By now, former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark has responded at length to questions about her reasons for seeking the Non-Partisan Association's mayoral nomination and why a soon-to-be former Port Moody resident can be Vancouver's top elected politician. So your humble organ isn't going to be repeating that message box here. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Clark did speak about a number of issues that will be of exclusive interest to the chattering classes. For starters, it turns out Mike Hillman, a federal Liberal national vice-president, will be her nomination campaign manager. Said Ms. Clark, "He's a friend of the family. My dad worked on Mike Hillman's campaign when he ran in Burnaby in 1984...I even knocked on doors for Mike that year." Mr. Hillman was also formerly an aide to Trudeau administration cabinet minister Iona Campagnolo, who is now British Columbia's lieutenant governor.

As to the whether Ms. Clark has any polling numbers concerning her candidacy, the mayoral hopeful said "Well I can't comment on that directly. But I will say this. I wouldn't be running if I didn't think that I could help the NPA elect a majority of council and elect a mayor. I wouldn't be doing it otherwise. Because Sean, I don't need to go back into politics now. Except that enough people from the NPA have said they need me to do it."

And what about Larry Campbell - has Ms. Clark talked to Vancouver's retiring mayor about succeeding him? "I talked to him today. He said, 'It's a helluva job. It's a lot of work. You've got to be prepared for that.'" And will the new Liberal senator be campaigning for Ms. Clark? "He made a commitment to (Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate) Jim (Green). So I didn't press him about that."

Public Eye also notes, with some interest, Nicola Lambrechts's name on Ms. Clark's news release. Ms. Lambrechts is listed as working with National Public Relations Inc.

Former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark and Terminal City councillor Sam Sullivan weren't the only ones who submitted Non-Partisan Association papers today. Noteworthy filings included prospective city council candidates Trevor Boddy, The Vancouver Sun's architecture critic, and Fairchild AM 1470 producer Ronald Leung. Marty Zlotnik, the man who recruited Ms. Clark and a longtime backer of Premier Gordon Campbell, wants a parks board nomination. And Carol Gibson, Tod Gnissios, Vijay Sanjhera and Shirley Wong have filed for spots on the association's school board slate.

So what does Sam Sullivan think about former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark decision to file papers for the Non-Partisan Assocation's mayoral nomination? Well, in an interview, your humble organ asked the Vancouver city councillor whether he thought someone from Port Moody could be Terminal City's top elected politician. His response: "It's not the first time we've had a mayor from out of the city. Fred Hume lived in West Vancouver. And there are also councillors that lived out of the city." When pressed on that question, Mr. Sullivan said "That's not my judgement. That's the judgement that obviously NPA members will have to think about. But I think she's a credible candidate. She's got a lot of talent. I wouldn't be discounting her because she told me she intends to move to Vancouver." Incidently, Mr. Sullivan also submitted his nomination forms today. But, like Ms. Clark, he didn't officially announce he's running for the mayoralty. "I'm certainly interested. And I wanted to make sure my name was in for it."

Expectations have been met. Non-Partisan Association president Paul Barbeau just confirmed former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark has submitted her mayoral nomination papers. Those papers were hand-delivered to the association's headquarters by Clark campaign representative Michael Hillman, a federal Liberal national vice-president and known Martini mover-and shaker. Said Mr. Barbeau, "She's a strong candidate. A capable politician. And she brings an awful lot to the NPA organization as does Sam Sullivan," who also filed his nomination papers today. But filing isn't the same thing as running. In a news release, Ms. Clark said she won't make a decision on that issue until she's spent the next week "listening closely to how grassroots members of the NPA and other Vancouver residents feel about the issues facing Vancouver." The following is a copy of that release.

