Today in Smithers Carole James emphasized her commitment to protecting watersheds, communities and rivers from Gordon Campbell’s plan to allow reckless development of coalbed methane, says Troy Sebastian, the NDP candidate in Kootenay East.

“Gordon Campbell doesn’t listen to the concerns of communities,” said Sebastian, “and the Liberal candidate can’t be trusted to stand up for our communities, he’s just one of Campbell’s yes men.”

The issue of coalbed methane drilling sparked protest in Fernie. The Fernie city council has signed on to Citizens Concerned about Coalbed Methane’s plan for safer CBM.

“New Democrats want communities to have a greater say in the resource developments that affect them,” said Sebastian. “Gordon Campbell introduced and passed laws taking control away from local communities.”

At a campaign event in Smithers James emphasized that an NDP government would halt any further development of coalbed methane until community and environmental concerns were addressed.

Carole James and the New Democrats also support the Citizens Concerned about Coalbed Methane’s plan for safer CBM. It can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/safercbm

—30—

Media Contact: Arjunna Miyagawa 250-975-0715 or Jennifer Jones 604-250-1603