June 2005 Archives

Yesterday, the government released its public accounts - detailing the province's annual expenditures. But what those documents didn't detail is the exact amount spent on the Campbell administration's pre-election ad binge. But, following complaints from reporters, Finance Minister Carole Taylor agreed to release that information - which was hand-delivered to the press gallery a short time ago. According to the five-page spreadsheet, the government pumped $13.9 million into its four-part partisan Best Place on Earth campaign, which helped push the bureau $7.5 million beyond its $11.5 public information advertising budget. The spreadsheet was not electronically distributed to media outlets province-wide. The following is an edited copy.

Much ado today about Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell's decision not to run in the upcoming November election - announced at a 9:00 news conference. Not surprisingly though, the last people to learn about that decision were his so-called friends. In an email sent to supporters at 11:21 and leaked to Public Eye, Mayor Campbell wrote, "While there is always more to be done, I will not be the one to lead these changes." But wait, there's more. The former coroner also told supporters, "the steering committee of Friends of Larry Campbell has taken the necessary legal steps to transform it into a new civic electoral organization to field candidates in November. I will be supporting that organization and I hope you will, too. More news on this organization will be released in the coming days." Or now: rumour has it the name of that party may be Vision Vancouver. The following is a complete copy of the mayor's email.

Those who graduated from the University of Victoria's school of kiddie politics will surely be fascinated to know the infamous George Pringle is now a contributor with North Vancouver Politics. Alumni will remember Mr. Pringle, who eventually went onto become Conservative MP Ted White's executive assistant, as a regular, moss-gathering fixture at the capital city's most esteemed institute of higher learning.

Earlier, we reported Victoria federal Conservative director-at-large Eugene Parks had criticized fellow director Norm Fiss for circulating his sister's views on aboriginal property issues. Mr. Fiss's sister is Tanis, the director of Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change. And now, Public Eye has received copies Mr. and Ms. Fiss's responses to that attack.

The provincial government's top nurse Anne Sutherland Boal has resigned, Public Eye has learned. In an email sent out to health ministry staff yesterday, deputy minister Penny Ballem announced British Columbia's chief nursing executive, "will be leaving the Ministry at the end of the summer as, after almost four years, Anne has determined that living in Coquitlam, working in Victoria, and commuting to China has lost its charm. As such, in September, she will be rejoining her husband in Shanghai to continue their adventures in the Middle Kingdom." The following is a complete copy of that email.

Public Eye readers are well-acquainted with the adventures of the talented Barinder Sall, vote-herder extraordinaire and budding wordsmith. Previously, this organ reported Mr. Sall may soon be working as a political aide to Attorney General Wally Oppal. And now, according to our earlobes at the legislature, Mr. Sall has made our rumours come true by taking an appointment as one of the former British Columbia Appeals Court Justice's two ministerial assistants.

It looks like there's a bit of hissing and pissing going on among Victoria federal Conservatives. The spat got underway on Tuesday evening, when constituency association director-at-large and former nomination candidate Eugene Parks fired a volley of electronic buckshot at fellow director Norm Fiss, a Metis funeral director, for circulating his sister's views on aboriginal property issues. Mr. Fiss's sister is Tanis, the director of Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change. According to Mr. Parks, who is also has an aboriginal background, "having local conservative board members circulating material that can be interpreted as racially oriented is a disservice to the conservative movement."

Is there a Red conspiracy at the Health Employers Association of British Columbia, which represents employer interests at the collective bargaining table? That's what some eyebrow raisers are wondering upon hearing that former provincial New Democrat caucus executive director Elaine Doyle, who served under the Harcourt administration, has been hired as one of the organization's 15 labour relations consultants. Junior McCarthyites who follow such matters will remember the president and chief executive officer of the health employers is none other than Louise Simard. Ms. Simard, in a past life, was a health minister with the New Democrat government in Saskatchewan. But, in an interview, employers association senior vice-president Tony Collins said Ms. Doyle's hiring was done on the basis of merit. In related news, Mr. Collins also confirmed the departure of fellow senior vice-president Joanne Arnold.

