Norm Macdonald MLA                                              Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

October 6, 2011

Decision on Flathead shows respect for local opinion; time for BC Liberals to show the same respect for opinion on Jumbo: Macdonald

VICTORIA – The government has shown a willingness to listen to local residents in its decision to protect the Flathead, but has yet to show that same respect for local opinion when it comes to the Jumbo Valley, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.

Macdonald, who was speaking to Bill 2 which restricts mining, oil and gas development and coalbed gas extraction in the Flathead Watershed Area, lauded the government’s willingness to listen to local residents in this case, and asked the government to apply that same standard to the decision on whether or not the application to develop Jumbo Glacier Resort should be approved.

“One of the reasons I am supporting Bill 2 is that I believe that the people in the area broadly support this compromise,” said Macdonald.  “I believe that local support is critically important.

“But we are also dealing with another land use decision in the Kootenays; Jumbo Valley.  If we apply the same standard to that decision, the government will have to decide not to allow the development of a resort in that area.”

Macdonald also reminded the House that opposition to Jumbo Glacier Resort has been clearly stated by the Ktunaxa First Nation.

“One of the highlights from my time here as an MLA was being invited to participate and witness the Ktunaxa’s first visit to this Legislature,” continued Macdonald.  “They came here and issued the Qat’muk Declaration, stating that the Jumbo Valley was sacred, and insisting that it be protected from development.

“I look for the principles of local decision-making and respect for the views of local residents to be applied not only to this one case but also to the decision on Jumbo Glacier Resort.”

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