Attention press gallery members: provincial government media relations officer Tiffany Akins will no longer be required to hang onto your every word. Ms. Akins, who is best known for tape recording the conversations between reporters and cabinet ministers outside the legislature, is leaving to become a public affairs officer at water, land and air protection (also known as the Ministry of Earth, Wind and Fire) - effective Tuesday. The affable former television reporter and praire girl was hired as a media monitoring officer back in 2003.

The provincial Liberals are just going to love this: according to the rumour mill, former New Democrat insiders Shari Graydon and Chris Chilton wil be staffing federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh's office. Ms. Graydon was a Vancouver Sun columnist before she became the ex-premier's press secretary. She is also married to former West Vancouver-Garibaldi Liberal MLA David Mitchell.

Mr. Chilton was Mike Harcourt's chief of staff until it was discovered he had used provincial communication contracts to secretly funnel government work to party apparatchiks. He was then parachuted into the health ministry as a $125,000 senior bureaucrat. Mr. Chilton moved back into the West Annex when then Mr. Dosanjh became premier, becoming his chief of staff.

Earlier today, we reported Pam McDonald, Victoria MP David Anderson's former aide, was working with the 2010 Olympic Organizing Committee - but perhaps not for much longer. Word has reached Public Eye's ears, via a concerned citizen, that Annette Antoniak, the deputy minister of the provincial government's Olympic Games Secretariat, has some very strong feelings about Ms. McDonald, the secretariat's executive director of business development, and has been working overtime to have her removed from the project.

An advanced copy of next month's edition of BC Political Insider, obtained exclusively by Public Eye, reveals there may be more troubled waters ahead for British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. According to newsletter co-founder and former provincial Liberal communications director Ian Jessop, "While a small group of MLAs are opposed to (the company's) decision to have two super-C-class ferries built in Germany or Finland, their ranks may increase when they find out that some of the smaller ferries will be built in Europe too. A source tells BC Political Insider that the smaller ferries currently servicing the Gulf Islands need replacing and they will be built in Poland. That announcement has yet to be made public."

Yesterday, Public Eye reported Paul Taylor, the politically carnivorous deputy minister at finance, had become bored/frustrated with his current job and may be appointed as the president and chief executive officer of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. This, and other media reports published today, prompted T. Richard Turner, who chairs the corporation's board of directors, to send out an internal announcement assuring employees that a new chief executive officer had not yet been selected. However, according to the leaked email, "in June, the Board of Directors contracted with Ray & Berndtson Tanton Mitchell to assist with the search for a new CEO. The search is still in progress. What has occurred is that during the search, government identified a very qualified internal candidate. This person has indicated interest in the position and will be considered along with other candidates." The following is a copy of that email.

-----Original Message-----
From: Announcements
Sent: July 30, 2004 9:34 AM
To: Announcements
Subject: NEWSWATCH: CEO search continues

CEO search continues

Recent media stories have speculated that a new CEO for ICBC has been selected. This is not the case.

In June, the Board of Directors contracted with Ray & Berndtson Tanton Mitchell to assist with the search for a new CEO. The search is still in progress. What has occurred is that during the search, government identified a very qualified internal candidate. This person has indicated interest in the position and will be considered along with other candidates.

It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to appoint a CEO for ICBC and we are taking this responsibility seriously by undertaking a rigorous selection process.

T. Richard Turner
Chair of the Board

Click to ICBC Announcements -- Your online source for corporate news.

Please contact Mark Patterson or Cora Foerstner regarding posting an announcement.

Victoria MP David Anderson may be many things but he isn't a class traitor. The former cabinet minister, federal Liberal princeling and living embodiment of upper-crust Victoria society won't be joining the New Democrats, says a close friend and political ally. Nor will Mr. Anderson accept a patronage appointment that would force a by-election - with one big exception. According to the friend, Mr. Anderson might consider taking over from Michael Kergin as Canada's ambassador to the United States.

The source says Mr. Anderson would also be "just thrilled" if the 2010 Olympic Organizing Committee put him in charge of keeping the bid book's promise to run an environmentally sustainable Winter Games - a commitment the committee is reportedly having a tough time meeting.

Mr. Anderson won the silver medal for rowing during the 1960 Summer Games in Rome. His former aide Pam McDonald, is currently working with the committee. Ms. McDonald also served in the prime minister's office and was one of the officials responsible for organizing the 1997 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vancouver. She is good friends with Randy Pettipas, who headed up the minister's regional office in Vancouver.

The political temperature is heating up in British Columbia's northern capital. Word has reached Public Eye that Prince George city councillor Murray Krause is considering carrying the provincial New Democrat banner against Prince George North MLA Pat Bell, the Minister of State for Mining. Mr. Krause is the executive director of the Central Interior Native Health Society and previously worked as the executive director of the Prince George United Way for 13 years. Minister Bell won the riding in 2001 with 61 percent of the vote.

Just how optimistic are the provincial New Democrats about their chances in the next election? Optimistic enough that Tom Sigurdson is rumoured to be coming back from Ontario to run against ex-MLA Pietro Calendino in the nomination race for Burnaby North. Mr. Siggurdson was formerly the executive director of the British Columbia and Yukon Building and Construction Trades Council, an umbrella group representing 45,000 unionized construction workers. But he left that position in 2003 to become the director of political and legislative affairs for the Building and Construction Trades Department, a national organization coordinating 15 affiliated construction industry trade unions. If Mr. Siggurdson gets the nomination, he'll face off against Liberal backbencher Richard Lee who won the traditional New Democrat seat with 54 percent of the vote in 2001.

Paul Taylor, the reigning lord and master of the provincial Treasury Board, has bequeathed his lands and title to Tamara Vrooman, the former deputy minister of strategic initiatives and corporate services at health services and planning. The board is a cabinet committee chaired by Finance Minister Gary Collins and responsible for overseeing and approving ministerial spending plans.

According to an information bulletin released earlier today, Mr. Taylor will remain as deputy minister at finance but will be available "to take on special corporate assignments." Some bureaucrats say that means he'll be doing pre-election work.

But another senior government insider says Mr. Taylor has actually become bored with his job (others say frustrated) and may soon be leaving the civil service entirely. The insider adds there have been discussions about Mr. Taylor taking a senior position (translation: president and chief executive officer) with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (perhaps as part of the government's long-term and long-rumoured privatization plans for the auto-insurance industry).

Mr. Taylor, whose political ideology involves a heavy diet of raw meat and very few vegetables, was previously a senior aide to Alberta Treasury Minister Jim Dinning. He was also one of the principle architects behind King Ralph Klein's 1992 fiscal plan. And he was considered the Liberal's highest-profile civil service hire when they took office.