Most political assistant serve out their careers in obscurity, toiling away without receiving the recongition they so richly deserve. But if you include yourself among those ranks, don't worry. Public Eye is here to save you from that ignoble fate! Earlier, we revealed the names of the second Campbell administration's ministerial assistants. And now, our team of spies has helpfully assembled a list of their junior cousins: the executive assistants. Most interesting among that list is newcomer Robert Mackay-Dunn, who will be serving under Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. Mr. Mackay-Dunn got his political feet wet working as a scheduler/aide for Liberal candidate Joan McIntyre-Pottinger, who ran and won in North Vancouver-Garibaldi. But most will best know him for being the son of Hector Mackay-Dunn, Liberal insider extraordinaire.

The transfer of child and youth mental health services from children and family development to health seems to be building up steam as a political issue. Yesterday, New Democratic critics Adrian Dix and Charlie Wyse sent a letter to Premier Gordon Campbell demanding he reverse that decision. That letter was subsequently distributed to the media. And now the Federation of Child and Family Services of British Columbia, an umbrella group representing child and family service providers, has cabled their own message to the premier, questioning the transfer. The following is a copy of that message, which was leaked to Public Eye.

Some events political watchers should be aware of this week: today, the Campbell administration will be holding its first caucus meeting since cabinet was sworn-in. The proceedings should make for interesting fly-on-the-wall viewing, given that some backbenchers are rumoured to be upset about not receiving ministerial appointments. Cabinet will also be meeting in Vancouver today. And tomorrow, British Columbia's public accounts - a listing of all government expenses for the past fiscal year - will be released during a morning press conference featuring the lovely and talented Finance Minister Carole Taylor and her able assistant, comptroller general/boy scout Arn van Iersel. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

Columbia Basin Trust Energy Inc. - part of the locally-controlled Columbia Basin Trust - is looking into purchasing the Columbia Power Corporation, Public Eye has learned. The trust, responsible for the distribution of profits from Columbia Basin power projects to nearby communities, notified government of its intent on June 20. That purchase, subject to public consultation, would put the trust in complete control of those projects - some of which are co-owned by the corporation. The possibility of a sale has raised some eyebrows due to recent allegations of mismanagement at the trust, which is holding its annual general meeting next month.

Today, the Times Colonist reported "Diane Rabbani was recruited by the Liberals in 2003 to be a deputy minister with a mandate to 'recruit, retain and develop leaders.' During the cabinet swearing-in on June 16 she was named associate deputy minister of the Public Service Agency. But in less than two weeks her name has been expunged from the government system. There's no word from government about what's going on." Public Eye broke the news about Ms. Rabbani's status yesterday, informing readers that James Gorman had taken over as acting head of the agency.

At exactly 4:52, public affairs bureau staffers found out the meaning of life...or at least their place in it. In an email, bureau operations and human resources director Denise Champion outlined the agency's organization chart. Most interesting is the addition of a new communications shop - small business and revenue - servicing the desires of Liberal armchair warlord Rick Thorpe, who has long lusted after his own toy company of public affairs soldiers. Tasked with captaining this forlorn hope is Kirk Smith, who formerly worked for meat-eater Rich Coleman at public safety and the solicitor general. Astute readers will remember Minister Thorpe was previously forced to rely on the communications officers at finance for his public relations needs. The following is a complete list of where everyone is now (and where they were previously, in brackets). Unless otherwise noted, all staff are considered public affairs officers.

Last week, Public Eye broke the news that the provincial Liberals had quietly transfered responsibility for child and youth mental health from children and family development to health. Today, in a letter to the premier distributed to the media, New Democrat children and family development critic Adrian Dix and mental health critic Charlie Wyse asked Gordon Campbell to review and reverse the decision. The following is a copy of that letter.

Last Thursday, as part of public service agency appreciation day, organization staffers were treated to a PowerPoint presentation narrated by labour and citizens' services deputy minister Gord Macatee. We're told many of those in attendance were bedazzled by the slide show. But more restrained and perceptive members of the studio audience noticed the presentation contained photographs of all the agency's executive members except for the woman in charge: Diane Rabbani.

