Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

September 18th, 2007

Inquest recommendations must not sit on a shelf: Macdonald

While meeting with Health Minister George Abbott and Labour Minister Olga Ilich, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald made it clear that the jury recommendations from the Sullivan Mine Inquest must not be left to sit on a shelf.

“It is part of the commitment that I made, along with my colleague Labour Critic Chuck Puchmayr, to the families,” said Macdonald.  “I committed to doing whatever was necessary to ensure the recommendations were implemented.”   

The jury recommendations involved three ministries; Labour, Health and Mines.

Macdonald and Puchmayr expressed appreciation to the Ministers and their staff for taking the time to update them on the progress so far.  To date, requests for a similar meeting with Minister of State for Mines Kevin Kruger have not had a positive result.

“It is a real disappointment that Minister Kruger is so reluctant to meet,” continued Macdonald.  “The recommendations concerning the BC Mines Safety and Reclamation Code are key to ensuring that this type of tragedy never happens again.”

“The families deserve to know that all the recommendations, including those that relate to the Mines Safety and Reclamation Code, are being fully implemented,” said Puchmayr. 

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