Norm Macdonald's News
July 8, 2009
VANCOUVER – The Campbell government’s decision to reduce eligibility for a transitional assistance program aimed at helping aging forest workers retire or leave the industry is unfair and senseless, says New Democrat forestry critic Norm Macdonald . “Many of these older forest workers have already exhausted their EI and were counting on this program as a bridge to retirement,” said Macdonald. “Now we are in the midst of a recession and the Campbell government has tightened the eligibility...
July 8, 2009
Ministry plans for massive layoffs a signal of defeat REVELSTOKE - Campbell government plans to cut the forest ministry budget and eliminate 230 full time positions is a signal that the the premier has no intention of doing the work necessary to revitalize and stimulate the forest industry, New Democrats said today. "The Campbell government has stood back as spectators and watched the forest industry collapse," said New Democrat forest critic Norm Macdonald . "The B.C....
June 17, 2009
VICTORIA – The announcement of federal aid for the pulp and paper industry exposes the lack of leadership on the forestry file from the B.C. Liberals, says New Democrat forest critic Norm Macdonald . A billion-dollar aid package, which will assist mills that use chemical pulping systems, is welcome news forNorm Macdonald the mills that are eligible, Macdonald says, but the B.C. forest industry still needs a plan for long-term recovery. The money is spread across the Canadian pulp and paper...
March 24, 2009
VICTORIA— The Campbell government is leaving behind rural British Columbians who plan to travel during the Olympics, say the New Democrats.Several New Democrat MLAs blasted Gordon Campbell in the legislature Monday for his failure to help out small airports and airlines that will be harmed by security measures that will add hours to flight times for rural British Columbians.Alberni-Qualicum MLA Scott Fraser said some small airlines face financial collapse because the service disruptions will...
February 20, 2009
VICTORIA - New Democrat MLAs blasted the Campbell government in the legislature this week for a budget that wastes billions of tax dollars on pet projects and cost overruns while inflicting deep cuts to programs and services for rural communities. "With this week's budget and throne speech, Gordon Campbell delivered a very clearRobin Austin message to people in the north and the interior that they just don't matter," said NDP rural critic Robin Austin . "Gordon Campbell...
February 12, 2009
VICTORIA – With layoffs and mill closures continuing to pile up, New Democrat MLAs blasted the Campbell government in the Legislature today over its ongoing neglect of the forest industry.NDP forest critic Bob Simpson and Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald challenged forests minister Pat Bell to face forestry workers at upcoming meetings in Prince George and Quesnel.In particular, the New Democrat MLAs called on the Bell to explain the Campbell Bob Simpsongovernment’s failure to...
January 21, 2009
Dear Editor, It's time for the Campbell government to put kids' education ahead of picking partisan fights with teachers. The arrogant refusal of Gordon Campbell and education minister Shirley Bond to listen to concerns about the Foundation Skills Assessment has resulted in confrontation and turmoil. It is the last thing our kids need. Instead of pressing ahead with his confrontation agenda, Gordon Campbell should work with parents, teachers and trustees to improve the...
