Recent Media Releases
October 6, 2011
Decision on Flathead shows respect for local opinion; time for BC Liberals to show the smae respect for opinion on Jumbo: Macdonald
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.
October 3, 2011
Throne Speech lacks substantive solutions to the challenges British Columbians face: Macdonald
Today’s Throne Speech will be a big disappointment for British Columbians as Premier Christy Clark misses another opportunity to lay out a substantive plan to address the challenges that people face, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
September 29, 2011
Fall legislative session last chance for Premier to prove she is up to the job: Macdonald
After two years of dysfunctional government, almost entirely absorbed in pushing the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on the people of British Columbia, it is time for the BC Liberals to get back to the business of governing the province, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
August 26, 2011
An engaged citizenry can make a big difference
The story of BC’s Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is an excellent example of what happens when regular people decide to stand up and fight a government that has lost its way, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
August 25, 2011
Statement on the passing of Jack Layton
Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald has released the following statement on the passing of Jack Layton, Leader of the NDP and the Official Opposition.
July 15, 2011
Failed Environmental Assessment process leaves local backcountry at risk
A recent report by the Auditor General of British Columbia has confirmed what many in the area have already suspected: the Environmental Assessment Office’s (EAO) ability to protect environmental values has been proven to be sub-standard, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
July 15, 2011
Statement by NDP leader Adrian Dix on proposed Jumbo Glacier resort
The New Democrat’s position on the proposed Jumbo Glacier resort is unequivocal; it should not proceed.
Kootenay residents have been very clear. The proposal does not make economic or environmental sense.
June 2, 2011
Province must take a leading role in managing Kimberley's urban deer: Macdonald
While the City of Kimberley has done what it can to address the issue of urban deer, it is now time for the Province to take a leading role, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
June 2, 2011
Government must fulfill its obligations to protect local communities from wildfire: Macdonald
The BC Liberal government has failed in its responsibility to complete the necessary work to protect local communities from wildfire, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
May 25, 2011
Clark continues to flip-flop on HST
Premier Christy Clark and the BC Liberals have released another list of promises in an attempt to make the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) more palatable to voters, but they are forgetting the primary reason that voters rejected the HST, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
May 5, 2011
Opposition re-introduces legislation to bring Province in line with Kootenay communities on cosmetic pesticides
In the house today, BC New Democrats again have introduced legislation that will adopt a position widely held by Kootenay communities by banning the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides.
May 4, 2011
Delay in answering HST question continues to have negative effects on local business: Macdonald
In the Legislature on Tuesday, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald spoke out against the continued delay in allowing citizens to have their say on the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
Feb 15, 2011
2011 Budget continues to leave children and seniors behind: Macdonald
While Finance Minister Colin Hansen did his best to make the case that ten years of Liberal government has improved the lives of British Columbians, few people are buying the argument, says Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
Nov 16, 2010
Ktunaxa historic visit to Legislature puts pressure on government to oppose resort development
Monday's historic visit to the Legislature by members of the Ktunaxa Nation declaring their interest in Qat'muk, the Toby/Jumbo watershed, will make it very difficult for the government to proceed with the approval of the Jumbo Glacier Resort, says Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
Oct 6, 2010
Minister should provide support proposed Kootenay Child Health and Development Centre
Letter to the Editor:
The proposed Kootenay Child Health and Development Centre is a project that will bring a whole range of children’s services under one roof. This facility will be located in a 13,000 square foot building located in Cranbrook’s downtown core. But everything is on hold until funding can be found to complete the necessary renovations.
Services provided will include infant development consultants, occupational and physical therapists, and teleconferencing facilities.
This is a facility that is badly needed in the Kootenays. This facility will serve children and their families from Golden to the Elk Valley. Currently, kids in need of care are often required to travel to Calgary, Kelowna or Vancouver. Travelling this distance can be a real barrier to proper treatment.
It is time for the Minister of Health to come to the table with the funding required to make this project a reality. He needs to do what is best for our kids, and that is to make sure that the care they need is available right here in the Kootenays.
