Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

August 14th, 2008

Macdonald reminds minister of the urgent need for a permanent ambulance station in Revelstoke

In May of 2007, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald asked the Minister of Health in the Legislature when the City of Revelstoke would get a new Ambulance station. Now in August of 2008, the City of Revelstoke is still waiting for construction to begin.

“The past few years have seen paramedics forced to work in very difficult conditions,” stated Macdonald. “They continue to provide superb service but clearly there is an urgent need for construction to begin on a permanent ambulance station.”

In 2007, Health Minister George Abbott committed to moving as quickly as possible towards construction after the finalization of property acquisition.

The City of Revelstoke has done its work to provide property for the ambulance station but still the Provincial government is not moving forward with construction.

“The people of Revelstoke were told in 2007 that a new station would be completed within a year or two. It is almost a year and a half since that time and there has been no progress on the government side.

Revelstoke paramedics provide not only for the community but also are responsible for dealing with accident victims on a very challenging section of the Trans Canada Highway.

“Revelstoke needs a firm starting date for the construction of the ambulance station,” declared Macdonald. “It is well past time for the Minister to keep his promise to the people of Revelstoke.