Norm Macdonald, the MLA for Columbia River – Revelstoke, is deeply concerned with the proposed closure of the Golden probation office. Macdonald says that this cut to service is just more proof that the Liberal government is completely indifferent to the needs of rural people.
“These closures will affect very experienced staff doing important work,” declared Macdonald. “And this is another in a long list of cuts limiting access to justice services in the area.”
Previous cuts in Golden include removal of the youth court worker and a diminished number of court days per month.
“Local lawyers tell me that there has been a downward spiral in services, and that this is resulting in a loss of faith in the justice system in British Columbia.
“This government’s agenda of centralization has failed small communities, and this cut is no different.”
Macdonald has called on the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General to reconsider his decision. Minister Les needs to do the right thing. He needs to reverse this decision and protect justice services in small communities like Golden.”
In a surprise move in the house recently, Government House Leader Mike de Jong stopped debate on Bill 39 (Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act, 2007). Liberal members then voted in favour of the termination of this bill.
“Bill 39 was a clear attempt to interfere in a process that must be independent of politics,” declared Norm Macdonald. “The Liberals tried to sell the idea that their interference would protect rural representation but anyone with a basic understanding of mathematics could see that wasn’t the case.”
The opposition did not support the adjournment of this debate. Macdonald along with other members of the opposition were prepared to bring forward amendments to Bill 39 which would ensure rural areas really were protected, and they would have voted in favour of Bill 39 with those amendments.
But protecting rural representation was not in the interest of Campbell or his government.