Norm Macdonald MLA
Columbia River - Revelstoke
Sept 14, 2010
Premier needs to back up his word with legislative change on HST referendum: Macdonald
Premier Campbell may be saying that he will honour a simple majority in the upcoming referendum on HST, but the Premier's word is not enough assurance, says Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
Sept 1, 2010
Residents' opposition to Glacier-Howser is clear; project should not proceed
Despite the clear opposition of Kootenay residents, the Environmental Assessment Office has received further application from AXOR to proceed with the Glacier-Howser project.
Aug 20, 2010
Chair of BC Arts Council resigns in frustration; supporters of the arts call for Minister responsible to step down
On the heels of her resignation as Chair of the BC Arts Council (BCAC), Jane Danzo has released a letter written to Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Kevin Krueger outlining her frustrations. The full text of Ms. Danzo's letter can be found below.
July 2, 2010
Macdonald re-elected as Opposition Caucus Chair
After a year in the position, Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA has been re-elected Opposition Caucus Chair.
The role of the Caucus Chair involves chairing all Caucus meetings, sitting on a variety of committees and providing opportunities for professional development for Opposition MLAs.
May 28, 2010
Macdonald questions Minister on behalf of local student
In the health estimates debate, Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald raised a question on behalf of a local high school student. Concerned about the loss of the Youth Drug and Alcohol Prevention worker at David Thompson Secondary, Tonie Minhas contacted the constituency office for assistance.
May 26, 2010
Macdonald reminds health minister of the need for continuous and assured funding for Norman Gagatek's care at the Halvar Jonson Centre
In the estimates debate, Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald was able to again raise with the Minister of Health the need for Norman Gagatek to receive assurances that he will continue to receive funding for his care at the Halvar Jonson Centre in Ponoka, Alberta.
April 29, 2010
BC Liberals ram through HST legislation
With an insensitivity to public opinion that defies understanding, the BC Liberals are forcing through legislation that will enable the imposition of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), says Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
April 26, 2010
Macdonald to attend Kootenay Youth Parliament in Invermere
In anticipation of his attendance at the 2010 Kootenay Youth Parliament at David Thompson Secondary School in Invermere on May 7th-9th, Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald made the following statement in the Legislature.
April 15, 2010
Macdonald makes statement of support for the David Thompson Heritage Lands
In the Legislature today, Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald made a statement of support for the David Thompson Heritage Lands. In celebration of the 200th Anniversary of David Thompson's first journey across the Athabasca Trail, a proposal has been brought forward to establish a National Historic Site.
April 14, 2010
Job cuts prove BC Liberals have given up on forestry and protecting our public lands
The loss of 204 Ministry of Forest staff in the latest round of job cuts proves that the Campbell government has given up on forestry, says Norm Macdonald, MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke and Critic for Forestry.
March 24, 2010
Another early childhood education program cancelled due to BC Liberal cuts
Success by 6, another early childhood education program, is losing its funding due to BC Liberal budget cuts, and children in rural communities will pay the price, says Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
Macdonald recognizes the important work of the Kimberley Helping Hands Food Bank
In the Legislature today, Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald made the following statement of appreciation for the work done by the Kimberley Helping Hands Food Bank.
March 5, 2010
25 per cent BC Hydro increase a hidden tax on consumers: Macdonald
Tuesday's BC Liberal budget contains and unfair and hidden tax on consumers by forcing a 29 per cent rate increase on BC Hydro ratepayers, says Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
March 4, 2010
Macdonald defends Farmers' Market coupon project: BC Liberals cut funding that provided fresh produce to low-income families
In his response to the budget speech yesterday, Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald spoke out in support of an innovative program that has been slashed by the BC Liberal budget.
March 2, 2010
BC Liberal budget all about service cuts and the HST
British Columbians need a government that will focus on strategies to promote economic recovery, but instead the BC Liberal government has introduced a budget that cuts public services and brings in the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), says Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
February 20, 2010
MLA enjoys tour of Kimberley Heritage Museum
Between meetings with constituents this Friday, Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald had the opportunity to tour the Kimberely Heritage Museum.