Mr. Taylor's resume also includes stints as the chief executive officer of the B.C. Automobile Dealers' Association, chief economist for the National Automobile Dealers' Association and senior vice-president for corporate development at Alberta power company TransAlta Utilities Ltd.

No word yet on whether Ms. Vrooman, a ten-year civil service veteran whose talent is said to have caught Premier Gordon Campbell's eye, will replace Mr. Taylor as the deputy minister at finance. But it would be fair to say her resume isn't nearly as well-padded as Mr. Taylor's. Chris Trumpy, the deputy minister at sustainable resource management, is rumoured to be a more likely successor. Then again, Mr. Trumpy is also been said to be in-line to replace Ken Dobell, the premier's deputy minister.

Government Whip Kevin Krueger's executive assistant Steven Puhallo is making a horizontal move to Sustainable Resource Management Minister George Abbot's office. That position opened up when Jerry Muir was appointed acting ministerial assistant to Minister of State for Mining Pat Bell, filling a spot vacated by Jeff Hanman (who is now working for Energy and Mines Minister Rich Neufeld). Mr. Puhallo was once described by his former boss as "a little cowboy from Kamloops."

They may not be getting Senate seats. But a number of Grit apparatchiks are being rewarded with staff positions for their work during the federal election, confirm three party members. At the top of the appointment list: unsuccessful Burnaby-Douglas candidate Billy Cunningham, the president of the federal Liberals in British Columbia. Mr. Cunningham, a client relations manager with the Toronto Dominion Bank, is set to become a senior advisor at the minister's regional office. He is close friends with Martinite boss Mark Marissen, drinking buddies with Liberal political hitman Erik Bornman and had a previous relationship with national campaign director Michele Cadario.

Adam Johnson, David Emerson's campaign manager will also be receiving an appointment - but not the one he wanted. Mr. Johnson, a Hill & Knowlton, Inc. lobbyist, reportedly applied to become the industry minister's chief of staff. But rumour has it higher powers decided he didn't have enough experience for the job. Instead, Mr. Johnson, who also managed Vancouver Centre MP Hedy Fry's successful (and allegedly corrupt) nomination campaign, will be heading up Mr. Emerson's western desk. Mr. Johnson's clients at Hill & Knowlton include Cisco Systems Inc., Via Rail Canada Inc., Cap Gemini Ernst & Young LLP, INTRIA Items Inc., Petro Canada Inc., Bell Canada Inc. and the Lower Columbia Community Development Team.

His colleague, Hill & Knowlton senior consultant Dale Flood, will be joining Mr. Cunningham at the minister's regional office. Mr. Flood is currently the party's executive director in British Columbia. His clients at Hill & Knowlton include Via Rail, the British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association, the Coalition for Healthcare Options and MDS Metro Laboratory Services. The lobby firm's British Columbia office was run by Bruce Young until he left to become the senior special advisor (British Columbia) for the prime minister's office.

The race to succeed retiring Vancouver-Hastings New Democrat MLA Joy MacPhail hasn't started. But potential nomination candidates are already jockeying for position. Among them: CBC star Raj Sihota, Ms. MacPhail's former executive assistant. Ms. Sihota is currently the provincial Opposition's outreach coordinator, making her responsible for stickhandling caucus' dealings with everyone from the British Columbia Federation of Labour to Howe Street.

That job, and the contacts that comes with it, might seem to make her the odds-on-favourite to win the nomination. After all, Ms. Sihota's supporters also control the riding's constituency association. But she's taking a four-week vacation at the end of August to kayak the Mackenzie River, giving Shane Simpson extra time to campaign against her.

Mr. Simpson, a community activist and communications director for the anti-urban sprawl group Smart Growth, previously ran for the nomination in 1991, losing to Ms. MacPhail. He's married to Ms. MacPhail's constituency assistant Cate Jones and has been a strong opponent of installing slot machines at Hastings Park (unlike Ms. Sihota). That opposition, and his hometown boy credentials, should give him some strong momentum going into the nomination race.

But newcomer Tony Kosovic, may have an early lead over both Ms. Sihota and Mr. Simpson when it comes to getting his supporters on the New Democrat's membership rolls. Mr. Kosovic, who works as a prison guard and sits on the constituency association's executive, is rumoured to have already recruited at least 150 new members from the Croatian community and the Greek Orthodox Church.

British Columbia Government Employees' Union advocacy coordinator Jaynie Clark is also rumoured to be eying the nomination.

If the provincial Young New Democrats had their way, every Dunsmuir street and park in the province would be re-named after labour activist Ginger Goodwin. That was one of four resolutions passed by the youngsters at an annual general meeting and retreat held in Cumberland last month. According to meeting minutes leaked to Public Eye, the 20 Young New Democrats in attendance, including co-chairs Miriam Martin and Aaron O'Keefe, passed the resolution because British Columbia coal baron Lord Dunsmuir was an "oppressive, racist slave driver, union buster, and an all around excellent example of the Capitalist class." In another resolution, the Young New Democrats decided to eat their own and "criticize the poor leadership of the HEU, BC Fed, and the BC NDP" during the recent Hospital Employees' Union strike. The following is a copy of the Cumberland annual general meeting and retreat policy debate minutes.

Minutes of Policy Debate
Saturday, June 19th

In Attendance:

YND Members: Allyson Roussy, Shea Dewar, MacKenzie Orcherton, Aaron O’Keefe, Rebecca Goldstein, Ian Backus, Michelle Orzechowski, Mathieu Poirier, Dylan Hughes, Kerri Kenna, Chuck Plante, Linsie Landa, Chris Palecek, Brent MacVicar, Mike Palecek, Miriam Martin
Guests: Alex Grant, Rob Lyon, Cory Johnson, Angela Johnson.

Chair: Aaron O'Keefe
Minutes: Allyson Roussy

A. BC YND

1. Resolution on Annual Cumberland Event

Whereas there is a burning need for young British Columbians to learn their labour history and how to fight back against the corporate agenda; and,

Whereas the story of Ginger Goodwin and Miners’ Memorial Day are rich in lessons for working class activists;

Therefore be it resolved that the BC YND make the Cumberland Retreat an annual educational event, aimed at educating youth in labour history, socialist ideas, working class activism, and fight back strategies;

Therefore be it further resolved that from now on, a standing budget item of at least $1500 be allotted to this event, and that this amount increase proportionately to increases in the total BC YND budget;

Therefore be it further resolved that if the BC YND executive council has not delegated a committee to organize the event by March 1st, then a minimum of three interested rank and file members of the BC YND may take on the organizing of the event, with the funds allocated to it in the budget. In the event that more than one group expresses interest, all those committed to working to organize the event will form a committee and elect a committee chair.

