"You take a person and you associate them or identify them with a particular group. And then you attribute to that person all the characteristics of that group, without out giving them a chance to stand on their own merits." That was North Vancouver-Seymour provincial Liberal nomination hopeful Cindy Silver's response when Public Eye mentioned her work as a lawyer for a number of socially conservative Christian groups. So we're going to give Ms. Silver, who may be looking to unseat backbencher Dan Jarvis, that chance.

When we asked Ms. Silver what her position was on same-sex marriages, a union which she has advocated against in court, she told us, "I was involved in those cases for so many years and I development my own perspective on them. And if you want to see what my perspective is, you should look at my submission to the standing committee" on justice and human rights last April.

"And what I said was that same-sex couples not only deserve, but they require recognition. The controversy is whether or not it should take the form of marriage - whether the name marriage should be expanded or whether, because it's a unique kind of relationship, it should develop its own legal structure and title." In her submission, Ms. Silver supported the latter idea.

Public Eye also questioned Ms. Silver about her thoughts on the use of corporal punishment to discipline children - another issue she's worked on. The North Vancouver school trustee said, "I'm not a believer in spanking. But I am a believer in the autonomy of the family and that there is a unique relationship with parents and their children. And, we need to be careful in society not to undermine that."

That position is somewhat different from the one she expressed in The Vancouver Sun back in 1994. In a letter to the editor, signed under her own name, Ms. Silver wrote "properly administered corporal punishment educates children to the dangers of disobedience, defiance, selfishness, sassiness, cruelty to others and actions that put the child's life in danger. It teaches them self-control and respect for authority - two characteristics necessary in socially responsible children."

While Public Eye was reading that letter to her, Ms. Silver exclaimed, "Did I actually write that? My kids are older now. My oldest is 21. My youngest is 13. It's funny how you change over the years. That was 1994...And that was my initial knee-jerk reaction (to the issue). And I do not advocate spanking. I advocate using all other kinds of alternatives."

Ms. Silver also added her work with the Focus on the Family (Canada) Association, a controversial Christian family rights group, was "behind me." That group is connected with an American organization with the same name.

A lawyer who has past connections with a number of socially conservative religious groups is looking to replace backbencher Dan Jarvis as the provincial Liberal's standard bearer in North Vancouver-Seymour, Public Eye has learned. In an interview, Cindy Silver, who was elected as a school trustee in 2002, confirmed she had submitted her nomination papers to party headquarters on November 17. But she said those papers haven't yet been approved nor has she decided whether to run. Ms. Silver wouldn't say whether anyone had encouraged her to unseat Mr. Jarvis, who has previously said he is running in the next election.

Between 1993 and 1998, Ms. Silver worked as the in-house legal counsel for the Focus on the Family (Canada) Association, a controversial Christian family group which has previously been accused of being anti-choice, pro-censorship and anti-gay. That association is connected to an organization with the same name in the United States.

Toward the end of her tenure with Focus, Vancouver Sun staffer Kim Bolan reported Ms. Silver, in her role as a staffer for the group, was collecting donations to defend the Surrey school board's decision not to approve the use of three books depicting same-sex marriages in kindergarten and grade one classrooms. At the time, Mary Polak, who would later run as the Liberal's by-election candidate in Surrey-Panorama-Ridge, was chairing the board. Ms. Silver told Public Eye she is aware of Ms. Polak but has no personal relationship with her.

After her stint with Focus, Ms. Silver was named executive director of the Christian Legal Fellowship, a position she held for two years before becoming an independent lawyer. In 2003, she was retained as the co-counsel for The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Canadian Alliance for Social Justice and Family Values when those groups intervened in the Supreme Court of Canada case involving the Surrey school board book banning decision. Ms. Silver has also been an advocate for the right of parents to spank their children, working as a lawyer for the Coalition for Family Autonomy.

Earlier, Public Eye reported Liberal party executive director Kelly von Reichert hadn't returned repeated phone calls over a two month period asking who belongs to the Liberal's re-election committee. That committee is chaired by influential backroom boy Patrick Kinsella and Finance Minister Gary Collins. But despite Mr. Reichert's tightlips, we have since discovered former Socred operatives Greg Lyle and Jess Ketchum are working to help get the Liberals re-elected. And, thanks to our spies, we've added another name to that uber-secret list - TBWA\Vancouver president Andrea Southcott.

When we spoke with Ms. Southcott earlier today, she would neither confirm nor deny she was part of the Liberal's re-election planning team. But, to her credit, she promptly returned our phone call and was far more open and accountable than Mr. Reichert has been (hint to Kelly: this is how you keep journalists happy). Ms. Southcott told Public Eye, "I work on (the advertising account for the Liberals)...I'm committed to seeing this province grow and I'm supportive of the party." Ms. Southcott also said her firm is "just starting to get active" on that account. The following is our backgrounder on Ms. Southcott.

***

Andrea Southcott was named president and chief operating officer of Bryant, Fulton & Shee Advertising Inc. in 2001, becoming the first woman to head up a major agency in Vancouver. She has been with the company, which is now known as TBWA\Vancouver, since 1992. Prior to that, the University of British Columbia commerce graduate held account-management positions with agencies in both Vancouver and Toronto. Her firm, which has contributed $8,765 to the Liberals since 1999, was responsible for the party's advertisements in the 2001 election and components of the more recent government-funded Bringing out the Best campaign. More than $1.4 million has been transferred from the provincial treasury to TBWA\Vancouver since the party won that election. According to public accounts, government did not pay any money to the company between fiscal 1997/98 and 2000/01. Bryant, Fulton and Shee is considered one of Vancouver's top ad agencies.

***

Payments to TBWA\Vancouver/Bryant, Fulton and Shee

Fiscal 2003/04 - $958,339
Fiscal 2002/01 - $465,504
Fiscal 2001/02 - $0
Fiscal 2000/01 - $0
Fiscal 1999/00 - $0
Fiscal 1998/99 - $0
Fiscal 1997/98 - $0

***

Donations from TBWA\Vancouver/Bryant, Fulton and Shee

2003 - $3,590
2002 - $2,675
2001 - $0
2000 - $2,500
1999 - $0

Watch out! It looks like the federal Liberals are trying to be democratic again. Today, in their electronic newsletter, the party invited members to participate in a "grassroots consultation exercise" to come up with the "top ten reasons it's great to be a Liberal." A random sample of contributions so far included submissions like "Liberals are about hope not fear" and "Bono thinks we're cool" But we're pretty sure Public Eye's resident cynics can do better than that. So have at it boys and girls. We'll be sure to forward your creative suggestions onto Liberal headquarters. The following is the relevant portion of the newsletter.

The Top Ten Reasons It's Great to Be a Liberal

The Liberal Party of Canada would like to invite the participation of you, our members, in a grassroots consultation exercise, with the goal of answering the oh-so-simple question of "what it means to be a Liberal in the 21st century" and/or "why you should feel confident about the future of the Liberal Party, and of Canada."

We invite your personal submissions to these questions, top ten lists, and famous Liberal quotations that inspire you, whether said by one of our great Leaders, or by a role model who participate as a Liberal everyday, on campaigns, a riding association, and in his or her own communities.

Nothing is too serious, too partisan, or even too silly and ridiculous, because Liberals have a sense of humour, too. We ask only that contributors avoid cursing, libel, and slander, and ask that nobody write any encyclopedia entries. Good natured digs at opposing parties may receive bonus points!

A mini-version of this contest produced a few gems already, some serious, some not so serious. Here’s a random sample of contributions so far:

"Liberals are about hope and not fear."

"Official bilingualism, health care, our own repatriated Constitution, multiculturalism, surplus budgets, peacekeeping, and defending Canada's role in the world...need we say more?"

"It's been said before, but we'll say it again, it's a VERY big tent!"

"It does not get more Canadian that a former Stanley Cup winning Goalie as a Cabinet minister."

"All the free t-shirts you can handle!"

"Bono thinks we're cool."

"Because justice and equality are both principles to live by and ideals to strive for."

"A venue to apply your vast knowledge of Riding names and election victory margins."

The Liberal Party of Canada is confident that the vast knowledge of its membership will make this a memorable contest and we look forward to hearing what people across the country can come up with! The winner will receive a free t-shirt...or a free Frisbee...or a free umbrella...and you don't have to submit a Top 10 if you only want to submit a Top 1.

Please click here to submit your ideas: top10@liberal.ca

Last week, Public Eye reported Vancouver-Fraserview provincial Liberal backbencher Ken Johnston's constituency assistant Barinder Sall sent an email to Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer, observing "there is a generation clash here between the older and younger indo-Canadians (sic). As these older guys want to be recognized, want fame, and I think maybe a sovereign society...lol...while the younger guys rather operate discretely, spend time golfing and enjoy life with their families." And it seems those statements haven't gone down well with community elders.

In a headlining story referencing Public Eye, LINK staffer R. Paul Dhillon reported, "A number of older generation Liberals reacted angrily at Sall's comments, saying he lacks a political awareness or knowledge of the community's affairs and attributed his comments to someone who is trying to keep his job." The LINK is the oldest Indo-Canadian newspaper in Canada and is distributed throughout the Lower Mainland.

Mr. Sall did not return Public Eye's phone call to get comment on the email. But he told Mr. Dhillon, "he meant no disrespect to the older generation Indo-Canadian BC Liberals and perhaps his comments reflected his frustration that there were many young Indo-Canadians there at the (Liberal) convention but the media didn't report them.

'I worked really hard to take a lot of young guys and it's frustrating when they don't report that,' Sall said during an interview with this reporter Friday afternoon. 'Maybe I was too emotional when I wrote this but I'm not taking a shot at anyone, especially the older generation because I do respect them.'"

The provincial Liberals could be getting another present from the justice system this Christmas. Rumour has it more charges flowing from Project Everywhichway, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigation that resulted last year's raid on the legislature, could be laid later this month, possibly the week of December 20. To date, the government has done an effective job of limiting the political damage caused by that raid. We'll see whether that continues.

The provincial Liberals will be counting on service they can trust during the next election. Insiders tell Public Eye the premier's executive assistant Lara Dauphinee and Tim Lewis of Western Pro Show Rentals Ltd. fame will be responsible for the leader's tour, the same job they did in 2001. Mr. Lewis's company has had a lucrative relationship with the government. Between the time the Liberals were elected and fiscal 2003/04, more than $1.5 million from the provincial treasury has been transferred into Pro Show's account. Monday Magazine muckraker and freedom of information request guru Russ Francis has extensively documented how many of the contracts awarded to Pro Show, which produces the government's open cabinet meetings, have been untendered.

Payments to Pro Show

Fiscal 2003/04 - $558,668
Fiscal 2002 - $530,274
Fiscal 2001/02 - $441,150

Babblester Wilfred Day is reporting Cowichan Valley school district trustee Doug Routley narrowly beat Island Trust chair and blues/country musician David Essig yesterday to win the provincial New Democrat nomination in Cowichan-Ladysmith. According to the posting, Mr. Routley received 131 votes on the second ballot and Mr. Essig got 114. Also in the race: former Green member Julian West, who came in with 27 votes on the first ballot and organic farmer Nina Gribble who mustered 10. Mr. Routley, who was supported by former New Democrat cabinet ministers Jan Pullinger and Dale Lovick, has an extensive background with the Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers Union.

Last week, Richmond city councilors Bill McNulty and Harold Steves promised street protests if Vancouver's transportation authority didn't ground plans to elevate the Richmond-Airport-Vancouver rapid transit line running through their community. And now it seems the two politicians, who are concerned the elevated line will be an eyesore, will be keeping that promise.

In an email sent out yesterday afternoon and leaked to Public Eye, Mr. Steves, a former Barrett administration MLA, announced, "We are organizing a demonstration along the RAV line on No. 3 Road for Monday...Our intent is to stop a bus to show (a) that the proposed elevated system will not even serve all of downtown Richmond, or (b) that an effective at grade system with separate transit lanes has already been designed for the B-line and at grade LRT." That email, copied below, is also being distributed by former Green mayoral, provincial and federal election candidate Stephen Kronstein.

***

Greetings, all.

The email below is from Richmond City councillor Harold Steves, regarding a demonstration about the RAV line, set for this Monday, 2pm. If you need to know more about the issue, contact Mr. Steves by the phone number he lists below.

Stephen Kronstein
Richmond, BC

-----Original Message-----
From: Harold Steves
Subject: RAV Demonstration
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 14:03:38 -0800 (PST)

Hi Everyone,

We are organizing a demonstration along the RAV line on No. 3 Road for Monday (Nov. 29).

We will meet at the Richmond News parking lot, 5731 No. 3 Rd. at 2 P.M. then (a)walk a block south to the bus stop at Saba Road which is the last stop for the
proposed elevated RAV line or (b) north to the end of the B-line separated bus lane at Ackroyd Road.

Our intent is to stop a bus to show (a) that the proposed elevated system will not even serve all of downtown Richmond, or (b) that an effective at grade system with separate transit lanes has already been designed for the B-line and at grade LRT.

I will have signs prepared stating "at grade only" Bill Mcnulty and I are both contacting supporters. It would be good to have some people come early to ride on the bus.

Please let me know if you can come by e-mail or phone. Please ask other people to join us.

Organizations connected to the provincial and federal governments are paying firms linked with Prime Minister Paul Martin to lobby Ottawa on their behalf, Public Eye has learned. According to the federal registry, Vancouver's transportation authority and its subsidiary RAV Project Management Ltd. have retained Earnscliffe Strategy Group Inc. to support the Richmond-Airport-Vancouver rapid transit line and fuel tax transfers. Earnscliffe, which opened an office in Vancouver two months ago, has sometimes been referred to as the Martin government's shadow prime minister's office.

The authority, RAVCO and West Coast Express Ltd. (another TransLink subsidiary) are also being represented by Burrard Communications Inc., Mark Marissen's lobbying firm. Mr. Marissen was responsible for Prime Minister Martin's West coast leadership and election campaigns and is married to former Campbell administration cabinet minister Christy Clark. In addition, Burrard is working for provincially-owned British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. Other clients include the federally-operated Fraser River and Prince Rupert port authorities.

On Thursday, select Business in Vancouver subscribers received an email asking them to participate in the magazine's third annual business confidence survey. But, with an election just around the corner, the magazine also included a number of questions about provincial politics in that survey. The online questionnaire asks subscribers the effect Liberal policies have had on their business and what government's future priorities should be. It also asks them whether a New Democrat or Liberal win will impact their confidence in the economy. And it questions respondents as to whether they approve or disapprove of the Campbell administration's performance. Business in Vancouver was co-founded by Vancouver Non-Partisan Association city councillor Peter Ladner. The following is a copy of that survey.

1. Thinking about your own business or companies, what are the prospects in the next 12 months for each of the following areas? Please indicate whether your prospects are much higher, somewhat higher, somewhat lower, much lower or the same compared to the last 12 months. Please select one reponse for each row (much higher, somewhat higher, same, somewhat lower, much lower).

Profits

Sales

Employment

Space Requirements

Capital Expenditures

2. Thinking about the overall level of activity in your industry, what are the prospects in the next 12 months for each of the following areas? Please select one response for each row (much higher, somewhat higher, same, somewhat lower, much lower).

Capital expenditures

Profits

Employment

Sales

3. What do you think are the prospects for the overall level of activity in the BC economy in the next 12 months? One response only please (much higher, somewhat higher, same, somewhat lower, much lower).

4. Please tell us the effects of the following factors on your business. For each factor, please indicate whether it has a very positive, somewhat positive, somewhat negative, very negative or no effect on your business. Please select one response for each area (very positive, somewhat positive, no effect, somewhat negative, very negative).

B.C. Liberal government policies

Low interest rates

Retaining/finding high caliber employees

Softwood lumber tariff

Tighter border security

Native land claims

Lower provincial taxes

Winning the 2010 Winter Olympic Games bid

Access to capital

U.S. economy

Exchange rate with US dollar

Lower federal taxes

5. Following is a list of possible priorities for the BC government and its elected officials. For each one please indicate if you think it should be top priority, medium priority, low priority or if no attention is needed (top priority, medium priority, low priority, no attention needed).

Invest in transportation infrastructure

Restructure forest industry

Lower Corporate Taxes

Balance budgets

Increase spending on education and research

Increase spending on health care

Provide better environmental protection

Control spiraling health care costs

Reduce regulations

Spearhead innovation strategy

Reduce property crimes

Settle Native land claims

Lower Personal Taxes

6. Will the outcome of the provincial election impact on your confidence level for the future of the BC economy?

Remain confident no matter who wins

Remain confident only if the Liberals win

Remain confident only if the NDP wins

Not confident no matter who is in

Other (please specify)

Now changing the focus slightly, we would like to ask you about your impressions of various industry sectors in British columbia.

7. How would you rate the following industry sectors in terms of their contribution to the future overall well-being of the provincial economy? Would you say it will be a significant contributor, a moderate contributor, a minor contributor or not a contributor at all (a significant contributor, a moderate contributor, a minor contributor, not a contributor at all)?

Manufacturing/distribution/wholesale

Forestry

Retail

Tourism

Financial services

Other resource-based industries such as fishing, mining or agriculture

High-tech and Information technology industries

8. Which sector do you feel will likely generate the most economic activity and jobs and has the best chance for contributing to the future growth of BC's economy? Only one answer please.

Other resourse-based industries such as fishing, mining, or agriculture

Financial services

Manufacturing/distribution

High-tech and Information technolgy industries

Retail

Tourism

Forestry

9. Now turning to the performance of the BC Liberal provincial government...Based on what you've seen so far, would you say you approve or disapprove of the overall performance of the BC Liberal government (strongly approve, someewhat disapprove, strongly disaprove, don't know, no opinion)?

On Wednesday, Diane Rabbani, the head of the British Columbia government's public service agency, announced her associate deputy minister Ron McEachern would be euphemistically leaving that job on January 2. Mr. McEachern, who is well-liked and respected by colleagues, had been principally responsible for representing employer-side interests during collective agreement negotiations with civil service unions. No word yet on the reason for his...er...departure. But agency cube farms are abuzz with rumours the Liberals may be looking to make radical changes to those agreements. And Mr. McEachern's incremental approach to labour negotiations may not have fit in with that plan.

From her throne atop Mount Olympus, public affairs bureau demigoddess Athana Mentzelopoulos has sent word she wants government ministries to put together a list of all their communications contractors. Those contractors are sometimes used by program managers who need communications services the bureau doesn't have the time or interest to provide. Others use them because those contractors will provide communications services that aren't driven by a political agenda. The practice was also commonplace when the New Democrats were in government. No word yet on the reason for Ms. Mentzelopoulous' request.

Earlier, we reported former fur industry and Ontario government spin doctor Kirk Smith would be heading up the solicitor general's communications shop. But it turns out this isn't the first time he's worked for the Campbell administration. Insiders tell us Mr. Smith was a contractor with Picture BC, a raised-eyebrow initiative that provides funding and technical assistance to communities wanting to produce promotional videos and materials.

Picture BC also encourages British Columbians to contribute new photographs and film to the government's image bank - perhaps to be used in future (and surely non-partisan) providewide ads? The premier's chief of staff Martyn Brown is rumoured to have been closely involved with the project, which is identified as part of the Liberal's recent Bringing out the Best in BC advertising campaign. Mr. Smith dodged and weaved when Public Eye asked him whether was was involved with that campaign.

This morning, The Province reported retiring Kelowna-Lake Country MLA John Weisbeck "confirmed that he sent an e-mail to Liberal caucus members this week calling for the resignation of party president Mickey Patryluk, accusing her of speaking to the media about the audit before informing Liberals...Patryluk was traveling yesterday and unavailable for comment. But (party executive director Kelly) Reichert said Patryluk had no intention of resigning." Public Eye broke that story on Wednesday.

