Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

May 23rd, 2008

Macdonald raises Invermere bed shortage with Health Minister

In estimates debate today, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald questioned Minister of Health George Abbott about the lack of hospital services in Invermere.  Estimates debate involves analyzing the provincial budget and allows opposition members to ask specific questions of Ministers concerning ministry operations and budgetary matters.

“Invermere’s permanent population is dwarfed by the influx of Albertans most weekends and all summer,” said Macdonald in estimates debate.  “There can be ten times the number of seasonal residents and visitors relative to the permanent residents. 

“The number of hospital beds has been identified by the community as inadequate.  The level of emergency room service that is required has not been funded again this year.

“The mayor of Invermere and the community are on the record as saying that the minister is going to need to act to make sure that the services that are needed by the community are in place.

“What actions is the Minister taking to address the needs of the community of Invermere?”

Macdonald committed to continue to push the Minister of Health to improve the level of health services in Invermere.