The ripples from the previous week's government re-structuring have reached the public affairs bureau. On Friday, individual directors were told which ministries they would serving. Among the changes: Liz Bicknell moves from charred ruin that was the ministry of management services to agriculture and lands, replacing Shawn Robbins. Mr. Robbins will now be soaking-up the sunny messages at tourism, sports and the arts. Meanwhile, Mike Long escapes from the collapsing sustainable resources management ministry into an empty directorship at transportation. And Public Eye fan club member Deborah Bowman, who has always been willing to assist us in whatever way she can, is transferred from the attorney general's ministry to aboriginal relations and reconciliation. Further information as it becomes available.

The provincial Liberals are not finished shaking-up the bureaucracy. Idle civil service gossipmongers say, within the next few days, reporting lines will be re-drawn for a number of government agencies. This will be a tweaking of the more significant changes announced during last week's cabinet shuffle. Those tweaks are said to specifically include the public service agency - in-charge of human resources across government. The most recent whispers have responsibility for that agency moving from labour and citizens' services to another ministry - possibly community services.

Earlier, Public Eye reported pub and hospitality sales consultant Dawn Donahue, who is co-organizing the provincial Liberal's Leader's Invitational Golf Tournament, first said she knew about the fundraiser and then claimed she didn't. But a hour after posting that story we received a call from Ms. Donahue who said, "I'm just organizing (the Liberal's) golf tournament. So I don't know anything else about it other than on-course activities. If you need any information about it, phone the B.C. Liberal head office - (executive director) Kelly Reichert...Sorry. I just didn't realize what you were talking about when you called cause I do so many golf tournaments. I thought you were talking about (a fundraiser for former Solicitor General) Rich Coleman." Uh, huh.

The third annual Leader's Invitational Golf Tournament, held at the Golden Eagle Golf Course in Maple Ridge, is one of the provincial Liberal's most profitable fundraisers. Last year, the Fraser Valley event - primarily put together by Camp Coleman followers - earned the party $240,272. By comparison, Dinner Under The Sails, the Liberal's biggest moneymaker, took in $328,917. But it seems the party is reluctant to talk about this year's tournament, scheduled for Monday.

Agricultural Land Commission chief executive officer Kirk Miller is leaving government at the end of this month, Public Eye has learned. In an interview, Mr. Miller - who has been with the commission for 29-years, with 10 spent as its head - confirmed the departure saying, "It was time to go...it was agreed some time ago that we should be looking at whether we need a chief executive and two directors as part of a structure that only has 18 staff. And we always felt we had one too many. So I said, let's make this work for everybody," by deciding to resign.

Earlier this week, Premier Gordon Campbell received headlining coverage for giving tax incentives that will specifically benefit the biotech industry. But what was not mentioned at the time was the premier's personal and partisan connection to that industry. As we previously reported, the premier's friend Hector Mackay-Dunn, a member of the provincial Liberal's election planning committee, is a biotech lawyer and director with a number of organizations including BC Biotech. Of course, Public Eye has no reason to think such personal connections would influence public policy. But others may draw a different conclusion.

In her column today, 24 hours conservative pontificator Erin Airton gives a big smoochie, smooch, smooch to Premier Gordon Campbell for giving tax incentives that will specifically benefit the biotech industry. But Canadian Taxpayers Federation British Columbia executive director Sara MacIntyre isn't as complimentary. Like Ms. Airton, Ms. MacIntyre advocates across-the-board corporate tax cuts. But targetted tax cuts are another matter.

More news about legislative comptroller Peter Bray, who was summarily exited from his position last week by outgoing Speaker Claude Richmond. Our spies report his lawyer Chris Considine has successfully negotiated the terms and conditions of Mr. Bray's severance package. So much for a messy trial folks.

Today, The Vancouver Sun reported "Adler Online, a talk show emanating from Winnipeg, will occupy the coveted 1-3 p.m. weekday time slot...(Jennifer) Mather formerly held the 13:30 to 3 p.m. slot. She has left CKNW and Vancouver, moving to Los Angeles with her husband Brian Burke." Public Eye and 24 hours told you about that news yesterday.

The seminal social event of the summer season is upon us! This weekend, press gallery denizens, fellow travellers and various hangers-on will be converging on Pender Island for what is becoming an annual golf tournament. The invite-only event is organized by former Province columnist Brian Kieran of K&E Public Affairs Inc. (nee Pilothouse Public Affairs Inc.) fame.

