September 2004 Archives

The communication shop at sustainable resource management has been headless since Betty Nicholson decomissioned herself and Tamara Armstrong fled public affairs for the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. But no longer. Public Eye has heard Human Resources communications manager Mike Long has been attached to that shop as its new director. Taking over from Mr. Long is public affairs officer Anne McKinnon.

This morning, Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer informed readers "The rumour mill had the premier calling the byelection to fill the four-months-vacant seat this week. The word Wednesday was 'not yet' but 'soon.'" And, according to an insider, soon will be at 1:00 today (which, by our watch, is 8 minutes away). On Tuesday, Public Eye reported word that the by-election would be called sometime this week, likely Wednesday.

It looks like the New Democrat campaign machine needs a little oil. According to a resolution submitted during last weekend's provincial council meeting, there "are low levels or diminishing numbers of active, experienced" party volunteers in the ridings of Revelstoke, Kelowna-Mission and Shuswap. That resolution called upon the New Democrats to deal with the problem by creating two seperate paid organizer positions in outlying regional centres. But it was eventually withdrawn when senior party members committed to make sure heartland ridings would be adequately supported in the run-up to the next election.

We also know some of you weren't able to make it to last weekend's New Democratic provincial council meeting. But fear not! Public Eye has also obtained a copy of the meeting agenda, which we're happy to provide to those of you who were snowed in or had other pressing engagements (like going to a vintage whiskey and port tasting fundraiser - see below). According to that document and party insiders, one of the main events was a public opinion research presentation by IdeaWorks Consulting Inc. member Ian Reid using an early summer 1,200 sample poll from Viewpoints Research Ltd. Mr. Reid, you may remember, was previously a senior advisor to the New Democrat government and communications director for the West Coast Environmental Law Society.

Weren't invited to July's New Democrat provincial council meeting? Don't worry! Public Eye has obtained a copy of the minutes, which were circulated last Thursday to council members. And, just in case you don't want to read the whole thing, we've picked out a few of juiciest bits. According to the document, the New Democrats seem to be concerned about encouraging "Indo-Canadian participation" during the next election and mobilizing youth and ethnic voters. The minutes also indicate the party is currently using messages about rural unemployment and service cuts to encourage membership signups and donations. But a need to find new recruitment and fundraising methods has been identified.

Rumour has it the much-anticipated Surrey-Panorama Ridge provincial by-election will be called sometime this week, likely tomorrow. Controversial school trustee Mary Polak is running for the Liberals and community activist Jagrup Brar is the New Democrat candidate. Green Party leader Adrianne Carr and British Columbia Democratic Coalition leader Tom Morino are also in the race.

The New VI continues to pillage CH Television's newsroom, escalating the proxy war between CHUM Ltd. and CanWest Global Communications Corp. Public Eye has learned last night, CH news reader personality Meribeth Burton tendered her resignation to take a position at The New VI, joining fellow defectors Moira McLean and Hudson Mack.

If you need further evidence the provincial Liberals have backed off on their promise to de-politicize government communications here it is: Minister Gary Collin's longtime assistant Robert Pauliszyn is moving out of Rockpile to head up finance's public affairs shop. That position has been occupied on an acting basis by Robert Duffus ever since Karen Johnston made her prison break to become vice-president of client relations at the B.C. Ambulance Service.

Adrian Dix, Premier Glen Clark's right-hand man, has decided to run for the provincial New Democrat nomination in Vancouver-Kingsway, according to an email obtained by Public Eye. The email invites supporters to his campaign kickoff this coming Saturday at the Cassandra Hotel. Interestingly enough, Cassandra also happens to be the name of a prophet from Greek mythology who was doomed to tell the truth but never to be believed. The following is a copy of that email.

