(Saint John)-The president of Irving Oil says the refinery in Saint John can handle oil piped in from the west.

Mike Ashar says the energy landscape is changing, and with the U.S. becoming more energy independent, it’s in Canada’s best interest to have Alberta oil shipped further west and east.

He says even though the refinery isn’t in the pipeline-building business, Irving could be part of the solution.


“We will be happy to speak with shippers, pipeline companies to see if Irving Oil can make this project be more successful by having the pipe come to Saint John”

Canada’s Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver believes the pipeline could be operational within the next ten years.