Submitted by Miriam Martin

Seconded

Carried unanimously

2. Resolution on the Youth Rights Charter and Campaign

Whereas the BC Young New Democrats must attract new activists; and,

Whereas the BC Young New Democrats must have a clear statement of our principles in order to attract new activists; and,

Whereas the Youth Rights Charter is a clear statement of our principles; and,

Whereas the Youth Rights Charter and Campaign have received wide support in the YND and the NDP, including Provincial Council; and,

Whereas the BC YND is an autonomous body with its own constitution and program which may not contradict the provincial or federal parties’ constitutions and programs; and,

Whereas the Youth Rights Charter and Campaign in no way contradict the constitutions and programs of the provincial or federal NDP;

Therefore be it resolved that the executive be directed to proceed with the Youth Rights Campaign as planned.

Submitted by Brent MacVicar

Seconded

Carried

B. BC FIGHT BACK

1. Resolution on reversing Liberal attacks

Whereas the BC Liberals cut taxes to the rich and corporations by $2 billion, and to finance this tax cut, made cuts to every section of society, privatized, and ripped up collective agreements; and,

Whereas it is NDP Federal Platform to reverse the Federal Liberal corporate tax cuts; and,

Whereas we can only win a provincial election by giving concrete examples of how we are going to improve the lives of working class British Columbians; and,

Whereas nobody will bother voting NDP unless we stand by the positions that we held while in opposition;

Therefore be it resolved that the BC YND lobby the next BC NDP government to, at minimum, reverse all of the cuts and privatizations enacted by the BC Liberals;

Therefore be it further resolved that the BC YND lobby the BC NDP to campaign on this issue in the 2005 Election.

Submitted by Mike Palecek

Seconded

Carried

C. LABOUR

1. Resolution on the HEU Sellout

Whereas labour victories set precedents and have positive repercussions for the living standards of all working people, and labour defeats and sell-outs set negative precedents and serve to lower the living standards and working conditions of all workers; and

Whereas it is a basic tenet of union democracy that no contract is settled on until the workers involved get to vote on it; and

Whereas if workers were not prepared to defy unjust laws then we would not have Unions and democratic rights today;

Therefore be it resolved that the BC YND condemn the dictatorial actions of the Gordon Campbell Government;

Therefore be it further resolved that the BC YND strongly criticize the poor leadership of the HEU, BC Fed, and the BC NDP for being complicit in accepting an unacceptable deal without it being voted on by the workers themselves.

Submitted by Mike Palecek

Seconded

Amendment moved to separate first and second “be it resolved”.

Seconded

Defeated

Original motion:

Carried

D. BC GENERAL

Resolution on re-naming of Ginger Goodwin Way

Whereas Ginger Goodwin is infinitely more worthy of praise than Lord Dunsmuir, and yet there are Dunsmuir Streets throughout British Columbia; and

Whereas Lord Dunsmuir was an oppressive, racist slave driver, union buster, and an all around excellent example of the Capitalist class; and

Whereas the name of Ginger Goodwin represents the fight of thousands against this heartless oppressor for the cause of workers;

Therefore be it resolved that the BC YND lobby current and future governments to formally rename the highway formerly known as Ginger Goodwin Way "Ginger Goodwin Way";

Therefore be it further resolved that the BC YND lobby current and future governments that all Dunsmuir streets, roads, avenues, boulevards, parks etc be renamed "Ginger Goodwin" street, avenue, boulevard, park etc.

Submitted by Chris Palecek

Seconded

Carried

The public relations war over B.C. Ferry Services Inc.'s decision to build two or three new super-C-class ferries in Europe is about to escalate, Public Eye has learned. Vancouver Shipyards, part of the Washington Marine Group, has invited Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon and Premier Gordon Campbell to tour their facilities on Wednesday, according to a senior government insider.

Washington Marine Group had expressed interest in bidding on the $500 million project but the company didn't make it past the first qualification round of the bidding process. The ferry service said the firm was excluded from that process because it lacked the infrastructure needed to build the new ferries - a charge Washington Marine Group denies.

Premier Campbell and Minister Falcon haven't responded to the company's offer. North Vancouver Seymour MLA Dan Jarvis, the backbencher who spoke out against sending the construction work to Europe, has been invited to join the tour, as has West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan and North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Katherine Whittred.

Also rumoured to be on the invite list, say other sources: New Democrat leader Carole James, North Vancouver MP Don Bell, Vancouver East MP Libby Davies, Saanich-Gulf Island MP Gary Lunn, Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca MP Keith Martin and Vancouver-Sunshine Coast MP John Reynolds.

The Lower Vancouver Island federal Conservatives are considering planting a municipal farm team in Victoria, Public Eye has learned. The theoretical team will run under a populist banner in November 2005 against Mayor Alan Lowe's pro-business, "non-partisan" slate and the Victoria Civic Electors alliance, which counts both Greens and New Democrats as members. Discussions about the new local Conservative party are set to begin in September. But already a number of names are being tossed around as potential candidates including Victoria constituency association president Paul Holmes and Jeff Bridge, who comments regularly on Public Eye and was a senior Stephen Harper operative in British Columbia during the Conservative leadership race. The Tories had previously approached Mayor Lowe about joining his slate during the last round of civic elections but were turned away.

From the party that brought you dead dogs on membership lists comes a new example of falling upward. This weekend, the Globe and Mail's Jane Taber reported, "senior Liberal insiders expect former Vancouver Kingsway MP Sophia Leung to be appointed to the Senate in September when long-time Liberal senator Edward Lawson retires." Astute readers will remember Ms. Leung stepped aside to allow forest company chief executive officer David Emerson to run in her riding. Among her qualifications for the senate slot: being voted year after year as the worst orator in the House of Commons since at least 2000, according to an annual survey of parliamentary staffers by The Hill Times. But, since no one really listens to senators anyways, her Toastmasterless skills might not matter. David Anderson, on the other hand, has been called a lot of things, but never the worst orator in the House of Commons. Yet the Victoria MP is the one who was told he wouldn't be receiving a patronage appointment.