We're really not sure why anyone would actually want this job, but Public Eye has learned at least two Martini candidates will be competing for the somewhat dubious distinction of being president of the federal Liberals in British Columbia (a post previously manned by Billy Cunningham, who is now heading up the minister's regional office in Vancouver). The first candidate: Patrick Maloney, an investment advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

John "I'm just a private citizen" Horgan, premier Dan Miller's chief of staff, will announce tomorrow he seeking the provincial New Democrat nomination for Malahat-Juan de Fuca. That announcement will include endorsements from Mr. Miller, ex-Saanich-Gulf Islands MP Lynn Hunter and once and wannabe future MLA Corky Evans. Mr. Horgan will be running for the nomination against Cowichan Valley school trustee and communications consultant Julie Thomas. The following is an advanced copy of Mr. Horgan's press kit.

Shaw Television is broadcasting Victoria television personality Stephen Andrew's last opinion panel show. The mutli-talented Mr. Andrew, whose career (we think) bears something of a passing resemblance to that of Factory Records producer Tony Wilson, is leaving the community station to work as a reporter/host for The New VI. He will be joining former CH Television anchor-thingy Hudson Mack and reporter Moira McLean.

Monday morning is come to Jesus time for public affairs bureau directors. That's the day when the provincial government's top spinners will be having their first official meeting with Athana Mentzelopoulous, the bureau's new deputy minister. According to insiders, hopes are high Ms. Mentzelopoulous will be rolling out a plan to deal with the agency's high turnover rate (read: low morale and long hours) - which has been making the bureau look more like McDonalds than the civil service. Finance Minister Gary Collins, who is now the minister responsible for government communications, earlier hinted he might be increasing salaries to attract new communications officers and keep the ones the Liberals already have. Managers and directors may have a meeting with Minister Collins later that afternoon.

Federal Conservative House Leader John Reynolds has one big job between now and the next election: making sure history doesn't repeat itself. Speaking at the Victoria Tories' monthly breakfast meeting earlier today, Mr. Reynolds detailed some of his party's advanced plans to beat the Liberals. Included in those plans is the hiring of regional communications teams that will brief party leader Stephen Harper at 8:00 every morning. British Columbia and Ontario will get two communications officers apiece, while the Prairies, Quebec and the Maritimes will each have one. Interviews for those jobs have already been wrapped up, with the successful candidates being announced shortly.

Public Eye has learned the provincial Conservative executive council just passed a resolution salvaging an earlier deal to merge with Unity. The resolution, which was drafted by Unity communications director Blake Mackenzie and Conservative president Bill Smith, was approved by 15 out of the 18 council members who voted. Mr. Smith and Unity president Tim Bonner want to hold a newser tomorrow announcing the deal. But others have cautioned against that plan, citing problems with getting the media out to a last-minute event. The following is a copy of the resolution.

Yesterday, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities annointed first vice-president and Central Okanagan Regional District director Aaron Dinwoodie as their new president, replacing ever-talkative Saanich mayor Frank Leonard. Mr. Leonard has had a somewhat of an on-again, off-again relationship with the provincial Liberals. He's been friends with Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services Minister Murray Coel since grade nine. But his supporters were furious when party hierarchs put the kayboosh on Mr. Leonard's plan to run in Saanich South during the last election, instead handing the nomination to Oak Bay mayor and now Human Resources Minister Susan Brice. He's also been an outspoken opponent of the Significant Projects Streamlining Act, which allows government to circumvent municipal approval processes for any project it declares significant.

And when cabinet ministers get shuffled, so do their assistants. Kim Haakstad, former Children and Family Development Minister Christy Clark's ministerial assistant, will be doing the same job for Human Resource Minister Susan Brice. Meanwhile, Minister Brice's predecessor, Stan Hagen, is taking his ministerial assistant Sharon McKinnon to children and family development. And Health Services Minister Colin Hansen's executive assistant Alex McMillan gets a promotion, becoming Minister of State for Immigration and Multicultural Services Patrick Wong's ministerial assistant.

Yesterday, the provincial government announced the University College of the Cariboo in Kamloops would be renamed Thompson Rivers University next year. That name, which was selected during a comprehensive community nomination process, is functional. But it's not nearly as colourful as some of the 170 others which were submitted by local residents. Our personal favourite is The Free University of Kamloops - an excellent example of wishful thinking. The following document, obtained by Public Eye, lists those recommendations that were put into the "other" category (as opposed to being place-name based, for example).

