EAGLE VALLEY
NEWS
Detachment to see change of command Page 6
TOPS chapter celebrates second year Page 8
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012 PM40008236
Vol. 53 No. 36 Sicamous, B.C., • 1.25 (HST included) • www.eaglevalleynews.com
Running in memory: A group of runners takes part in the Forever Young Run, which remembers Joah Atkinson and Brian Collins, two University of Calgary students who were struck and killed in a crosswalk in 2003. The family has spent many summers in the Shuswap area and started the run here to help fund memorial athletic awards at the University of Calgary and Eagle River Secondary. Organizer Tim Atkinson reports that while they are still calculating the proceeds, the run raised an estimated $6,000. Photo by Sarah Kyllo
Abbott opts to retire from political life By Richard Rolke Black Press
George Abbott flatly denies he’s abandoning a government in trouble, The Shuswap MLA’s decision not to run in the May 2013 election comes as the Liberals lag behind the NDP opposition in the polls. “It didn’t play a role at all,” said Abbott, who was first elected in 1996. “The standing in the polls was irrelevant to my personal future.” And Abbott insists the government can remain in power next year. “Given the formidable campaigner she is, Premier Clark has a tremendous opportunity
to turn this around,” he said. Abbott reached a conclusion about his future during August. “The time is right to focus on other interests in my life,” said Abbott, adding that his first project will3 be working with a British professor on educational issues. The former Okanagan College instructor may also do some guest teaching and research. Abbott, who was in civic politics before becoming MLA, says retirement was an easy decision. “The last time I woke up not being in public office, I was 26 years old. That’s a long time ago,” he said, adding that his departure allows for renewal in the constituency and
the party. missed,” said Clark. ll Premier Christy Clark will Abbott placed third in last shuffle her cabinet this weekk year’s campaign to replace g to focus on individuals seeking Gordon Campbell as Liberal re-election and Abbott won’t be leader. education minister. Steve Gunner, the NDP’s d “I loved education. I arrived Shuswap candidate, says Aby when there was a lot of policy bott deserves credit for repreGeorge Abbott work needing to be done, andd senting constituents and his Shuswap MLA he I believe I brought skills to the handling of educational matat table that allowed a lot of that ters. work to be done,” he said. “He has had many years of Abbott has also served in the aboriginal unblemished public service and he has the relations, health, community services and respect of many people he has worked with,” sustainable resource management portfolios. said Gunner, who believes Abbott’s departure “His keen intellect and sharp wit around the cabinet table and in caucus will be greatly See MLA’s on page 2