Protest expected at Glacier-Howser open house

As Columbia Valley residents begin to amass in opposition to another significant development proposed in the Purcell Mountains, one would be forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu.

While a proposed run of the river hydroelectric project has nothing, directly, to do with a controversial resort development proposed in the Jumbo Valley, many of the same concerns are being voiced. [Read more]

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.

“I feel that it is wrong that public input is now limited to this single forum, but unfortunately, this all that we have,” declared Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald. “Few that have had experience with the environmental assessment process would say that it is adequate as a method of public consultation.” [Read more]

Rural communities depend on paramedic services

Press release –

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.

“The last paramedics’ contract made significant changes to pay structures and educational opportunities which made the job of a rural paramedic much less appealing. In order to make a living, many rural paramedics are choosing to move to larger centres, leaving rural communities scrambling to fill the ranks.” [Read more]

Old news, says Macdonald

Press release –

Old news, says Macdonald; an act of desperation

In response to a statement released today by Environment Minister Barry Penner, incumbent MLA Norm Macdonald says the Liberals’ big Earth Day announcement is old news.

“I have spoken publicly numerous times about my position on river-diversion projects and every speech I give on this topic covers the same ground,” declared Macdonald. [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]

Macdonald and McKee face off in Fairmont

The two men vying for votes locally in the upcoming provincial election squared off before a small crowd in Fairmont Hot Springs on April 16. The event, hosted by the Fairmont Business Committee, was the first public meeting of the two candidates since the provincial election was officially announced earlier in the week. Norm Macdonald, representing the NDP, and Mark McKee, representing the Liberal Party, were each asked to introduce themselves and give a brief synopsis of their views before attendees were encouraged to quiz the politicians on issues of concern. [Read more]

What Halberstadt did not say

Letter to editor –

It was with some interest that I read Antoinette Halberstadt’s screed attacking BC Liberal candidate Mark McKee. There are a few points I wish to make, which I hope will help clarify the situation for readers and voters from outside Revelstoke: [Read more]

Macdonald on rural matters

Press release –

Rural BC Matters,

Rural voters are saying that they want a government that understands rural British Columbia. After eight years of Gordon Campbell, rural voters are tired of having their tax dollars spent on pet projects in the lower mainland while service after service is removed from our communities.

Rural voters are ready for a government that believes that rural BC really matters; a government that will put in place real solutions that will support rural residents and their communities. [Read more]

ER expansion — “give credit where credit is due”

Press release —

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.

“The way in which this announcement was made is a clear attempt to give credit where it was not earned,” said Macdonald. “The real credit for this announcement should go to the doctors and residents in this area who organized themselves to show the Minister the need for the upgrade. And credit should go to the Mayor and council who spoke up.” [Read more]

MLA to join ‘10,000 voices’ river protest

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.

“In my constituency, we value our rivers and we feel an obligation to protect our rivers for future generations,” said Macdonald. “We understand that we need to carefully consider and promote the best uses for our rivers.” [Read more]