Public Eye has learned Earnscliffe Strategy Group Inc., the Ottawa lobby/communications firm that employs many of Prime Minister Paul Martin's closest advisors, is setting up shop in downtown Vancouver. In an interview, Earnscliffe principal Harry Near confirmed the decision saying, "We've had a number of clients over the years who have basically said we wish you had an Earnscliffe operation in Vancouver." He added the office, which will focus on lobbying the provincial government and is the company's first satellite branch, should be up and running by October 3. Bruce Young, who previously headed Hill & Knowlton Inc.'s British Columbia outpost and, until recently, was a special advisor to Prime Minister Martin, will be running the operation.

In a comment posted on Public Eye earlier today, provincial Young New Democrat co-chair Brianne Duhamel writes that socialist historian Syvlia Russell will not be speaking at the wing's annual convention. Meeting minutes leaked to Public Eye show the youth executive planned to invite her to that convention. And, according to an insider, Prof. Russell's attendance was discussed last Sunday, during an executive conference call. Ms. Duhamel also comments, "I can see why some would try to make an issue about a well-respected scholar of Russian Studies speaking to BC youth" - about the Soviet education system. So can we, especially when those youths are New Democrats. But, we're pretty sure Ms. Duhamel is just being sarcastic.

Yesterday, British Columbia Democratic Alliance leader Tom Morino announced his party was merging with three others to form the British Columbia Democratic Coalition (whose logo bears a strong resemblance to four intertwined Celtic pretzels). In a news release, the party claims "active negotiations are underway (to unite) with two other political parties, and preliminary discussions had (sic) been conducted with others." Leaving aside the issue of whether anyone actually cares whether the United Oak Bay Nosepickers' Club joins the coalition, Public Eye is left wondering just how many parties British Columbia actually has.

Insiders confirm the provincial New Democrat headquarters hive mind is planning on sending drone-leader Carole James on a cross-province healthcare "consultation" tour sometime this fall. Of course, the fact Ms. James will be doing a lot of listening but (likely) very little talking during that tour should come as a surprise to no one. After all, aside from her controversial plan to oulaw open-net fish farming, Ms. James seems to have avoided (to-date) taking a firm position on anything expect on the most motherhood of issues (such as bunnies are cute and anything the Liberals do is bad, bad, bad).

Public Eye has learned an internal notice was just sent out announcing finance deputy minister and political red-meat eater Paul Taylor has been been appointed the chief executive officer and president of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. That appointment comes three months after the Liberals are alleged to have fired former insurance corporation head Nick Geer for aggressively supporting public auto insurance. Earlier, Public Eye reported rumours, Mr. Geer's old job would be given to Mr. Taylor.

British Columbia Young New Democrat co-chair Mike Palecek (whose predecessor, Miriam Martin, is also his partner) has written a fascinating (read: very damaging) article on party leader Carole James. That article ran in this month's edition of L'Humanite, a magazine published by the New Democrats' very own communist cell (which goes by the same name). In it, Mr. Palecek accuses Ms. James of having come "to power without a platform. She said nothing concrete in her campaign for leader and clearly had no real plan for how to move forward."

The communist revolution may not yet be underway in British Columbia. But the Young New Democrats are already planning out what will happen when it does. According to minutes taken during their August executive meeting, Okanagan University College socialist historian Sylvia Russell is being invited to speak at the Young New Democrat's annual convention (which is being held in Penticton between October 15 and 17). An insider tell us Prof. Russell's attendance was discussed last Sunday, during a youth executive conference call. And, evidently, the plan is to have her tell the little 'uns all about the Soviet education system - surely the model party leader Carole James plans on using should she ever become premier. The following is a copy of those leaked minutes.

Last night, the provincial Conservative executive delayed voting on a deal that could salvage an earlier proposal to merge with Unity - in part, because only 12 of its 23 members showed up for the conference call. Included among the absentees: president Bill Smith, whose presence is necessary, under party rules, for an official meeting of the executive. But, when council meets again on Thursday, it's unlikely the deal drafted by Unity communications director Blake Mackenzie will be approved as is. According to insiders, there are continuing constitutional concerns about a provision to have all Unity members automatically awarded Tory memberships.