Attention News Editors:

- Statement from Christy Clark -
VANCOUVER, Aug. 31 /CNW/ - Today is the deadline for filing candidate's
papers to the Non-Partisan Association (NPA).
Many people have recently encouraged me to run for Mayor of Vancouver.
They have said they think I have the qualifications and the ability to
take on this important job.
Their support, input and encouragement have been overwhelming, and I
thank everyone who has sought me out for this purpose.
Now it is up to me.
I believe that I am the right person for the job. Vancouver is a great
city. It is the heartbeat of this region and of this province, and when
Vancouver is working, British Columbia is working.
But given how quickly this has unfolded, I feel that I have a
responsibility to consult widely with the grassroots members of the NPA to
determine if they agree. I want to ask them if they feel that I am indeed the
right candidate at the right time for the City of Vancouver.
I want to spend next week listening closely to how grassroots members of
the NPA and other Vancouver residents feel about the issues facing Vancouver,
so that I can help the NPA to present a united vision to take on Jim Green in
November.
I look forward to a meaningful dialogue, especially to a dialogue with
Sam Sullivan, a man who has devoted so much time and effort to Vancouver and
for whom I have immense respect.
Following these discussions, if I can feel absolutely confident that I
have the most to offer the people of Vancouver, I will then make a formal
announcement about my candidacy for the nomination of the NPA.
In the meantime, the deadline for filing candidate's papers has fast
approached and I must respect that process.

Thank you.

Christy Clark

For further information: Nicola Lambrechts, (604) 970-9113

In an interview with your humble organ, Non-Partisan Association president Paul Barbeau confirmed he expects former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark to submit her mayoral nomination papers sometime today. That means Terminal City councillor Sam Sullivan and Ms. Clark will likely be squaring off for the nomination on September 24. The association presently has 2,600 members. The deadline for membership sign-ups is September 10. Public Eye broke the news about a possible mayoral bid by Ms. Clark on Friday.

An announcement concerning Christy Clark's possible run for the Non-Partisan Association's mayoral candidacy is expected shortly. But of equal interest to some association members is whether the delightfully meat-eating Sandy McCormick will be joining the starboard-leaning civic party's school board slate. But so far, association headquarters has not received completed nomination forms from Ms. McCormick. And since the former city councillor's answering machine claims she'll be "away till September 1" it looks like she's going to miss the association's filing deadline: 5:00 today. Ms. McCormick recently sought the provincial Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Langara but was asked to step aside for star candidate and now finance minister Carole Taylor.

Former Government House Leader Graham the Bruce (Public Eye passim) was one of the major Liberal names defeated during the last election. And, because of the Members' Conflict of Interest Act, Mr. Bruce likely won't be receiving a government contract any time soon. So what's he going to be doing with his time? Well, according to the rumourmill, the former cabinet minister had an interview last week. But when we contacted Mr. Bruce over the weekend and asked him what he could tell us about that rumoured interview, this was his response: "Nothing. I'm still reflecting on what I may or may not do and out of public life for the time being." But our First Nations informants tell us one of the things he may be looking at is the job of chief operating officer of the North American Indigenous Games, which will be hosted by the Cowichan Tribes in 2008. An announcement concerning that job is expected toward the end of September.

Is provincial New Democrat caucus research officer and former party president Maura Parte, considering running for municipal politics? That's the rumour circulating among earnest elements of the port-leaning Victoria Civic Electors team. But when asked about the rumours, Ms. Parte, who is married to Victoria-Hillside MLA and former city councillor Rob Fleming, said "They're absolutely not true...I'm not seeking any municipal positions at this time." To which your humble organ replied, "That's not necessarily a no." But, apparently, "it is at this time, for this election," said Ms. Parte.

The Sam Sullivan membership drive continues tonight at the offices of Davis and Company LLP. Astute readers will know Davis and Company as being one of Vancouver's most prominent law firms and the professional home of Dale Pope, who is best friends with Premier Gordon Campbell. What you may not know is that the firm is one of the few law offices in the world that can boast of having a 666 street address. But we digress. Hosting the 5:00 event, which is being held at Park Place's scenic 28th floor lounge, will be intellectual property lawyer John Rogers. Mr. Sullivan, a Vancouver city councillor, is unofficially campaigning for the Non-Partisan Association's mayoral nomination which may be contested by former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark.

24 hours columnist Bill Tieleman was one of the leading voices opposing electoral reform during the recent referendum. And, according to financial reports filed with Elections British Columbia, he certainly put his money where his mouth was. Mr. Tieleman, the president of West Star Communications and a former government communications guru, contributed $3,000 in money or services to KNOW STV - the group that agitated against the single-transferable vote system proposed by the citizens' assembly. But he wasn't the only donor.