February 11, 2010
MLA Norm Macdonald responds to BC Liberal Throne Speech
Following the presentation of BC Liberal Throne Speech on Tuesday, February 9, Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald was the first opposition member to respond.
February 10, 2010
MLA Shows support for Invermere resident Norman Gagatek
Columbia-River Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald made the following statement in the Legislature today. Macdonald also presented to the House the 'We're not giving up on Norman!' petitions and letters signed by hundreds of Columbia Valley residents.
January 8th, 2010
Forestry watchdog points to the government's continued failure to protect communities from wildfire risk
The BC government's own forestry watchdog is reporting that six years after the Filmon report on the wildfires of 2003, only 5% of interface forests at highest risk for wildfire have been treated, says Columbia-River Revelstoke MLA and Opposition Critic for Forestry Norm Macdonald.
January 8th, 2010
Seniors in residential care facilities are now paying more for less
With the increase in residential care rates for seniors and the announcement of layoffs of staff at Interior Health’s Columbia House in Invermere, residents are going to be paying more while services are going to be cut.
December 17th, 2009
BC Ombudsman releases recommendations on seniors care; health ministries fail to implement majority of recommendations
In response to the BC Ombudsperson’s report on seniors care, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald says that the BC Liberal government is not treating seniors with the respect they deserve.
December 4th, 2009
Invermere firefighters show their support for Norman Gagatek
Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald sat down with Invermere firefighters on Wednesday to hear their concerns about the availability of health services for fellow firefighter Norman Gagatek.
November 23rd, 2009
Macdonald presents petition supporting Revelstoke paramedics
In the Legislature today, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald presented a petition signed by Revelstoke residents supporting paramedics.
November 19th, 2009
Columbia Valley health issues brought forward to Interior Health
Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald sat down with local representatives of Interior Health in Cranbrook to discuss health issues raised in the Columbia Valley. Macdonald met with Interior Health board member David Goldsmith and East Kootenay/Kootenay Boundary Chief Operating Officer Allan Sinclair.
November 19th, 2009
Macdonald voices Donald Bridge concerns
Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald presented a petition in the British Columbia Legislature on behalf of Golden area citizens who are concerned about plans for the new Donald bridge.
November 19th, 2009
Macdonald joins Revelstoke's Hockeyville bid
Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA and life-long hockey fan Norm Macdonald joined the quest to designate Revelstoke as Hockeyville. Supporters of Revelstoke’s bid have been submitting stories about hockey and Revelstoke to prove the community’s commitment to winning this contest.
November 7th, 2009
MLA Macdonald joins Face of the Arts campaign in Golden
As a supporter of the arts, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald will be joining Kicking Horse Culture’s Face of the Arts campaign.
November 4th, 2009
Revelstoke honoured in Legislature for early childhood development
In the Legislature today, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald asked the House to congratulate the city of Revelstoke for being ranked number one in preparing children for kindergarten.
November 4th, 2009
Macdonald speaks out against bill that imposes contract on paramedics
While debating Bill 21, the Ambulance Services Collective Agreement Act, 2009, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald spoke out strongly against the legislation that will impose a contract on ambulance paramedics ending a seven month long dispute.
November 3rd, 2009
Macdonald speaks out in support of Kimberley paramedics
The community of Kimberley knows more than many other communities the dangers that go along with being a paramedic. Kimberley lost two paramedics in the Sullivan mine disaster and I can tell you that in Kimberley depth of feeling on Bill 21 is huge, says Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
October 29th, 2009
Macdonald fights to reverse cuts to speech therapy services in Golden and Invermere
In Question Period on Tuesday, Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald demanded that Health Minister Kevin Falcon reverse cuts to speech therapy in Invermere and Golden.
October 29th, 2009
Fight for Norm Gagatek continues
Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald is continuing the fight to protect services for Invermere stroke victim Norm Gagatek.