News of the B.C. Alternative movement's untimely death has been greatly exaggerated. Tonight, at 8:00, the newly-elected provincial Conservative executive council will be voting via conference call on a resolution that could salvage an earlier proposal to merge with Unity. That proposal failed to be approved at the Conservative's annual general meeting, which was held on Saturday. Unlike the original agreement in principle, this new deal (which was drafted by Unity communications director Blake Mackenzie) won't officially merge the two parties. That change was considered, by some, to be a constitutional amendment which would need to voted on via a referendum of the party membership.

The proxy war between CanWest Global Communications Corp. and CHUM Ltd. in Victoria is escalating. The first shot was fired when CHUM raided CH Television's newsroom, capturing anchor-thingy Hudson Mack and reporter Moira McLean. CanWest Global retaliated by announcing they wouldn't be participating in any community events sponsored by CFAX, which is now owned by CHUM. And now we've learned Times Colonist editor-in-chief Andrew Phillips has had to cancel CFAX broadcaster Joe Easingwood's column due to the deteriorating relationship between the two companies.

Ministry of Attorney General branch communication counsel Geoffrey Gaul confirmed his office will be releasing a media statement on the Doug Walls affair, possibly within the next 30 minutes. Special prosecutor Josiah Wood has been reviewing an RCMP recommendation to press criminal charges against Mr. Walls, who was forced to resign earlier this year as the head of multimillion dollar government agency. Those charges relate to serious allegations of fraud made against the former Prince George car dealer by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Today, Public Eye reported in the Times Colonist that uber provincial Liberal backroom boy Patrick Kinsella is denying two-year-old allegations he worked as a lobbyist for Alcan Inc. (among many other companies). One of those who could back-up that denial is former Competition, Science and Enterprise Minister Rick Thorpe, who previously had responsibility for the Alcan file.

Openness and accountability were Liberal watchwords during the last provincial election. And, as part of keeping that commitment, the Campbell administration passed legislation requiring lobbyists to sign their names to a registry so everyone knows exactly who is trying to influence our elected representatives. But there are significant gaps in the legislation that have meant some of the most powerful movers and shakers in British Columbia aren't required to be on that registry. And no one is more representative of those gaps than hired political gun Patrick Kinsella, the most influential Liberal backroom boy in the province, and aluminum giant Alcan Inc., one of his many clients.

Your voice mailbox is full - and has been for the past week, ever since Associate Chief Justice Patrick Dohm released edited copies of the legislature raid search warrants. You probably already know that though. However, we'd really like to ask you why your name is in those warrants. Of course, we know being named in a search warrant doesn't mean you've been involved in any kind of wrongdoing. And we realize police have repeatedly said only former ministerial assistants David Basi and Bob Virk are under investigation. But, according to the warrants, it's alleged "Basi is believed to have offered, delivered or caused to have been delivered government documents to Clark." And there's probably quite a few people wondering about that allegation. You might also be interested to know the police identify you as being a major fundraiser for Prime Minister Paul Martin. If you'd like to talk to Public Eye about this matter, please feel free to get a hold of us at (250) 598-9792.

Yesterday, Children and Family Development Minister Christy Clark resigned her cabinet position and announced she wouldn't be seeking re-election. In a scrum, which could have been - at times - entitled a sentimental journey, reporters asked her about the reasons for that decision. The following is a rush transcript of that scrum (which would have been available a lot sooner, were it not for Public Eye's more pressing Times Colonist column deadline).

Perhaps the reason government communications has so much trouble communicating is because no one communicates with them? That's the question some public affairs bureau staffers have been pondering today. After all, they were the last to know about the appointment of Athana Mentzelopoulous as their new deputy minister. Let's do the math. On Wednesday, the government quietly released an after-hours information bulletin about that appointment. Approximately seventeen hours passed. And then, at 10:30 on Thursday, public affairs bureau executive director Andy Orr officially notified the troops. In fairness, we're told Mr. Orr was probably not the one responsible for the timing of that email. But, in the minds of some, it's another indication the folks at central command are continuing to treat the bureau like a gangrenous severed limb (better to be disposed of than re-attached). The following is a copy of his email.