Public Eye is proud to announce our new, unofficial slogan: "Witty and mostly accurate." That's how Young New Democrat co-chair Miriam Martin described one of our columns in a comment posted on the site last night. In that posting, Ms. Martin, a self-declared "unapologetic radical" who supported former MLA Steve Orcherton's leadership bid, fingers senior party members for leaking information about the infighting between her executive and the New Democrat brass - information that she hadn't yet shared with her own membership.

Meanwhile, Ryan Stewart, who is running to replace Ms. Martin, takes a shot at the sitting co-chair and her communist clique for "their inability to translate a single one of their Trotskyite ideals into anything relevant to the British Columbians who are being hurt by Gordon Campbell." Mr. Stewart also makes a clear that he isn't a "moderate" instead preferring to call himself a "traditionalist" (as opposed to Ms. Martin who is a "utopian"). The following are copies of Ms. Martin and Mr. Stewart's postings.

***

Name: Miriam Martin

Comments:

Mr. Holman,

As the unapologetically radical co-chair of the BC-YND, I am writing to thank Sean Holman for his witty and mostly accurate article "Young NDPers take on the status quo." We only regret that the NDP Provincial Executive leaked our document before our members had a chance to read it. Regardless, we are happy you have publicized our campaign.

We call on all youth who are fighting for an end to war, quality jobs, free quality education, freedom from harassment, environmental sustainability, and all of the points in our Youth Rights Charter to join the Youth Rights Campaign, join the NDP, and join us in our fight for the implementation of these rights. The left wing of the BC Young New Democrats is committed unapologetically to defending the rights of working people. Unlike some young members who seek careers with the party, we will not compromise this position. Considering that the membership of the NDP Youth has tripled since this executive was elected, we'll see at our convention in October just how "unelectable" radicals are.

Workers of the world unite!

In Solidarity,

Miriam Martin
BC YND Co-Chair

***

Name: Ryan Stewart

Comments:

An Open Letter to Sean Holman

Hi Sean:

I just read your TC article re the BC Young New Democrats and their Youth Rights Charter. I don't accept your description of Miriam Martin et al as "traditionalists" and the rest of us as "moderates." Ms. Martin and her clique have utopian ideals that they believe are not shared by other Young New Democrats. This belief fuels their incredible paranoia about the rest of the party (especially the evil 'party brass') being out to get them. However, the paranoia among the lefter-than-thou crowd really springs from their record of inaction at the helm of the YND and their inability to translate a single one of their Trotskyite ideals into anything relevant to the British Columbians who are being hurt by Gordon Campbell.

We so-called "moderates" are in fact strongly committed to social democracy, and some like me self-identify as democratic socialists. We just happened to notice when the Iron Curtain fell. We are also aware that most British Columbians aren't ready to cast off the shackles of capitalism for the revolutionary dream world that Ms. Martin seems to think is a mere rally or two away.

Instead, we put forward ideas that are both principled and practical, and that stand a chance of making a difference in the lives of ordinary people. Instead of fighting one another, we're fighting Gordon Campbell. Unless and until Ms. Martin gives up her moral crusade to join the growing movement to defeat the BC Liberals and elect the NDP, she will remain on the sidelines. As a "traditionalist" New Democrat, I'm not sure that's such a bad thing.

Sincerely,

Ryan Stewart
Candidate for Co-Chair
BC Young New Democrats

In this morning's Times Colonist, Public Eye reported
on the infighting between the provincial Young New Democrats and senior party officials. In a letter, dated July 22, the Young New Democrat executive demanded those officials handover the money needed to print and promote the youngsters' semi-communist Youth Right Charter. The letter was drafted by executive co-chair Miriam Martin, who is said by party insiders to be allied with the New Democrat Peruvian revolutionary brigade led by once and future Vancouver-Kingsway candidate/comandate Alicia Barsallo (at this point, the humourless should take a deep breathe and look up the definition of sarcasm). The following is a copy of that letter.

July 22, 2004

Attention: YND members, Constituency Presidents, and Provincial Council Delegates.

RE: The BC Young New Democrats' Youth Rights Charter and Campaign

Dear brothers and sisters,

It has been fourteen months since the BC Young New Democrats brought a motion to Provincial Council, requesting that the party endorse the Youth Rights Charter and Campaign. Our Charter and accompanying campaign plan were met with great enthusiasm at the May 2003 Provincial Council meeting. As outlined in our original letter to Council, "the short term aim of the campaign is to politicize youth in the province and to make the BC YND a pole of attraction for young people who are feeling the brunt of the BC Liberal government's attacks." The long term goal of the current Executive has been from the start to build the BC YND into a mass organization with an active membership. We are not satisfied with running an organization whose sole purpose is to serve as a launching pad for youth interested in political careers in the party. With all due respect to those, (ourselves included), who have chosen politics as a career path, the YND's potential is much greater.

During the recent Federal Election, we watched with great frustration while the mainstream media frantically sought an answer to the question "why aren't youth active in politics?" The question is misleading. Youth are active in politics. They are active on the streets and in their schools and workplaces, organizing and participating in demonstrations and fighting tooth and nail for real improvements in their lives and the lives of their fellow human beings. They are making demands for an end to war, quality jobs, and free education; for social housing, freedom from harassment, and environmental sustainability - they are fighting for all of the demands in our charter. And it is the job of the leadership of the party and the YND to connect the day-to-day struggles and concrete demands of youth with the only party that has any interest in delivering on them - the New Democratic Party. Youth seek real change, and today's youth are especially aware of the bleak futures that we face. We need jobs; our post-secondary educations have amounted to nothing but debt; buying homes and "investing in Canada" are the last things on our minds. Our parents' jobs and social programs are being cut; what have we to look forward to? The youth will vote as soon as we give them something to vote for. And the youth will come out en masse to participate in a party that is actively fighting for real change and shamelessly advocating concrete solutions to concrete problems.

This is where the BC YND comes in. The Constitution of the BC NDP states that

There shall be a Young People's Section of the Party, as provided for in the Federal Constitution. It shall operate under its own Constitution, as provided for by the Federal Constitution (Section 4.01).

The Federal Constitution elaborates:

Each provincial Section [of the New Democratic Youth of Canada] shall be fully autonomous as to its constitution and program, provided that the constitution and program are not in conflict with those of the Federal Party or with those of the provincial Party (Section 11.3).