In Question Period on Tuesday, Macdonald demanded that Health Minister Kevin Falcon reverse cuts to speech therapy in Invermere and Golden.
October 28th, 2009
Falcon selling surgeries to Saskatchewan while cancelling operations for British Columbia
VICTORIA – The B.C. Liberal government is negotiating a deal to give people from other provinces preferred access to B.C. operating rooms while cutting surgeries for thousands of British Columbians, said New Democrats today.
October 27th, 2009
Accident in Columbia Valley raises concerns about road maintenance across the province
In Question Period yesterday, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald asked the Minister of Transportation why she isn’t meeting her responsibility to provide safe roads for British Columbians.
October 15th, 2009
MLA presented with new East Kootenay local food guide
During a visit to the Columbia Valley Community Greenhouse, members of the local food action committee (CVFA) presented Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald with a new publication that promotes local food producers within the East Kootenay region.
October 15th, 2009
School children have no way home; school district blames lack of government funding
Parents of young children attending Edgewater Elementary are fed up with a school transportation system that provides a bus to school in the morning, but won’t bring them home again, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
October 15th, 2009
Kootenay Child Health and Development centre ready to go, just waiting for the funding
A much needed ‘one-stop shop’ for children’s health and development services in the East Kootenay is closer to becoming a reality. Proponents are now just waiting for the funding, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
October 9th, 2009
Macdonald reminds Minister of her responsibility to respond to City's concerns about Big Eddy bridge
In estimates debate for the Ministry of Transportation, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald raised the issue of the Big Eddy bridge in Revelstoke.
October 9th, 2009
Macdonald ensures Hwy 93/95 upgrade remains on Minister's radar
In estimates debate for the Ministry of Transportation, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald raised the need for upgrades to the highway 93/95 corridor, including the Akisqnuk turnoff near Windermere.
October 8th, 2009
Government to raise $53.7 million on the backs of seniors in residential care
Beginning January 2010, seniors in residential care facilities will now pay $53.7 million more. The BC Liberal government’s latest move to increase revenues comes at the expense of the most vulnerable seniors, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
September 25th, 2009
Five years after the Filmon report, Forest Minister still unable to provide a list of BC communities that are considered 'at risk' for wildfire
In Thursday’s estimates debate for the Ministry of Forest and Range, Minister Bell admitted that he couldn’t list the British Columbia communities that were considered ‘at-risk’ for wildfire, nor could he provide a Ministry definition of what factors would be considered in determining a community’s risk.
September 18th, 2009
School district decision leaves young children without transportation home; parents vow to fight underfunding
BC Liberals’ chronic underfunding of school districts is forcing Boards of Education to cut rural bus routes leaving elementary school children with no transportation home, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
September 18th, 2009
IH continues to cut medically necessary services
Despite a pre-election promise not to cut health services, Health Minister Kevin Falcon has directed a 14% reduction to joint and knee replacement services in the Interior Health (IH) region, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
September 11th, 2009
IH cuts to service will have a serious impact on Invermere resident
Despite the fact that British Columbians were promised that there would be no cuts to health care, critical health care services are being removed across the Kootenays, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
September 4th, 2009
Paramedics' critical services continue to be under threat
In a moment of crisis, when we call on the services of a paramedic, we simply expect that they will quickly arrive and assist us, but the provincial government’s continued lack of respect of this vital profession is putting quality service at risk, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
August 28th, 2009
Claim that HST will save the forestry industry is too little, too late
Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett’s claim that the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will save the forest industry and protect forestry jobs is a sad commentary on just how far out of touch the Campbell Liberals are, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
August 27th, 2009
Macdonald responds to BC Liberal Throne Speech; rural and resort communities overlooked in the rush to HST
Protecting the economy in rural communities is the last thing on the minds of the BC Liberals based on the proposals put forward in Tuesday’s Throne Speech, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
August 27th, 2009
Macdonald and Chamber to co-host public forum on HST
Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald is pleased to be working with the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce to assist his constituents in more fully understanding the implications of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on individuals and local businesses.