Will Victoria Times Colonist editor-in-chief Andrew Phillips follow former publisher Alan Allnutt to The Gazette in Montreal? That's been the scuttlebutt for the past month. And those rumours reached a fever-pitch in the newsroom today. But when Public Eye checked in with the man himself earlier this evening, Mr. Phillips gave something of a non-denial denial to suggestions he may leave saying, "Really? No shit! Why would I do that? It's a great job. Are you kidding? Well, people have been chattering about that. And you can't stop people from chattering." When we asked him whether that was a yes or no, he said, "Well, I'd just say you can't stop people from chattering."

Earlier, Public Eye reported Athanna Mentzelopoulous - the new head of government communications - is married to Vancouver Sun deputy managing editor Stewart Muir (who ran the newspaper's business/boosterism section). But that isn't her only connection to British Columbia's media-political complex. Insiders inform us Ms. Mentzelopoulous is also friends with Canadian Press British Columbia news editor Wendy Cox. Back when Ms. Mentzelopoulous was working for the Fisher King, Lord David of Anderson, she is said to have been behind a number of (then legislative reporter) Ms. Cox's salmon-related scoops. Ms. Cox is now married to Gary Collins, the minister responsible for the public affairs bureau.

Children and Family Development Minister Christy Clark resigned a little more than six hours ago and already the rumour mill is churning with gossip about about who might succeed her. According to the corridors, contenders include Sustainable Resource Management Minister George Abbott and Minister of State for Mental Health and Addiction Services Susan Brice. Also on the list: our good friend former Children and Family Development Minister Gordon Hogg, whom some say has been rehabilited since he was forced to resign over the Doug Walls affair. But one thing that no one seems to have discussed yet is who will get Ms. Clark's deputy premier slot.

The New VI has gone from blowing (up its newsroom) to sucking (up talent from other television stations). Rumour has it that the Victoria broadcaster, which is now re-hiring after firing 29 staffers, has bagged another local personality (guesses welcome). Readers will recall the station's first catch was CH talking head Hudson Mack, who is now The New VI's news director and bingo-caller.

Usually, when the provincial government issues an information bulletin at five o'clock (and not, at publication time, posted on their Website), it doesn't want that bulletin to get a lot of attention. So much for that idea. As Public Eye speculated on Sunday, Athana Mentzelopoulous has been appointed head of the public affairs bureau. But it also looks like she's going to be keeping her existing position as the deputy minister responsible for intergovernmental relations. The following is a copy of the bulletin.

Look who's still at education! Why it's none other than communication director Ron Norman! Wasn't he supposed to be taking over from Deborah Bowman at children and family development? Well, that was the plan. But it seems his replacement (who reportly was from Saskatchewan), wanted to pursue other opportunities. Perhaps the allure of snow-filled prairie fields kept her from coming to meek and mild Victoria? So Mr. Norman will be spending another couple weeks/months at education until communications recruiter/casualty replacement officer Theresa Lumsdon finds someone to take his spot.

The irreplaceable Kim Chan, who resigned as Health Minister Colin Hansen's ministerial assistant back in June, has been replaced by Michael Harrison. Mr. Harrison previously worked for Ontario Conservative government Health and Long-Term Care Minister Tony Clement. Mr. Clement has since become better known for being a federal Tory leadership candidate.

Yesterday, Public Eye received an email invitation from Esquimalt councillor Maurine Karagianis to join her for coffee and "an important announcement." Gee...could that be an important announcement similar to the one Victoria city councillor Rob Fleming made? Is Ms. Karagianis going to tell us she's running for the provincial New Democrat nomination in Esquimalt-Metchosin (news we reported almost two months ago)? We'll just have to wait until Thursday to find out. The following is a copy of that invitation.

