Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

March 4th, 2009

Trans Canada upgrade must move ahead: Macdonald to Minister of Transportation

On Monday, March 2nd, 2009, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald again raised the need for a continued commitment to twinning the Trans Canada highway.  During supplementary estimates debate with the Minister of Transportation Kevin Falcon, Macdonald reminded the minister of his responsibility to actually live up to the signs that have been posted along the highway.

“All along the Trans Canada there are signs claiming that the highway will soon be four-laned, but the minister readily admits that there is little chance that the project will be going ahead in the near-term,” said Macdonald.

Macdonald also talked about the economic benefits that would come to the community of Revelstoke if a significant investment was made into upgrades.

“With the downturn in the economy and the crisis in the forest industry, people in Revelstoke are looking for other opportunities.  This is the time to move ahead with these large infrastructure projects and keep people in Revelstoke working.”

Macdonald also raised the issue of inadequate road maintenance which continues to be a concern with constituents.

“It is too easy for roads in rural areas to be forgotten by this government, especially when so much attention is currently being paid to roads like the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler.  It is my job to make sure that I take every opportunity to make the Minister aware of the priority transportation issues in my communities.”