Jumbo Glacier: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

Press release  April 17, 2009 –

The time for a decision on Jumbo Glacier Resort is overdue. After going through one approval process after another for over 17 years, it is time for a decision to be made one way or another regarding this project.

The unfortunate situation with Jumbo has gone on for so long it has pitted neighbour against neighbour and community against community to the extent that it cannot receive a fair trial in the court of public opinion.  When so many people have such high emotional feelings both for and against the project, the only fair way to make a decision is to look at the process that has been followed.

Although Jumbo has an approved environmental certificate and an approved master plan, the Regional District of East Kootenay has not yet made a final decision on whether to go ahead on this project. Whatever their decision I will support it. [Read more]

Macdonald supported Golden IPPs

Press release –

Stop the NDP: NDP candidate betrays leader, supports run-of-river IPPs

A letter released today shows that an NDP MLA has been secretly endorsing local independent power producers (IPPs) in his community while NDP leader Carole James has been hypocritically campaigning against them, Environment Minister Barry Penner said today. [Read more]

McKee on IPPs

Press release —

IPPs: A Key Part of BC’s Green Future.

FACT: Independent Power Projects (IPPs) have been part of BC’s energy grid since the late 1980s.

FACT:  All BC Hydro contracts with IPP’s must be approved by the independent BC Utilities Commission to ensure they are cost-effective and consistent with the public interest.

FACT: IPPs have a low carbon footprint and will help wean the province away from dependence on power imported from coal-fired generating plans in Alberta and the United States. [Read more]

McKee congratulates local health-care activists

Press release –

McKee Congratulates Invermere Community’s Success at Acquiring a New ER.

Residents of the Invermere district performed magnificently in their successful quest to upgrade the local hospital’s emergency room, says BC Liberal Candidate Mark McKee.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to the District of Invermere and surrounding area and everyone that was involved in successfully getting the grant to upgrade the ER,” he said. [Read more]

McKee: "I didn’t accomplish these things on my own"

This is a response to recent letters about my involvement in the restructuring of health-care facilities in Revelstoke:

As a mayor (I was Mayor of the City of Revelstoke from November 2002 until November 2008), you get involved in just about every aspect of the community.  As mayor, I received direction on issues by public sentiment and direction from Council.  There was no doubt that the way IHA introduced its planned changes did nothing to build community support.  The plan first proposed did not — in most people’s minds — meet the needs of the community.  I was the one that told IHA the plan was not acceptable and they should go back to the drawing board.  We formed the mayor’s advisory committee on health care to have input on the proposed changes.  Most of us knew that changes were coming and we should be part of the solutions. [Read more]

McKee says voting makes a ‘real difference’

Press release —

Voting gives young people a say in who governs our province.

British Columbia’s young adults can make a real difference to the future of the province by coming out to vote in the May 12 election, says Mark McKee, the BC Liberal candidate in Columbia River-Revelstoke.

“The BC Liberals message is all about the economy, jobs, health care, the environment, and education.,” he said. “This all adds up to the well being of our province’s future — something that I believe all young voters are concerned about.

“They are asking themselves if their vote matters and can it make a difference, can they make a difference. The answer is: ‘Yes.’ They absolutely can make a difference. This province needs youth to get informed and involved.” [Read more]

McKee "yielding real results"

Letter to editor –

Yielding real results for seniors care & health care

by Mark McKee, BC Liberals Candidate Columbia River-Revelstoke

Aging has never been an easy process, but one thing is for certain – as the number of seniors rise government needs to react. Today, I’m pleased to see the BC Liberal Government taking real action through creative thinking and a cooperative approach to yield the solutions communities and seniors need.

As Mayor of Revelstoke, I had the opportunity to be part of the solution, working with the provincial government and the local health authority to ensure the best possible care for our seniors. Our municipal government took the approach that a viable solution required cooperation and tough bargaining and as a result we formed the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Health. I pushed hard for solutions that would satisfy the people of Revelstoke. [Read more]

McKee addresses Tembec closures

Press release –

McKee says economic downturn calls for stability & proven leadership

This week’s announcement by Tembec that it would temporarily close plants in three Columbia River-Revelstoke communities underlines the need for a strong BC Liberal government capable of moving the economy forward through these tough times, says BC Liberal Candidate Mark McKee.

“Tembec’s decision to close the plants in Canal Flats, Elko and Skookumchuck reiterates just how important it is to keep proven leadership on the economy through these tough times,” he said. “This is why the BC Liberals are fighting to not only keep the provincial economy ticking and people at work, but also to oppose the NDP’s attempts to cancel the Softwood Lumber Agreement because that would cost our region even more jobs.” [Read more]

Half truths about independent power projects?

Norm Macdonald’s unfounded allegations in the Jan. 5 edition of the Revelstoke Times Review compel me to respond.

I take particular exception to his comment that “the local BC Liberal candidate is in favour of a community being left out of the decision-making process.”

As a mayor and city councillor for 15 years I always advocated more — not less — input from the community I represented into the provincial decision-making process. For the record, I am in favour of having both well-considered independent power projects and BC Hydro’s facilities in Revelstoke’s backyard.  I would like to say this directly to the New Democratic Party candidate: [Read more]