Jim Inkster, past president of the Northern British Columbia Truckers Association, also contributed $2,000 to KNOW STV. Former Socred Attorney General Bud Smith kicked in $1,400. And ex-deputy minister Bob Plecas donated $1,000. Meanwhile, YES to STV was bankrolled, in part, by a $10,000 cheque from Green Party financier Roy Ball. Societies in favour of changing the way we vote also contributed $11,672.41 - which includes donations from the United Kingdom's Electoral Reform Society and Australia's Proportional Representation Society.

Many column inches have been plowed reporting on the upcoming round of public sector labour negotiations. But government and its creatures aren't the only ones who will be occupied by collective bargaining this fall. This week, provincial New Democrat MLAs will start hammering out a new contract with their constituency assistants, who are represented by the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union Local 701. Presently, those assistants make between $34,548.57 and $39,317.04 annually. But they're looking for a raise that will push them over the $40,000 a year mark.

Last week, we reported provincial New Democrats MLAs would be cuddling up with one another for an extended nose-stretching session at Dunsmuir Lodge and Conference Centre. Of course, the substance of those proceedings is supposed to be under lock and key. And those who remember the real-time leaking that occured during the Clark administration seem determined to ensure their (wind) pipes remain sealed. But, according to our tipsters, the most interesting discussion at the retreat was the one that didn't happen.

Astute Public Eye readers will recall, in a post-leadership convention interview with The Vancouver Sun's Jim Beatty, party grand poobah Carole James said "We have to modernize our relationship with labour." As part of that modernization push, a 10-member affiliation committee chaired by lawyer and former New Democrat president Ian Aikenhead has been studying the issue of union affiliation. And a resolution on that issue is expected at the party's upcoming convention.

But, even though convention is just three months away, affiliation was not talked about at the retreat. The official explanation is that Ms. James wants to wait till the aforementioned committee's final report, which will be presented at New Democrat provincial council meeting scheduled for September 16 and 17. But there may have been some concern this divisive issue wouldn't be an appropriate agenda item for a meeting where many MLAs would be getting to know one another for the first time.

A fair point, to be sure. But, if Ms. James wants a new relationship with labour, this discussion needs to occur sooner rather than later. Because the present lack of monmentum for de-affiliation is strengthening the hand of those council members who would prefer the status quo.

The provincial Liberals may have gained a MLA when former pollster Joan McIntyre was elected in West Vancouver-Garibaldi. But her election meant the Non-Partisan Association also lost its principle public opinion researcher. There's no need for tears though, because our tipsters tell us a replacement has been found: Greg Lyle, managing director of the Innovative Research Group Inc., who was the campaign planning director for Liberals during the (insert adjective) 1996 election. And, according to the rumourmill, the Campbell administration's former caucus communications director Mike McDonald, will be working with Mr. Lyle on that file.

But, when asked about those rumours Mr. McDonald said, "As I've said to you before, I don't discuss client work...I have not done any formal work with Greg as of yet. I may well do more work with Greg or may do work with Greg but nothing has happened yet." Mr. McDonald is married to Jessica McDonald, the premier's deputy minister, and is the founder of Rosedeer Strategies Inc.

Earlier, Public Eye reported sex trade activist Jamie Lee Hamilton would be campaigning for a spot on the Non-Partisan Association's parks board slate. But it turns out she's decided to stay outside the big tent party instead. In a posting on her blog, Ms. Hamilton writes, "I need to be true to my own spirit, my own heart and my own values. I don't want to compromise my beliefs in order to sell someone else' package...I need to participate in the reforming of City Hall and the best way of accomplishing this is by campaigning for a council seat without the backing and trappings of the major brands." Translation: she's running as an independent.