Yesterday, Public Eye tried to find out a little bit about the legislature's new interim comptroller Bill Gano. But Mr. Gano himself wasn't very forthcoming. So we asked Public Eye readers if they had any information about the tight-lipped official, who previously worked as the Alberta legislature's director of administrative and information services. And they delivered. Caped New Democrat crusader Rick Barnes ignited his blogger signal and boy wonder Daveberta responded with the following clip from Alberta's Hansard.

Last week, Public Eye reported outgoing Speaker Claude Richmond summarily exited legislative comptroller Peter Bray from his position as the precinct's principle financial watchdog. And now it seems the clerk's office has found an interim replacement. Everyone give a big welcome to the not-so-talkative Bill Gano, who started work today.

The bureaucrats who run the provincial government's shake 'em, bake 'em ministry of energy and mines aren't exactly lacking in testosterone. But their hormones levels were boosted last week when the Liberals added petroleum resources to the ministry's nameplate. The reason for that boost: some civil servants are now referring to the department as EMPiRre. Make of that what you will.

News from the mysterious underground world of lobbyists: Allen Langdon, is leaving GPC International Inc. after seven years with the communications and government relations firm. Mr. Langdon is also notably the brother of CH Vancouver Island broadcaster Murray Langdon. In an interview with Public Eye, the consultant declined to discuss the reason for his departure except to say, "I've got something lined-up. But I've made some commitments not to say anything for a little while. And I'm going to have to honour that commitment."

It looks like former provincial Liberal cabinet minister Christy Clark won't be replacing departing CKNW afternoon talk show host Jennifer Mather after all. According to a memo sent to CKNW staff yesterday and leaked to Public Eye, program director Tom Plasteras writes that the news station has decided to fill the 1:00 to 3:00 slot with Charles Adler's nationally-networked, Winnipeg-based show.

Non-blonde conservative pundit Erin Airton, Public Eye's colleague and columnist at 24 hours, has taken her two-fisted battle against the evil socialist hordes online - launching her very own Website. Ms. Airton, who works by-day as a mild-mannered account and business development director with public relations firm James Hoggan and Associates Inc., is also known for regularly duking it out with progressive forces stat champion David Schreck on the Rafe Mair Show.

Children and family development bureaucrats have had one of the ministry's most precious programs removed from their care. The provincial Liberals have transfered responsibility for child and youth mental health to the civil servants at health, who also currently hold the adult mental health file. That amalgamation, which existed before the Liberals came into office, might seem to make sense. But there are apparently concerns within the bureaucracy that, with so many other programs to look after, health may not pay enough attention to the child and youth mental health plan - introduced two years ago by then Children and Family Development Minister Gordon Hogg.

Today, provincial New Democrat leader Carole James announced her critic appointments. Those appointments were handed out to every caucus member but one: Victoria-Hillside MLA Rob Fleming, one half of the power couple that includes former party president and election platform co-chair Maura Parte. Instead, Mr. Fleming has been named public accounts committee chair designate. But what does the committee do and is chairing it a good thing for the young up-and-comer, who will also be responsible for the New Democrat's caucus committee on the economy?

It looks like the province's political green-horn-thumbs are thinking about sewing a few seeds in Victoria. Last night, Victoria Green activists gathered at The Beagle Pub to discuss organizing a similarly-coloured local arty that will run candidates in the provincial capital and surrounding municipalities during the upcoming civic elections. According to our spies, those in attendance included ex-Victoria city councillor Al Craighead, provincial party chair Alan Dolan, former Green candidates Ariel Lade and Jane Sterk, gadfly Bernard Schulmann and campaigner Steve Burtch. It is expected Mr. Burtch, a principle of Netscribe Communications Inc., will be the civic party's chief organizer.

Earlier, in The Vancouver Sun, Public Eye reported some Non-Partisan Association executive members have been hissing and pissing about campaign manager Greg Wilson's decision to support New Democrat candidate Gregor Robertson during the recent provincial election. And now some of those same association members are considering installing Earnscliffe Strategy Group Inc. supremo Bruce Young as the starboard-leaning civic party's co-campaign manager to counterbalance Mr. Wilson. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Young said he would not take that job, even if it was offered. Although he did confirm some association members have approached him about joining the party's campaign committee, co-chaired by Peter Hyndman and Lynne Kennedy.