Retiring Kelowna-Lake Country MLA and deputy speaker John Weisbeck is calling on Liberal president Mickey Patryluk to resign, Public Eye has learned. In an email sent to caucus members on Monday, the MLA accuses Ms. Patryluk of abusing her position to influence the outcome of the nomination race in his riding. According to the email, a Kelowna Courier reporter informed Mr. Weisbeck on Friday that Sarina Sandana-Weisbeck, the MLA's ex-wife and one of the nomination candidates, was being accused of using bribery to recruit student supporters. That accusation, which involves an organization called the Urban Youth and Cultural Association, was published by the Courier on Saturday. The reporter told Mr. Weisbeck he had been informed about the whole affair by Ms. Patryluk. Mr. Weisbeck writes that the president should have let his ex-wife know about that accusation before speaking to the press.

The MLA claims Ms. Patryluk didn't because she's bitter about losing a nomination battle to him in 1996. Mr. Weisbeck also accuses her of secretly favoring another candidate. He concludes the email by noting that a national television show is travelling to Kelowna to cover the nomination and calling for Ms. Patryluk's resignation. Three other candidates are running against Ms. Sanda-Weisbeck including city councillor Al Horning, businesswoman Kit Bell (Minister of State for Mining Pat Bell's sister) and community activist Michele Rule.

Last night's Coalition of Progressive Electors annual fundraiser was awash with wine, food and gossip, report Public Eye spies who attended the event. According to the rumour mill, Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell will be leaving the left-leaning civic party on December 11, along with up to three city councilors (the most likely candidates being Jim Green, Raymond Louie and Tim Stevenson). No word on the reason for that specific date. So don't salivate too much over that juicy morsel.

According to the whispermobile, Mr. Campbell will then run as an independent, endorsing council candidates from both the left and the right. Non-Partisan Alliance members receiving the mayor's blessing could include councilor Peter Ladner and Vancouver Parks Board chair Allan De Genova, who attend the fundraiser and was singled-out for recognition during the event.

In other more factual news, a number of provincial New Democrat nomination candidates were spotted working the room. Our biggest fan John Horgan showed up, as did Raj Sihota. Sharon Costello, one of the lost causes competing against Mr. Stevenson for the nomination in Vancouver-Burrard, was there. And so was flavour of the moment Gregor Robertson.

Looking for a good time? Does your version of fun include chanting slogans and the potential for violent confrontations? If so, you might be interested to know Vancouver's peaceniks are organizing a protest march against American president George W. Bush, who is making his first state visit to Canada. That march, which is scheduled to begin at noon on November 30, will start at Canada Place and end at the United States consulate. Another protest is scheduled for 5:00 the same day at the Vancouver Art Gallery. All of which should keep the Vancouver Police Department quite busy.

Despite having been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Children and Family Development Minister Stan Hagen is determined to run in the next provincial election. Speaking at a news conference, Minister Hagen said his constituency association has already had its nomination meeting and "I am not changing my plans at all when it comes to my political future." Minister Hagen also said his doctors have promised him he will be Blackberry-capable within two hours after being treated for the disease. That surgery is scheduled for November 30.

Last Thursday, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled government must consult and accomodate First Nations before making decisions that impact even unproven land claims. But it also ruled First Nations don't have a final veto over those decisions nor are business groups under the same obligation to consult and accomodate. But what do those rulings, which were part of two seperate cases, mean for the government and business in British Columbia? And where do we go from here? Well, First Nations consultant and political watcher Bernard Schulmann has some ideas. The following is Mr. Schulmann's analysis.

Analysis of the Supreme Court of Canada Decisions released November 18, 2004:
Haida Nation v British Columbia and Taku River Tlingit First Nation v British Columbia

Within hours of the decision, a whole lot of rhetoric came out from government, industry and First Nations all saying the case was a win for them. The courts are an adversarial process and realistically you do not get multiple winners.

This multiple winner declaration is simply a faulty analysis and ignores the basic fact that the case was a failure for everyone. At best we maintain the status quo of the last seven years, at worst we have vastly increased this ongoing make work project for lawyers.

The Supreme Court of Canada has once again stated the simple fact that everyone has known for many years - British Columbia First Nations have unextinguished title and rights issues and that this is a burden on Crown title. Yes, government and industry have tried to pretend that the issue was dealt with in the past and that it no longer mattered; but could never answer how the issue had been resolved.

Since the Calder case in 1973, there has been a clear legal history showing that the Crown in British Columbia must deal with First Nations in good faith. These cases are simply the latest ones on that line (and not the last).

So what has this latest decision added to the current situation? More uncertainty. The wording the Supreme Court uses adds little clarity to the previous decisions. The very fact that First Nations and the government can claim the decision as being a victory for them is proof enough on its own that the decision is not clear.

We have a dysfunctional status quo in British Columbia that will simply continue for the foreseeable future. Government does the minimal needed to meet their definition of the court decisions and First Nations will continue to be frustrated at their lack of real input and control over lands. Industry is left as the meat in this dispute sandwich.

First Nations have had their knuckles rapped in this decision - the court has made it clear that they must participate in a consultative process the government creates. The court seems to have been clear that if the government creates a meaningful process that non-participation is not a way to stop a process.

The decision also managed to avoid any mention of compensation for infringing the aboriginal rights but did say that the provincial government could infringe the title and rights. Accommodation of rights remains without any useful definition.

First Nations must also keep in mind that the courts left with government the decision if there is a potential of rights - all First Nations can do if the government acts as it has done in the past is to sue in the courts. The First Nations have gained some power over lands through the need for meaningful consultation but that is tempered with the ability of government to hold the power the over decisions as First Nations do not have any formal way to stop any project.

The government will hopefully look at its own internal processes and see that many of the land based ministries are still operating in manners that are not in accord with these, and other, decisions. While the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management and the Ministry of Forests can be lauded for their attempt to consult in a meaningful manner, the other ministries are doing a woefully inadequate job.

It is interesting to see that the win by government in the Taku case relates to the environmental assessment process. Several senior people within the environmental assessment office spent a long time developing a process for the Redfern sponsored project, which has now been deemed to be meaningful consultation.

The problem is, with the change of government, it is unclear if the environmental assessment office still has the mandate to do this type of consultation. Certainly the corporate expertise has been lost as several key figures are now retired.

The government has to work very quickly to codify best practices in consultation and then have someone ensure that land based ministries actually do this consultation work. At a minimum, the government is going to have to hire dozens of new staff to run consultation processes; if the staff is not there, land based decisions of the government are going to be bogged down in a quagmire. Timely decision-making will disappear.

Industry is the big loser here. Industry must trust that the government will proactively ensure proper consultation is done: there is no formal role for a project proponent in consultation discussions with First Nations. Industry has to trust that civil servants in Victoria are capable and able to understand their needs and act in a manner that allows them to operate.

In some ministries, government is doing a good job and working well, but in other land based ministries, the government's consultative process has been awful. There are major time bombs left out there by certain ministries that could very likely explode and cost business in British Columbia hundreds of millions of dollars.

Industry has to push the government to consult meaningfully and quickly. In many cases the resource industries have been ahead of the provincial government in relationships with First Nations, there is a danger that these cases will harm this new interaction. Industry must also put government on notice that any failure in consultation must bring financial compensation to industry.

So who benefits from this decision? The lawyers. There are so many areas of ambiguity and such a divergent view of the meanings of these cases that British Columbia and some First Nation will be in the courts on the basis of these decisions before the end of this year.

What do we need now?

Clear Consultation Guidelines

First of all some clear guidelines on the scope and scale of what type of consultation is needed, at what point this consultation has to happen and what are reasonable accommodations of title and rights in the case of infringement. There needs to be a clear test that line ministry staff can apply. The guidelines need to specify if this is a situation in which there is a need for aboriginal consent or not. Without this clarity the process will simply end up back in court.

After major decisions, government often revamps their policy on aboriginal consultation, but never with any input from First Nations and low and behold the First Nations feel disrespected and ignored. These guidelines must be designed with the support of the First Nations of British Columbia and be made part of the regulatory framework as it relates to all activities on Crown land.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

There needs to be a quick and inexpensive way to adjudicate the disputes in the future. We can not afford to have First Nations and government tie land and resources up in courts and waste large sums of their money on more lawyers. We have more than enough mechanisms out there to settle disputes at a fraction of the cost of lawsuits. First Nations need to know that there is an impartial third party tribunal that make and enforce decisions when they feel their rights have been run over roughshod by the government.

The Crown and the leadership of the British Columbia First Nations (groups such as the Assembly of First Nations-British Columbia Region Region, the First Nations Summit, and the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs) should set a priority to negotiate a real and independent dispute resolution process as quickly as possible.

Support for Industry - First Nation cooperation

The government has often benignly neglected relationships being built between First Nations and industry. These relationships often run into trouble because of issues that neither party can address; many of these issues are provincial policy. BC needs to support these relationships by insuring that government policy is not getting in the way of constructive relationship building.

Following the Liberal's Surrey-Panorama Ridge by-election defeat, Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon blamed that loss on a lack of support for the government among Indo-Canadians. Not surprisingly, rumour has it there are plans to boost support by handing out provincial appointments to a number of prominent community members. Names on that list are said to include Peterson Stark Scott lawyer Palbinder Shergill, who currently sits on the Fraser Health Authority's board of directors. But when we questioned Ms. Shergill about whether the Liberals had asked her to accept an additional appointment she said "Unfortunately, I have no comment." Sukh Badh, the owner of Radio Punjab, is also rumoured to be up for an appointment. But, in an interview yesterday, Mr. Badh denied he would be accepting any government largess.

Not many politicos would want to be in David Basi's shoes. He's the ministerial assistant who was fired for allegedly passing confidential government information to lobbyist Erik Bornman. But insiders say at least three provincial Liberals are aspiring to take on Mr. Basi's job as the party's principle Indo-Canadian go-to-man, including Vancouver-Fraserview backbencher Ken Johnston's constituency assistant Barinder Sall. But before he moves into that position, Mr. Sall (who has also been spotted doing similar organizational work for the federal Conservatives) might want to practice his diplomatic skills.

In an email sent to Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer, Mr. Sall took issue with reports that the Liberals have ignored the concerns of Indo-Canadians. According to the would-be ethnic boss, "I think there is a generation clash here between the older and younger indo-Canadians (sic). As these older guys want to be recognized, want fame, and I think maybe a sovereign society...lol...while the younger guys rather operate discretely, spend time golfing and enjoy life with their families." Hmmm...one wonders how the old guys will feel about that, not to mention Indo-Canadian women? The following is an edited copy of that email and others which were leaked to Public Eye. We have been unable to reach Mr. Sall for comment.

***

November 8, 2004 Dear Jim Beatty & Vaughn Palmer,

Please see my personal comments attached in response to your story. I ask that you give my comments consideration and publish them.

Re: "our ethnic communities"

I had a chance to read your article in the Monday edition of the Vancouver SUN. I would say I have issue with some of the comments published. I too attended the BC Liberal Convention, and was impressed with a good turnout of the 'young professional' Indo-Canadians, which your story failed to provide. As one of these 'young professional' Indo-Canadians, my friends and I are not interested in any type of special treatment, but a better economy, better health care, and an improved education system--which the BC
Liberal government has delivered on.

Being a part of the BC Liberals, I have had the opportunity to meet many people from "our ethnic communities" at various events that I have attended. What I know for a fact is that the BC Liberal MLAs and Ministers have been accessible to anyone with a concern. They have set up numerous community meetings in their offices; constantly attend various community functions, and organized forums at local community centres.

I know I cannot read a person's mind and doubt the MLAs can, so I would urge anyone if they have a provincial problem, contact your local MLA, as I know their doors are open to help conjure a solution.

Thanks,

Barinder Sall
Assistant to the MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview

-------------------------------------------------------

Barinder:

Thank you for taking the time to write. I appreciate your comments but they
conflict with what a large number of other people were saying at the convention, including the premier and several MLAs. Your experience also conflicts with the message from the Surrey byelection in which Indo-Canadian voters, in large measure, abandoned the Liberals. If there is evidence that Indo-Canadians, Chinese-Canadians and other ethnic voters are returning to the Liberal fold, I would be happy to report that. I have forwarded your letter to the Sun's letters editor. Thank you again for your comments. Write anytime.

Jim Beatty, Vancouver Sun,
c/o The Press Gallery,
Parliament Buildings,
Victoria, B.C.,
V8V 1X4

-----------------------------------------------------------

From: Vaughn Palmer
To: BARINDER SALL
Date: Tue, 09 Nov 2004 12:02:13 -0800

barinder:

thank you for the note and comments. I've spoken to a number of representatives of the indo-Canadian community - including several who spoke to me at the convention - who'd disagree with your assessment. but i do appreciate hearing your side as well.

Vaughn Palmer
Vancouver Sun Victoria Columnist

-----------------------------------------------------------

Hi Vaughn,

Thanks for your return email, but for Vancouver-Fraserview we had 25 Indo-Canadian delegates, they were all mid 20s-early 30s and when these guys met the Premier, they said "we don't care about board appointments, we just want a good economy for our businesses, a good health care system for our families." I think there is a generation clash here between the older and younger indo-Canadians. As these older guys want to be recognized, want fame, and I think maybe a sovereign society...lol...while the younger guys rather operate discretely, spend time golfing and enjoy life with their families.

Vaughn the funny part is the people doing the negative talking are the same people talking when Herb Dhaliwal was in office - he wasn't doing enough for the community, and Ujjal Dosanjh as Premier - he wasn't doing enough for the community. Give it some time and you will hear the same about Paul Martin

I will give you an example, when our 'community leaders' meet the Premier they say what you doing for the Indo Community? What I say is give us some ideas what you want us to do, and not one person has an idea to go with. We have some great organizations such as Virsa, and United, the reason they are doing well is because its young people at the helm, looking to make a positive change with solutions.

Thanks,

Barinder Sall

Children and Family Development Minister Stan Hagen has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He will be having an operation at the end of November and recuperating in December. An insider says Minister Hagen will not be resigning his portfolio. He will be making an official announcement with Premier Gordon Campbell at 4:30. CKNW is also broadcasting at this hour a similar report. Earlier, Public Eye reported Minister Hagen would be making a major personal announcement today.

Children and Family Development Minister Stan Hagen will be making a major personal announcement shortly, insiders say. Minister Hagen was appointed to his current portfolio at the end of September. Previously, he had served as minister of sustainable resource management and human resources. He also held a variety of cabinet positions within the Social Credit government.

Today, a new communications director washed up on the shores of the desert island known as British Columbia's public affairs bureau. So everyone give a big Public Eye welcome to Kirk Smith, who has been put in charge of spinning the solicitor general's messaging. Mr. Smith, who held a similar job with the Ontario government, was chairman of the Fur Institute of Canada's public information committee during the eighties.

He was also an acting assistant deputy minister with cabinet office communications, the agency providing strategic communications leadership for the Ontario government. And for those of you interested in a bit of trivia, the former Ottawa Citizen feature writer gave us this ancedote: his father, Dr. H. Ward Smith, headed the eastern province's centre of forensic sciences and was responsible for making breathalizer evidence legally admissible in court.

This morning, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported on Radio One, "there is controversy brewing over who will represent the NDP in North Delta during the next provincial election. A municipal councillor won a nomination meeting held by the local constituency association this week. But the party's provincial executive says the results of that election are void." Public Eye broke that story last Wednesday.

On Friday, the provincial New Democrat's Gucci socialists will be paying $99 to attend the Vancouver Lonsdale and Seymour constituency associations' first annual Carole Cruise with party leader Carole James. That cruise is being held aboard MV Britannia, which will be renamed the Carole Ship for the duration of the event. The price of admission includes a buffet dinner featuring everything from smoked oyster toasts with roasted red peppers to garden fresh vegetable crudites. But that's not all. According to the event's promotional brochure, "comedic singers will be on hand to sing satirical songs about Gordon Campbell and his minions. Auction items will include a Gordon Campbell dartboard - not available for sale anywhere else" with the proceeds going to "help the North Shore NDP build their war chest with the goal of electing a NDP MLA in Lonsdale." Hmmm...things seem to be getting personal. The following is a copy of that brochure.

Come Join Carole On Friday, November 26, for an evening of fun and festivities aboard the MV Britannia

The North Vancouver Lonsdale and Seymour Constituency Associations proudly present the First Annual Carole Cruise. This fundraiser will help the North Shore NDP build their war chest with the goal of electing a NDP MLA in Lonsdale. The event will include: a great dinner buffet, socializing with NDP'ers from around the lower mainland, spending time with Carole, listening to live jazz, and having some fun at the Liberals expense.

Do your Christmas shopping early, by buying some fantastic items at the silent and live auctions. Tickets are $99 and include a $49 tax receipt. For reserve tickets, please use the handy form in this brochure.

Carole Cruise

A fantastic opportunity to talk with Carole and mingle with New Democrats from around Vancouver. In the spirit of the Christmas season, we are going on a Carol Ship - not just any Carol Ship - we're going to be on THE Carole Ship. As we listen to live jazz and eat from a varied buffet menu, we can discuss the joys of the season - specifically getting ready to elect a NDP government in May 2005. This will also be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the outcome of the Surrey-Panorama Ridge By-Election. Comedic singers will be on hand to sing satirical songs about Gordon Campbell and his minions. Auction items will include a Gordon Campbell dartboard - not available for sale anywhere else. So come on board and get ready for the best NDP Party of the year - the 2004 Carole Cruise!

Event Details

Friday, November 26th, 2004
Boarding begins at 6:30.

The yacht departs at 7 pm sharp and returns at 10 pm. Arrive early so you don't miss the boat.

Location: #1 Denman Street next to Stanley Park at Coal Harbour (north end of Denman).
Parking: $6 for the evening, either by coin or credit card.
Auction: Art, trips, and a variety of exciting items, including a Gordon Campbell dart board, will be auctioned off, so please remember your cheque book.

Menu

Tomato & Bocconcini Canapes
Smoked BC Salmon Canapes
Curried Vegetable Vol au Vents
Smoked Oyster Toasts with Roasted Red Pepper
Puff Pastry Twists w/ Nori & Sesame
Garden Fresh Vegetable Crudités (served with a variety of house-made dips)
Sun-Dried Tomato Tapanade with Imported Olives
Hot Turkey Breast w/Bun (carved at the buffet / served with stuffing &
cranberry sauce)
Spanikopita Platters with Tzatziki Dip & Sliced Red Onion
California Salad with House-Made Croutons
Crispy Greek Salad with Feta Cheese & Olives
Penne Pasta with Chicken in a Tomato & Basil Sauce
Assorted French Pastries (rum balls / cream horns / chocolate eclairs / choux pastry buns / sponge gateaux)
Cranberry Cheesecake
Freshly Brewed Coffee & Tea

Our unofficial and intrepid provincial New Democrat nomination correspondent Adam Tondowsky reports the founding president of the Canadian Farmworkers Union, Raj Chouhan, will be representing the party in Burnaby-Edmunds during the upcoming election. Mr. Chouhan currently works as the bargaining director for the Hospital Employees' Union. Public Eye has also learned Weldwood of Canada Ltd. manager Bob Simpson, an ex-provincial Liberal, has been elected the New Democrat candidate for Cariboo-North. According to insiders, his competitor, former caucus researcher Sarah Hilbert-West, received 93 votes to Mr. Simpson's 150 (with most of his support coming in the form of mail-in ballots from the southern end of the riding). The following is a copy of Mr. Simpson's campaign bio.

