On February 10th, the British Columbia Legislature will re-open for the Spring session which will continue through until the beginning of June. I am looking forward to being back in the House, bringing forward your issues, questioning Ministers and debating new legislation.

The session will begin with a Speech from the Throne, followed in the second week with the introduction of the provincial budget.

Much of the session will be taken up by a process known as Estimates, where Ministers are questioned by the Opposition, line by line, on their ministry budgets.

My focus in estimates will be on mining as the Critic for Energy and Mines, as well as a range of issues that relate specifically to my constituency.

The shortcoming we have experienced this winter with our highways will be raised. You have made it clear that the quality of our highways and the standards of road maintenance are simply not good enough.

Issues around poverty and the tremendous strain put upon people with disabilities by the lack of support this government provides will also be a focus.

I will also continue to raise the critical need to ensure that zebra and quagga mussels are kept out of British Columbia’s lakes.

As I have said in previous MLA reports, the cost to our environment and economy from a zebra and quagga mussel infestation would be devastating, but still, very little is being done by government to protect our waterways.

I would encourage you to continue to contact my office with questions and concerns. My office receives thousands of contacts a year, and my staff are available to help.  I am also available regularly to meet with you in your community.

Norm Macdonald is the NDP MLA for Columbia River Revelstoke. He can be reached by phone at 1-866-870-4188 and by email at norm.macdonald.mla@leg.bc.ca.