As Public Eye previously reported, provincial cabinet ministers weren't the only ones who got shuffled last week. Many political aides also did the two-step, switching from one portfolio to another. The following is a complete list of which ministerial assistants are where, as compiled by our spies.

Earlier, Public Eye reported five top bureaucrats had left government following last week's re-organization. But some of the survivors may be envying the dead. Bob de Faye, previously deputy minister and chief executive officer of the public sector employers' council secreteriat, has been demoted to an associate deputy minister. Also demoted to an associate is Annette Antoniak at the British Columbia Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat, Rick Connoll, formerly in charge of skills, development and labour, Joan Hesketh, who continues to head the environmental assessment office, and David Woodward, deputy minister of strategic initiatives and corporate services at health.

The date for one of the biggest match-ups in British Columbia politics has been set. In one corner, labour movement members who want to retain their influence over the provincial New Democrats. In the other, moderates determined to bust that influence up. Who will win? Who's regime will reign supreme? Find out on November 25 at the provincial party's 37th convention, scheduled to be held over a three-day period at the luxurious Westin Bayshore Resort and Marina in Vancouver, according to an email sent to constituency association presidents and other New Democrat hierarchs. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours. The following is a copy of that email, which was leaked to Public Eye.

Almost two weeks after being appointed British Columbia's top bureaucrat, Jessica McDonald has introduced herself to the provincial civil service. In an email authored on June 13, Ms. McDonald, the deputy minister to the premier, outlines her career in the government, stating that over "the past 15 years, I have served within our ranks at various stages as a junior researcher, a middle-level excluded manager, and as a senior executive before accepting this appointment." She even notes that "Before beginning my career, I also served as both a legislative page and a legislative intern." Not mentioned, though, is her stint as a well-paid land-use consultant, contracting her services out to government. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours. The following is a copy of Ms. McDonald's email, which was leaked to Public Eye.

Creative email writer Barinder Sall, former provincial Liberal backbencher Ken Johnston's constituency assistant, may be on his way to Victoria. Legislative lips are flapping with rumours Mr. Sall, who was Wally Oppal's aide/scheduler during the election campaign, may be joining the new attorney general's staff as a political aide. When Public Eye asked Mr. Sall about that rumour at the swearing-in-ceremony, he didn't actually say no. But he did say he had been accepted to Dalhausie University's law school.

Following the election, many thought the premier's chief of staff Martyn Brown would be culling the provincial Liberal's ministerial aide herd. After all, fewer ministers means fewer ministerial and executive assistants. But it looks like a number of them aren't waiting to see if they're headed to the slaughterhouse. Senior aides Jacqualine Cunliffe and Blake Lyall both quit last week. They join ministerial assistant Jocelyn Stanton and executive assistant Forrest Parlee who already announced they were leaving the legislative precincts. Mr. Parlee, who was recruited by former true Grit cabinet minister Christy Clark, has been appointed a senior policy advisor to Senator Jack Austin.

Gordon Campbell may not have had the gumption to fire any ministers from cabinet. But the premier did whip up a dish of pink slip surprise for some of the provincial government's top bureaucrats. There wasn't a press release announcing it, but agriculture, food and fisheries deputy minister Rory McAlpine did send out an email to employees on Thursday advising them "I will not have a place in the organizational changes being announced today and will be leaving the provincial government effective immediately." He's been replaced by Laurence Pedersen.

Bruce Strongitharm, one of Rich Coleman's closest associates, is returning to the provincial legislature. Mr. Strongitharm, who was a ministerial assistant to executive council members Murray Coell and Stan Hagen before becoming the Liberal's nominations director, has been named a senior aide to the former solicitor general. Joining him in the same office is Coleman spearcarrier Tobie Myers, who also carries the rank of ministerial assistant.