Apparently, New Democrats in British Columbia weren't the only party members who wanted to defeat the Campbell administration. Card-carriers from other provinces also got in on the act. According to financial reports filed with Elections British Columbia, the Alberta New Democrats contributed $4,808 by loaning out their provincial secretary Laura Nichols to come work as Carole James's anchor - the staffer responsible for scheduling the leader's cross-province campaign tour. And donations from the Ontario New Democrats and the federal New Democrats, totaling $8,020.81, paid the salaries of two imported day planners and travel costs for those out-of-province staffers. A version of this article was originally published in yesterday's edition of 24 hours.

The provincial Greens didn't raise much money during the election - just $89,430. But they would have raised even less if it hadn't been for Wayne Crookes, owner/president of Vancouver-based company West Coast Title Search Ltd. Mr. Crookes, who was the Green national campaign manager during the 2004 federal election, donated $11,458 to the party - which, for those of you without calculators, works out to a whopping 13 percent of the Green's total donations. And he also handed the party a $35,000 loan which has yet to be repaid. But, interestingly, that's less than the $86,289.52 he donated and $9,100 he loaned to the party during the 2001 election. A version of this article was originally published in yesterday's edition of 24 hours.

Good cheer wasn't the only thing bar owners were serving up during the election period. According to financial reports filed with Elections British Columbia, at least 47 pubs dished out $63,780 to the Liberals - mostly in the form of separate $1,000 donations. Under the Campbell administration, the province's liquour laws and regulations governing drinking establishments have been relaxed. Those changes mean such establishments are now eligibile to serve alcohol until 4:00 in the morning and cold beer and wine stores can sell spirits. But pub owners who wanted to open more of those stores were furious when the Campbell administration scrapped plans to privatize provincial liquour outlets. The Liberals have since soothed those savage feelings by permitting private liquour stores to purchase booze at cheaper prices. A version of this article was originally published in yesterday's edition of 24 hours. The following is a complete copy of donations made by identifiable pubs to the Liberals.

Foggy Dew Irish Pub Inc., $1,000.00
Foggy Dew Irish Pub, Coquitlam Inc., $1,000.00
Fort Langley Pub and Grill, $3,000.00
Four Mile Pub Ltd., $1,000.00
Fox and Hounds Neighbourhood Pub, Beer and Wine Store, $5,000.00
Fox 'N Hounds Sports Pub, $1,000.00
Golden Spike Pub, $500.00
Garry T's Neighborhood Pub and Restaurant Ltd., $1,000.00
Jericho Pub Inc., $1,000.00
Jimy Mac's Neighbourhood Pub, $1,000.00
John B Pub Ltd., $1,000.00
Artful Dodger Pub, $1,000.00
Sanz Neighbourhood Pub, $4,000.00
Martini's On Martin Bar & Billiards, $500.00
Millers Landing Pub Ltd./Cat & Fiddle Pub, $1,500.00
Moonrakers Cold Beer and Wine Store, $500.00
Paddlewheeler Neighbourhood Pub, $1,500.00
Queen's Cross Beer and Wine Store, $1,000.00
Queen's Cross Pub, $1,000.00
Raven Pub Limited, $1,000.00
Rhino's Pub and Grill, $1,750.00
Riders Pub a div of Horse and Rider Neighbourhood Pub, $1,000.00
River's Reach Liquor Store, $1,000.00
Robin Hood Pub and Beer and Wine Store, $1,000.00
Rock'n Firkin Pub Inc., $1,000.00
Roo's Pub and Grill Ltd., $1,000.00
Rusty Gull Neighbourhood Pub Ltd., $1,000.00
Sailor Hagar's Pub Inc., $1,000.00
Sawmill Pub and Restaurant Inc., $1,000.00
Shark Club Sports Grill Ltd., $800.00
Shooters Bar and Grill DBA 6788646 B.C. Ltd., $1,000.00
Sidetrack Pub, $1,000.00
Sisto's Neighbourhood Pub Ltd., $1,000.00
Sundowner Beer and Wine, $2,000.00
Sundowner Neighbourhood Pub Inc., $2,000.00
Tabor Arms Pub Ltd., $2,000.00
The Beer Store Ltd., $3,240.00
The French Quarter Pub, $1,500.00
The Hook and Ladder Pub, $1,000.00
The Landing Pub and Beer and Wine Store, $1,000.00
The Mirage Nightclub, $1,000.00
The Pump Jack Pub Ltd., $1,000.00
Tumbleweeds Neighbourhood Pub DBA 559411 B.C. Ltd., $1,000.00
Tuder Horse Sports Pub, $1,000.00
Whiski Jack's Pub Cold Beer and Wine Store, $1,000.00
Woody's On Brunette Pub, $2,990.00
Sawbuck's Pub and Liquor Store, $1,000.00