Who is Bob Simpson?

A Husband & Father

I have been married nineteen years to Trish Simpson, an elementary school teacher. We have 2 wonderful, academic, athletic and artistic children: Jonathan (14) and Jillian (12). We’ve lived in Quesnel for almost 20 years, and choose to continue to live here despite many opportunities over the years to move away.

An Immigrant

I was born in Glasgow, Scotland where I grew up in the post-war slums before being moved to a new government housing scheme. My parents, both uneducated labourers, worked very hard to bring us to Canada and to create a new life in this great country for me and my four brothers. We originally immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba but my family made their way West after a visit to BC when I was stationed at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria during my time in the Navy.

A World Traveler

I spent two years in the Canadian Navy, traveling to Japan and up and down the Western Coast from Alaska to Mexico. Subsequent to this I traveled extensively throughout Canada, the US and Europe. I’ve lived for extended periods in Glasgow, Chicago, Vienna, Cairo, Khartoum (Sudan) and Brussels. In the late 1970’s, I took food, clothing and literature to political and religious dissidents throughout Eastern Europe when it was behind the "Iron Curtain" and did literacy work in Sudan during the onset of the civil war that has since devastated that nation. During this same period I took supplies into the political refugee camps in Vienna and the Ethiopian refugee camps in southern Sudan.

An Educator

After graduating from the University of Victoria with a B.A (History) and a B.Sc. (Biology), I completed my Professional Teaching Certificate and came to Quesnel to teach at Quesnel Secondary. During my seven years at this school I was Science Department Head, coached basketball, initiated and sponsored the Environment Club, and created a number of new programs which engaged students more directly in their own learning.

A Writer

For a number of years I wrote an environmental column for the Cariboo Observer and freelanced for a variety of magazines. For a time I was a feature writer and Associate Editor for a national environmental magazine called "Earthkeeper," for which I covered the Rio Earth Summit and the first few Globe Conferences in Vancouver. I also researched and drafted the BC Roundtable on Environment and Economy’s “Education for Sustainability” discussion paper.

An Entrepreneur

After leaving teaching, I started my own consulting business, primarily working in the areas of community and human resource development. During this time I did the initial research for a community forest in Quesnel, facilitated the announcement of the Cariboo-Chilcotin CORE Report, and initiated the recycling program in Quesnel. I also ran a Small Business training program for EI recipients. My final contract as a consultant was to research, start-up and manage the North Cariboo Community Skills Centre, the most successful of these centres in the province. While I was consulting, I also started up a retail store called "Fundamentals" which sold high end toys, games and puzzles along with teaching aids and supplies. I also owned J & J Shoes with two partners.

A Volunteer

For the past few years my work travel schedule has precluded me from committing to community-based groups and activities. Prior to this however, I was involved in many provincial and local initiatives, including: the Fraser Basin Management Board, the BC Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Association, Rotary, the City of Quesnel’s Environmental Committee, and the Quesnel & District Economic Development Commission. I am currently a member of the Quesnel 2020 steering committee and active on the QSS Parent Advisory Council.
I have also organized many sports events (such as the Dragonman Triathlon) and have coached basketball, soccer and cycling (including taking a team to the BC Summer Games). For the past three years, my entire family has committed December to February to the Kersley Musical Theatre and we’ve sung, danced and acted together with the other talented folks in that organization.

An Athlete

I was named the 2002 Male Triathlete of the Year for British Columbia after winning my age group at the National Championships in Edmonton and the Provincial Championships in Penticton. In 2002, I placed 5th at the Triathlon World Championships in Cancun, Mexico. I am also an Ironman, competitive mountain bike racer, and was Interior Tae Kwon Do Sparring Champion (Intermediate Division).

A Hard Worker

I've worked hard all my life. I left home at age 16 and had to work my way through University. As a youth, I worked as a labourer in the mining industry, a meat packing plant, a mobile home manufacturing plant, and a plywood plant. I also tree planted in Northern Alberta and BC.

For the past eight years, I've worked for Weldwood of Canada. I started with Weldwood Quesnel during the start-up of the new lumber mill and have gradually been advanced to my current position as Manager (Corporate) Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership Development. I support change processes throughout our operations in BC and Alberta, and coach management teams on how to have a more participative workplace.

Last night, renegade provincial New Democrats in Delta North ignored orders to cancel their nomination meeting and choose local councillor Guy Gentner as their election candidate, says party spokesman Scott Perchall. The provincial executive issued that cancellation order when Mr. Gentner's competitor Sukhinder Sandhu, a cabbie, filed a complaint about the fairness of the nomination process. Yesterday, Public Eye reported party headquarters wouldn't be accepting the results of the meeting. No word yet on how many people attended or whether a solution to the impasse has been found. Public Eye has been unable to independently confirm Mr. Gentner's nomination with constituency association president Ernie Fulton.

Provincial New Democrat leader Carole James won't be having a Sister Souljah moment at the British Columbia Federation of Labour convention, scheduled to start next Monday (November 29). But she won't be cuddling up to the union movement either. According to well-placed insiders, Ms. James will be delivering a speech stressing the need to put an end to polarized politics in this province. It will be similar to the one she gave to the Coalition of British Columbia Businesses in July. During that speech, Ms. James told the audience that meeting with, and listening to, business leaders was "a top priority." She also said she wanted "the NDP and the business community to work in partnership."

Bonnie Irving, who has edited BCBusiness Magazine since 1985, has been permanently replaced by assistant editor Noel Hulsman. Ms. Irving announced to staff she was resigning last week. But, according to our spies, Ms. Irving was nudged out due to personality conflicts with senior management at Canada Wide Magazines and Communications Ltd.

Today, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. is reporting the provincial government's best place to work advertising campaign has cost taxpayers $973,425. That amount does not include monies spent on ads promoting British Columbia as the best place to learn, live and invest. But what's even more interesting is that the agency responsible for the campaign's creative and development work was TBWA\Vancouver. For those of you who don't know, TBWA is better known as Bryant, Fulton and Shee Advertising Inc. - the firm responsible for marketing the Liberals during the last election. Province columnist Michael Smyth also revealed Bryant, Fulton and Shee as being the creative mind behind the government's so-called fact-based healthcare and pharmacare advertising campaigns. And it was the ad agency for the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corp.

Public Eye has obtained a copy of a letter notifying Delta North provincial New Democrats that their nomination meeting (scheduled for tonight) will still be held - despite party executive orders to cancel the event. The letter, which appears to have been written by constituency association president Ernie Fulton, accuses the executive of "violating the constitution in rescinding our nomination" and giving nomination candidate Sukhinder Sandhu "special treatment." Some Delta North New Democrats have also been told the constituency association is concerned that, if the meeting is delayed, it will give Mr. Sandhu the time he needs to make sure the insta-members he's signed up are eligibile to vote during the nomination process. The following is a copy of the letter.

The nomination meeting is not cancelled

To: Members of Delta North NDP
From: Ernie Fulton, president, Delta North NDP constituency association

At our regular constituency meeting on 2nd October 2004, the members discussed at length the decision of the provincial executive to rescind approval of our nomination meeting. The unanimous decision of the members present was that we would go ahead and have our meeting on the 17th as planned. The decision to defy the provincial executive was not taken lightly and was arrived at only after there had been an in-depth analysis of the problem. Article 9.07 of our BC NDP constitution states: "not withstanding the provisions of Article 16. Complaints arising from the conduct of nomination conventions for public office shall first be referred to the constituency executive concerned."

This was not done and it is our contention that the ruling by the provincial executive is invalid. They ruled on an issue they do not have authority to rule on until the constituency executive had heard the complaint and made a decision.

If the candidate had presented the complaint to the constituency executive, as he should have, five of the six complaints would have been resolved. The remaining one, he "was never invited or informed of any meetings" would need only few a facts to resolve. We had only two meetings. He was invited to and attend the first one. At that meeting, we told him when we would have the next one and invited him to it.

The provincial executive violated the constitution in rescinding our nomination meeting and in not requiring this candidate to follow the proper procedure for: filing his declaration to run, his seven day notice of meetings request, or the complaint process in Article 9.07. The provincial executive is giving him special treatment. Regardless of what the provincial office tells you, our nomination meeting is still on the 17th November 2004 at Lower Sunbury Park Hall, 10409 Dunlop, North Delta, 7:00 pm.

The provincial New Democrats will not be accepting the results of tonight's Delta North constituency association's nomination meeting. In an interview, Gerry Scott also explained the party executive had earlier approved Delta North's nomination date with the understanding that the association grow their membership and ensure a fair election process. But, when a complaint about that process was filed by candidate Sukhinder Sandhu, the executive cancelled that meeting.

Mr. Scott also said the association seemed reluctant to accept provincial policy that would expand their membership. But he declined to comment on constituency association president Ernie Fulton's specific concerns with Mr. Sandhu's membership sign-ups. He also declined to say whether he thought the Delta North New Democrat leadership was trying to make sure Mr. Sandhu's competitor, local councillor Guy Gentner, wins the nomination.

Public Eye has learned the provincial New Democrat's Delta North constituency association, at this hour, is ignoring an order from the party executive to cancel their nomination meeting, which is scheduled to be held this evening. The president of that association, Ernie Fulton, is also saying the executive improperly approved Sukhinder Sandhu, a taxi driver, as one of the riding's nomination candidates. And he seems to have concerns with the validity of some of Mr. Sandhu's membership sign-ups.

According to an email written by Mr. Fulton and leaked to Public Eye, Mr. Sandhu filed a formal complaint with New Democrat provincial secretary Gerry Scott late last month. In that complaint, the cabbie stated he "had not been informed seven days in advance of the meeting at which (the constituency association) intended to set a date for (North Delta's) nomination meetings." On the basis of that complaint, it seems the party executive voted to cancel the nomination meeting.

But the riding's constituency association president claims Mr. Sandhu was informed - even though he may not even be an official candidate. According to Mr. Fulton, the executive approved the cabbie without Mr. Sandhu having filled the submitted the proper forms. And Mr. Sandhu's letter of intent, submitted to the constituency association, stated he was looking to run in "Pleasantville" not Delta North. Pleasantville is the name of the constituency association used on the party's sample letter of intent.

Mr. Fulton then goes onto point out party rules required Mr. Sandhu to address any complaints about the nomination process to the association before going to the executive. As a result, he questions whether the executive has the authority to cancel the nomination meeting. And he asks that all these complaints be discussed at the next provincial council meeting.

Mr. Fulton also writes the constituency association is concerned Mr. Sandhu's supporters include "people he signed up all having only one address, a postal box in Delta. Also his nominators and himself. They seem to have all signed their papers the day before the membership list shows them as members."

The following is a complete copy of Mr. Fulton's emails, which were posted on the Sunrise listserv.

***

----- Original Message -----

From: "Arlene Todd"
To: "Alan Ward"
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004 8:00 PM
Subject: Delta North's right to hold nomination meeting on approved date

Alicia, as Provincial Council Delegate, please and your name and distribute to appropriate recipients.

-----

Ernie Fulton
President, Delta North NDP Constituency

Dear Ernie,

On learning of the situation facing your constituency with respect to your upcoming nomination meeting, which had been approved by the Provincial Executive, please accept our support and solidarity. It seems quite odd that a party perceiving itself as democratic, and thus bound by its own Constitution, should act arbitrarily and contravene the Articles of the NDP Constitution.

The Vancouver Kingsway Executive supports the executive of Delta North and your membership in seeking the respect that this constitution demands and that its officers must honour. Please allow us to assist by any means available to us.

Yours truly,
Arlene Schimmelpfennig
president, Vancouver Kingsway NDP

Alicia Barsallo
Provincial Council Delegate, Vancouver Kingsway NDP

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ernie Fulton"
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 3:09 PM

To Provincial Council Executive,

Our Delta North NDP Constituency have a number of complaints concerning the actions of the Provincial Office and the Provincial Executive. At issue is the fact that one member has not been required to follow the rules and guidelines regarding provincial candidate nomination.

The candidate did not file any of the four pieces of the required candidate nomination package until the 2nd November 2004. However, he was approved as a candidate by the Provincial Executive on the 3rd August 2004. When he did present them to me on the 2nd November 2004 his letter of intent is addressed to the President of Pleasantville, (the sample letter), which is the constituency he says he wants to be a candidate in.

Fulfill the requirements under 7. Candidate Rights as stated on page 5 of the nomination package.

Address his complaints to our constituency association first, before having it dealt with by the Provincial Executive as required under article 9.07 of our Constitution

The Provincial Executive then passed a motion to cancel our nomination meeting that is scheduled for the 17th November 2004. The meeting has been approved for that date and the notices mailed out.We question where they have the authority at any time to cancel a meeting they have already approved, but especially when they did not give our Constituency association the opportunity to resolve the complaint, as is required in article 9.07 of our Constitution.

I would like the problems outlined above to be put on the agenda for discussion at the next provincial Council meeting in December so that our constituency can return to fighting the liberals instead of our Provincial Office and Provincial Executive.

I have enclosed some of the letters that have been going back and forth between Jeff Fox and I over the last few weeks starting with my latest one to him last night.

Sincerely,

Ernie Fulton
President
Delta North NDP
Constituency Association

-----

10 November, 2004

Jeff Fox, President
BC New Democratic Party
3110 Boundary, BCV5M 4A2

Dear President,

On the 5th November, 2004, I filed a formal complaint to you pointing out a specific violation of Article 1X of the BC NDP Constitution.This complaint did not contain the remedy sought as per article 16.04 of our Constitution so on the 9th November, 2004 I refiled the same complaint but this time with the remedy sought added.

Today I received an e-mail from you informing me of a provincial executive's decision which appears to involve my formal complaint to you filed on the 5th and 9th November, 2004. Article 16.05 of our Constitution requires explicit steps to be taken by you, before this complaint can be referred to the Provincial Executive.

So please advise me if you are going to abide by the BC NDP Constitution by taking the first step required, which is for you or persons appointed by you to meet with me and endeavour to achieve an amicable settlement as per article 16.05 of our Constitution.

If you believe I am wrong on any of my understanding of our constitution involving prospective candidate's requirement, how complaints are processed, what the provincial executive's mandate is or anything else you believe I am wrong in, please tell me. But, and this is a very big but, please show me where I am wrong by referring me to the appropriate clause in our Constitution.

Sincerely,

Ernie Fulton
President
Delta North NDP
Constituency Association

-----

From: "Fox, Jeff"
To: "Ernie Fulton"
Cc: "Gerry Scott"
Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2004 08:29:50 -0800

Subject: FW: delta north letter

Dear Ernie,

The Provincial Executive discussed your submissions at length and considered all of the points that you raised in your submissions of October 31, November 5 and November 9 as well as your verbal presentation.

In the end the following motions were passed: "That the Provincial Executive re-affirm its decision to rescind the Delta North nomination date of November 17th, 2004" and "That written notification go to all Delta North members from the Provincial NDP informing them that the November 17th nomination meeting is cancelled and that automated phone call follow to all members." By way of copies of this letter, I am also informing all three declared candidates of this decision.

I want to also inform you that the Provincial Executive remains committed to working with the Executive and membership of Delta North to secure an outcome which maintains the strong electoral opportunity for your constituency and our Party as we work towards May 17, 2005.

Yours truly

Jeff Fox, President

CC. Provincial Executive

-----

9th November, 2004

Jeff Fox, President
BC New Democratic Party
3110 Burnaby, BC V5M 4A2

Dear President,

I herewith file a formal complaint of a violation of Article 1X 9. 07 of the BC NDP Constitutional Provisions For Nominations

The violation is as follows.

On Thursday 21st October 2004 Jerry Scott received a formal complaint from Sukh Sandhu concerning the nomination process in Delta North.

Article 1X 9. 07 of the BC NDP Constitutional Provisions For Nominations states: Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 16, complaints arising from the conduct of Nominating Conventions for public office shall be referred first to the Constituency Executive.

Article 16 reads: Complaints about the nominating process that cannot be
resolved by the local rules and procedures committee, and/or Constituency Association Executive, shall be referred to the Provincial Executive as outlined in Article 9.07 of the BC NDP Constitution.

Sukh Sandhu, Jerry Scott as the provincial sectary, You, Jeff Fox the Provincial President, and the Provincial Executive did not follow this procedure.

This refusal to follow the proper provisions for formal complaints resulted in the Provincial Executive ruling on a complaint they had no authority to rule on.

The remedy sought: Declare the decision of the provincial executive to cancel the Delta North NDP Constituency Association of 17th November 2004 null and void, and have any complaint regarding nominations go through the procedural rules as required in Article 1X (9.07) of the BC NDP Constitution.

Sincerely

Ernie Fulton
President
Delta North NDP
Constituency association

Cc Gerry Scott
Carol James

-----

5th November, 2004

Jeff Fox, President
BC New Democratic Party
3110 Burnaby, BC V5M 4A2

Dear President,

I herewith file a formal complaint of a violation of Article 1X . 07 of the BC NDP Constitutional Provisions For Nominations

The violation is as follows.On Thursday 21st October 2004 Jerry Scott received a formal complaint from Sukh Sandhu concerning the nomination process in Delta North.

Article 1X 9. 07 of the BC NDP Constitutional Provisions For Nominations states: Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 16, complaints arising from the conduct of Nominating Conventions for public office shall be referred first to the Constituency Executive.

Article 16 reads: Complaints about the nominating process that cannot be resolved by the local rules and procedures committee, and /or Constituency Association Executive, shall be referred to the Provincial Executive as outlined in Article 9.07 of the BC NDP Constitution.

Sukh Sandhu, Jerry Scott as the provincial sectary, You, Jeff Fox the
Provincial President, and the Provincial Executive did not follow this procedure.

This refusal to follow the proper provisions for formal complaints resulted in the Provincial Executive ruling on a complaint they had no authority to rule on.

Sincerely

Ernie Fulton
President
Delta North NDP
Constituency association

-----

Reply To All
From: Nikki Hill
To: "Ernie Fulton"

Date: Tue, 9 Nov 2004 16:35:13 -0800

Subject: Approval of Sukhjinder Sandhu

Dear Ernie,

Please accept this email as confirmation of the August 3, 2004 Provincial Executive approval of Sukhjinder Sandhu as a candidate for nomination in Delta North who has met all the requirements of a candidate for nomination in the BC NDP.

Sincerely,

Nikki

Nicola Hill
Director of Organization
BC New Democrats
(604) 430-8600, ext 258
-----

31st October, 2004

Jeff Fox, President
BC New Democratic Party
3110 Burnaby, BC V5M 4A2

Dear President,

Our constituency association hereby request reconsideration of the Decision by the provincial executive on the 30th October, 2004 to cancel our nomination meeting scheduled for the 17th November, 2004. There are a number of reasons for this request one of which is the informal and improper way one candidate was approved as a declared candidate in our constituency.

It is not equitable for the provincial executive to require a very formal procedure for notifying candidates of meetings while at the same time not following this formal process themselves.

In this instance, approval of a candidate, Mr. Suk Sandu, was given on
The 26th July, 2004 without Mr. Sandu or the provincial executive having followed the procedures required at that date. Our contention is, if the executive did not make Mr. Sandu follow the four very explicit steps in the approval process they should not cancel our nomination meeting just because we did not inform him in writing of a meeting.

Conversely, If Mr. Sandu did not fulfill all the requirements to get approval he was not a declared candidate and did not have to be informed of any meetings whatsoever. In which case we should be allowed to proceed with our nomination meeting.