Heads are rolling out of caucus! Provincial Liberal communications director Shane Mills has been shuffled sideways to become Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett's senior aide. Mr. Mills's replacement has not yet been named. Meanwhile, caucus research director Joel Palmer also been made a ministerial assistant, reporting to Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Rich Neufeld. Filling Mr. Palmer's old seat is West Annex aspirant Jamie Braman, previously a ministerial assistant to Water, Land and Air Protection Minister Bill Barrisoff.

Earlier, Public Eye told you a number of ministerial aides would be taking up residence in the West Annex. And now we have two names to report: former energy and mines ministerial assistant Jeff Hanman and former education ministerial assistant Tera Nelson. Mr. Hanman and Ms. Nelson will be reporting to Jay Schlosar, who will be balancing the title of sexiest man at the legislature with increased issues management responsibilities. Meanwhile, his boss, deputy chief of staff Tom Syer, will be adding policy development duties to his workload.

Cabinet ministers weren't the only ones shuffled yesterday. Ministerial aides also received new assignments ahead of that shuffle. No word yet on what those assignments are. But a number of them will soon be taking up residence in the West Annex. It seems some Liberal big thinkers believe the premier's office, confronted with a massing horde of socialist barbarians, need more men manning the gates.

The public affairs bureau has maintained its status as an experiment into the long-term psychological effects of anxiety. As Public Eye predicted in The Vancouver Sun, Athana Mentzelopoulos is no longer as the head of the public affairs bureau, although she'll continue on as deputy minister of intergovernmental relations. So who's going to be replacing her? Well, communications directors didn't get an answer when they showed up for their 5:00 meeting yesterday. But plugging the dike on an interim basis will be bureau executive director Andy Orr.

Today, the premier declassified one of his most closely-guarded secrets: the identities of the provincial government's new cabinet ministers. Among the appointees: former private members Bill Bennett and Barry Penner. But not all of the government's re-elected backbenchers were as lucky. David Hayer, Richard Lee and Val Roddick at least got parliamentary secretary posts. But many others have never even got a whiff of a cabinet or caucus officer job. The following is a complete list of the unfortunates.

Earlier, Public Eye broke the news legislative comptroller Peter Bray had been summarily exited from his job, which includes monitoring caucus expenditures. And now those in the know are saying Mr. Bray may have already retained legal council in the form of Chris Considine. The famous Mr. Considine most recently represented disgraced ministerial aide David Basi before being replaced by Michael Bolton.

Legislative comptroller Peter Bray, the man responsible for monitoring and approving the appropriate disbursement of caucus finances has been exited from his position, Public Eye has exclusively learned. Speaker Claude Richmond did the deed yesterday afternoon at 3:00. Wagging tongues claim the provincial Liberals were displeased with Mr. Bray's tight-fisted, by-the-rules approach to legislative finances.

Last night, the booze-fueled rumour mill was drunk with rumours failed provincial Liberal candidate Virginia Greene could be appointed the head of the public affairs bureau. But informed speculators are now pooh-poohing that whisper. Which means the rumour was either untrue or, more conspiratorially, the Campbell administration wanted Ms. Greene to join government but for some reason that didn't happen.

Nancy Campbell, the premier's wife, may be driving a little farther to work. Ms. Campbell has been named principal of Howe Sound Secondary School in Squamish. She had previously been a vice-principal at Templeton High School in Vancouver. The premier, who is currently traveling back to British Columbia from Washington, D.C., was unavailable for comment. In 2003, when the Campbells sold their four-bedroom Point Grey home, Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer reported the couple was planning on spending more time in their Sunshine Coast holiday home. This article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

It looks like perpetual enthusiasm machine Jeff Bray may not be the only failed provincial Liberal candidate getting a post with the Campbell government. The afterhours whisper mob claims Viriginia Greene, who ran and lost in Vancouver-Fairview against smoothie king Gregor Robertson, will be joining the public affairs bureau and possibly heading the operation. Greene, the president of Go Direct Marketing Inc., comes equipped with civil service credentials, having previously been an assistant deputy minister of tourism during the eighties.

The rumourmill at the provincial legislature continues to get increasingly hot and bothered as the day wears on. Titillations include Water, Land and Air Protection Minister Bill Barisoff becoming speaker, with Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations Sindi Hawkins being his deputy. Day-old rumours had Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services Minister Murray Coell as speaker. Also theorized is the creation of a new environmental ministry. Lotuslanders will remember the Liberas divided the old ministry of environment, lands and parks when they won the last election, splitting its responsibilities between sustainable resource management and water, land and air protection.