August 21st, 2009
New Harmonized Sales Tax will hit tourism industry hardest
The tourism industry is being dealt a double blow by the implementation of the BC Liberal Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and some local tourism operators are concerned they will not be able to survive, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
August 21st, 2009
Interior Health Authority set to cut medically necessary surgeries
Interior Health Authority (IHA) Chief Executive Officer Murray Ramsden confirmed Thursday that IHA would be reducing the number of critical surgical procedures to deal with its funding shortfall. This following the admission of Andrew Neuner, IHA’s Chief Operating Officer for the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap area, that medically necessary surgeries will be cut by 10 percent compared to last year.
June 27th, 2009
Message to Ministers loud and clear: people reject the Glacier Howser power project
A boisterous and determined crowd of East Kootenay residents gathered Thursday night in Invermere to state their opposition to AXOR’s proposed Glacier Howser river-diversion power project which will divert the water from four creeks in the West Kootenay for power production. The power produced will then be transmitted by a new transmission line that will bisect key wilderness areas across the Purcell mountains into the Invermere substation in the East Kootenay.
June 4th, 2009
Glacier Howser power project begins limited public consultation process
Starting next week, local residents will have their only opportunity to comment on the proposed Glacier/Howser power project as Purcell Green Power Inc. undergoes a project review to receive an environmental assessment certificate. Since the passage of Bill 30 (the Ashlu River bill) in 2006, local governments no longer have a say in the placement of private river-diversion power projects leaving local residents with only the faulty environmental assessment process to provide input.
May 28th, 2009
Rural communities depend on paramedic services; government must meet obligations for service provision to rural communities
The contract negotiations currently underway between the provincial government and the paramedics’ union will deeply affect rural communities and the fact that this dispute has led to strike action shows a lack of leadership on the part of the BC Liberal government, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.
April 4th, 2009
Invermere ER announcement: give credit where credit is due
Today’s official announcement of the upgrade to the emergency room of the Invermere and District Regional Hospital comes as no surprise to Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald, with an election only five weeks away. Spending announcements are often delayed so that they can be announced during the pre-election timeframe, and this announcement is no different.
March 27th, 2009
MLA Macdonald responds to the sudden death of Golden Mayor Aman Virk
I am deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Golden Mayor Aman Virk. Aman was a close friend that I served with on Golden Council during his first term.
March 25th, 2009
MLA Macdonald stands with constituents; continues to speak out for BC's rivers
On March 26th, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald will join with 10,000 other BC voices to state his concerns about the effects of the BC Liberal Energy Plan on BC rivers. This province-wide protest will occur only days after the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia released the 2009 Top-10 Endangered Rivers list which indicates that four of the ten most endangered are under threat due to proposed river-diversion projects.
March 13th, 2009
MLA Macdonald raises Golden's priority transportation issues with Minister
During supplementary estimates debate with the Minister of Transportation Kevin Falcon, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald listed for the minister Golden’s priority transportation issues, primarily the required upgrades to the Trans Canada highway. Macdonald reminded the Minister of his responsibility to actually live up to the signs that have been posted along the highway. One of these signs is posted just a few miles north of Golden.
March 6th, 2009
Macdonald to Premier: Jumbo Resort can only go forward with the support of the people of the Columbia Valley
In question period this week, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald asked the Premier for the assurance that the Jumbo Glacier Resort development will not go forward without the approval of Columbia Valley residents, but instead of a real answer all that was forthcoming was empty rhetoric.
March 4th, 2009
Highway 93/95 corrider must be a priority: Macdonald to Minister of Transportation
On Monday, March 2nd, 2009, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald again raised concerns with the state of the Highway 93/95 corridor between Radium and Canal Flats. During supplementary estimates debate with the Minister of Transportation Kevin Falcon, Macdonald reminded the minister of the need for improvements.
March 4th, 2009
TCH 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.
February 27th, 2009
Macdonald responds to Minister of Energy: Let the people decide
I am responding to the Minister of Energy Blair Lekstrom’s letter published on February 25th. As the new Minister of Energy he now communicates with the familiar bluster and rhetoric of his predecessor, Richard Neufeld.