We would never have imagined that our constitutionally protected autonomy would be undermined by a small number of individuals in the party leadership. The Youth Rights Campaign is a campaign that will be endorsed by many groups, and of course, we wanted the BC NDP to be the first. It is in this spirit that we brought our simple motion to Provincial Council (with the Charter and a letter explaining the campaign attached). An amendment was moved to make endorsement "pending the approval of the Policy Review Committee." The Council was assured that this was only a technicality to ensure that the Charter was in line with existing Party policy. The amendment was passed without opposition. Although we were (and still are) certain that nothing in our Charter conflicts with the program of the party, we were completely willing to halt proceeding with the campaign while the PRC had a look at it. We requested only that the PRC deal with it in a timely fashion, and they assured us that it would be launched in time for back-to-school 2003, so many moons ago.

We quickly realized, after a few telephone conversations with party brass (including Maura Parte and Cheryl Hewitt), that we were waiting not for endorsement, but for approval—something that both party constitutions make clear we do not need before proceeding with a campaign. We also learned that "the PRC" is actually a number of Policy Review Committees (the YND ironically being the Policy Review Committee for youth!), many of which did not at the time have chairs and did not meet. Finally the YND co-chairs got to sit down in an impromptu meeting with three individual representatives of the PRC, although the vast majority (if not all) of the Policy Review Committees had not met to discuss the Youth Rights Charter. The three representatives explained that there wasn't a problem specifically with any of the demands, although they were slightly uncomfortable with the word "free." Stepping outside the bounds of ensuring against conflicts with party policy, they embarked on a complicated explanation of the need to reframe the Charter in a different box - a context other than a "Charter of Rights" or list of demands. They were concerned that the Charter might be mistaken for party platform (god forbid) and that we didn't want to make any promises because last time we made promises, we didn't keep them. We believe we are not alone in thinking that it makes more sense to commit to keeping our promises, than it does to draw the defeatist conclusion that promises cannot be made. It is our job as a democratic socialist workers' party to aim to improve the lives of working people, and we can only expect to win their votes and support if we make it clear that we plan to do so and then follow through. This is especially true, as explained above, of youth.

Nevertheless, at the YND executive meeting immediately following this discussion with PRC representatives, we struck a committee to discuss the re-writing of the Youth Rights Charter to make it, as requested, "a statement of belief rather than a charter of rights." We came up with several mediocre suggestions that did not satisfy the committee or the YND executive. The party and the YND have many "statement of belief" pamphlets. We get them in the mail, glance at them, and throw them away. The vast majority in fact, collect dust on the shelves of Provincial office. We do not need another statement of belief pamphlet; we need a campaign - an active campaign for youth to join. It is a statement not just of "our beliefs," but of our goals for which we in the NDP are fighting. We would like for the Youth Rights Charter, as the brainchild of the BC YND, to take on its own campaign. We will ask organizations and individuals to endorse the campaign and to take on the organizing of public meetings, regional clubs, and lobbying. Youth will be encouraged to meet with local, provincial and federal government representatives to discuss the implementing of the Youth Rights Charter. We would like to host a launch party in the near future and eventually a province wide YRC conference.

We feel that the party's lack of success in attracting youth is due to a completely false assumption that all we have to do is say "We're the NDP, this is where we stand, join us," and people will join us. In fact, there are some in the party who believe we don’t even need to say "this is where we stand," that we can be vague about our beliefs. The current executive of the BC YND believes that we cannot be vague about where we stand, and we cannot assume that anyone will join us unless we give them a campaign worth joining, a program worth fighting for, a goal worth striving for. In the words of Tommy Douglas:

In a movement like ours, as socialist movements around the world have demonstrated, we're not just interested in getting votes. We are seeking to get people who are willing to dedicate their lives to build a different kind of society, a society founded on the principles of concern for human well-being and human welfare.

If we want youth to vote NDP and if we want youth in the party, we have to start listening to youth. There is no secret "youth lingo" that needs to be adopted - no fancy young colours or logos that will appeal to youth. We are not "uneducated on the issues." Just like anybody, we put our time and energies into the efforts and organizations that we see making a difference in our lives. We challenge any member to find a right in our charter that conflicts with policy the convention or council has at some time passed. If we did not believe that these are rights the NDP holds dear, we would not be members.

We have spent fourteen months "in consultation." Recently, individuals in the leadership of the party have complained that we have not properly consulted. We beg to differ. We have had extensive discussions with Maura Parte, Gerry Scott, Cheryl Hewitt, Kelly Quinn, Sandi MacLean, and Jeff Fox. Twice, we brought the YRC to our own membership to discuss the content as well as to seek direction. Our report to BC NDP Convention in November 2003 clearly explained our situation and our concerns with the requested changes. This report was accepted by the Convention. In June, we brought the Youth Rights Charter to our General Membership meeting in Cumberland. A motion was passed directing us to proceed with the Youth Rights Campaign, as the school year is again fast approaching and we have delayed long enough. The time for consultation is over; we cannot wait any longer. In the past year, we have tripled the membership of the BC Young New Democrats. It is time to give these members something to do and watch our section grow into a mass organization that will play a major role in defeating Gordon Campbell.

This is why we are bringing the Youth Rights Campaign back to Provincial Council, and we ask that you reaffirm the BC NDP's commitment to the constitutionally-protected autonomy of the BC YND, and direct the BC NDP Executive to release the funds from our budget to go ahead with this campaign.

Many of us are not willing to sit on the executive of an organization that is autonomous only in word, but in reality kept on a short leash. And we don't think New Democrats should be satisfied with a token youth wing that is not empowered to do the work that needs to be done in order to attract youth to the party.

We fully expect that individual members of the party Executive will stand up at the September Provincial Council meeting to say "this motion is out of order," "the facts are incorrect." We have had fourteen months to gather the facts, consult the constitution, and research the legality surrounding constitutions in general. We assure you the explanation and facts that we give are correct. Whether the motion is in order is up to you - the Provincial Council. We believe it is in order and urge you to vote in favour.

Thank you.

In Solidarity,
The BC Young New Democrats
Executive Council

The motion that we will bring to Provincial Council in September:

Whereas the BC Young New Democrats (BC YND) is an autonomous section of the party, as outlined in article IX of the BC NDP Constitution and Article XI of the Federal NDP Constitution; and,

Whereas the BC YND are free to run any campaign provided that it does not conflict with the constitution and program of the provincial or Federal Party; and,

Whereas the BC YND is free to spend their budget as the BC YND's elected executive sees fit, in order to carry out the BC YND's campaigns; and,

Whereas the BC YND's autonomy has been undermined by Jeff Fox's refusal to issue payment for the printing of the Youth Rights Charter, which does not conflict with the constitution, program, or policy of the provincial or federal NDP; and,

Whereas the BC YND has been in consultation with representatives of the provincial Executive and the Policy Review Committee for 14 months, and it is time to get on with the Youth Rights Campaign;

Therefore be it resolved that the BC NDP reaffirm its commitment to the autonomy of the BC Young New Democrats in action as well as in word, by directing the BC NDP Executive to issue funds for the carrying out of the constitutionally legal Youth Rights Campaign of the BC YND.

