Irving to locate in downtown core, not quarantine

I read in the paper today that back bench Liberal MLA Able LeBlanc has decided to take a position against Irving Oil building its headquarters in the downtown. LeBlanc, a retired port worker who has stayed loyal to unions even as the role of these groups has decreased in the importance of the local economy and community, offered this bit of anti-wisdom "Put them on Partridge Island, they'd be better off, the Irvings, as far as I'm concerned," were LeBlanc's exact words."

Clearly, this is not the provincial government's position; Jack Keir the Energy Minister and a Liberal party member with sway and authority to speak for the party said this: "I can tell you I think this is a wonderful project and a wonderful opportunity for the energy hub."

Hopefully city staff and politicians become informed before they speak and work with the Port, Irving Oil and the public to come to the best decision.

Edit: the ILA Local 273 clarified in the newspaper today that this is not their position either. They are concerned with the port's plans, but aren't in the mood to make largely inflammatory statements about Irving Oil.