John Horgan, the former chief of staff to Premier Dan Miller may not have officially announced he's running for the provincial New Democrat nomination in Malahat-Juan de Fuca. But the Website bearing his name looks like its getting ready to say something. Public Eye has learned www.johnhorgan.ca was registered with Victoria Web design company Porthole Solutions Inc. on August 27. And the site now has a placeholder on it. According to the phone book, there are no other John Horgans living in British Columbia.

Independent Liberal MLA Tony Bhullar has suddenly become the most popular student in the classroom. Two government insiders confirm Premier Gordon Campbell scheduled a meeting with Mr. Bhullar early last week to discuss his impending decision on whether to join the provincial Conservatives (which may merge with Unity this weekend). But that meeting, which took place on Friday in the West Annex, wasn't Mr. Bhullar's only social engagement. Public Eye has learned the MLA was in discussions with Unity leader Chris Delaney yesterday about the role he might play in the merged party. In an interview at the legislature earlier today, Mr. Bhullar would neither confirm nor deny whether he had met with Premier Campbell and Mr. Delaney.

Colin Topham, executive director of the federal Liberals in British Columbia, just phoned to discuss why he was named in the legislature raid search warrants. Mr. Topham told us he hadn't been contacted by the police, nor did he know why they might have identified him. However, he did say he has known former ministerial David Basi for the past year and a bit as a fellow party member, meeting with him every three or four weeks (prior to the raids) to discuss politics.

To his credit, British Columbia Automobile Dealers Association president and chief executive officer Glen Ringdal is the only individual (at publication time) who has offered an explanation as to why he was named in the legislature raid search warrants. Speaking with Public Eye earlier this afternoon, Mr. Ringdal explained "I had an appointment with (former ministerial assistant) David Basi (a couple weeks) before he got involved in this thing." As a result, he says the phone calls to schedule that appointment might have been captured by wire-taps (the existence of which has yet to be confirmed by the RCMP). Mr. Ringdal says his meeting with Mr. Basi involved a discussion about tax law relative to car dealerships.

On Friday, Associate Chief Justice Patrick Dohm released edited copies of the legislature raid search warrants. Included in those search warrants was a list of individuals that had been identified during the Project Everywhichway investigation. The usual suspects, former ministerial assistants David Basi and Bob Virk (among others), were on that list. But a several other politically-connected individuals were also included: Lyall Knott, Glen Ringdal, Keyvan Shojania and Colin Topham. Of course, it's important to note that being named in a search warrant doesn't mean you've been involved in any kind of wrongdoing. And the police have made it abundantly clear that only Messrs. Basi and Virk are under investigation. But, to get a better sense of who these individuals are, Public Eye has prepared the following dossiers.

Today, Children and Family Development Minister Christy Clark's executive assistant Jennifer Erickson will be officially replaced by Forrest Parlee, the (presumably former) president of the federal Young Liberals in British Columbia. Mr. Parlee, who has been described by former high school classmate and Western Standard Shotgun blogger Kelvin Chan as being "passionate about the political equivalent of vanilla ice cream," was director of operations for the Paul Martin youth leadership campaign and an executive member of the Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam riding association.

Public Eye has learned the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. has punted longtime commentators Judy Kirk, Will McMartin and Bill Tieleman from Canada Now's political panel. The replacement team: legendary radio broadcaster Rafe Mair and former New Democrat cabinet minister and New VI anchor-model Moe Sihota. Negotiations were finalized last week but there's been no official explanation yet on the reason for the changeover. However, this move should cause some serious conniptions at the Rockpile since Messrs. Mair and Sihota can hardly be considered friends of the present administration (unlike Ms. Kirk, the Liberal caucus' former executive director).

Last week, the premier's office put an end to months of speculation by announcing that Finance Minister Gary Collins would be replacing chief of staff Martyn Brown as the head of government communications. But now there's a new question for public affairs bureau staffers to ponder: who'll be Minister Collins's second-in-command? We should officially find out next week. But, in the meantime, rumours abound among insiders that Athana Mentzelopoulos is the lead candidate.

On Friday, Finance Minister Gary Collins took questions about newly-released search warrants alleging senior legislative aides traded confidential information for promises of federal government jobs. But he wasn't the only cabinet member scrummed. Solicitor General Rich Coleman was also interviewed by reporters. The following is a rush transcript of that scrum.

