Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

May 26th, 2008

Macdonald presents petition against river-diversion projects

Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald stood in the House today to present a petition on behalf of the residents of Golden and area. 

Following the Rivers at Risk forum in Golden on April 24th which had 200 concerned citizens in attendance, a local resident began to circulate a petition.

“In just one month, more than 1000 people in the Golden area signed a petition stating their opposition to planned river-diversion projects on Blaeberry River, Cedar Creek and Kicking Horse River,” said Macdonald.  “The petition also calls for a 2 year moratorium on all independent power developments across British Columbia until a more thorough environmental review can be completed on the cumulative impacts of these projects.”

A local group has also formed specifically around the proposed Thompson Falls project on the Blaeberry River (www.savethefalls.org).

“This is clearly an issue that people in Golden care deeply about.  To have so many people state their opposition to independent power developments in such a short period of time shows that the government really needs to take another look at this issue.”

Macdonald has been outspoken in his opposition to the BC Energy Plan and private power developments, and to the removal of local government from the decision-making process.

“I have traveled across the constituency talking to people about the Premier’s plan to sell off our rivers and people are shocked that the government would even consider such a giveaway.  When people come to understand exactly what is planned for our rivers they always ask what they can do to stop it.”

Macdonald encourages constituents to write letters or emails to the Minister of Energy (EMPR.Minister@gov.bc.ca) and the Minister of Environment (env.minister@gov.bc.ca), and to attend public events and hearings to show their opposition.

Macdonald will be attending further Rivers at Risk events including the rally planned in Invermere on Wednesday, June 11th at 6 PM at the Invermere Community Hall which will feature guest speakers Rafe Mair from Save our Rivers and Joe Foy from the Wilderness Committee.

“I’m pleased that Rafe Mair will be attending the rally in Invermere,” continued Macdonald.  “Rafe is well known throughout the province and I appreciate that he is using his prominence to promote the protection of our rivers and of our public energy system.”