In the next election, provincial New Democrat leader Carole James will try convincing British Columbians like you and me that her party represent a moderate, fiscally responsible alternative to the Liberals, unless, of course, its members get in the way. Unlike the federal Liberals, whose internal donnybrooks often have more to do with power than policy, the New Democrats - and the Conservatives, for that matter - actually have scraps about what their parties stand for.

The battle lines are usually drawn between the moderates (who might form government) and the traditionalists (who, to put it politely, stand less of a chance of forming government). With a few exceptions, the moderates currently seem to have the keys to the New Democrats' executive washroom. But more importantly, they're also holding the pen that's writing most of James' speeches and filling in her itinerary.

Consider, for example, her recent speech to the Coalition of British Columbia Businesses, where she promised to "ensure there are balanced budgets" and listen to the business community. But, of course, not every New Democrat wants their leader to chart a centrist course.

Among those who would prefer to be sailing through less electable waters: the Young New Democrats. The youngsters have written a charter described on one leftie Internet message board as "an antidote to Carole James cozying up to business."

That Youth Rights Charter is a wish list that includes demands for everything from free public transit for the twentysomething and below set to free post-secondary education. And here's the kicker: the Young New Democrats don't just want to raise taxes to pay for these more than modest proposals.

According to the charter, "Canada is a rich country. If the wealth were spread out evenly, each family would be worth $315,996. What we need is a democratic economy where decisions on what is needed are made by the people and not by the corporate elite." That's one step away from calling on the workers of the world to unite and seize the means of production.

The proposal would be comical if it wasn't such a threat to the James' moderation scheme. Just look at what happened when the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives released its tax-and-spending-spree alternative provincial budget.

The centre may not be directly affiliated with the New Democrats, but that didn't stop Liberal backbenchers from calling it the Carole James budget and blasting it in the legislature. So just think of all the fun they'd have with a document that actually had the words New Democrat somewhere in its title?

Well, it seems party officials were thinking along similar lines, even before the CCPA budget became an issue. So when the New Democrat's provincial council voted to endorse the charter 14 months ago, it did so "pending the approval of the Policy Review Committee."

Some of those officials say the idea was to let that committee iron out the more radical kinks in the charter before the party had to publicly wear it. But no amount of steam from the policy review committee could straighten out the Young New Democrats and their perma-wrinkle document.

According to a letter from the youth executive dated July 22 and leaked to the Times Colonist, its members rejected proposals to water down the charter or turn it into a less authoritative statement of principles. Instead, without the party's endorsement, they went ahead and posted the charter on their Web site, ignoring suggestions from officials to label it a work-in-progress. And now the Young New Democrats are demanding party president Jeff Fox hand over the money they need to print and promote the charter.

The friction between the youth wing and the senior provincial council, however, may only be a temporary problem. The Young New Democrats hold their annual convention in October. The wing's co-chairs, who have been supporting the charter, aren't expected to run for re-election. And there's a good chance the moderates may end up taking over.

However, some of the more radical candidates who are seeking nominations for the next election won't be as easy to deal with. And so far, James has been reluctant to take them behind the woodshed. But she'll need to use a paddle sooner or later, lest her own supporters tank the party's chances of appearing moderate and fiscally responsible.

It seems the recent firings at The New VI may not have been entirely about cost-cutting. We're hearing that the Victoria television station is already in the process of hiring four reporters and two producers. Earlier, CHUM Ltd. British Columbia vice-president Brad Phillips told us the 29 staff reductions at the station were permanent. New VI station manager Richard Gray didn't return calls from Public Eye on Friday to discuss the rumoured staff postings.

The temperature may be rising on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. But that's not the only thing that's got the chattering classes all hot and bothered. On Monday, Premier Gordon Campbell is scheduled to make an announcement in Vancouver. According to two senior and very reliable provincial government insiders, that event has something to do with post-secondary eduction (possibly adding extra seats at the University of British Columbia). But rumours (or more likely hopes) continue to abound that Premier Gordon Campbell will actually be announcing personnel changes at the West Annex. And that means it's once again time to be play everyone's favourite guessing game: is Martyn Brown, the premier's chief of staff leaving? Bets anyone?

The jockeying for provincial New Democrat nominations has officially begun. The party's Nanaimo constituency association in Nanaimo was the first to have its nomination meeting date approved by the party. But others are on the way. Powell River-Sunshine Coast is looking for a green light in October and Surrey-Newton wants to have their meeting in early September.

Realtor Richard Hughes' plan to once again run as the provincial New Democrat candidate in Malahat-Juan de Fuca has fallen victim to a lawsuit. Earlier, we reported a Cobblestone compositing company had alledged, as part of a lawsuit against Mr. Hughes, that the former Cowichan Valley Regional District director tried to hit the firm up for kickbacks. Mr. Hughes has denied any wrongdoing. But, in an email sent to supporters two days ago, he acknowledged those allegations would prevent him from campaigning in the next election. However, that's good news for Premier Dan Miller's chief of staff John Horgan, who has been considering seeking a nomination in Malahat-Juan de Fuca.

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia has become a political football that's being tossed between Finance Minister Gary Collins and Solicitor General Rich Coleman. The understanding among senior bureaucrats at the insurer is that Minister Collins wants to privatize the corporation. But his plays are being blocked by Solicitor General Coleman, who is reportedly a fan of public auto insurance (or, at the very least, the money it rakes in). The solicitor general is also rumoured to be positioning himself for a run at the party leadership in case Gordon Campbell steps aside.

Today, fighting to be heard above the whizzing blenders and clashing coffee mugs at Caffe Fantastico, Victoria councillor Rob Fleming confirmed rumours he had earlier denied and announced he would be running for the provincial New Democrat nomination in Victoria-Hillside. Mr. Fleming was introduced by fellow councillor Dean Fortin as, "One of the new breed of New Democrats (read: moderate) that we need."

Other suspected "new breeders" on hand for the event included former Saanich-Gulf Islands MP and Fleming campaign co-chair Lynn Hunter, Saanich councillor and future Saanich South nomination candidate David Cubberley, Esquimalt councillor and future Esquimalt-Metchosin nomination candidate Maurine Karagianis and Premier Dan Miller's chief of staff John Horgan, who is considering seeking a nomination in Malahat-Juan de Fuca.