More than two months after Athana Mentzelopoulos stepped down from the job, the Campbell administration has selected a new deputy minister for the public affairs bureau. According to an information bulletin that was quietly released from the premier's office within the last hour, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority's communications and community engagement vice-president Linda Morris is the government's new top spin doctor. Perhaps not surprisingly, Ms. Morris and the minister responsible for the public affairs bureau Carole Taylor previously worked together at the Vancouver Port Corp. Minister Taylor was appointed the corporation's vice-chair in 1995 and then served as its chair between 1997 and 1999. For her part, Ms. Morris was public affairs director of the corporation and its successor authority between 1995 and 2001.

Today, The Vancouver Sun is reporting "political fundraiser and longtime NPA stalwart Marty Zlotnik said he first approached (former provincial cabinet minister Christy) Clark with the idea of running for mayor last week. He said NPA supporters are trying to convince Clark that being mayor of Vancouver is an attractive position." Public Eye broke that story yesterday.

Earlier, Public Eye reported rumours that Non-Partisan Association members have been courting former provincial Liberal cabinet minister Christy Clark to run as the Vancouver civic party's mayoral candidate. Longtime association operative Marty Zlotnik's name has been attached to that recruitment effort. But, when Public Eye reached Mr. Zlotnik today and asked about those rumours he said he had "no comment."

In related news, if Ms. Clark did decide to run and won the mayoral nomination, Larry Campbell could find himself trapped in a particularly challenging political puzzle box. The former mayor promised to support Vision Vancouver candidate Jim Green's bid for Terminal City's top elected job. But it was Liberal operative Mark Marissen, Ms. Clark's husband, who engineered Mr. Campbell's appointment to the Red Chamber.

Rumours abound that Non-Partisan Association members have been courting former provincial Liberal cabinet minister Christy Clark to run as the starboard-leaning Vancouver civic party's mayoral candidate. When questioned about similar rumours back in July, Ms. Clark told Public Eye "I have been asked to run to be mayor of Port Moody, the mayor of Burnaby, the mayor of Coquitlam and the mayor of Vancouver" and turned all those offers down. But that was before Mayor Larry Campbell announced he wouldn't be seeking re-election. And, according to senior association members, the most recent rumoured attempts to recruit the Port Moody resident sound more serious.

Ms. Clark couldn't be contacted to discuss whether she is reconsidering her decision to stay out of civic politics. She's on vacation and won't be returning calls until after Labour Day. But, should she decide to run, the association would be happy to have her.

"Christy Clark has a great deal of political influence and appeal as a mayoral candidate," said the party's campaign manager Greg Wilson. "And we'd certainly welcome her contribution to the NPA team. That said, she's not yet submitted her nomination papers or otherwise discussed her candidacy with our campaign committee."

Asked for his opinion on the matter, Vancouver city councilor Sam Sullivan - who is unofficially campaigning to be the association's mayoral candidate - added "I welcome this as a sign the NPA is vital and alive and well and ready to contest the mayor's position as well as all the other seats."

When asked whether he would throw in the towel to make room for Ms. Clark, Mr. Sullivan said "I don't believe so, no. I think it would be an interesting race." Longtime association operative Marty Zlotnik's name has been attached to the rumoured effort to recruit Ms. Clark. But Mr. Zlotnik, one of Premier Gordon Campbell's oldest backers, did not return a call from Public Eye by publication time. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

Earlier this month, the provincial government's information and privacy commissioner David Loukidelis six-year term in office ended. Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Mr. Loukidelis, who is currently filling that position on an acting basis, is not eligible to serve another term. So that means MLAs will be looking for a replacement. Or maybe not? According to the legislative whispermill, government is said to be considering an amendment that would allow the information and privacy commissioner to be re-appointed.