The approval process in effect on the 26th July, 2004 required all four (4) pieces of the required candidate nomination package to be submitted to the president of the provincial constituency association directly. This was not done. Next, the president of the association is responsible for submitting the completed package to the provincial office. As I did not receive any of these four (4) key components I did not submit anything on his behalf to the Provincial office.

The Provincial Candidate for Nomination Information Package election 2005 version: August 5, 2004 has a slight change in the wording regarding the approval process. However, with the same sample letter as before from the constituency association executive to the provincial council still in this August 5, 2004 version, any reasonable person would deduce the process is the same as it was previous to this date?

The sample letter already referred to also contains the wording in the last paragraph "Please advise me of the Provincial Executive's approval of these names". This wording along with the fact that I have received from the provincial office in writing, the names of two candidates who have received approval allows me to expect to be informed in writing of any other approved candidates in our constituency.

After receiving this written approval information I requested to be given the written approval information for Mr. Suk Sandu. This request by me to the provincial office was refused. So while I support the position that Mr. Sandu must be treated the same as the other candidates by our association and was, I contend he and the Provincial executive must also follow the same process for approval as the other candidates do.

Finally, regarding the letter of intent to seek nomination that Mr. Sandu gave for consideration to the Provincial Executive. Mr. Sandu does not state in that letter that he is seeking nomination in the Delta North NDP Constituency Association, which is our constituency. Mr. Sandu is seeking nomination in the Pleasantville NDP Constituency association.

It's difficult not to see the humor of the obvious mistake on his part of not understanding that this was a sample letter; however if we go a little deeper this mistake becomes more serious. Either Mr.Sandu did not pay enough attention to what he was doing when he and his nominators completed this very important letter, or he did not understand it. Either one of these mistakes are I think rather serious mistakes for someone to make that the Provincial executive gives approval to in one of the steps to being an MLA.

It is our contention that Mr. Sandu displayed this same lack of due diligence to listen, when he was informed on at least three occasions regarding our meetings.

Our meetings, and questions to me by the Provincial Executive regarding notification and Mr. Sandu's position on notification requirements to
candidates are also reasons I believe the decision on this issue should be reconsidered.

Mr. Sandu kept repeating that he had not been informed seven days in advance of the meeting at which we intended to set a date for our nominations. This I am sure prompted at least one board member to ask me if I had informed Mr. Sandu seven days in advance that we were having a meeting to set the date for our nominations. My answer to that question was "no." As we were told shortly after this question that we were finished I don't know how pivotal my answer was on your decision. However, assuming it was I would like to address it.

First, as we all know, what questions are asked is very important. Especially if they are closed questions that are best answered with a yes or no. This question and my answer could very easily leave one with the impression that we had not followed the regulations in Appendix A. Nominating Conventions: General Regulations when in fact we did. My explanation on this is as follows Section 9.0613. Of these regulations states: Candidates shall be given seven days notice of any Constituency Association meeting at which issues concerning the nomination are to be discussed. As can be seen it does not say "date for nominations" it, says "issues concerning the nominations". If the question had been "did you inform Mr. Sandu seven days in advance that we were having a meeting at which issues concerning the nominations were to be discussed" the answer would have been yes. The only question and the one on which I stand to be corrected on if necessary is, would more than seven days notice be ok?

Mr. Sandu was present at our Constituency meeting on the 7th September, 2004 when amongst other issues concerning nomination we set the date of 23rd October, 2004 for our nomination meeting. He spoke against our decision and participated in other discussions on nominations. He was not given seven days formal notice of any kind for this meeting, made no complaint regarding this, and did not tell us he had been approved by the provincial executive to stand as a candidate for nomination.

This meeting was the first time we had met him and at the end of the meeting we discussed part of what would be on the agenda for our next meeting scheduled for the first Tuesday in October. This included issues that we would have to address regarding the nomination meeting. So anyone attending this meeting knew without a doubt that we would be discussing the nomination meeting at the next months meeting.

Furthermore, the fact that we had a motion which was moved seconded and carried setting the nomination date ensured that nominations would be one of the issues discussed at the next meeting simply by the reading of the minutes from the previous meeting. At Bob Turners home on the 23rd September while we did not say we were going to set a new date for the nominations it was made very clear to him we would be discussing issues regarding the nominations. A person would have to be pretty stupid to think we would not be doing so at all our meetings leading up to nominations.

It is our opinion that having lost the numbers game Mr. Sandu is attempting to win on a technicality. If he had used the proper broader wording contained in 9:06, 13 of "issues concerning the nominations" instead of the more specific "setting the date for nominations" it would have been clear he was in fact given the required notification.

Mr. Sandu is hanging his hat on the wording "setting the date for nominations" He new very well what issues would be discussed as he was part of these issues. They included but were not limited to a number of people he signed up all having only one address, a postal box in Delta. Also his nominators and himself. They seem to have all signed their papers the day before the membership list shows them as members. He was specifically requested by Brenda Lenahan to provide information on these issues so they could be discussed at the October meeting.

In your telephone conversion yesterday you suggested all candidates for
nomination should be informed in writing seven days prior to any meeting at which issues concerning nominations are to be discussed. When Mr. Sandu telephoned me yesterday to inform me that the earliest he could meet with our executive would be next Friday, how did I assume this would be what he would say? I told him he was welcome to come to our regular meeting next Tuesday at which time we would be discussing nominations.

His immediate reaction was to inform me we couldn't do this, as he had to be given seven days notice. It would seem that I would, by his interpretation have to wait until next Friday to tell the executive of the decision of the Provincial Executive, cancel the nomination meeting, appeal the decision or have any other discussion on the nominations.

It is also quite clear that he can switch very quickly to the correct wording contained in the general regulations pertaining to this, depending on his needs.

Our position is he has had ample notification once again, that we will be making decisions on our nomination meeting at our regular meeting and are not limited in doing this by anything in the regulations. If however we decide to call a special meeting to do this we will give all the properly declared candidates seven days notification.

In closing I will say I hope there is a way to reverse this decision so
That we can have a worthy candidate who can win this constituency for us? Meanwhile we have no objection if you allow Mr. Sandu to run as a candidate in the constituency of Pleasantville.

Sincerely,

Ernie Fulton
President
Delta North NDP
Constituency Association

CC Carol James
Gerry Scott

Today, Toronto Star Queens Park bureau staffer Robert Benzie is reporting Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty, "is expected to announce (on Thursday) the formation of 'citizens' assemblies' to examine and recommend changes to the (province's) democratic system. Attorney-General Michael Bryant said the fairness of the current "first-past-the-post" system is the sort of issue they'll look at." Hmmm...wonder where they got that idea from?

As you may have already heard, Finance Minister Gary Collins and influential backroom boy Patrick Kinsella are chairing the provincial Liberal's re-election committee. But who else is beavering away to make sure the party stays in power? That's a question we've been asking party headquarters for the past two months. But the Liberal's executive director Kelly Riechert hasn't return repeated phone calls about the matter. So last week, we got tired of waiting for Mr. Reichert and started asking more talkative folks the same question. And, so far, our investigation has managed to add two more names to that list. Everybody give a big Public Eye welcome to secret advisors Greg Lyle and Jess Ketchum. Greg and Jess, come on down and read your backgrounders!

Greg Lyle is a principal with Navigator Ltd., a Toronto communications and strategy firm. Mr. Lyle has been involved in politics since 1981, when he was just 18 years old. He met Premier Bill Bennett's then principal secretary Bud Smith in 1984. And two years later, Mr. Lyle became Mr. Smith's body man during the dark prince's bid to win the party leadership.

After that campaign, Mr. Lyle was hired as a field worker for the Socreds, responsible for the province's northern ridings. But opportunity took him to Manitoba in 1987, where he was named executive assistant to Manitoba Progressive Conservative leader Gary Filmon. When an election was called a year later, Mr. Lyle, who was then serving as the leader's campaign secretary, convinced a number of Socred operatives to come work for the Filmon Conservatives. Those operatives included elections day expert Jacee Schaefer. Following that election, the victorious Premier Filmon made Mr. Lyle his principle secretary.

But in 1991, returned to British Columbia, where he was put in charge of managing Socred election campaigns in five Surrey ridings, including the one held by Premier Rita Johnson. Each of those campaigns failed. And the Socreds were thrown out of government by Mike Harcourt's New Democrats.

For the next three years, Mr. Lyle was a vice-president at Hill and Knowlton Canada Inc. and Decima Research Inc., the company's polling arm. Toward the end of that tenure, Mr. Lyle campaigned on behalf of federal Justice Minister and Progressive Conservative leadership candidate Kim Campbell. But after she won that leadership, he is said to have been muscled out of the prime minister's election machine by Ottawa-side handlers.

In 1994, Mr. Lyle became a senior research associate with the Angus Reid Group, whose founder taught at the University of Manitoba and had taken a liking to the young up-and-comer. That association lasted a year. At around the same time, he was hired by the provincial Liberals as their election campaign planning director.

In April 1996, Mr. Lyle's involvement with the party became a source of controversy when The Vancouver Sun reported he had been invited to a "national conference of key conservatives," organized by columnist David Frum, to plot the downfall of the Chretien government. Asked for his opinion on that invite, provincial Reform researcher Martyn Brown, who is now Premier Gordon Campbell's chief of staff, said it proved "the (British Columbia) Liberals have been captured by former Kim Campbell, Bill Vander Zalm and Rita Johnston strategists (whose) principal agenda is to elect a Conservative government, not a Liberal government."

But, when the ballots were counted, Mr. Lyle, who became the party's campaign manager, wasn't able to do either. He lost the 1996 election and quit his job with the Liberals shortly after. But he continued to do work for the party.

In January 1997, the Liberals got in trouble when it was revealed the party had spent $727,200 in taxpayer-provided caucus funds on a householder attacking the Clark administration. Of that amount, $283,000 went to Gastown Printers Inc., a company owned by one of Mr. Campbell's closest friends and political allies, Jan-Paul Shason. And $5,000 was spent on an untendered consulting contract for Mr. Lyle. His friend, caucus secretary and former Progressive Conservative Youth godfather Stewart Braddick, resigned over the affair. Mr. Braddick now works with Navigator, which was co-founded by Mr. Lyle in 2000.

Mr. Lyle's political resume also includes stints working for Ontario Premier Mike Harris and Canadian Alliance leadership candidate Tom Long, among others. Back in June, Public Eye spies spotted Mr. Lyle in Victoria. When we asked him about what he was doing back in the province, he told us, "I just can't get into what I'm up to. It's client stuff. And if clients want to say what I'm doing then they say what I'm doing." Asked today for comment on this story, he said "I don't talk about the people I work for one way or another." But Public Eye does.

***

Jess Ketchum is president of Ketchum Communications Ltd., a West Vancouver lobbying and public relations firm whose clients have included the Council of Forest Industries and the British Columbia Lumber Trade Council. But before he became a hired political gun, Mr. Ketchum was one of Social Credit's best known operatives.

After the Socreds were elected in 1975, he was named an assistant to Socred cabinet minister Alex Fraser. Mr. Ketchum then went one to become the vice-president of communications for the Expo 86 Corp. But he ended up leaving that position before the fair got underway.

In 1990, he was hired as the Socred's director of operations. He also became a member of the their election readiness committee, along with Mr. Kinsella. That committee was chaired by Premier Bill Vander Zalm's principal secretary Jerry Lampert, who is now president of the Business Council of British Columbia. When Mr. Lampert quit the committee in 1991, having already resigned from the premier's office, Mr. Ketchum took over his job and eventually became the party's election campaign manager. He also convinced Mr. Lyle to return to British Columbia and work on the 1991 election.

That election reduced the Socreds to seven seats in the legislature. Mr. Ketchum sat out the 1996 election. But after that, Vancouver Sun gossip columnist Malcolm Parry spotted him schmoozing with the Liberals. And in 2001, he was instrumental in winning the election for that party along with Mr. Kinsella, sitting on their election committee.

Mr. Ketchum has also been a consultant to Great Canadian Railtour Co. and is friends with the company's chief executive officer Peter Armstrong. In September 2004, Canadian National Railway Co. announced Great Canadian had been selected to operate tourist trains on its newly-acquired British Columbia Rail routes. Mr. Ketchum does not sit on the company's board of directors nor is he an executive officer.

Mr. Riechert did not return repeated phone calls from Public Eye placed yesterday specifically asking about this story. Mr. Ketchum is currently out of the country.

Another addition to our growing list of provincial New Democrat nomination candidates: former Quesnel school district trustee and chair Leann Dawson has sent out a news release announcing she is running in Prince George-Omineca. Ms. Dawson is a Canadian Union of Public Employees national represenative and staff advisor on the organization's political action committee. She is also an executive member of the riding's constituency association and the Prince George and District Labour Council.

Federal British Columbia Liberal conventioneers in Penticton have have elected Pilothouse Public Affairs Inc. lobbyist Jamie Elmhirst as the president of their rotten borough. Mr. Elmhirst was running against Vancouver Centre constituency association president Patrick Maloney. According to unofficial sources, Mr. Elmhirst received 234 votes to Mr. Maloney's 178. Mr. Elmhirst was the candidate most favoured by super-uber Martinite organizer Mark Marissen, who is married to theoretical Indo-Canadian Idol competitor and former provincial Liberal cabinet minister Christy Clark.

David Anderson, Victoria's former Fisher King, is selling his Oak Bay cottage castle for the handsome sum of $819,000. The home, which was placed on the Canadian Real Estate Association's multiple listing service by longtime friend Marc Owen-Flood, is described as, "a wonderful Uplands Rancher located on a quite (sic) street. The property offers wonderful privacy and a park like feel." So why is Mr. Anderson getting rid of this idyllic residence? Well, federal Liberal insiders are abuzz with rumours the ex-minister has decided to quit and negotiations for an appropriate severance package (read: patronage appointment) are underway.

But, when we asked Mr. Anderson's special assistant Lynne Henderson about those whispers, which have been circulating for the past couple months, she said "there's no indication" that will happen. According to Ms. Henderson, the Andersons, who maintain a similarly-sized home in Ottawa, no longer need a large Victoria residence because their daughter Zoe is going to school in the nation's capital. Ms. Henderson added her boss will be purchasing a smaller replacement home in the Garden City. But that purchase won't be made until the Anderson's existing property is sold.

Thanks to the efforts of rabble rouser and Public Eye reader Adam Tondowsky, who seems intent on becoming our unofficial provincial New Democrat nomination correspondent, we've once again updated the site's candidate list. Included in the update is additional biographical information and links to nomination campaign Websites. As always, if you know of any other candidates we should be aware of, please comment below.

Yesterday, according to our spies in Vancouver, Radio India and Radio Punjab were broadcasting advertisements featuring former provincial Liberal cabinet minister Christy Clark wishing listeners a happy Diwali. Some insiders we spoke with wondered why Ms. Clark made that media buy, since she isn't running in the next election. But perhaps she was just spreading some holiday cheer? Earlier, Public Eye reported the Port Moody-Westwood uber-backbencher showed up at the Liberal convention's Saturday morning caucus breakfast flanked by more than a dozen Indo-Canadian supporters. Astute readers will remember Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon recently blamed the Liberal's Surrey-Panorama Ridge by-election loss on a lack of support among Indo-Canadians.

Former provincial New Democrat North Island MLA Glen Robertson has announced he won't be seeking a nomination in that riding. But, according to former journalist Claire Trevena, she will. In an email, Ms. Trevena, who has worked as an assignment editor and programme editor for the BBC World Service, a Canadian correspondent for several United Kingdom newspapers and a senior editor with CBC Newsworld International, informed us her "candidacy was approved by the provincial executive in September." She is currently a partner with Start Communicating Strategies Inc., a Quadra Island-based strategic communications company. Ms. Trevana, whose name has been added to Public Eye's nomination list, provided us with the following copy of her resume. As always, if know of any other candidates we should be aware of, please comment below.

Claire Trevena

2004: Partner, Start Communicating Strategies
Start Communicating is a strategic communications company dedicated to increasing the outreach of businesses, organisations and communities.

2003: Public Information Specialist, OSC
In charge of increasing public awareness and understanding of good corporate governance and good business practices in Macedonia.

2001: Head of Press and Public Information/Spokesperson
Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Mission in Kosovo Head of media relations and the Mission spokesperson. I wrote the strategic communications plan for the organisation and led three public information campaigns, including a voter public education campaign for Kosovo's first Assembly elections.

2000: Public Information Officer/Deputy Spokesperson, UN Mission in Kosovo Responsible for increasing awareness of local government structures and services. I represented the UN at weekly news conferences.

1999: Public Information Officer/Deputy Spokesperson
Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Mission in Kosovo
Worked on media liaison for the Mission and developed public relations plans. I also wrote speeches and articles for in-house and international publications.

1997-99: Managing Partner, PH Factor Communicators, Toronto
Developed and implemented a number of strategic communications projects domestically and internationally.

1996-99: Senior Editor, CBC Newsworld International, Toronto
Responsible for a rolling half hour international news and current affairs programme,

1993-97: Correspondent, BBC, The Guardian, The Observer, The Scotsman, Toronto
Covered Canadian politics, social issues and human interest stories for the British media.

1991-93: Editor, BBC World Service, London
Assignment editor and programme editor for the BBC World Service.

Awards

2003: Government of Canada Civilian Peacekeeping Medal

Union Activity

1980-84: National Union of Students
1984-93: National Union of Journalists (various regional and national elected offices)
1996-99: Canadian Wire Services Guild

Volunteer Work

1978-1990: Oxfam Campaigns
1980-1999: Political Campaigns: various (inc. anti nuclear, anti apartheid, NDP election canvassing)
2002: Worked with others to establish Community Kitchen on Quadra Island
2002-2004: Work with Quadra Trails Committee (hiking and conservation group)
2004: Work at Quadra Food Bank

Thanks to Public Eye readers, we have added some new names to our provincial New Democrat nomination list. Rabble rouser Adam Tondowsky and Terminal City columnist Ian King report retired Vancouver deputy fire chief and former Simon Fraser Health Region chair Paul McDonell will be running in Burnaby-Edmonds against former British Columbia Farmworkers Union president Raj Chouchan. Mr. McDonnell, who is being backed by Burnaby mayor Derek Corrigan, was an independent Vancouver city council election candidate in 1999 who was endorsed by the Coalition of Progressive Electors.

Mr. Tondowsky also reports retired auditor Rob Chornenki, who came in second when he ran for mayor of Grand Forks in 2002, will be competing against Katrina Conroy for the nomination in West Kootenay-Boundary. Ms. Conroy is married to former Rossland-Trail MLA Ed Conroy.

Meanwhile, in Richmond, former federal New Democrat 2004 election candidate Dale Jackaman, an information technology director with Vizon Scitec Inc. has announced he is running in Richmond Centre. Mr. Jackaman, a former United Nations peacekeeper with the Canadian Armed Forces Signal Corp, was previously executive director of Airspace Action on Smoking and Health, a local non-smokers' rights society.

Balwant Sanghera, a Burnaby school district psychologist and activist who has worked against violence in the Indo-Canadian community, is rumoured to be considering making a bid for Richmond East. Mr. Sanghera, who recently received the Order of British Columbia, also ran for that riding in 1996.

And Richmond city councillor Harold Steves is also said to be considering seeking a nomination in his old riding of Richmond-Stevenson, which he represented in the seventies.

It looks like Great Canadian Gaming Corp. isn't the only one getting rich thanks to the provincial government's hands off approach to slot machine expansion. The British Columbia Investment Management Corp., which manages the province's municipal, public service and teachers' pension funds (among other clients), holds 145,300 shares in Great Canadian currently worth $5.5 million. Those shares give the investment management corp. a 0.6 percent stake in the company. The largest shareholder, with a 30.7 percent stake, is Great Canadian chairman and chief executive Ross McLeod, who personally holds 8,001,885 shares currently worth $302.5 million. Influential Liberal backroom boy Patrick Kinsella, who is co-chairing the party's 2005 re-election committee, has worked for the company as a consultant and has characterized Mr. McLeod as "a good friend of mine."