Well, provincial government deputy ministers reportedly didn't find out anything more then we already know about what's going to happen tomorrow, when executive council members are appointed. But gossipmongers claim those senior civil servants are being contacted about their job futures, with the calls having started at about 2:00 today.

The press gallery will soon have a new inmate. Today, Black Press Ltd. British Columbia bureau reporter Tom Fletcher managed to evade legislative security guards and apply for gallery membership. Mr. Fletcher, who files a column on Mondays and writes copy the remainder of the week, had earlier tried to enter the precincts to cover the Liberal's swearing-in ceremony. But his access was blocked by the sergeant-at-arms's office for unexplained reasons. Mr. Fletcher was previously editor of the Maple Ridge News for 15 years.

Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers may not the only ones being moved on the provincial government checkerboard. Wagging tongues say assistant deputy ministers will also be shuffled following Thursday's executive council appointments. An informed speculator theorizes this could be an attempt by the West Annex to blow-up entrenched bureaucratic interests.

The provincial government's deputy ministers are converging on the legislature this morning for their weekly meeting with the head of the civil service - the upwardly mobile Jessica McDonald. Idle-speculating civil servants believe that, during the meeting, Ms. McDonald will brief the deputy ministers about upcoming structural changes in government and who's going to be appointed to cabinet tomorrow. As previously reported, the premier has already telephoned most of those who will be named to British Columbia's executive council. Deputies interested in leaking the details of that meeting are encouraged to contact Public Eye as soon as possible (just kidding).

The leader of the provincial New Democrats has a new spearcarrier. Everyone say hello to Heather Gropp, who became Carole James's executive assistant last Wednesday. The curly-haired Ms. Gropp, who managed Saanich South MLA David Cubberley's last two election campaigns, was first hired by the New Democrats in 1996 as former cabinet minister Andrew Petter's constituency assistant. Three years later, she was working at the Rockpile as a staffer for a number of cabinet ministers, including Mr. Petter, Sue Hammel, Cathy McGregor, Ian Waddel. More recently, Ms. Gropp has been under contract with the party for the past year as an aide to Ms. James.

Nostradamus may not have written about what the second Campbell administration will look like. But the amateur fortune tellers are the legislature are making losts of predictions, including prophesizing that the treaty negotiation office will be removed from the ministry of attorney general and away from likely officeholder Wally Oppal, who is said to be more interested in policing. If that happens, it could result in the creation of a standalone ministry of aboriginal affairs.

Victoria's very own vast right-wing conspiracy may have lost one of its members. As previously reported, each Friday a group of influential conservatives, known to some as the Octagon, gathers at an undislcosed restaurant to share lunch and amicably discuss plans for world domination. Among the conspirators: Liberal MLA Jeff Bray, who was recently defeated in Victoria-Beacon Hill by New Democrat leader Carole James. But now that Mr. Bray has been elevated to the high and mucky position of executive director of government caucus, some Octagon members are wondering whether he'll continue to break bread with them.

Are you a Liberal MLA? Have you been waiting by the phone to see if you've been appointed to cabinet? Well, wait no longer. Because, if you haven't gotten a call by now, you're likely not going to get one. Premier Gordon Campbell telephoned most of his executive council appointees yesterday before jetting off to Washington where he'll give a keynote speech to the American Association of Retired Persons and meet with Canada's ambassador to the United States, Frank McKenna.

The swifter members of the provincial government's public affairs bureau herd have come to the sudden and startling realization that some of their jobs could be headed for the chopping block. The reason: if Premier Gordon Campbell reduces the size of his cabinet, that could mean fewer ministries and fewer communications shops. And fewer communications shops could mean the bureau won't need quite as many communications directors and managers as before.

Provincial New Democrat leader Carole James, a former school trustee, has been handing out homework assignments to her caucus. Two weeks ago, winning candidates were asked to submit a summary of their background and interests to the Opposition leader's office. And last week, Ms. James discussed those summaries with New Democrat MLAs - discussions that will contribute to the selection of her shadow cabinet.