Speaking of Websites, junior federal Grits are dismayed to discover notorious Tory shit-disturber Ryan Warawa, the son of Langley MP Mark Warawa, has captured the domain name youngliberal.ca. According to information available via the Canadian Internet Registration Authority, the site is "dedicated to exposing the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party of Canada." Such dedication currently consists of posting an old Georgia Straight column by our 24 hours colleague Bill Tieleman reporting on the connections between the federal Liberals and those targetted by the police raid on the legislature. Mr. Warawa, who is presently on vacation, has not yet responded to an interview request from Public Eye.

As Public Eye previously reported, provincial New Democrat MLAs have converged on Dunsmuir Lodge and Conference Centre for a three day navel-gazing exercise with Carole James. But before the group groping got underway, the fourth estate - many of whom have been idling in the press gallery, waiting for politicians to return for their summer holidays - were invited for a question and answer session with the party leader. The following are some of your humble organ's notes from that event.

* Not surprisingly, Ms. James was asked about the British Columbia Teachers' Federation’s decision to hold a strike vote in September made an appearance. And questions about the labour movement's spending on advertising during the election also made an appearance. But, not surprisingly, the party leader's responses to those inquiries were poured straight out of the New Democrat's message box: to wit, the government should "extend an olive branch" to teachers and limit third party advertising by corporations and unions.

* More interesting to members of the chattering class was this question from Broadcast News legislative correspondent Scott Sutherland: "Are you confident that (former Water, Land and Air Protection Minister) Bill Barisoff will make a good non-partisan speaker? Will you just let that (appointment) go pro forma?" Ms. James's response: "I expect so. I certainly worked with Mr. Barisoff when he was a school trustee. So I know him to be a reasonable person. And I think we'll be expecting he'll provide a fair opportunity for government and opposition in the legislature." Mr. Barisoff is known among some Rockpile residents as a bit of a black and white thinker.

* Our 24 hours colleague Erin Airton has wondered where Ms. James has been this summer. We're pleased to provide an answer to that question, in the leader's own words: "I spent three weeks up north and I spent two weeks traveling around (British Columbia's) camp grounds. I did what's called the northern circle route which takes you up to the Yukon border and over to the Alaska border up north." For those keeping count, that's five weeks of vacation.

* The foyer of the Dunsmuir Lodge features a sculpture entitled The Path to Enlightenment. Wags noted with some amusement that the sculpture, by Katherine Maltwood, didn't appear to have an end point. A message for the New Democrats perhaps?

Money from British Columbia unions may have only accounted for 32 percent or $1.9 million of the provincial New Democrat's election contributions. But, according to documents released by Elections British Columbia yesterday, the labour movement also ran election period advertising valued at $3.5 million, with 44 percent of those expenditures coming from the British Columbia Teachers' Federation and local teachers' association. On top of that, the unions also bankrolled a number of grassroots organizations with agendas opposed to Campbell administration policies. For example, the Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations of British Columbia, which spent $86,032.80 on advertising, received $63,400 in contributions from the labour movement, including a $41,500 chunk from the British Columbia Federation of Labour.

But the business community - which can usually be counted on to support the Liberals - was also an active advertiser during the election period, with industry groups and corporations kicking in $953,529.69 - a number that excludes their pre-writ advertising campaign but includes a $612,100.04 contribution from the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of British Columbia. Advertising dollars from businesses were also funneled into organizations such as the Comox Valley Association for Good Government and the Friends of Vancouver Islanders, which advocated for Liberal MLAs. Other documents released yesterday show corporate donations accounted for 70 percent of the Liberal's election contributions or $7.9 million. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours. The following is a complete list of third parties whose advertising activities were valued at more than $250.