Now I understand that the BC Energy Plan and the development of private river-diversion projects is a very controversial topic. To date, few local people have been able to accept that the full-scale sell-off of our rivers for private power production is a good idea. In fact, it is this part of this debate that has most engaged me.
February 27th, 2009
Macdonald responds to Forest Minister
Forestry has been one of our area’s most important industries for most of the last century, but over the last eight years, the BC Liberals have presided over an unprecedented collapse of an industry that had previously survived many cycles of boom and bust.
There have been over 23 000 family supporting jobs lost, over fifty mills shut down and across the Province almost every business connected to forestry is in crisis. All this has occurred under this government’s watch.
February 27th, 2009
Upgrades to Invermere ER will come as a result of the actions of local residents
A commitment made by the Minister of Health in the Legislature this week that the Ministry is moving forward with the upgrade to the Invermere and District Hospital Emergency Room results entirely from the efforts of the people of Invermere, says the MLA for Columbia River – Revelstoke Norm Macdonald.
February 26th, 2009
Macdonald responds to the tragic death in the mountains near Golden
Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald released the following statement today:
Macdonald: I was very saddened to hear of the death of a 44 year old woman in the mountains near Golden. My condolences go out to her husband and her family as they deal with this tremendous loss.
February 19th, 2009
Forest minister continues to be a spectator, refusing to assist logging and trucking contractors during this time of crisis
As bankruptcies in the logging and trucking industry mount, the Minister of Forest continues to sit on his hands, says Norm Macdonald, MLA for Columbia River – Revelstoke and Chair of the Opposition Rural Caucus.
February 18th, 2009
Budget 2009: bad for rural BC
The last opportunity prior to the next election for the Campbell Liberals to indicate their support for rural communities passed with the presentation of the 2009 budget this week. On the key issues that matter to rural British Columbians, the Liberals have again shown that they just don’t care, says the MLA for Columbia River – Revelstoke Norm Macdonald.
February 10th, 2009
BC Liberals prescribe medicine to forest crisis: the same Liberal medicine that helped to make the industry sick
In a media release dated, February 7th, the local spokesperson for the Campbell Liberals claimed that the loss of hundreds of forestry jobs in recent days due to the closure of four Tembec mills ‘underlines the need for a strong BC Liberal government’ and ‘reiterates just how important it is to keep proven leadership’ at this time of crisis. But Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald blames lack of action on behalf of the Campbell Liberals for the severity of the current crisis in forestry.
February 5th, 2009
Campbell's failure to act on forestry crisis leaves local millworkers in the lurch
The announcement of the temporary closure of four Tembec mills in the East Kootenay has left hundreds of millworkers and their families without a paycheque and Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald says that government inaction has made this crisis in forestry worse.
February 5th, 2009
Voter registration key to participation in upcoming election and referendum
Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald is encouraging residents to make sure that they are registered to vote. Elections BC is undergoing a voter registration drive to make sure that all eligible British Columbians are registered to vote in the May 12th provincial election and BC-STV referendum.
February 4th, 2009
Environment Minister visits Revelstoke but refuses repeated requests for a public meeting on river-diversion projects
Environment Minister Barry Penner’s visit to Revelstoke over the weekend left many concerned Revelstoke residents feeling ignored. Despite numerous requests from local groups like the North Columbia Environmental Society, Minister Penner refused the opportunity to hold a public meeting to discuss the BC Liberal Energy Plan and the environmental implications of the many river-diversion projects that are planned for Revelstoke’s creeks and rivers.
January 28th, 2009
Campbell Liberals fail rural BC with continued lack of action on off-road vehicle legislation
Members of the Opposition Rural Caucus are again calling on the Campbell Liberals to present promised legislation to register and license off-road vehicles.
