Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

August 6th, 2008

Macdonald named Education Critic by NDP Leader Carole James

Today, Opposition Leader Carole James announced that Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald will take on the position of Education critic in her shadow cabinet.  Macdonald has an extensive background in education and has been vocal in his opposition to BC Liberal cuts which have resulted in school closures, reduced special education services and fewer teacher-librarians.

During his career, Macdonald has worked as an elementary school principal, a secondary school teacher, and a teaching assistant.  He has taught in a local school in Southern Africa, an International school in East Africa, a First Nation school in Manitoba and public schools in British Columbia.

“I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to take on this important role,” said Macdonald.  “I have a passion for education. 

“My father was a teacher, and I have spent all of my working life in a variety of different schools both here and in Africa.  I believe strongly in protecting our public education system.”

Macdonald experienced first hand the difficulties presented to school districts when funding to public education was cut.

“In 2003, I returned from Africa to a province where school districts were going to four-day school weeks for purely budgetary reasons.  In my school district alone, eight schools were closed because of BC Liberal cuts to education.

“The BC Liberals have failed our children dramatically.  They have been hopeless managers of our education system, responsible for the closure of 177 schools.

“The Campbell Liberal’s term in office has also been characterized by consistent attacks on the professionals that are responsible for educating British Columbia’s children.”

Heading into the next election in May 2009, the position of education critic will be an important one.

“The BC Liberals have pushed through their election gag law in an attempt to stifle any public debate about how best to support our public education system.

“As Opposition critic for Education, my job will be to ensure that this government hears from the people who care most about education: students, parents and educators.  I look forward to taking on this role leading up to the next election in 2009.”