The Vancouver Sun has assigned two reporters to cover the upcoming provincial election. The carnivorous Jeff Lee will be dogging the Liberals. And Gordon Hamilton, who previously covered the forest industry, will be hunting the New Democrats (no dead wood jokes, please). Messrs. Lee and Hamilton will be writing a B section feature story for The Vancouver Sun's every two weeks, in addition to regular news coverage.

How do you know it's election time at the legislature? Because the boss tells you it is. Yesterday morning, according to insiders, the premier's issues management director Tom Syer essentially told Liberal staffers, "It's game time. And if you guys aren't doing something that gets us votes, you've got to ask yourself why you're doing it." Nice to know government has it's priorities straight. We'll leave it to you to figure out whether we're being sarcastic or not...

You demanded it and we got it. Public Eye has obtained a list of all provincial New Democrat nomination candidates approved by the party brass. We've also included in that list candidates who haven't yet been approved and whatever public record biographic information we could find. If you know of any other information or candidates we should be aware of, please comment below. The following is a copy of the list.

Alberni-Qualicum

Norma Emerson, peace activist and teacher
Larry Ransom, Port Alberni school district trustee, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1518 vice-president, Port Alberni and District Labour Council executive member, grocery store clerk
Bev Denning, Port Alberni school district trustee and chair of the Port Alberni Save our Services committee, an organization against health service cutbacks
David Thompson

Bulkley Valley-Stikine

Bill Goodacre*, Smithers town councillor, former provincial New Democrat Bulkley Valley-Stikine MLA

Burnaby-Edmonds

Raj Chouhan, former British Columbia Farmworkers Union president and provincial New Democrat Surrey-Newton constituency association president, supported Ujjal Donsajh provincial New Democrat 2000 leadership candidacy
Paul McDonell*, Vancouver city council 1999 election candidate, former Vancouver deputy fire chief, former Simon Fraser Health Region chair

Burnaby North

Pietro Calendino, Burnaby city councillor, former provincial New Democrat Burnaby-North MLA
Jaynie Clark, British Columbia Government Employees' Union advocacy coordinator

Burnaby-Willingdon

Tom Sigurdson, former Building and Construction Trades Department political and legislative affairs director, former British Columbia and Yukon Building and Construction Trades Council executive director, former Alberta New Democrat Edmonton MLA, former executive assistant to Alberta New Democrat leader Grant Notley
Dave Myles, provincial New Democrat Burnaby-Willington 2001 election candidate, federal New Democrat Burnaby-Douglas constituency association member-at-large, coffee shop owner, former longshoreman

Burquitlam

Bart Healey, provincial New Democrat 2001 Burquitlam election candidate, provincial New Democrat 2003 leadership candidate Nils Jensen endorser, truck driver

Cariboo North

Sarah Hilbert West, former provincial New Democrat senior research officer and assistant to Aboriginal Affairs and Labour Minister John Cashore, doula
Bob Simpson, former provincial Liberal, business consultant

Cariboo South

Andrew Kormendy, former Ashcroft mayor, Gold Trail school district teacher and career councillor
Alice Stoddard, former Quesnel Women's Resource Centre executive director
Charles Richard Wyse, former Williams Lake city councillor, provincial Conservative Cariboo 1986 election candidate

Comox Valley

Faye Burgess*, physiotherapist
Barbara Price, Comox-Strathcona Regional District director
Andrew Black, provincial New Democrat Comox Valley constituency association president, teacher
Erik Eriksson, Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers Local 363 financial secretary, former federal New Democrat 2004 Vancouver Island North nomination candidate, former Courtney city councillor and Tahsis village councillor, organized Comox Valley MLA Evelyn Gillespie's anti-recall campaign (withdrawn)
Alex Turner, federal New Democrat Vancouver Island North constituency association president, federal New Democrat Vancouver Island North 2000 and 1997 election candidate, teacher

Coquitlam-Maillardville

Kent Becker*, Coquitlam city councillor, former Royal Bank Financial Group Inc. investment manager (withdrawn)
Diane Thorne, Coquitlam city councillor, former National Action Committee on the Status of Women British Columbia representative

Cowichan-Ladysmith

Doug Routley Cowichan Valley school district trustee, Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers Local 1-80 executive member, former Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers Cowichan Valley school district representative, school district custodian
David Essig, Island Trust chair, provincial New Democrat Cowichan Ladysmith constituency association member-at-large
Julian West, Fair Vote Canada executive committee member member, former provincial Green Cowichan-Ladysmith 1996 election candidate, Malaspina University-College mathematics instructor

Delta North

Sukhjinder Sandhu
Guy Gentner, Delta city councillor, TriDelta civic party member, formerly ran for council as an independent, former campaign manager for the New Delta civic party which ran against the New Democrat-backed Citizens Association of Delta, resulted in one-year suspension from the provincial New Democrats, former Rally for Canada Committee organizer, former Burns Bog Conservation Society director
John Shavluk, federal Marijuana Party Richmond East 2004 election candidate

East Kootenay

Patricia Shuttleworth, former British Columbia Nurses' Union vice-president, former Cranbrook Health Council member, maternity nurse
Erda Walsh, former provincial New Democrat Kootenay MLA

Esquimalt Metchosin

Maurine Karagianis, Esquimalt town councillor, former provincial New Democrat Esquimalt-Metchosin 2001 election candidate, former provincial New Democrat ministerial assistant to cabinet minister Moe Sihota

Kamloops North Thompson

Mike Hanson provincial New Democrat Kamloops-North Thompson constituency association executive member, Kamloops-North Thompson Newsletter editor, volunteered as a scheduler and handler for federal New Democrat Kamloops 2004 election candidate Brian Carroll, volunteered for former Kamloops Indian Band Chief Bonnie Leonard in her nomination bid to become the federal Liberal Kamloops 2004 election candidate, owns process serving and document service company, former broadcast and print reporter
Bert Walker, Thompson-Nicola Regional District director and former chair, former operations manager for the Clearwater school district, part-time ambulance attendant, Canadian Union of Public Employees member, threatened with job loss in 2000 when he crossed a union picket line to attend a school board meeting
Anita Strong, Council of Canadians Kamloops chapter chair, deli co-owner
Larry Bancroft, former Kamloops and District Labour Council president, former Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3500 president, school district support worker, filed a grievance in 2002 against the Kamloops/Thompson school district after being disciplined for allegedly verbally harassing two clerical workers

Kelowna Lake Country

Mike Beutle

Kelowna-Mission

Kevin Hagglund, North Okanagan Labour Council executive member, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union Of Canada Local 823 activist
Nicki Hokazono, former Central Okanagan school district trustee, Central Okanagan Teachers' Association member-at-large

Malahat-Juan de Fuca

Julie Thomas, Cowichan Valley school district trustee, provincial New Democrat Malahat-Juan de Fuca constituency association executive member
John Horgan, former provincial New Democrat chief of staff to Premier Dan Miller, IdeaWorks Consulting Inc. director

Maple Ridge-Mission

Randall Cairns, former provincial New Democrat constituency association president

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows

Michael Sather, Pitt Polder Preservation Society president, former constituency assistant to Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows MLA Bill Hartley, Maple Ridge city council 1990 and 1993 election candidate

Nanaimo-Parksville

Nelson Allen, Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district trustee, former Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district chair, criticized school district's "old boys network," asked Education Minister Christy Clark to investigate the firing of controversial Nanaimo superintendent Carola Lane, trustee when the sdistrict purchased Nanaimo Commonwealth Holding Society properties in 1993 for $560,000 or 50 percent above market value, provincial New Democrat Nanaimo-Parksville 1991 nomination candidate, former Nanaimo city councillor and Nanaimo Regional District director, former teacher and certified financial planner
Zeni Maartman, former Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district trustee, British Columbia Automobile Association insurance and membership division manager, former Nanaimo Credit Union commercial insurance broker
Carol McNamee, Nanaimo District Teachers' Association president

Nelson-Creston

Patricia Lakes, provincial New Democrat Nelson-Creston constituency association president
Corky Evans, former provincial New Democrat Nelson-Creston MLA

New Westminster

Chuck Puchmayr, New Westminster city councillor, former Kelvin Residents Association representative
Steve McClurg, New Westminster Downtown Residents Association representative, federal New Democrat New Westminster-Coquitlam 2004 election candidate, former constituency assistant for provincial New Democrat Surrey-Whalley MLA Joan Smallwood

North Island

Brian Giles, Discovery Coast Greenways Land Trustdirector, former Comox-Strathcona Regional District director, former special assistant to Forest Minister Colin Gabelmann, former North Island College Board member
Brenda Leigh, Comox-Strathcona Regional District director and Hospital District chair
Glen Robertson*, former provincial New Democrat North Island MLA (withdrawn)
Claire Trevena, Start Communicating Strategies Inc. partner, Quadra Island Community Association communications director, former BBC World Service editor and CBC Newsworld International senior editor, former Canadian correspondent for United Kingdom newspapers, former United Nations/Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe spokesperson, endorsed by Mr. Gabelmann and Comox-Strathcona Regional District chair Jim Abram

North Vancouver-Lonsdale

Craig Keating North Vancouver city councillor, former provincial New Democrat 2003 leadership candidate, Langara College history instructor,
John Nelson, Pacific Foundation for Understanding Nature director, provincial New Democrat North Vancouver-Lonsdale executive member, federal New Democrat North Vancouver 2004 election candidate, former Steelhead Society of British Columbia board member, former David Suzuki Foundation, Sierra Club of British Columbia and British Columbia Wild researcher

North Vancouver-Seymour

Cathy Pinsent, Hospital Employees Union Lions Gate Hospital Local president and Hospital Employees Union Lower Mainland-Coastal regional vice-president

Oak Bay-Gordon Head

Charlie Beresford*, Greater Victoria school district chair, federal New Democrat Victoria 2004 nomination candidate, provincial New Democrat Oak Bay-Gordon 2001 election candidate

Okanagan-Vernon

Joanne Crawford, John Howard Society of North Okanagan/Kootenay executive director
Juliette Cunningham, Vernon school district trustee and former chair
Jamie Morrow

Okanagan-Westside

Joyce Procure, former British Columbia Nurses Union regional vice-chair, former North Okanagan Labour Council executive member, federal New Democrat Okanagan-Coquihalla 2004 election candidate, public health nurse

Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain

Mike Farnworth*, former provincial New Democrat Port Coquitlam MLA

Port Moody-Westwood

Karen Rockwell*, Port Moody city councillor, Canadian Office & Professional Employees' Union Local 378 vice-president
Mary-Woo Sims*, federal New Democrat Vancouver-Kingsway 2004 election candidate, former British Columbia Human Rights Commission chief commissioner (withdrawn)

Prince George-Mount Robson

Molly Eichar, University of North British Columbia First Nations Centre instructor and academic advisor, federal New Democrat 1997 Prince George-Bulkley Valley candidate
Wayne Mills, Prince George and District Labour Council president, Prince George and District Building and Construction Trades Council recording secretary

Prince George North

Kathy Jessome, Hospital Employees Union northern region director, former Prince George North constituency association president, organized Prince George North MLA Paul Ramsey's anti-recall campaign
Deborah Poff, University of Northern British Columbia political science and philosophy professor, former University of Northern British Columbia vice-president academic and provost, Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership public policy fellow, director with the National Council on Ethics on Human Research, the British Medical Services Foundation, the Minerva Foundation and the Science Council of British Columbia

Richmond Centre

Dale Jackaman*, federal New Democrat 2004 election candidate, former Airspace Action of Smoking and Health Society executive director, Vizon Scitec Inc. information technology director, former United Nations peacekeeper with the Canadian Armed Forces Signal Corp.

Richmond East

Balwant Sanghera*, provincial New Democrat 1996 election candidate, community activist working against violence in the Indo-Canadian community, Order of British Columbia recepient, Burnaby school district psychologist

Richmond-Steveston

Harold Steves*, Richmond city councillor, former provincial New Democrat Richmond-Steveston MLA, former Richmond alderman

Saanich South

Michael Clinchy, former University of Western Ontario zoology professor
David Cubberley, Saanich district councillor, provincial New Democrat Saanich South 2001 election candidate, former ministerial assistant to provincial New Democrat cabinet minister Andrew Petter, former speechwriter for Premier Mike Harcourt
Mehdi Najari* provincial New Democrat 2003 leadership candidate, restaurant worker, bookseller

Shuswap

Michelle Baer
Tony Bell, provincial New Democrat Shuswap constituency association federal riding representative, federal New Democrat North okanagan constituency association director

Skeena

Robin Austin*, Kalum Horseshoe Community School Society employee
Robert Hart*, British Columbia Association of Social Workers northwest branch representative, volunteered for federal New Democrat Skeena MP Nathan Cullen's 2004 election campaign, Children and Family Development social worker
Helmut Giesbrecht*, former provincial New Democrat Skeena MLA
Peter King, Coast Mountains school district trustee, former Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union Of Canada executive member

Surrey-Cloverdale

Ted Allen, Surdell-Kennedy Taxi Ltd. manager, advocated for the installation of cameras in cabs following the murder of Surrey cabbie Al Martin-MacDonald, provincial New Democrat Surrey-Cloverdale constituency association president, Surrey city council 2002 election candidate

Surrey-Whalley

Tim Baillie, British Columbia Professional Firefighters vice-president, provincial New Democrat 2003 leadership candidate Nils Jensen endorser
Bruce Ralston, VanCity Credit Union director and former chair, Bruce Ralston Law Corp. lawyer, former provincial New Democrat president, former Surrey city councillor, former British Columbia Government Employees Union staff representative

Surrey-Whiterock

Mohamed Chelali*, thwarted 2002 assassination attempt on President Jacques Chirac, awarded Legion of Honour, teacher

Vancouver-Burrard

Sharon Costello, Coalition of Progressive Electors executive member, former constituency assistant to Vancouver-Burrard MLA Emery Barnes
Allison McDonald, British Columbia Hydro Corp. administrator
Murray Corren gay rights activist, board member for the British Columbia Human Rights Defenders and the British Columbia Adoptive Parents' Association, teacher
Tim Stevenson, Vancouver city councillor, former provincial New Democrat Vancouver-Burrard MLA
Alec Zuke, organized recall campagainst against provincial Liberal Vancouver-Burrard MLA Lorne Mayencourt

Vancouver-Hastings

Raj Sihota, provincial New Democrat Opposition outreach coordiator, former executive assistant to provincial New Democrat cabinet minister Joy MacPhail
Tony Kosovic, prison guard
Julio Lara*, Latino American Lions Club president, weekly Spanish-language newspaper editor and publisher, Simon Fraser University's campus radio station CJSF Voces de mi Terra host, Hotel, Restaurant and Culinary Employees and Bartender's Union Local 40 activist
Shane Simpson*, community activist, provincial New Democrat Vancouver-Hastings 1991 nomination candidate, former Smart Growth communications director, married to provincial New Democrat Opposition leader Joy MacPhail's constituency assistant Cate Jones

Vancouver-Kingsway

Alicia Barsallo, provincial New Democrat Vancouver-Kingsway 2001 election candidate, former Peruvia student and union activist
Adrian Dix, Canadian Parents for French British Columbia executive director, former provincial New Democrat chief of staff to Premier Glen Clark
Shavinder Parmar, house builder, provincial New Democrat Vancouver-Kingsway 2001 nomination candidate
Roberto Rous, Vancouver Golf Club steward, former Kabataang Makabayan regional director

Vancouver-Fraserview

Harmon Bal
Ravinder Gill, former provincial Liberal Delta North membership chair, resigned in 1996 because the party has been staking the deck in favour of candidates close to party leader Gordon Campbell, bus driver
Kay Hale, Travel Power Personnel Inc. employee
Maya Russell*, NOW Communications Inc. account manager, former provincial New Democrat ministerial assistant to cabinet minister Ian Waddell, married to provincial New Democrat party treasurer David Black

Vancouver-Kensington

David Chudnovsky*, former British Columbia Teachers' Federation president and founder of the Coalition for British Columbia, a group urging the provincial New Democrats to reach an accomodation with the Greens
Kelly Quinn*, Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union Local 378 staff representative, provincial New Democrat executive member, Vancouver and District Labour Council executive director and Coalition of Progressive Electors executive member

Vancouver-Langara

Bev Meslo, British Columbia representative to the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, federal New Democrat 2002 leadership candidate, ran with the support of the New Democrat's socialist caucus, federal New Democrat Vancouver South 2004 election candidate
Anita Romaniuk, Vancouver Parks Board commissioner

Victoria-Beacon Hill

Carole James, provincial New Democrat leader

Victoria-Hillside

Rob Fleming, Victoria city councillor, married to former provincial New Democrat president Maura Parte
Steve Orcherton, former provincial New Democrat Victoria-Hillside MLA, provincial New Democrat 2003 leadership candidate

West Kootenay-Boundary

Rob Chornenki*, Grand Forks 2002 mayoral election candidate, retired auditor
Katrina Conroy, married to former provincial New Democrat Rossland-Trail MLA Ed Conroy

* nomination papers not yet approved, candidacy not yet announced or rumoured

Nominated Candidates

Columbia River-Revelstoke

Norm MacDonald, former Golden mayor

Nanaimo

Leonard Krog, Krog and Company Inc. lawyer former provincial New Democrat Parksville-Qualicum MLA, former provincial New Democrat 2003 leadership candidate

Penticton-Okanagan Valley

Garry Litke, Okanagan Skaha Teachers' Union president

Powell River-Sunshine Coast

Nicholas Simons, Sechelt Nation health and social development director, federal New Democrat West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast 2004 election candidate, editor of the Lower Langdale Tatler, a satirical newspaper

Surrey-Green Timbers

Sue Hammell, former provincial New Democrat Surrey-Green Timbers MLA

Surrey-Newton

Harry Bains, Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers Local 2171 first vice-president

Vancouver-Fairview

Gregor Robertson, co-founder and chair of Happy Planet Foods Inc.

Yale-Lilloet

Harry Lali, former provincial New Democrat Yale-Lilloet MLA

Yesterday, smoothie tycoon Gregor Robertson convincing defeated former Canadian Union of Public Employees national president Judy Darcy to become the provincial New Democrat candidate for Vancouver-Fairview. But, according to insiders, that victory didn't look like a sure thing. Our sources say Mr. Robertson's happy planeteers were initially overwhelmed by the sheer number of Darcy loyalists (mostly labour types) at the nomination meeting. There was just one problem though: a substantial number of them (the estimate runs as high as 300) were just there to provide morale support, being ineligible to vote. But Ms. Darcy must not have realized that. Because, while the first ballot votes were being tallied, she was spotted practicing her victory speech.

More news about recent provincial New Democrat nominations has been reported on Babble. According to Adam Tondowsky, one of the message board's regular posters, former Golden mayor Norm Macdonald has won the Columbia-Revelstoke nomination battle, beating out Brent Bush. Mr. Bush ran as the party's candidate in Kootenay-Columbia during the last federal election. Mr. Tondowsky also writes that former highway king Harry Lali became the party's official candidate in Yale-Lillooet over the weekend. That news, which was confirmed by a party official, will likely be an effective party pooper for all those celebrating organic food prince Gregor Robertson's win in Vancouver-Fairview.