Unity leader Chris Delaney, whose party may merge with the provincial Conservatives later this month, has been working for the past three years to convince British Columbians that his members and policies are socially moderate (translation: electable). To most people, being socially moderate means a belief that the state has no place in the nation's bedrooms (and wombs). But that sales job been something of an uphill battle for Mr. Delaney.

Today, Associate Chief Justice Patrick Dohm released edited search warrants alleging former ministerial assistants David Basi and Bob Virk traded confidential information about plans to privatize the Roberts Bank spur line for promises of federal government jobs. Those promises were allegedly made by Grit operative Erik Bornman who, at the time, was working as a lobbyist for OmniTRAX Inc., an American rail company bidding on the line. In a scrum, Finance Minister Gary Collins responded to this most recent development. The following is a rush transcript of that scrum.

Public Eye has learned David Cunningham, the premier's deputy chief of staff, gave his notice earlier today. Mr. Cunningham, who was the principle pen for many of Gordon Campbell's stemwinders, is reportedly taking a government relations position with Telus Corp. He was also responsible for overseeing the public affairs bureau's speechwriting unit, which is currently headed by Rueben Bronee, and vetting many of the government's news releases. His resignation follows an announcement yesterday that the premier's chief of staff Martyn Brown will no longer be in charge of government communications.

Burnaby mayor Derek Corrigan and former provincial cabinet minister Ed Conroy aren't expected to run in the next election. But their spouses just may. In an interview with Public Eye, Burnaby school trustee Kathy Corrigan confirmed she has been thinking about seeking the party nomination in Burnaby-Willingdon - a riding currently held by government backbencher John Nuraney. But Ms Corrigan adds, "I enjoy my (current) work a lot and it would mean a lot of travel. So, all things considered, I'm leaning against it." Meanwhile, in the heartlands, rumour has it that Katrina Conroy is looking at running against Minister of State for Resort Development Sandi Santori in West Kootenay-Boundary, possibly announcing her candidacy later this month.

Finance Minister Gary Collins has been put in charge of government communications - a position previously occupied by the premier's chief of staff Martyn Brown. That hands Minister Collins, who is also house leader and the co-chair for the provincial Liberal's re-election campaign, an unprecedented degree of political influence within the Campbell administration.

The provincial New Democrat nomination process is starting to look like a scene out of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Former cabinet ministers Corky Evans, Harry Lali and Dennis Striefel have all said they want to run again in the next election. And now rumours are circulating that septugarian socialist former premier David Barrett is considering doing the same thing. But when we reached the 74-year-old Mr. Barrett at his beatific, coastal Esquimalt home, he put the kybosh those rumours. According to the former premier, a number of individuals have approached him about seeking a nomination but, "There's two problems with me running. One: my wife will leave me. And two: I'd end up being committed to a mental institution."

Reports Ipsos-Reid Corp. is currently canvassing British Columbians for their opinions on provincial politics have been somewhat exaggerated. The Vancouver-based polling firm won't actually be in the field until later this week. In addition to asking British Columbians who they'd vote for if an election were held today, company public affairs vice-president Kyle Braid told Public Eye he's making a decision today on whether to include a question about the new Conservative party. The results of that survey will be made public sometime after September 20. Mr. Braid also confirmed Ipsos-Reid will be in the field for a more extensive pre-election poll in the first week of December. Unfortunately, he nixed the idea of dressing up as Santa Clause to release that survey.

Some things bear repeating and this is one of them: on August 31, while being interrogated by CFAX host Stephen Andrew about the supposed existence of an internal memo showing government could lose 28 ridings to the New Democrats, Finance Minister Gary Collins let slip he would be chairing his party's re-election campaign. That seat was warmed during the last election by cabinet colleague Christy Clark. Both Ministers Collins and Clark are federal Liberals.

