In the category of what will they think of next: earlier this afternoon, British Columbia Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games secretariat president and chief executive officer (nee associate deputy minister) Annette Antoniak sent an email across government, informing bureaucrats "there is now an exclusive line of Olympic-themed hoodies for sale" available for purchase only by public service employees. Yes, that's right. Hoodies. For sale. According to the email, "proceeds from each item sold will be donated to the Own the Podium 2010 Program to support athlete development."

Ms. Antoniak, who has always been a favourite here at Public Eye, also tells bureaucrats they will soon be "hearing about volunteering efforts and new career opportunities all exclusively available to the BC Public Service." Hopefully, those opportunities aren't actually in the public service though. Because, according to a October 16 announcement posted on the public service agency's Website, "All BC Public Service opportunities are now open to both external applicants and current employees." Fancy that! The following is a complete copy of that email.

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-----Original Message-----
From: Antoniak, Annette ECDV:EX
Sent: Thu 12/7/2006 4:31 PM
Subject: Own the Podium

Good afternoon,

I am writing to let you know about an exciting new program available exclusively to the BC Public Service.

Hosting the Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. One of my goals as the President and CEO of the BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat is to develop opportunities to involve the BC Public Service in the lead-up to the games.

In the near future you will be hearing about volunteering efforts and new career opportunities all exclusively available to the BC Public Service.

But today, I am pleased to let you know about the Own the Podium program for the BC Public Service.

This is your opportunity to celebrate our role as Host Province of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, while helping to support Canadian Athletes in their pursuit of gold at the 2010 Winter Games.

Unique to BC Public Service employees, there is now an exclusive line of Olympic-themed hoodies for sale. Proceeds from each item sold will be donated to the Own the Podium 2010 Program to support athlete development. All the details are available at our employee website.

Stay tuned to the employee website for other exciting 2010 features just for you.

Sincerely,

Annette Antoniak
President and CEO
BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat