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Rural Caucus  

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

November 18th, 2007

Opposition Rural Caucus ensures NDP focuses on rural issues

At the bi-annual BC NDP Convention in Vancouver this weekend, the 14 members of the Opposition Rural Caucus made rural issues a priority with delegates, MPs and other MLAs.  Throughout the weekend, through a variety of mechanisms, rural issues were the focus.

“Rural British Columbians do not think that Gordon Campbell cares about rural BC.  Rural British Columbians do not think that this government is speaking out for them,” declared the Chair of the Rural Caucus Norm Macdonald.  “The Rural Caucus has been formed to be the voice of rural BC.”

NDP Leader Carole James, in her speech to the Convention, reminded delegates of the work the Rural Caucus has already done to expose the Liberal’s sellout of rural British Columbia.

The Rural Caucus held a Rural Workshop to develop a specific rural agenda for British Columbia.  Over one hundred and twenty delegates from across the province participated in the discussion.

The Rural Caucus met with the NDP’s Federal Critic on rural issues Alex Atamanenko to ensure that federal and provincial governments work together to address the needs of rural residents.

“The NDP is the party that actually cares about rural areas,” continued Macdonald.  “We believe that the wealth of our province comes from rural areas and that services in rural areas must be maintained.

“But Gordon Campbell doesn’t believe in the value of rural life and his agenda threatens the health of small communities across British Columbia.”