It looks like Christy Clark, freed from the constraints of cabinet solidarity, may have finally broken ranks on an important issue of party policy. On Friday, our spies say provincial Liberal convention organizers issued an edict that there would no hospitality suites that evening. The reason: according to unconfirmed reports, organizers wanted to keep conventioneers at the evening's official dinner rather than having everyone head off to seperate events. But Ms. Clark still went ahead with plans to host a booze-up at the Four Seasons Resort Harmony Ballroom. Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon may have also bent the rules by running a quieter and later event in his suite.

Professional juice squeezer Gregor Robertson, the co-founder and chair of Happy Planet Foods Inc., has won the provincial New Democrat nomination in Vancouver-Fairview, defeating former Canadian Union of Public Employees national president and Red Guard favourite Judy Darcy. For those interested in such things, Mr. Robertson won on the second ballot, with 258 votes to Ms. Darcy's 182. On the first ballot, Mr. Robertson received 226 votes, Ms. Darcy got 198 and out-of-nowhere candidate Ros Kellet was eliminated with 69. Mr. Robertson, who has become something of a champion for the moderate, latte-sipping wing of the New Democrats, will now run against Finance Minister Gary Collins in the next election. Party Internet activist Alex Ng sent out the following summary of the event on Sunrise, a listserv frequented by New Democrats. Mr. Robertson's victory is also being discussed on Babble, a message board with a similar population.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Alex E.H. Ng"
To: sunrise-l@vancouvercommunity.net
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 7:51 PM
Subject: [sunrise-l] Vancouver-Fairview nomination

Vancouver-Fairview Provincial NDP Nomination Meeting
Eric Hamber Secondary School, Vancouver, November 7, 2004

Chair: Patrice Pratt

Candidates (in order of speeches):

Gregor Robertson, CEO of Happy Planet Foods
Nominators:
Doug McArthur, former Saskatchewan cabinet minister
Vanessa Violini, 2001 Green candidate in Vancouver-Fairview
Gordon Fitt, riding activist Margaret Birrell, 1996 NDP candidate in Vancouver-Little Mountain

Judy Darcy, former national president of CUPE
Nominators:
Karen Etheridge, former Green Party secretary
Darlene Marzari, former MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey

Ros Kellett, teacher and riding activist
Nominator:
Anita Romaniuk, Vancouver Park Board Chair

1st ballot:
Eligible: 510
Votes cast: 494
Spoiled: 1
Valid: 493
Gregor Robertson: 226
Judy Darcy: 198
Ros Kellett: 69 (eliminated)

Ros Kellett freed her supporters to vote for the candidate of their choice.

2nd ballot:
Eligible: 517
Cast: 441
Spoiled: 1
Valid: 440
Gregor Robertson: 258 (nominated)
Judy Darcy: 182

I was sitting in the observers' area next to a lapsed Green Party member who remarked that "in the 2001 election, the entire Green campaign in Fairview was Vanessa Violini, Karen Etheridge and myself. And now we're all here!"

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Alex E.H. Ng, B.A. (Hon's), LL.B - alexng@ican.net
Burnaby -- British Columbia -- Canada http://home.ican.net/~alexng
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Port Moody-Westwood MLA Christy Clark may no longer be a cabinet minister. But our Whistler spies tells us that didn't dampen her popularity among some Indo-Canadian party members. In fact, about a dozen of them were flanking Ms. Clark when she arrived at the convention's Saturday morning caucus breakfast - a display that didn't go unnoticed by other Liberals. Astute readers will remember Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon recently blamed the party's Surrey-Panorama Ridge by-election loss on a lack of support among Indo-Canadians.

Reports from Public Eye's provincial Liberal convention spies confirm Solicitor General Rich Coleman wasn't the only caucus member who made a fashion statement in Whistler. As was already pointed out by one reader, a number of delegates had buttons from Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection Bill Barisoff, which featured a flashing red lights. Others put on black cowboy hats with a white sash bearing Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon's last name. And red buttons identifying the wearer as having come from Hagen Country - a reference to Children and Family Development Minister Stan Hagen - were also spotted.

If this doesn't make Premier Gordon Campbell paranoid, we're not sure what will. According to our spies at the provincial Liberal convention in Whistler, a number of delegates are wearing blue and red scarves emblazoned with the words Coleman Country. Earlier, Georgia Straight columnist Bill Tieleman reported rumours Solicitor General Rich Coleman has been putting together a "'just in case' leadership team for the possibility that Campbell resigns before the May 17, 2005, election."

This morning, Province columnist Mike Smyth reported the provincial government has sent out a flashy householder promoting the Liberal's economic accomplishments. In that column, Mr. Smyth complained, "I asked yesterday for the simple facts around the direct-mail effort, including the total cost and the number of flyers that have been sent out. I had not received an answer - or even a returned phone call - by press time." Well don't worry Smitty. You're not the only one.

Public Eye also requested an interview to discuss the householder, which asks British Columbians for their ideas on how to spend the surplus. But, evidently, the only one who could talk about the issue was Finance Minister Gary Collins, the man in charge of the government's public affairs bureau. And he didn't return our call either. But he had no problem answering questions about British Columbia's improved credit rating. At 3:00 yesterday, CKNW listeners could hear him boasting about that improvement, saying how "It was a really banner day for British Columbia." Others, however, might have a different view.

Looks like Viewpoints Research Ltd. is keeping its non-unionized call centre busy. Public Eye has learned the Winnipeg-based company, which recently beat out unionized Strategic Communications Inc. to become the New Democrat's election pollster, is currently in the field. In addition to usual voter preference and top of mind questions, Viewpoints asks respondents to rate the importance of "taking care of ordinary British Columbians" and "ensuring there're opportunities for all" and whether they think the Liberals "put powerful interests ahead of ordinary people." If the New Democrats commissioned this survey, it's likely Viewpoints is message-testing these statements as possible campaign themes.

The survey also asks "notwithstanding how you're going to vote, which party do you feel the closest to?" - an attempt to determine how many British Columbians are voting strategically. And it questions whether the electorate thinks the Liberals deserve to be re-elected, an issue originally raised by Ipsos-Ried Corp. in September. But, despite a third party threat from the Greens, Viewpoints doesn't seem the least bit curious about how British Columbians feel about environmental issues. The following is a copy of the survey, which was transcribed by one of Public Eye's readers.

***

1. Is the B.C. Liberal government on the right or wrong track?

2. If a vote were held today, would you vote Liberal, New Democrat or Green?

3. Are you certain of the way you're going to vote?

4. What is your second choice or do you have one?

5. Notwithstanding how you're going to vote, which party do you feel closest to?

6. Thinking of the party leaders, which leader would make the best premier?

7. How did you vote in the 2000 election?

8. On a scale of 1 to 5, where one is not very important and 5 is very important, how would you rate the following issues?

(a) Children and schooling
(b) The province's finances
(c) The economy and jobs
(d) Taking care of ordinary British Columbians
(e) Ensuring there're opportunities for all
(f) Healthcare

9. Which leader would be best at dealing with the above issues?

(a) Children and schooling
(b) The province's finances
(c) The economy and jobs
(d) Taking care of ordinary British Columbians
(e) Ensuring there're opportunities for all
(f) Healthcare

10. Overall, do you feel your better off or worse off after four years of Liberal government?

11. Do you agree or disagree: I definitely can't see myself voting for the Gordon Campbell Liberals.

12. Do you agree or disagree: I definitely can't see myself voting for the Carole James New Democrats.

13. Do you agree or disagree: I definitely can't see myself voting for the Adrianne Carr Greens.

14. Do you agree or disagree: the B.C. Liberals deserve to be re-elected.

15. Do you agree or disagree: the B.C. Liberals put powerful interests ahead of ordinary people.

16. Age?

17. Income?

17. Are you or is anyone in your household a union member?

The incubatory electoral change yes committee had its first meeting via conference call last night. According to insiders, participants included James Hoggan and Associates Inc. account and business development director Erin Airton, Canadian Taxpayers Federation British Columbia executive director Sara MacIntyre, Langara College political science department chair Stephen Phillips, Conservative organizer Russell Morrison and Green activists Stephen Birch and David Schuab. Provincial Liberal and federal Conservative Vancouver Island riding association president Bruce Hallsor was also on the line. And so was fellow Fair Vote Canada executive member Julian West, an ex-Green candidate who is looking to run as a provincial New Democrat in the next election.

Other Fair Vote participants included New Democrat electoral change committee co-chair Karen Etheridge, Stephen Broscoe, Trent Payton and Wayne Taylor. Bernard Schulmann, a public policy consultant and independent political analyst, will be the yes committee's outreach coordinator. University of Victoria British provincial politics go-to-man Norman Ruff attended the meeting as an advisor/observer.

Yesterday, Public Eye reported a number of senior public affairs staffers were being promoted from management level eight to nine - putting them in the same pay bracket as some assistant deputy ministers. Commenting on the story, an anonymous civil servant noted, "classification 'creep' has a long tradition in this provincial government" but "the real problem is the antiquated classification system and the pathetically run B.C. Government Public Service Agency."

The bureaucrat went onto to explain "I was astounded to find out (after joining the civil service) that I needed to and was encouraged to hire expensive outside consultants (on taxpayers money I might add) to deal with the dysfunctional personnel management system that pervades this government as well as the previous one."

Unfortunately, any change from the norm "would first require changes to the most senior civil servant management staff - which the premier seems unable or unwilling to do." Although Gordon Campbell was apparently willing to have a "pep rally" with his most senior civil servants at the Empress Hotel.

Yesterday, Public Eye reported the total number of slot machines in British Columbia will increase by 374 percent since the provincial Liberals won the last election if all the approvals go through. Given the party's promise to "stop the expansion" of gambling, this might come as something of a surprise to most British Columbians. But one person who wouldn't be surprised by those numbers is Jacee Schaefer, the former vice-president of intergovernmental and media relations for Great Canadian Gaming Corp. and a crack Liberal operative. In an 1997 interview, the former Socred told Vancouver Sun staffer John MacKie that she pinned the Liberals down on their gaming policy before becoming a party member.

According to Ms. Schaefer, the Liberals told her "they would be in support of expanding charity gaming to keep those dollars home from Washington state, about $70 million of them. And, in order to that, we needed some things. We needed a higher bet limit, we needed extended hours, and we needed more games and more tables."

"They were in support of that. They said if there was going to be tourism destination gaming, they would ask for a local referendum or municipal approval. That is what the NDP has done. They basically said the same thing that the Liberals told me they were going to do. But now it seems to be turning into a political football."

At the time, then Opposition leader Gordon Campbell denied Ms. Schaefer's claims saying, "My point on gaming has always been that we shouldn't be expanding it. We certainly shouldn't expand it without a far more detailed public discussion than we've had."

Music in schools, subsidizing amateur sports and ensuring the Kermode bear becomes the symbol and mascot of the 2010 Winter Olympics. These are just some of the weighty proposals up for discussion at the provincial Liberal's annual general meeting in Whistler, according to a delegate package obtained by Public Eye.

Other resolutions call on government to increase municipal control over the agricultural land reserve, find regional solutions to homelessness, promote whole log exports, eliminate the property transfer tax in certain circumstances, cap the number of foreign post-secondary students and ban bulk water exports (a seemingly ever-present feature at most political conventions).

But some Liberals just want their party to put things back the way they were. For example, a resolution submitted by the Liberal's northern regional policy conference is asking the government to put the brakes on Northern Health Authority plans to cut the number of long-term care beds in Prince Rupert by one-third.

But Liberals won't just be debating fuddy-duddy policy wonk issues. The party will also be doing some deep-thinking on how to deal with vote-costing accusations the Campbell administration is nothing more than a uncaring old boys club.

The Liberal's West Vancouver-Capilano riding association, recognizing the current gender cap in politics, has introduced a resolution calling on the government to, "commit to measures to integrate women in elective and non-elective positions in all governmental and public administration positions." Unfortunately, the association seems to be keeping the identity of those measures a secret (perhaps to make sure the New Democrats don't steal their ideas).

Meanwhile, Richmond East Liberals have come up with a plan to soften up the Rockpile's hard-hearted residents. Their riding association is asking the government to encourage "empathy skills in youth learners." But, since most cabinet ministers are all grown up, Public Eye isn't sure whether that plan will work. The following is a copy of the delegate package.

***

2004 BIENNIAL CONVENTION
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
October 15, 2004
Dear Delegate:

We are looking forward to seeing you in Whistler for the Biennial Convention. We have some exciting events planned, and it promises to be a great prelude to our election campaign. We are writing to you now to provide you with the Constitutional Resolutions and the Policy Proposals and to give you some further information about the Convention. First, if you have not already done so, please ensure you have somewhere to stay and that you have booked tickets for the Convention events.

Space is limited for all social events at the convention. Tickets for these events must be purchased in advance of the Convention because of our obligations with the hotel. The vents will be posted as SOLD OUT on the website when they become full. You can sign in as a delegate at secure.bcliberals.com.

IMPORTANT PLANNING INFORMATION

Hotel Accommodation

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is now SOLD OUT. If you are already registered there, the phone number for central reservations is 1-800-441-1414. You can visit their website at www.fairmont.com. The Four Seasons Resort Whistler DOES HAVE ROOMS available at the same negotiated rate of $114 per night subject to availability. Upgrades can also be negotiated at the same rate as the Fairmont rates.

The Four Seasons Whistler is located right next door to the Chateau Whistler where the Convention is taking place. It is literally a three minute walk next door! And it is a brand new hotel!

To reserve rooms please call the Four Seasons Whistler directly (not through their central reservations) at 1-888-935-2460 and refer to the BC Liberal Party Convention for the preferred rate. You can visit their website at www.fourseasons.com. Highway Closures

Due to construction on the Sea-to-Sky highway, there will be road closures in effect. Please check the highway information website at ww.seatoskyimprovements.ca or call toll-free at 1-877-4safe99 to ensure you travel at the right times to avoid long delays!!

Whistler Tourism Info

Click here for tourist information - there's LOTS to do and see at Whistler!! Visit the official Tourism Whistler website at www.tourismwhistler.com.

THE CONVENTION

Convention Agenda

An agenda for the Convention is attached.

Onsite Name Tag Pickup

Security will be enforced during the convention - all delegates and guests attending events will be required to wear their nametags for access to the main sessions, policy breakouts and social events.

Please leave enough time to pick up your name tag well in advance of attending your first event, knowing that we anticipate 800+ registrants on site. The registration area will be open during the following times in order to try to reduce line ups:

Thursday, November 4th 1:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Frontenac Room
Friday, November 5th 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Frontenac Room
Saturday, November 6th 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Frontenac Foyer

The Events

All event tickets must be purchased in advance. Included in your registration fee are the Thursday evening Premier's Reception and the Saturday BC Young Liberals Reception.

NOTE: The Friday night dinner, the Saturday Caucus Breakfast and the Friday and Saturday box lunch options are all OPTIONAL and ADDITIONAL FEES. They must be purchased in advance with your registration.

Thursday Reception: "A Celebration of Service", a tribute to retiring MLAs and the BC Liberal Team

Time 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Place Macdonald Ballroom
Dress code Casual

Friday Night Dinner and Dancing with "The Time Benders"
Time
6:30 p.m. No host reception
7:00 p.m. Doors open for seating - unassigned
7:30 p.m. Dinner begins
Dinner and dancing with the well-known show band "The Time Benders" - music from the 50s to the 80s!
Place Macdonald Ballroom
Dress code Casual

Saturday Caucus Breakfast
Time
8:45 am Doors open
9:00 am to
10:00 am
Breakfast
Place Frontenac Room
Dress code Casual
Friday and Saturday box lunches: pick up in Macdonald Foyer

We look forward to seeing you there! It should be a great time.

The Convention Committee

BC LIBERAL 2004 BIENNIAL CONVENTION
FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER
NOVEMBER 4-6, 2004
AGENDA

Thursday, November 4, 2004
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. * Premier's reception: "A Celebration of Service", a tribute to retiring MLAs and the BC Liberal Team

Friday, November 5, 2004
9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Convention opening and welcome
9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Policy
12:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Cabinet Minister session
1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Cabinet Minister session
1:40 p.m.-2:40 p.m. Discussion with Premier Gordon Campbell sponsored by the BC Liberal Women's Commission
2:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Cabinet Minister session
7:00 p.m. * Friday night casual dinner featuring "The Time Benders"

Saturday, November 6, 2004
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. * Caucus breakfast
10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Cabinet Minister session
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Keynote address from Premier Gordon Campbell
12:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Concert - "The Tiller's Folly"
1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. BC Liberal Party general meeting
2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Cabinet Question and Answer session
3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. * BC Young Liberal reception
* Events designated with an asterisk are also open to non-delegates but tickets may be required

CONSTITUTIONAL RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolved as a Special Resolution that the Constitution of the Party be amended by deleting subsection 16(4) in its entirety and substituting the following in its stead:
Subsection 16(4)

A notice referred to in subsection (3) must be in the form and by the method approved by the Party President or the President's designate.

2. Resolved as an Ordinary Resolution that Bylaw 2 subsection 6(3) be amended by deleting reference to "43 days" and substituting "41 days" in its stead.

3. Resolved as an Ordinary Resolution that the following (Bylaw 5 - Election of Regional Directors) is confirmed as a Bylaw of the Party:

BYLAW 5 - ELECTION OF REGIONAL DIRECTORS

1 Eligibility and nomination

(1) To be eligible for an election as a Regional Director at a biennial meeting to elect a Regional Director to represent a region, a person must:

(a) be a member of the Party in good standing;
(b) deliver to Party Headquarters, at least 14 days before the meeting to elect the Regional Director for the region, a written nomination (which may be one or more counterparts) signed by at least 5 members of the Party in good standing; and
(c) complete a candidate questionnaire in the form approved by the Party Executive and provide that questionnaire to the Party Headquarters at least 14 days before the meeting to elect a Regional Director for the region.

2. Places, times and manner of elections of Regional Directors

(1) The Party Executive, after consultation with the Presidents of Riding Associations in a Region, shall determine the dates, times and places of meetings to elect a Regional Director to represent such Region.

(2) The Party Executive shall appoint a Chief Electoral Officer who will be responsible to make all arrangements necessary for the conduct of the balloting for the elections of Regional Directors.

(3) The Chief Electoral Officer shall appoint election officials to administer the elections of Regional Directors. Constitutional Resolutions Page 3

(4) The Chief Electoral Officer may:
(a) establish more than one voting stations in a Region;
(b) determine the use of mobile polls; or
(c) may combine the elections of Regional Directors for two or more Regions.

(5) Party members' votes for elections of Regional Directors shall be assigned to the Riding Association representing the electoral district in which they reside ("Riding").

(6) For the purpose of apportioning ballot results among the candidates, each Riding shall be assigned 10 electoral votes.

(7) Upon the completion of a ballot, the votes cast in each Riding shall be counted. If 10 or fewer votes have been cast in a Riding, each candidate shall receive electoral votes equal to the number of votes cast in such Riding for the candidate. Otherwise, a candidate shall receive electoral votes equivalent to the 10 electoral votes assigned to the Riding multiplied by a fraction having as its numerator the votes cast for such candidate and a denominator of the total votes cast in the Riding for all candidates seeking election as Regional Director.

(8) The candidate receiving the greatest percentage of the electoral votes in a Region is elected as the Regional Director for such Region.

(9) In the event that candidates receive the same percentage of Electoral Votes in a Region, then the candidate who has received the most votes of the members in the Region shall be deemed to be elected as the Regional Director for such Region.