Earlier, Public Eye reported rumours right-wingers had been planning to takeover the almost-dormant provincial Conservatives six weeks before that party announced it was merging with Unity. In the short-term, those planners wanted to prevent the Tories from splitting the right-wing vote by ensuring the party didn't run candidates in the next election. But we've now learned there were also long-term reasons for wanting to control the Conservatives. If the citizens' assembly ends up recommending a proportional representation system (and that recommendation is approved by British Columbians) smaller parties will have a better chance of winning seats in 2009. So the idea was to use the Conservatives as a vehicle for "mainstream" right-wing candidates who don't want to run as Liberals in that election.

Today, we reported an email is being circulated encouraging provincial Liberal supporters and federal Conservatives to attend the British Columbia Conservative annual general meeting and oppose plans to merge that party with Unity. But, in a message left on Public Eye's answering machine, vacationing party executive director Kelly Reichert said, "I just want to make it clear that under no circumstances has anybody from the party - any officials - been involved in any type of activity of emailing or phoning or doing any type of encouraging for anyone to take part in any activity of the B.C. Conservative Party or the B.C. Unity Party. And we would not condone that. And we are definitely opposed to any of that kind of activity."

The next provincial election is still nine months away. But, if everything goes according to plan, the British Columbia Conservatives might have their first member in the legislature way before then. Rumour has it independent Liberal Surrey-Newton MLA Tony Bhullar, who briefly ran for the federal Tory nomination in Newton-North Delta, may join the fledgling party. Mr. Bhullar, a blueberry farmer and former legal council for the RCMP, removed himself from government caucus after being charged in 2001 with obstructing justice. He received an absolute discharge in February after pleading guilty to the two lesser charges - obstructing a police officer and making a threat over the telephone.

An email has been sent to provincial Liberal supporters and federal Conservatives in Victoria and Vancouver, encouraging them to attend the British Columbia Conservative annual general meeting and oppose plans to merge that party with Unity. Insiders who received the email would not name who it was from or provide a copy. Public Eye earlier reported that a plan to takeover the Conservatives is rumoured to have been in the works for at least the past six weeks. To vote at the Conservative annual general meeting, which will be held in Burnaby on September 18 at the Scandanavian Community Centre, those attending must have been party members for at least 14 days.

Federal Conservative house leader John Reynolds has confirmed the party's caucus will be discussing whether to support the new provincial Conservative initiative at their next meeting, which is scheduled for October 1 and 2. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Reynolds, who is currently attending the Republican convention in New York, said, "I know there's people who think it should be there and believe we should have a Conservative party in every province of Canada at the provincial level. And our caucus wants to have a full discussion about that at the end of the month."

Today, government deputy house leader Barry Penner opined on CKNW that the B.C. Conservatives might split the right-wing vote during the next election. But that's not the only thing the new party could split. Astute readers will know the provincial Liberals aren't exclusively Liberal. Many former Socreds and federal Conservatives count themselves as party members. And, for the most part, Premier Gordon Campbell has done a masterful job of keeping that coalition together - this perhaps being the one uncontestable accomplishment of his administration.

The provincial Liberals seem to be taking a page from the New Democrat government's pre-election playbook. On Monday, Premier Gordon Campbell announced the Province and its community partners would be spending $4.2 million on what's being billed as the Spirit of 2010 Trail Initiative. The initiative, which promises to increase tourism by building and improving trails across the province, is mysteriously similar to the New Democrat's old Trans Canada Trail Project.

Earlier, Public Eye reported former Vernon mayor and British Columbia Unity Party deputy leader Wayne McGrath had been chairing a steering committee looking to put the province's minor right-wing parties under one "fiscally conservative, socially sensitive roof." And now it looks like that housing project is underway. Today, Unity leader Chris Delaney announced the Monty Pythonesque "merger, uh, union" between his party and the British Columbia Conservatives under the Tory brand name. That brand name alone could win the new party a significant amount of support, splitting the right-wing vote between the Conservatives and the Liberals. But there's already a plan in place to make sure that doesn't happen. Insiders tell us right-wingers have been plotting for the past six weeks to seize control of the old Conservative executive and ensure the party doesn't run any candidates in the next provincial election. And, now that the Tories are merging with Unity, those supporters will be re-doubling their efforts.