January 23rd, 2009
Revelstoke seniors still feel abandoned by Campbell Liberals
Despite recent Liberal claims to the contrary, Revelstoke seniors are still feeling the negative repercussions of the Campbell Liberals’ mismanagement of Revelstoke’s healthcare system. Since 2001, cuts to senior care services have left too many Revelstoke residents feeling abandoned.
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November 2008
Macdonald puts pressure on Liberal government to fund Invermere ER upgrade
Invermere ER renovations delayed; new provincial ranking system for capital projects blamed
Liberals admit that their healthcare plan has been a failure in Invermere
Kootenay residents overwhelmingly support keeping Jumbo wild
September 2008
Forest critic to tour Revelstoke and the East Kootenay
Campbell tries to escape scrutiny by canceling fall session of the Legislature
August 2008
Ombudsman to act on complaints about seniors' care
Fight to fund Revelstoke ambulance station successful
Macdonald reminds minister of urgent need for permanent ambulance station in Revelstoke
Macdonald named Education critic by NDP Leader Carole James
July 2008
MLA responds to government attack on Rivers at Risk participants
IH breaks commitment to provide home support to disabled Revelstoke man
June 2008
Campbell climate change plan a failure; ineffective gas tax just hurts rural residents
Opposition Energy critic to visit Revelstoke
May 2008
Macdonald presents petition against river-diversion projects
Macdonald reminds Minister of his promise to build ambulance station
Macdonald raises Invermere bed shortage with Health Minister
Bill 42 is a sweeping infringement on people's democratic rights: Macdonald
BC Liberals have pushed the forest industry to complete collapse: Macdonald
BC Liberals ram through Legislation without debate
Macdonald challenges Minister to come to the Kootenays and defend the BC Energy Plan
April 2008
Macdonald supports Opposition call for a Representative for Seniors
Sullivan Mine disaster victims remembered in Legislative Day of Mourning ceremony
Revelstoke area to be heavily impacted by private power developments
Rivers at Risk meetings draw large crowds of concerned citizens
Macdonald calls for moratorium on private power developments
Liberal's biggest donor benefits from weak mine safety regulations
March 2008
Opposition critic for homelessness visits area
Letter to respond to Minister Neufeld
February 2008
Macdonald tells Minister marina approval must be rescinded
Minister dismisses high risk licensing report on Mt. Cartier as trivial
Complaints about loved one's care ignored
Macdonald questions Minister's decision to cut ambulance service in Invermere
Macdonald reminds Mining Minister of his responsibility to Sullivan families
Macdonald praises Revelstoke's efforts to address attainable housing crisis
Macdonald asks local governments to support family's request for Coroner's Inquest
Macdonald to visit Kimberley and Cranbrook to meet with seniors
Provincial government overrides local decision-making
January 2008
Macdonald applauds return of conservation officer to Golden
Macdonald supports family's call for Coroner's Inquest
Replacement of Dutch Creek Bridge should be part of larger highway upgrade
December 2007
Opposition Critic for Tourism, Sport and the Arts to tour the East Kootenay
Bennett places partisan politics above the protection of children
Liberals on finance committee vote against full protection for vulnerable children
November 2007
Closure of the Golden probation office another example of Campbell's anti-rural agenda
Government bails on bungled attempt to intefere in Electoral Boundaries Commission
Coleman refuses to protect forestry
Opposition Rural Caucus ensures NDP focuses on rural issues
Opposition Rural Caucus demands government action on off-road vehicles
Liberal interference in electoral boundaries will dilute rural representation
Forest industry must be strong, vibrant and sustainable
Macdonald honours Blaeberry crash rescuers
October 2007
Environment Minister shirking responsibility
Minister must submit a real plan; fixes to Revelstoke paramedics station only temporary
Private Member's bill will provide certainty for First Nations and landowners
Campbell's lack of leadership leaves southeastern BC in a housing crisis
Opposition Rural Caucus fights to protect local meat producers
Keep your promise for a full-time conservation officer, Macdonald demands
Stephen Lewis inspires action throughout the area
September 2007
Inquest recommendations should not sit on a shelf
Government interference delays implementation of another bylaw