Also showing up: Greater Victoria school board trustee Michael McEvoy; former New Democrat government caucus communications director Brad Zubyk, who masterminded Oak Bay councilor Nils Jensen and cabinet minister Corky Evan's leadership campaigns; caucus communications officer and Jensen campaign speechwriter Jim Rutkowski; former caucus sessional communications officer Jaime Matten; British Columbia Government Employees Union research, campaigns and communications staff representative Mike Eso; and former ministerial assistant Heather Gropp.

Mr. Fleming has already launched his nomination Website but it will be another couple weeks before we find out will be managing his campaign. In the meantime, Mr. Fleming is already dealing with his first campaign challenge: his resemblance to Conservative leader Stephen Harper. According to Mr. Fleming, "I think, with most New Democrats, I'm going to have to manage that down. Maybe getting a mohawk will do it or something like that."

It looks like Solicitor General Rich Coleman wants to be more than British Columbia's top cop. Last week, Georgia Straight columnist Bill Tieleman reported Mr. Coleman, the most prominent provincial Liberal meat-eater in cabinet, "is putting together a 'just in case' leadership team for the possibility that Campbell resigns before the May 17, 2005, election." And now, senior party members tell us the solicitor general, who is known as the government's resident fix-it-man, just so happens to be one of their biggest fundraisers - spreading his loot and lending his presence to constituency associations across the province. Astute readers will remember that, prior to becoming premier, Glen Clark was also known as a fix-it-man and one of the New Democrat's biggest fundraisers, along with cabinet ministers Dan Miller and Moe Sihota.

David Anderson's jihad against Prime Minister Paul Martin and his cronies, who he blames for being demoted from cabinet, has begun. Speaking with Times Colonist reporter Cindy Harnett, the Victoria MP told her, "I was known as an outspoken MP when I was a backbencher and I see no reason to be any different now." Which kind of explains why Mr. Anderson informed Vancouver Sun staffer Peter O'Neil that the prime minister can "kiss goodbye" federal Liberal seats in British Columbia if the government lifts its ban on West coast offshore oil and gas drilling. And that outspokeness isn't letting up. Today, Mr. Anderson is reportedly handing out interviews like a drunken sailor. Maybe now the Martinites wish they had given him a patronage position?

It appears the recently dethroned Lord David of Anderson won't be receiving a patronage appointment anytime soon - and not just because of the controversial comments he made today in The Vancouver Sun and The Times Colonist. According to the party rumour mill, the prime minister's principle secretary Francis Fox telephoned Mr. Anderson on Sunday night and asked him to voluntarily step down from cabinet, making room for members of Paul Martin's British Columbia dream team (which, evidently, includes once and current underperformer Raymond Chan). The Victoria MP refused and was told his services at the big table wouldn't be required anyway. Moreover, he shouldn't he expect a pork plum until after the next election - and only if the Liberals win a majority government (something about optics and political realities). At which point much hissing and pissing ensued before the conversation abruptly ended.

The provincial New Democrat's Nanaimo "mafia" is electing a new godfather. Public Eye has learned the harbour city constituency association's nomination date has been set for September 19. The two contenders: party leadership candidate and ex-Parksville-Qualicum MLA Leonard Krog and British Columbia Ferry and Marine Workers' Union local president Richard Goode. Mr. Krog, the party's former caucus chair, should win the nomination - unless Mr. Goode's Website scares him off. That site has a random quotes section featuring some statements (presumably endorsed by the candidate) that sound threatening or just downright bizarre. Examples include: "I'm trying to die correctly, but it's very difficult, you know;" "When the sword of rebellion is drawn, the sheath should be thrown away;" and "Friends are like fiddle strings, they must not be screwed too tight."

On Thursday at 2:00, Victoria city councillor Rob Fleming will be making a "community" announcement about "government issues" with a possible provincial connection. A senior party member told us yesterday the announcement would declassify one of the provincial New Democrat's worst-kept secrets: Mr. Fleming's much-discussed plan to seek a party nomination in Victoria-Hillside. Mr. Fleming, who will likely be challenged by former MLA Steve Orcherton, denied that rumour but told Public Eye to show up anyway saying, "If nothing else, you'll get a good coffee out of it." The event will be held at Caffe Fantastico, a popular coffee shop in Victoria-Hillside.

The Indo-Canadian community is just going to love this: today, Prime Minister Paul Martin appointed Richmond MP Raymond Chan as the minister of state for multiculturalism. Astute readers will remember that Mr. Chan is the same man who, during his nomination battle, told The Vancouver Sun in a taped conversation that, "The Chinese community is very different from the Indo-Canadian community...The Chinese community are much more objective. No one can force them, or lure them, or cheat them into signing a (Liberal) membership form." The once and current cabinet minister has denied ever making that statement.

As we reported yesterday, Victoria MP David Anderson has been kicked out of cabinet. Now insiders are saying it will be a matter of months before Mr. Anderson resigns his seat to pick a plum from the patronage tree. And, according to the federal Liberal rumour mill, yet another name has been added to the list of would-be successors: professional board member Linda Petch.

Ms. Petch, who also runs a management consulting firm, is a member of the Victoria International Airport Authority and Vancouver Island Health Authority, the Health Employers' Association of British Columbia and the British Columbia Addictions Foundation boards of directors. She and her husband Howard, the former president of the University of Victoria, were close friends with the ex-cabinet minister and his wife Sandra and are said to have been instrumental in advancing the Anderson couple's academic teaching careers during the early nineties. But recently, it looks like that relationship has deteriorated with Ms. Petch publicly and privately criticizing Mr. Anderson.

On Saturday, Vancouver Sun staffers Jeff Lee and Doug Alexander reported the Law Society of British Columbia and the federal Justice Department were looking into allegations of overbilling at a Lobay Dennison Beaubier, a Nanaimo law partnership. The society and the federal government have fingered Shane Dennison, a criminal prosecution specialist, as the lawyer responsible for the alleged overbillings, which mostly involved drug prosecution work. Seventeen paragraphs into the piece, Messrs. Lee and Alexander mention that Mr. Dennisson also happens to be president of the Nanaimo-Alberni Liberal riding association. But what they didn't report is that there's an even bigger Grit fish working at that firm: David Lobay.

Mr. Lobay unsuccessfully ran as the federal Liberal candidate in Nanaimo-Alberni during the 1997 election, coming 29 percentage points behind Reform candidate Bill Gilmour. He's reportedly been a major fundraiser for Prime Minister Paul Martin, having personally donated $1,000 to his leadership campaign.

