Having been told by the province not to expect much in the way of support for their deer problem, the City is getting support from MLA. Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald. He believes deer are a provincial responsibility. Unfortunately, as a member of the Opposition NDP, Norm Macdonald is only in a position to advocate and support, not shape policy.

Macdonald has met numerous times with the previous Minister of Environment on the urban deer issue and says he appreciates that the government was willing to work with communities to develop a plan.

"But now it is time to put that plan into action," he said.

"Mayor Jim Ogilvie has been told that communities are 'on their own', and I don't think that is good enough," said Macdonald. "The deer are clearly the responsibility of the Province. The province will restrict communities in how they deal with deer, the flip side is they have to participate as we get to the more expensive part of the process."

Macdonald said that the province should be expected to help with the regulatory parts, such as dealing with the deer meat and with the cost of a cull.

"I know they are worried about setting a precedent and I understand the concern, but that's not a legitimate reason to avoid responsibility.

"To be fair they supported the community process and indicated they will follow the directive the community takes. But it doesn't excuse the need to participate as we move to the more difficult part of things."