Former Vancouver Canucks and Grizzlies owner Arthur Griffiths is considering running for the provincial Liberals in the next election, Public Eye has exclusively learned. In an interview, Mr. Griffiths confirmed the news. But he wasn't prepared to elaborate on the reasons why he might make a bid for elected office. "I'm just going to reserve that for the right time," he said. "But I think I need to really just decide in due course what direction I'm going to take. But I'm certainly considering it. I've actually been approached many times over the years. But the timing might be right." Mr. Griffiths said he'll be making a decision about his political future "by the end of the month" at the latest. He declined to say which riding he's thinking about running in. Mr. Griffiths also served as chairman of the Vancouver/Whistler 2010 Bid Corp.

Earlier, we reported on Michelle Stewart's sudden departure from the children and youth representative's office to reprise her role as the ministry of health's communications director. But who's going to replace her? Well, yesterday, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond told her staff Marg LeGuilloux had been named her new communications director.

Premier Gordon Campbell may have given provincial Liberal bankrollers a sneak preview of some of his draft picks for the next election. While attending a fundraiser at Bear Mountain Resort developer Len Barrie's residence, the premier introduced Colwood Mayor Jody Twa and Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP partner Clark Roberts to the audience - suggesting the two might be party candidates in the next election.

Controversial Victoria developer and former National Hockey League player Len Barrie had a $10,000 per plate fundraiser for the provincial Liberals at his residence on April 29, Public Eye has exclusively learned. The fundraiser, attended by Premier Gordon Campbell, has raised the ire of activists who have been protesting the environmental impact of Mr. Barrie's Bear Mountain Resort - which they say is contributing to urban sprawl. In an interview, Order of Canada recipient Vicky Husband, a former Sierra Club of Canada director, said she's "deeply concerned by the apparently close relationship between the premier of this province with Len Barrie and Bear Mountain" - especially given the Campbell administration's apparent commitment to championing environmental concerns.

Public Eye is taking a working vacation this week. So postings will be few and far between until next Monday. In other news, your humble organ will be teaching a summer course in investigative journalism through the University of Victoria's department of writing. The course runs between July 3 and August 20, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:30 to 7:20. There's a few spaces left. So, if you're a budding Bob Woodward and planning to take courses during the summer semester, we encourage you to register.