POLICY STEERING COMMITTEE

POLICY PROPOSALS FOR THE 2004 PROVINCIAL CONVENTION

The policy proposals have been grouped into three tracks designated A, B and C. Additionally, the proposals have been numbered to the greatest degree possible in the order in which they were received. For this reason the agenda order of the proposals is generally as follows:

1. Northern Regional Conference (NRC)
2. Vancouver Island Regional Conference (VIRC)
3. Lower Mainland Regional Conference (LMRC)
4. Riding Association proposals (RAPS)
5. Women's Commission proposals (WCPS)

Each proposal is identified by title, track assignment, origin code and the name of the source riding association or party commission (where provided). For example, the first proposal in this year's package is identified as follows:

Title: Northwest Trauma Centre
Track: A-1 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
In the sample header above the following information is provided: The proposal is titled "Northwest Trauma Centre". It is the first proposal on the agenda in "Track A" (A-1). It was approved at the Northern Regional Conference in Prince Rupert (NRC) and name of the riding association which originally introduced the proposal has not been provided to the Provincial Policy Steering Committee.

For the sake of coherence, the three tracks have, to the greatest possible degree, used the policy areas assigned to Government Caucus Committees as a guideline in order that similar proposal can be grouped together as follows:

Track A: "Health" and "Communities and Safety" (19 proposals)
Track B: "Education" and "Economy and Government Operations" (18 proposals)
Track C: "Cross Government Operations" (18 proposals)

TRACK A

Title: Northwest Trauma Centre
Track: A-1 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
Northwestern B.C. is one of the only areas without trauma services. BC Liberals believe in access to a fundamental level health care across the province. Therefore we support the development of enhanced trauma services throughout the region of the Northwest.

Title: Senior Independent Living
Track: A-2 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
Services to allow seniors to live independently are not adequate or readily available in rural and remote areas. At the same time the Northern Health Authority plans to cut our long term care beds, in Terrace by one third.

BC Liberals value the utilization of social services and support based on individual needs and requirements that are accountable and can effectively demonstrate performance based outcomes.

Therefore we recommend that there be no cuts to the existing number of beds until full services are available for home care or their appropriate means to allow independent living.

Title: Northern Community Training
Track: A-3 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
Natural Resource Dependent Communities (NRDC) within the province of British Columbia are facing unprecedented change brought on by events outside of the control of these communities;

1 Technology: Reduces the number of jobs, particularly within the traditional, patriarchal extractive industries (Forest Products, Mining, and Fishing) and makes citizens change adverse and resentful at a timce when competitiveness and productivity defines success in the Market Place.

2 Globalization: Commodity products are sold on the world markets. Only the least cost providers survive in this business climate. Operations have and will close if they cannot adapt to change and are not competitive.

3 Demographics An aging workforce as well as an increasing population and aspiration level of First Nations Peoples in NRDCs means both future skill shortages and the frustration of unrealized opportunity.

The ability of the communities and their citizens to cope with present and future changes is presently reactive, e.g. Sections 53 and 54 (Joint Consultation and Adjustment Plans) of the Labour Relations Code, and Section 64 (Group Terminations) of the Employment Standards Act.

It is desirable to provide a proactive approach within the NRDCs to cope with change. The BC Liberal Party recognizes that a well-trained work force is an extremely important component of healthy and vibrant economic environment.

We propose that the BC Liberal Party establishes, through appropriate areas, a series of initiatives that provide additional capacity for proactive, change adept, Natural Resource Dependent Communities through enhanced skills and leadership development.

Title: Agricultural Land Reserve
Track: A-4 Origin: VIRC Source: Nanaimo-Parksville
Within many small municipalities and regions Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) land sites are unused and unusable and are landlocked by single family and multi family residential developments.

Lands which could be used for new homes and businesses are trapped by legislation which based on smart protection of agricultural land fails to discriminate between viable and practical applications in protecting farm or agricultural land.

With the increasing pressure on Provincial resources to provide and steer land and land use issues, common sense value the encouragement and practical management of land within municipalities and should be decided by residents and their representatives in local government.

Therefore we propose that the Provincial Government change and modernize the mandate of the Agricultural Land Commission regarding the disposition of ALR lands within municipal boundaries.

Title: Property Transfer Tax
Track: A-5 Origin: VIRC Source: Victoria-Beacon Hill
Property Transfer Tax (PTT) discriminates against people that have to move to different regions or towns frequently as part of their employment requirement. It restricts mobility and it strips people of their home equity. It also encourages people to avoid taxes through trust arrangement that are other wise not useful.

The BC Liberal Party is committed to eliminating inequitable taxes, which impair British Columbian's ability to seek employment opportunities around the province.

We support eliminating PTT on residential transactions where the purchaser intends to use the property as a principal residence for two years from the sate of purchase.

Title: Street Racing and Other Related Issues to Dangerous Driving
Track: A-6 Origin: LMRC Source: Richmond Centre
The ongoing carnage of street racing, excessive speeding, and impaired driving especially by young and inexperienced drivers between the ages of 18 to 24. More effective ways must be found to protect the public at large and other law-abiding drivers.

Further, Judges in B.C. are now handing down sentences that are so lenient as to serve as neither adequate punishment, a deterrent to others, nor justice for the injured or to the surviving family members.

From community policing, to the administration of justice, to our corrections system, the public demands stronger, more determined leadership, with one law for all British Columbians. We all share the same goal: safe streets and safe schools. Together, we can achieve that in every community.

That the BC Liberal Party asks the provincial government to endorse a firm way to deal with these individuals causing unnecessary loss of life and hard ship to others by:

1. Continuing to lobby the appropriate levels of government to ensure that adequate minimum sentences are enacted.

2. Revoking a driver's license according to the severity of the offence, including permanent loss of a license for repeat offenders and those causing death.

3. Disallowing licenses to those with outstanding motor vehicle based criminal records for all those applying for a B.C. driver's license.

4. Increased punishment for those driving while under suspension and/or in a stolen vehicle.

Title: Marijuana Grow Operations - Control and Penalties
Track: A-7 Origin: LMRC Source: Richmond Centre
Marijuana grow operations in rented or owned residences are increasing in alarming numbers throughout British Columbia. These operations provide lucrative incomes to organized crime, and minimal sentencing provisions does not appear to deter this criminal activity.

From community policing, to the administration of justice, to our corrections system, the public demands stronger, more determined leadership, with one law for all British Columbians. We all share the same goal: safe streets and safe schools.

We support:

1. A specific policing strategy undertaken to actively reduce or eliminate the establishment of marijuana grow operations,
2. Regulations to control the sale of the kind of hydroponics equipment used in grow operations, and
3. The BC Liberal government urging the federal government to increase the minimum sentencing for grow operations to two (2) years plus a day and even longer penalties where innocent people are endangered in a grow operation or grow operation rip-off.
4. Increased penalties for repeat offenders.

Title: Nutrition and Public Health
Track: A-8 Origin: LMRC Source: Port Moody - Westwood
There is widespread concern today about obesity and related health problems among young people across Canada, and public debate is rising over schools that sell and encourage consumption of food products believed to add to this problem.

There also is concern that, over the long term, these outcomes add unnecessarily to the burden on the province's health care services and reduce economic growth potential.

The BC Liberal Party believes that well educated children are the best long-term economic development opportunity for the Province of B.C. The Party further recognizes that an effective and sustainable health care system begins with a health conscious citizenry, and that children learn by example.

That the BC Liberal Party supports a policy that fosters understanding of nutrition and the delivery of healthful foods in the school system rather than the current promotion of unhealthy food for short-term commercial gain.

In addition, the BC Liberal Party supports a large-scale public education campaign, beginning with the public education system, to promote healthy, nutritional choices and encourage healthy lifestyle.

Title: Elder Abuse
Track: A-9 Origin: LMRC Source: Richmond Centre
Elder abuse occurs in our society where vulnerable or infirm seniors may be mistreated by family members, and care workers. While there are legal requirements for the reporting of abuse or suspected abuse of children, there are no such requirements for seniors. BC Liberals value safety and security for all citizens.

Therefore, we support the enactment of legislation, similar to the child abuse programs, for the protection of vulnerable seniors.

Title: End of Life Care
Track: A-10 Origin: LMRC Source: Richmond Centre
BC citizens should be entitled to die with dignity, and in care if needed, in relative comfort, as free from pain and other distresses as possible, and in surroundings that are appropriate to the individual's situation. BC Liberals put people's needs at the centre of health care.

Therefore we support developing a strategy and standards for end-of-life care, taking into account the above points, and that a percentage of health care funding be designated for end-of life/palliative care.

We will address the needs of our aging population. We will also provide expanded home care and palliative care services to assist chronically and terminally ill patients with supportive home environments, as an option to institutional care.

Title: Healthy and Secure Attachments
Track: A-11 Origin: LMRC Source: Richmond East
Research has shown that infants who are exposed to poor parental communication, stress/intrusion/violence, and/or parental withdrawal are more likely to suffer behavioral problems such as attachment issues and those are a risk factor for childhood mental health difficulties.

We believe in an increased emphasis on early childhood development. The BC Liberal Party supports the provision of resources and support to encourage appropriate parenting skills and to support the development of healthy and secure attachments in all infants.

Title: Affordable Housing
Track: A-12 Origin: LMRC Source: Richmond Centre
Many British Columbians, such as seniors, mentally challenged, single parent families and the working poor, are finding it increasingly difficult to remain in affordable and suitable accommodations. Suitable for-profit housing for rent or purchase is no longer affordable for many.

There is a need for increased funding at all levels of government for both affordable and supportive social housing. We value flexible, innovative affordable housing for disadvantaged people.

Therefore we support an increase in both affordable and supportive housing as budget constraints allow. We encourage the provincial government in seeking increased participation from all levels of government in the provision of social housing.

Title: Tax Credit for Organized Athletic Activities
Track: A-13 Origin: RAPS Source: Port Moody-Westwood
Health costs are rising. Obesity is becoming more common with Canada's youth. Physical Fitness has been proven to reduce illness and other health problems. In a modern society physical activity is not part of most occupations.

BC Liberals wish to encourage a more fit and healthy population, especially our children. We encourage the BC Government to provide a tax credit to British Columbia parents who have children in any registered organized athletic activity.

Title: Regional Homelessness
Track: A-14 Origin: RAPS Source: Burnaby-Willingdon
While the homeless may share the need for housing, they are not a homogeneous group. There is a widening diversity among B.C.'s homeless, including an increase in the number of women, youth, seniors, families with children, immigrants and refugees. There are many factors contributing to homelessness, however, poverty and lack of access to affordable housing are major contributing factors.

There is an urgent need to address this problem more expeditiously, and tailor the solutions to meet the needs of the homeless in any given community/region. BC Liberals believe in finding solutions to ending the plight of the homeless. To have flexible solutions that address homelessness in a timely manner.

This can be accomplished, in part, by acknowledging that Homelessness is a "regional problem" that requires "regional solutions" based on community involvement.

We encourage the provincial government to actively seek partnerships across a variety of sectors (for example, federal government, municipal governments, community organizations, service agencies, and local businesses). These partnerships are essential to the success of solving Regional Homelessness.

Currently, for example, there's a pilot project in the planning stage in the Greater Vancouver Region - a potential partnership between the Family Services of Greater Vancouver and the Vancouver City Police, where Family Services will provide a Social Worker who has the expertise to deal with social issues regarding homeless people, and the Vancouver City Police will provide a Police Officer to work with this Social Worker.

The Social Worker and the Police Officer will work collaboratively as a team, with their time and purpose solely dedicated to the homeless people file.

The provincial government of British Columbia is encouraged to endorse this pilot project in funding the two positions of the police officer and social worker in the Greater Vancouver Region.

Title: Governance Models for Non-Profit Societies
Track: A-15 Origin: WCPS Source: Women's Commission
Currently some non-profit societies that receive government funding to delivery services in the community have the option to operate using a collective governance model.

Decision-making, a modified form of consensus, limits the capabilities of a board and slows down the progression of a society. Improper administration and management practices, lack of accountability and ineffective personnel procedures plague societies of this nature.

Additionally because of this inefficiency, public program and service delivery is administered at a higher tax burden with decreased value to customers and clients.

B.C. Liberals have stated emphatically the importance of procedures to insure accountability at all levels of government and government funded non-profit organizations.

We support organizational criteria that government funded non-profit organizations are under regulation to have an effective and efficient hierarchical governance model in place which promotes which promotes the eight BC Reporting Principles.

Title: Shortage of Medical Professionals
Track: A-16 Origin: RAPS Source: Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain
The current shortage of medical professionals in BC puts patient health care at risk. The BC Liberals value quality health care for all British Columbians and reduced waiting lists. We support that the BC health care system be immediately opened up for foreign trained medical professionals by creating more residency positions and the standardization of credentials.

Title: Health & Environment
Track: A-17 Origin: RAPS Source: New Westminster
A primary source of sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide and particulates in the lower mainland air shed is from freighters burning bunker fuel, and Vancouver and Fraser port trade is expected to increase.

BC Liberals seek to promote health and well-being and protect the vulnerable - especially children and seniors - and to leave the environment in better shape for the next generation.

Therefore we propose that the Provincial Government work with the federal government to require the port authorities to reduce freighter emissions.

Note: Some ports have put electrical outlets at the buoys for ship operations (refrigeration) and restrict engine use.

Title: Health & Pensions
Track: A-18 Origin: RAPS Source: New Westminster
The burden on the work force and the economy of health care and pensions is growing faster than the economy. In 1972 there were eight people working for every person retired, today there are three, and in twenty years there will be two (as in Europe today). BC Liberals seek to create a business friendly environment in order to support the social and health needs so BC is the best place in the world to live. We propose to eliminate mandatory retirement.

Title: Affordable Housing
Track: A-19 Origin: RAPS Source: West Vancouver-Capilano
Due to escalating land and building costs, assessed values, taxes, the changing definition of family and an increasing proportion of our population being over the age of 65, the availability of affordable housing, particularly for women and seniors, is a matter of increasing concern.

BC Liberals are concerned about the specific needs of women and seniors and see the availability of affordable housing as vitally important. We propose that the Minister of Finance on behalf of the Provincial Government adopt measures to address the housing needs of women and seniors.

TRACK B

Title: Log Export Program
Track: B-1 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
It is imperative that the Province of British Columbia maximize the value of its forest resources. In the Northwest (specifically the North Coast, Kalum and Kispiox Forest Districts) where there is a high percentage of low value, over mature timber, the opportunity needs to exist for small and large operators, First Nations, and Communities to have access not only to the timber but also to all timber markets.

The Order in Council to temporarily permit log exports has been successful, proving to enhance logging, booming, hauling, ship tending and barging jobs. It has allowed the harvest of marginal timber stands and developed a higher future value of timber through replanting and stand management.

The opportunity to market whole logs has opened up unique markets, mainly in B. C., for the entrepreneur - only a small percentage of logs being exported off shore. BC Liberals are committed to revitalizing the BC Forest Industry.

We recommend that this revitalization include, as a 5-year marketing trial, the opportunity for whole log marketing to local and global markets, particularly in areas such as the three Northwest Forest Districts (excluding the Queen Charlotte Islands) where existing timber profiles are traditionally uneconomic to harvest.

Title: Forestry Offices
Track: B-2 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
It is understood the Forestry office that will be servicing the North Coast forest region will be relocated to Port McNeil and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and the Forestry office servicing the Queen Charlotte Islands will be located to Chilliwack. These locations are not readily accessible from northern communities.

The economy of the North Coast of British Columbia relies to a large extent on the forest industry made up of both large and small independent logging companies. For efficiency and effectiveness reasons for large and particularly small companies reasonable access to Ministry offices is important.

The BC Liberal Party supports effective and efficient delivery of Government services by a business friendly civil service. The BC Liberal Party supports the location of forestry and other ministry offices into northern locations.

Title: BC Fishing Products
Track: B-3 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
The wild fish industry in British Columbia has and continues to experience hard times. The industry in some cases is the only economic base of some coastal communities, affecting the entire economic fabric of that community.

The commercial fishing industry will continue to face declines in the industry unless a joint process is put forward with Industry and Government to create a comprehensive marketing plan for all products.

The BC Liberal Party supports economic development and prosperity in all areas of British Columbia.

The BC Liberal Party supports an increased and improved joint industry / government initiative to create a branding and marketing program for all commercial BC fishing products for the world, B.C., and Canadian markets.

Title: Fin Fish Aquaculture
Track: B-4 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
The process for the licensing of fin fish aquaculture sites with the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans can at times take years, severely impacting the economic viability of the company and the isolated communities involved.

The licensing of fin fish Aquaculture sites comes under the jurisdiction of the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans in conjunction with the Province of British Columbia.

BC Liberals believe unnecessary regulation should be eliminated. We propose that the Government of British Columbia work with the Government of Canada to establish an approval process with a maximum turnaround time of six months for the licensing of Aquaculture sites for fin fish and shell fish on the Coast of British Columbia and all critical issues are dealt with in that time frame.

Title: Offshore Oil and Gas Industry Training
Track: B-5 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
Offshore oil and gas exploration and potentially production is coming to the North Coast of British Columbia. The offshore oil and gas industry in British Columbia will provide employment opportunities for individuals with unique skills and education.

At present there is an inadequate number of qualified British Columbians to meet the potential needs of this industry. Training programs to teach these skills and trades are available from other parts of the world. Local community colleges and UNBC are well suited and able to provide such training and education.

The BC Liberal Party recognizes that a well-trained work force is an extremely important component of healthy and vibrant economic environment. Furthermore, the BC Liberal Party encourages economic development throughout the province, particularly those located in the 'heartlands' of the province.

The BC Liberal Party supports the teaching of programs in the northern region of the province that will suit the needs of the offshore oil and gas industry thereby creating employment opportunities for people of rural British Columbia.

Title: Containerization
Track: B-6 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided

The viability of a containerization project on the north coast of British Columbia is dependant upon the outflow of containers. Hence it is important that markets utilizing the outflow of containers are developed.

The Port of Prince Rupert on the North Coast is moving ahead with containerization. This initiative will be an economic driver for the northern region and the province as a whole and will ensure that BC maintains its markets share of the containers shipped to and from the West Coast.

The BC Liberal Party encourages economic development throughout the province, particularly those located in the 'heartlands' of the province.

The BC Liberal Party promotes an initiative to inform and promote industries, organizations, economic development boards, and the like in the north-western and northern transport corridors of British Columbia of the advantages of shipping via containers to customers through the northern coastal containerization facility.

Title: Economic Development Ministry
Track: B-7 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
The challenge facing British Columbia today is to create revenue sufficient to provide the services and support systems needed to enhance the lives of all British Columbians.

There is no clearly defined entity to provide a vision or plan for the economic growth in British Columbia, to promote British Columbia to the world as a place to do business, to liaise with business to secure a stable an attractive investment climate, to ensure that existing businesses and industry are retained in the Province, to aggressively expand our markets beyond the United States, especially into Asia, and to ensure that worthy projects receive the help and support of government for their timely development.

These initiatives need focused attention. BC Liberals believe that the rebuilding of the economy of BC is a key priority pf the government.

We propose that the Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise be more focused on the economic development of the province. This Ministry must ensure that British Columbia competes globally to attract, secure and maintain a strong, vibrant, competitive business community.

Title: Regulating and Administration for the Provincial Sales Tax (PST)
Track: B-8 Origin: VIRC Source: Victoria-Beacon Hill
The current regulating and administrating system for PST is a serious burden for small business. It takes too much time to track and record everything and takes up time that could be spent making a living for people in small business.

The BC Liberal Party is committed to simplifying the rule and reducing red tape in BC. That a BC Business community be formally engaged in a process to re-design PST collecting in a revenue-neutral fashion that is simpler to operate.