And, like recent Saanich-Gulf Islands candidate and drug prosecution contract winner David Mulroney, questions have been raised about whether Mr. Lobay has used his extensive political connections to win federal government contracts for a law firm he worked with until 2003: Hunter Garrett Lobay (now Hunter Garrett). But when asked if he saw a link between those connections and his contracts by Lawyers Weekly Ottawa bureau chief Cristin Schmitz, Mr. Lobay replied, "I don't see any, quite frankly."

Since 1995, Mr. Lobay, David J. Lobay Law Corp. and Hunter Garrett Lobay have donated $49,650.29 to the federal Liberals. Over the same period, according to The Lawyers Weekly, Hunter Garrett Lobay earned more than $5,468,905.10 from federal contracts and was listed as one of the top-billing firms in the country. It's also noteworthy that the firm's annual billing numbers nearly tripled following the 1997 election. The Vancouver Sun also reports Lobay Dennison Beaubier, Mr. Lobay's brand-new law partnership, earned $1,139,509 from federal contracts in fiscal 2004/05.

David Lobay's Donations & Billings

1995 - donates $1,141 to the federal Liberals; billed $94,975 in fiscal 1996/97
1996 - donates $1,833 to the federal Liberals; billed $205,966 in fiscal 1997/98
1997 - donates $5,928 to the federal Liberals: billed $$386,541 in fiscal 1998/99
1998 - donates $4,382 to the federal Liberals; billed $965,738 in fiscal 1999/00
1999 - donates $6,505 to the federal Liberals; billed $710,590 in fiscal 2000/01
2000 - donates $9,126 to the federal Liberals; billed $1,041,360.59 in fiscal 2001/00
2001 - donates $10,565.49 to the federal Liberals; billed $818,039 in fiscal 2002/01
2002 - donates $10,169.80 to the federal Liberals; billed $1,245,695.51 in fiscal 2003/04

Victoria MP David Anderson isn't the only one getting the bum's rush from cabinet. Privy Council President Denis Coderre, Justice Minister Irwin Cotler and Citizenship and Immigration Minister Judy Sgro are rumoured to be checking out of their cushy ministerial offices. Those receiving happier news tomorrow are said to include Tony Valeri, who is being moved from transportation to become the Liberal's house leader, and Stephane Dion, who makes it back into cabinet by getting Mr. Anderson's old environment portfolio.

Finance Minister Ralph Goodale and Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan are staying right where they are, while Pierre Pettigrew takes over from Bill Graham at foreign affairs, who is moving to national defense. Andy Mitchell gets shifted from indian and northern development to agriculture. And Andy Scott gobbles his way up the political food chain from being the minister of state for infrastructure to the minister of citizenship and immigration.

Public Eye has learned Victoria MP David Anderson will not be reappointed to cabinet tomorrow. That means Richmond MP Raymond Chan is almost guaranteed a spot at the big table. The latest rumours also have ex-forest company chief executive officer and Vancouver Kingsway MP David Emerson in industry and former premier and Vancouver South MP Ujjal Dosanjh in health, with Mr. Emerson being appointed British Columbia's political minister. Vancouver Quadra MP Stephen Owen, who was most recently the public works and government services minister, will get something of a demotion and assume responsibility for western economic diversification and sports. And Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca MP Keith Martin is being rewarded for crossing the floor by being made parliamentary secretary to the minister of national defence.

The depopulation of the public affairs bureau continues. Earlier, we reported finance communications director Karen Johnston and health services and planning communications manager Suzanne Germain had left the bureau. And now Public Eye has learned Marylou Wakefield and Tamara Armstrong are doing the same thing.

Ms. Wakefield, who has taken a leave of absence from her second-in-command position at energy and mines, is being replaced (at least temporarily) by Colleen Sparks. Ms. Sparks was previously the stakeholder and external affairs manager at the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. That pedigree will likely reinforce a long-held (pre-New Democrat era) belief by some "green" ministry bureaucrats that energy and mines is actually run by industry rather then the government.

Meanwhile, over at sustainable resource management, recently married communications manager Tamara Armstrong, who also worked as a communications advisor for the Environmental Assessment Office, is reportedly leaving for the Insurance Corp. of British Columbia. Ms. Armstrong, appears to be following in the footsteps of her former boss at environmental assessment Joanne McGachie, who is also now working for the insurance corporation.

Concerned citizens have informed us that provincial government event coordinator Kevin Grandia, a former ministerial assistant who has a reputation for being the public affairs bureau's "event guru," is abandoning his disciples. Mr. Grandia has been responsible for managing many of Premier Gordon Campbell's centre-stage announcements. He also reportedly has a good working relationship with the premier's deputy chief of staff Lara Dauphinee and was expected to play a prominent role in the upcoming election (which, by the looks of it, is already underway). But apparently that promise/threat wasn't enough to keep Mr. Grandia, once and current Richmond MP Raymond Chan's former constituency assistant, from breaking chief of staff Martyn Brown's heart and going back to work for his old boss. According to federal Liberals, Mr. Grandia is likely gunning for a job in the ministers' regional office in Vancouver.

Public Eye is going on vacation until July 19. Posting will be sporadic until then. But, as always, feel free to email us with any tips you may have.

The office of the comptroller general may be investigating a serious irregularity in the Columbia Basin Trust's financial statements, according to sources inside and outside the provincial government. The trust is an agency, partially controlled by government appointees, responsible for the disbursement a portion of the revenue earned by hydroelectric power projects in the Columbia Basin to nearby communities. As best as we can tell, the alleged irregularity involves large contracts ($1.5 million is the figure being batted around) that were awarded to a private company but not recorded in the trust's statements. The awarding of those contracts may also have involved a conflict of interest.

Chilliwack-Kent MLA Barry Penner reportedly brought this matter to the attention of Finance Minister Gary Collins, who handed it over to comptroller general Arn van Iersel. Mr. van Iersel would neither confirm nor deny this chain of events or whether his office is investigating. Public Eye has also learned Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer and reporter Jim Beatty are working on the story.

So where will self-described "girl reporter" Pia Shandel land now that her roost at The New VI has been incinerated? Public Eye makes no promises, but there's always chance she'll try for a position with the provincial government's public affairs bureau. After all, about a year ago, Ms. Shandel had informal discussions with government staffers about how best she could serve the lord and master of the West Annex (we're talking about Premier Gordon Campbell, not his chief of staff Martyn Brown). The possibility of a communications position was discussed. But, in the end, a decision was made to leave Ms. Shandel right where she was.