Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

February 15th, 2008

Macdonald reminds Mining Minister of his responsibility to Sullivan families

In his response to the Throne speech, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald reminded the government of its responsibility to fully implement the recommendations of the Coroner’s Inquest into the Sullivan Mine Disaster.

Macdonald noted that a number of the recommendations made to the BC Ambulance Service had been put in place, but raised issues with the Ministry of Mines.

In reference to recommendations specifically given to the Ministry of Mines, Macdonald told the Legislature:

“There is still nothing really tangible in place.  During this session, we are really going to be testing the Minister on this.

“We will not accept that the Coroner’s recommendations sit on a shelf somewhere.  They are going to be acted upon.  That is a commitment that I have made to the families, and it’s a commitment I am going to keep.”

Macdonald and Opposition Labour Critic Chuck Puchmayr will be demanding a complete accounting of the progress that has been made by Minister of State for Mining Kevin Krueger.

“The Minister has had nine months to work through the details of the implementation of the recommendations and the families have waited long enough.”