Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

April 9th, 2008

Liberal’s biggest donor benefits from weak mine safety regulations

VICTORIA -- In Question Period today, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald questioned the Minster of State for Mines about his refusal to fully implement the Sullivan Mine Coroner’s Inquest recommendations including Recommendation 12 which would ensure that all mine sites are inspected annually and would increase penalties for non-compliance.

Four people died at the Sullivan Mine site which is owned by Teck Cominco.  At the time of the tragedy, Teck Cominco was in violation of existing regulations including the requirement that workers on the property have a sign in/sign out procedure and that solitary workers be monitored every two hours.

“It could not be clearer,” declared Macdonald.  “The inquest jury stated unequivocally that failure to comply with regulations must result in meaningful penalties yet the Minister just shrugs.  It is appalling to me but it seems that the amount of money donated by Teck Cominco has a stronger influence on the Minister’s actions than does a jury’s recommendations.”

Macdonald asked the Minister if he would continue to serve the corporate interests of the largest donor to the BC Liberal party, or would he do the right thing by implementing all the recommendations.

“Without Recommendation 12, the Minister has failed the families of the Sullivan Mine accident.  He has failed Kimberley, and I will not accept that.”