Posted: April 26, 2021 MLA champions frontline workers and small businesses Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka today addressed the Legislature to champion frontline workers and draw attention to the shining example shown by many who quietly work behind the scenes. “Certainly, frontline workers first come to mind when we think of the true champions of this pandemic,” said Shypitka. “Frontline heroes in my region include Cranbrook RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Barry Graham and all the RCMP members across Kootenay East; Kootenay East firefighters, like the members of locals 1253 Cranbrook headed by Fire Chief Scott Driver and his team, including dispatcher Mary-Ann Dragovan; and also the great 2827 station from Fernie and members with Sparwood, Elkford, and Jaffray fire rescue services and the other many volunteer firefighters in Elko, Baynes Lake, Hosmer and Moyie,” Shypika stated to fellow legislators via ZOOM..