Kieley families. Evidence was first called at the judicial inquiry in November 2001 and concluded in September 2003.

Minister Marshall also noted the majority of the recommendations refer to North Atlantic Refining Limited. �It is our understanding that North Atlantic Refining has taken seriously the need to make improvements and have made progress in this regard. Government will continue to play an important role in monitoring the site and ensuring the employer meets its legislative requirements,� said Minister Marshall.

�I would like to thank Judge Patrick Kennedy for his hard work. This is a very emotional time for the families and I hope this report provides them with some comfort.�

This report is available on-line at //www.gov.nl.ca/just/NARLInquiry.pdf

Media contact:

Billy Hickey, Justice (709) 729-6985, 691-6390
Vanessa Colman Sadd, Government Services (709) 729-4860, 682-6593

2005 08 30 12:55 p.m.