Title: Music in BC Schools
Track: B-9 Origin: VIRC Source: Victoria-Beacon Hill
There is a need in BC Schools for music to play a greater role in the early years of students. It has been established that music has a proven educational benefit and music appreciation is one of the accepted hallmarks of mature society.

The BC Liberal Party believes in providing guarantees to all students of the right of access to a full education.

We propose that the BC school curriculum should be changed to require the inclusions of music education up to grade nine.

Title: Apprenticeship and Skills Training
Track: B-10 Origin: LMRC Source: Richmond Centre
The shortage of skilled trades persons in British Columbia is recognized by the provincial government. Only 20% of high school graduates go on to university and most of the remaining 80% did not have the opportunity to participate in apprenticeship and skills training in their high school years.

BC Liberals believe in building our economy with an adequate supply of skilled and educated workers.

We propose that skills training and apprenticeship programs should be available in the public education system beginning in Grade 8. These programs should qualify graduates to national standards levels for Journeyman and Master's Certificates.

Title: Empathy Skills for Young Learners
Track: B-11 Origin: LMRC Source: Richmond East
Research has shown that infant exposure to coercive or aggressive behavior can lead to physical aggression in the early years, and socially disruptive behaviors, violent criminal behavior and psychiatric disorders in later life. Too many children in B.C. do not learn appropriate or necessary skills to deal with aggression.

BC Liberals believe in equipping children with life skills to deal with life's challenges. The BC Liberal Party supports the continued provision of initiatives aimed at teaching empathy to young learners.

Title: Phase-out and Elimination of the Property Transfer Tax
Track: B-12 Origin: LMRC Source: Vancouver-Fairview
Given the significant increase in real estate prices in recent years, the Property Transfer Tax is a substantial impediment for people buying a home, particularly first time homebuyers.

BC Liberals support home ownership and a fair distribution of the tax burden. While recognizing the need to generate the necessary revenues to balance the budget, we support the phase-out and eventual elimination of the Property Transfer Tax on a homeowner's principal residence.

Title: Student Fee Option-Out Clause
Track: B-13 Origin: LMRC Source: Surrey-Green Timbers
Post-secondary students are currently overburdened by student fees, which do not reflect their individual needs or affiliations. BC Liberals believe in the right of citizens, by way of freedom of association, to not subsidize causes from which they neither benefit nor support.

The BC Liberal Party supports the creation of option out check off lists to determine which, if any, political non-essential activities individual student fees will contribute to.

Title: Accountability of Non-ministerial Service Delivery Agencies
Track: B-14 Origin: WCPS Source: Women's Commission
There is no mechanism in place for the accountability of government funding of non-ministerial service delivery agencies that are non-profit organizations. BC Liberals believe in openness with and accountability for the use of tax dollars collected from the people of BC.

That the ministries and crown agencies incorporate in their contracts with non-ministerial service delivery agencies that are non-profit organizations the eight BC Reporting Principles: explain the public purpose served; link goals and results; focus on the few critical aspects of performance; relate results to risk and capacity; link resources, strategies and results; provide comparative information; present credible information, fairly interpreted; and disclose the basis for key reporting judgment.

Title: Teacher Performance Evaluation
Track: B-15 Origin: RAPS Source: Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain
The lack of a process of regular teacher performance evaluation in BC's public education system puts the quality and uniformity of education delivery at risk. BC Liberals value an excellent, equal and uniform education for all students.

We support annual performance evaluation of all teachers by the school principals and annual performance evaluations of all principals and vice principals by a school district official.

Title: Public Disclosure of Government Employee Collective Agreements
Track: B-16 Origin: RAPS Source: Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain
The public does not have the ability to make informed decisions about collective agreements of government employees. The BC Liberals value open and transparent government. We support that the complete collective agreements of any organization that has government employees be published to the public.

Title: Youth & Advanced Education
Track: B-17 Origin: RAPS Source: New Westminster
It is perceived that BC resident students with good academic track records do not have adequate access to post secondary education because of the number of foreign students. BC Liberals believe in access for everyone to post secondary education to ensure they can acquire the skills and knowledge to compete with the world's best and win.

We propose that the Provincial Government develop caps on the percentages of foreign students enrolled that are appropriate for each institution (and perhaps every program) to ensure that there is adequate space for BC residents.

Title: Inter-provincial Free Movement of Goods and Services
Track: B-18 Origin: RAPS Source: New Westminster
There are still barriers to the free movement of goods and services between provinces.

BC Liberals believe in creating incentives for trade. We propose that the provincial government commit to continue eliminating trade barriers that inhibit free trade between British Columbia and other provinces.

TRACK C
Title: Guide Outfitters
Track: C-1 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
The Guide Outfitter industry of British Columbia is being threatened by the ever increasing establishment of natural reserves. The Guide Outfitting industry annually generates an estimated $50 million of economic activity and provides $2 to $3 million to government revenue through hunting license and tag fees, surcharges and royalties.

The vast majority of the Guide Outfitters in British Columbia are members of a professional organization that has a long history of participating with government ministries such a Water, Land and Air Protection and Sustainable Resource Management in the management and conservation of fish and wildlife across British Columbia.

The BC Liberal Party supports economic development and supports the individuals and organizations that practice principled approach to fish and wildlife conservation. The BC Liberal Party supports the Guide Outfitters industry of British Columbia and recognizes the benefits this industry brings to many northern communities.

Title: 2010 Games-Northern Communities
Track: C-2 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
The selection of Vancouver / Whistler as the hosts of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games was a major accomplishment and represents a great opportunity to showcase all regions of our province. While all British Columbians will share in the cost of preparing for these events many northern residents do not believe that their communities will receive any direct benefit from hosting these Games.

The BC Liberal Party recognizes the economic problems in rural B.C. and supports economic development and prosperity everywhere in British Columbia.

The BC Liberal Party supports a program that encourages social and economic spin off for all communities in the province as a result of the 2010 Games.

Title: 2010 Olympics - Kermode Bear
Track: C-3 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
The 2010 Olympics provides British Columbia with an opportunity to showcase the province to the world. It is important that the diversity and beauty of the whole province be recognized and projected not just the Vancouver/Whistler region. We need to create a symbol for the Olympics that instantly identifies to the world the uniqueness of this beautiful province.

BC Liberals believe that the 2010 Olympics are an unparalleled opportunity for all regions of the Province. The unique Kermode (Spirit) Bear represents the diversity of our culture, the beauty of our wilderness, the presence and contribution of the North and rural areas to British Columbia and we propose that the Kermode Bear become the symbol and mascot of the 2010 Olympics.

Title: Auto Glass Deductible
Track: C-4 Origin: NRC Source: Not provided
ICBC has changed the auto glass deductible for some drivers, which has seen glass deductibles rise from the present $200 or $300 to $500 or $1,000 for windshields. With the extremely high price of vehicle insurance, we expect the BC Liberals to favour separating windshield replacement from our comprehensive insurance and have it stand alone as an option. BC Liberals recognize regional differences.

We propose that The Provincial Government instruct ICBC to recreate auto glass insurance as a separate optional coverage taking into consideration regional differences. Let the consumer decide to purchase or decline auto glass insurance.

Title: Protection of BC History and Archaeological Artefacts
Track: C-5 Origin: VIRC Source: Saanich North and the Islands
There is no compensation for the private landowners whose land may be encumbered under the Heritage Conservation Act, which governs the preservation of publicly desired history and artifacts of historical significance.

The Heritage legislation, regulations, and policies can erode the rights of landowners creating uncertainty of land ownership, which discourages economic development. The use of limiting encumbrances (which is a form of expropriation) without compensation diminishes or even destroys the value of the private property of landowners in British Columbia.

Many landowners are destroying artifacts of historical significance "quietly" to circumvent horrendous archaeological costs that the heritage Conservation Act may impose on them.

The BC Liberal's value the right of every person to own and enjoy property, which means that private property must be protected by law and may not be taken or encumbered without just cause and without full and fair compensation.

The BC Liberal Party values the over-all economic opportunities and growth that proper protection of land ownership will bring all British Columbians. The BC Liberal Party values our First Nation's cultural heritage and legacy.

The BC Liberal Party urges the Government of BC to examine all heritage legislation, to ensure it will create land use certainty and economic growth without financially penalizing archaeological sensitive property of private landowners in BC. Because the heritage conservation legislation, demands protection of publicly desired history and artifacts of historical significance; the only equitable solution is for the BC government to:

* Pay all archaeological costs of achieving desired protection of artifacts
* Register archaeological site on property titles to ensure protection of sites through a fair and open process compensate private property owners for loss of land value.

Title: Fish Farms
Track: C-6 Origin: VIRC Source: Nanaimo-Parksville
Currently fish farms located at inlets and tributaries to salmon bearing rivers expose juvenile and migrating salmon to excessive quantities of sea lice. BC Liberals believe that farmed salmon and the wild stock of salmon are an integral part of both the island economy and island identity and lifestyle.

We propose that the site location of commercial fish farms reflect the protection of juvenile and migrating salmon. Also, that wild stock be protected particularly when those wild stocks migrate through areas used for fish farming. This is especially essential for large wild salmon runs, which may not be mature enough to handle lice infestation.

Title: BC Film Industry
Track: C-7 Origin: VIRC Source: Victoria-Beacon Hill
The Film Industry has the potential to further develop on Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia and the Liberal Government has proven that it can be helped by the current 6% tax credit. BC Liberals value increasing industry throughout the Province. BC Liberals encourage the Government to explore further tax related opportunities to promote the BC Film Industry.

Title: Early Childhood Development
Track: C-8 Origin: LMRC Source: Richmond East
Early emotional regulation, set in the brain, is the link to emotional control later in life, and research has shown that children who do not develop the ability to regulate behavior during the early years may display inconsistent coping strategies later in life.

Some kids in our society do not have proper care and nutrition; and some parents do not have the knowledge and resources to provide this. BC Liberals believe in safe and healthy environments for children to grow in.

The BC Liberal Party supports continued enhancement of Early Childhood Development supports and resources for parents so that each baby in British Columbia receives the best possible start.

Title: Worker's Compensation Board
Track: C-9 Origin: LMRC Source: Burnaby-Edmonds
At the present time, individuals injured in the workplace are receiving inadequate or delayed treatment for their condition. This situation is causing undue strain on the injured person, immediate dependents, co-workers and employers. Recovery is further delayed by additional physical and mental conditions unrelated to the original injury.

BC Liberals believe in able-bodied people returning to the workforce and becoming contributors to society. The BC Liberal Party supports an assessment of WCB claimant conditions by trained individuals in the medical profession in a timely manner.

Title: Encouraging Private Investment in Public Renewable Resources
Track: C-10 Origin: LMRC Source: New Westminster
The forestry Annual Allowable Cut has declined over the past fifteen years from 90 million cubic meters to 60 million meters and will continue to decline without strategic intensive silviculture investment.

BC Liberals believe in an increase in the allowable cut over time through scientific forest management, proper planning, and incentives to promote enhanced silviculture.

The BC Liberal Party supports encouraging investment in enhanced silviculture to increase the AAC by undertaking to fairly compensate a private forest tenure holder when that private tenure holder has improved the value of that resource through investments such as enhanced silviculture, and these improved values are "taken" by the crown through re-distribution of tenure.

Title: Triple Cost Accounting
Track: C-11 Origin: RAPS Source: Vancouver-Point Grey
The natural environment is the basic capital infrastructure and support for all we do. The short term and long term impacts to its resources should be considered in all projects. In assessing projects, economic, environmental and social costs and benefits should be considered.

The BC Liberals value our natural environment and recognize it as a major asset to our social and economic well-being. The BC Liberal Party supports the establishment of five regional forums to discuss triple cost accounting and its impact on economic, social and environmental assessments of major government initiatives across the province.

Title: South Fraser Perimeter Road
Track: C-12 Origin: RAPS Source: Delta North
The proposed South Fraser Perimeter Road would be a commercial corridor from Highway#1 near 200th Street in Langley, along the Fraser River under the Port Mann and Patullo Bridges, to the Alex Fraser Bridge, then across Delta to connect with Highway 99 Delta Port and the ferries.

This project has been under study for more than 14 years. Current estimates put the number of truck movements in the immediate area of the Surrey Fraser Docks at 3400 per day and growing steadily. The portion of the South Fraser Perimeter Road from the Port Mann Bridge to the Alex Fraser Bridge has a known routing and has a portion already in place. BC Liberals believe that improved transportation is a very high priority.

We propose that the Provincial Government commence construction of the South Fraser Perimeter Road without further delay and in the process, give priority to the section of the road from the Surrey Fraser Docks to the Alex Fraser Bridge.

Title: Reduced Taxes for Seniors
Track: C-13 Origin: WCPS Source: Women's Commission
A 65 year old retired individual with an income made up of maximum CPP and OAS receives approximately $15,370 per year, and pays approximately $612 in Federal Income Tax and $202 in Provincial Income Tax. This causes hardship for those on fixed incomes. BC Liberals value the quality of life for all citizens, especially seniors on fixed incomes.

We propose that the non-refundable BC tax credits should be adjusted so that seniors with taxable incomes under $15,000 per year do not pay any Provincial Income Tax.

Title: Natural Resources - Bulk Fresh Water
Track: C-14 Origin: RAPS Source: New Westminster
There is a growing demand for British Columbia bulk fresh water, which is under provincial jurisdiction. BC Liberals seek to preserve and protect the natural environment in British Columbia.

We propose that the provincial government should not enter into any agreement or treaty, which would allow bulk water exports.

Title: Senate Seats
Track: C-15 Origin: RAPS Source: New Westminster
There are gross inequalities of representation in the number of Senate seats allowed to British Columbia. (Note: Atlantic 30, Quebec 24, Ont. 24, Western Provinces 24. BC should be a region and have 24 added seats. Each BC seat represents 547,000 citizens compared to 94,000 in Newfoundland and Labrador and 32,000 for Prince Edward Island.)

BC Liberals are committed to work towards improving democracy. That British Columbia seeks to obtain a fairer representation as a region in the Senate. (Note: Provinces can propose constitutional amendments.)

Title: Regional Transportation Planning
Track: C-16 Origin: RAPS Source: New Westminster
The Fraser Valley is increasing in population dramatically with subsequent transportation problems. BC Liberals support a regional transit plan.

We propose that the Provincial Government support a Sky-Train or light rapid transit link between the Fraser Valley and the line in Surrey.

Title: Women in Leadership
Track: C-17 Origin: RAPS Source: West Vancouver-Capilano
The relative lack of gender balance in politics, as well as other areas of leadership in British Columbia is an issue of concern for effective representation. BC Liberals believe in fairness and equity.

We propose that the Government commit to measures to integrate women in elective and nonelective positions in all governmental and public administration positions.

Title: Strengthening Our Social Support Network
Track: C-18 Origin: RAPS Source: West Vancouver-Capilano
Our need to exercise fiscal restraint and accountability has challenged the social support Network of The Province. BC Liberals believe in providing adequate support to those who are truly in need.

We propose that the Provincial Government review social support programs and examine opportunities to strengthen our Provincial and community-based support systems as an integral component of broader social policy necessary to the health and general welfare of British Columbians.

The number of slot machines in British Columbia will increase by 4,599 over and above the 3,832 listed in the British Columbia Lottery Corp. last annual report, according to an analysis by Public Eye using stats confirm by that agency. And another 550 have been proposed or are pending government approvals, boosting the total to 8,981. That total is almost 1,000 higher than previously reported rough estimates. If the approvals go through, it means the number of slot machines in British Columbia will have grown by 374 percent since the Liberals took office. Great Canadian Gaming Corp. has been the biggest beneficiary of this expansion, with its slots increasing from measley 300 to 2,200 or by a whopping 733 percent. That company has strong connections to the Liberals.

Patrick Kinsella, the party's most influential backroom boy and the co-chair for their 2005 re-election campaign, previously worked as a consultant for Great Canadian. In an interview last month, Mr. Kinsella, who invested in the company in 1997, said Great Canadian's chairman and chief executive officer Ross McLeod "is a good friend of mine." And Jacee Schaefer, the company's former vice-president of intergovernmental affairs and media relations, is considered one of the Liberal's most experienced and competent election day managers. In 2003, Great Canadian disclosed Ms. Schaefer as being one of its finders. She also invested in the company in 1997.

Between 2001 and 2003, Great Canadian's revenues went from $67.6 million to $113.8 million - a 59 percent increase. Mr. McLeod received a salary last year of $294,500, and was paid a $100,000 bonus, along with other compensation totalling $199,000. He also exercised stock options worth $2.9 million, pushing his earnings to more $3.5 million and making him the ninth highest paid chief executive officer in British Columbia. In 2002, Mr. McLeod made only $703,600. The company's moto is "We're not leaving anything to chance."

During the last election, the Liberal New Era document promised a Gordon Campbell government would "stop the expansion of gambling that has increased gambling addiction and put new strains on families." The following is a copy of our analysis listing the number of additional slot machines installed since March 31, approved, pending approval or proposed. This does not represent the total number of slot machines at each facility.

***

Approved or installed

Astel Canada Ltd. North Star Bingo Hall Fort Nelson 25
Goldwing Investments Ltd. Bingo Kelowna 50
Gateway Casinos Ltd. Partnership Burnaby 400
Gateway Casinos Ltd. Partnership Cascade Casino (Langley) 331
Gateway Casinos Ltd. Partnership Queensborough (New Westminster) 248*
Great Canadian Gaming Corp. Bear Mountain Community Gaming Centre (Dawson Creek) 50
Great Canadian Gaming Corp. Coquitlam 550**
Great Canadian Gaming Corp. Hastings Racecourse (Vancouver) 600
Great Canadian Gaming Corp. River Rock Resort (Richmond) 1,000
Grand Casino Equipment & Management Ltd./Royal Diamond Casinos Inc. Edgewater (Vancouver) 600
Lucky's Ventures Ltd. Signal Point Gaming Centre (Williams Lake) 97
Orangeville Raceway Ltd. Fraser Downs Gaming Centre (Surrey) 388
Playtime Community Gaming Centres Inc. Campbell River Bingo Palace 100
Playtime Community Gaming Centres Inc. Valley Bingo Palace (Courtney) 50
Treasure Cove Casino (Prince George) 110

* The City of Richmond has objected to the slot machines, which have already been approved by the City of New Westminster.
** Although the City of Coquitlam has approved 550 additional slot machines, the renovated casino will be opening with 200 less or 800.

Pending approvals or proposed

Enterprise Entertainment Ltd. Kamloops 50
Gateway Casinos Ltd. Partnership Burnaby 300
Orangeville Raceways Ltd. Sandown Raceway (Sidney) 200

They are the few. They are the proud. They are the public affairs bureau staffers who have been promoted from management level eight to nine. Those promotions could mean pay increases of up to $8,892.54 - with salaries rising from $92,970.26 to $101,862.80 annually (assuming 100 percent compensation). Public affairs staffers lucky enough to get an extra pip on their paycheque include community, aboriginal and women's services communications director Marisa Adair and the bureau's casualty replacement officer Denise Champion.

Health services and planning communications executive director Carol Carman, who was a super-eight receiving 110 percent compensation, is also boosted to a nine. And media monitoring pit boss Rishi Sharma goes from a four to a five. Ms. Champion's predecessor Theresa Lumsdon had earlier managed to negotiate her to management level upwards from eight to nine (a compensation prize for agreeing to head up the career-eating communications shop at children and family development).

Insiders say other raises may be on the way but not before the election. These promotions will likely result in some hissing and pissing at the Rockpile. Ministerial assistants, who have been stuck at management level four since the Liberals took office, have long complained communications directors make more than $20,000 than they do.