***

Corporations and industry groups

British Columbia and Yukon Chamber of Mines: $19,633.75
British Columbia Metals Corporation: $7,481.38
Business Council of British Columbia: $89,915.00
Concerned Construction Companies of Kamloops: $19,551.58
Concerned Leaders of British Columbia's High Tech and Biotech Industries: $22,852.94
Cunningham and Rivard Appraisals Ltd.: $635.58
First Dollar Alliance Society: $8,303.40
Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of British Columbia: $612,100.04
Mining Association of British Columbia: $160,000.00
Pacific Western Brewing Co. Ltd.: $13,056.02

Total: $953,529.69

Teachers' associations

British Columbia Teachers' Federation: $874,964.14
Boundary District Teachers' Association: $3,782.91
Bulkley Valley Teachers' Union: $8,327.41
Burnaby Teachers' Association: $45,155.21
Burns Lake District Teachers' Association: $8,984.42
Campbell River District Teachers' Association: $6,946.49
Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers' Association: $8,244.36
Central Coast Teachers' Association: $2,042.10
Central Okanagan Teachers' Association: $17,304.68
Chilliwack Teachers' Association: $4,559.72
Comox District Teachers' Association: $12,153.69
Coqutilam Teachers Association: $1,588.34
Cowichan District Teachers' Association: $6,784.26
Cranbrook District Teachers' Association: $6,004.78
Creston Valley Teachers' Association: $4,888.61
Delta Teachers' Association: $25,959.82
Fernie District Teachers' Association: $4,131.79
Fort Nelson District Teachers' Association: $6,310.37
Gold Trail Teachers' Association: $539.92
Golden Teachers' Association: $2,116.80
Greater Victoria Teachers' Association: $40,647.57
Gulf Island Teachers' Association: $900.64
Howe Sound Teachers' Association: $2,617.11
Kamloops Thompson Teachers' Association: $28,008.78
Kimberley Teachers' Association: $4,234.60
Kitimat District Teachers' Association: $4,268.72
Kootenay Columbia Teachers' Union: $10,314.81
Lake Cowichan Teachers' Association: $1,245.09
Langley Teachers' Association: $19,007.84
Maple Ridge Teachers' Association: $5,219.58
Mission Teachers' Union: $7,069.08
Mount Arrowsmith Teachers' Association: $4,395.91
Nanaimo District Teachers' Association: $3,897.41
Nechako Teachers' Union: $3,042.03
Nelson District Teachers' Association: $6,025.65
New Westminster Teachers' Union: $1,961.22
Nicola Valley Teachers' Union: $2,478.58
Nisga'a Teachers' Union: $5,004.54
North Okanagan Shuswap Teachers' Association: $7,747.00
North Vancouver Teachers' Association: $25,646.00
Okanagan Skaha Teachers' Union: $11,629.00
Peace River North Teachers' Association: $3,550.00
Peace River South Teachers' Association: $5,535.69
Powell River District Teachers' Association: $10,522.72
Prince Rupert District Teachers' Union: $14,087.24
Princeton District Teachers' Union: $6,712.57
Queen Charlotte District Teachers' Association: $9,662.00
Quesnel District Teachers' Association: $7,512.52
Revelstoke Teachers' Association: $3,468.41
Richmond Teachers' Association: $21,585.00
Saanich Teachers' Association: $12,134.57
Sooke Teachers' Association: $14,225.99
South Okanagan Similkameen Teachers' Union: $10,803.00
Stikine Teachers' Association: $5,378.34
Sunshine Coast Teachers' Association: $4,813.34
Surrey Teachers' Association: $48,044.29
Terrace District Teachers' Union: $16,646.53
Vancouver Elementary School Teachers' Association: $20,958.00
Vancouver Island North Teachers' Association: $5,469.08
Vancouver Island West Teachers' Union: $5,597.52
Vancouver Secondary Teachers' Association: $7,949.00
Vernon Teachers' Association: $14,127.00
West Vancouver Teachers' Association: $18,561.02
Windermere District Teachers' Association: $3,312.11

Total: $1,516,806.92

Unions

B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers' Union: $45,962.00
B.C. Government and Service Employees Union: $431,250.80
B.C. Federation of Labour: $113,547.44
British Columbia Nurses Union: $257,282.00
Canadian Farmworkers' Union: $535.00
Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union Local 378: $148,614.00
Canadian Union of Public Employees: $56,416.40
Communications, Energy and Paperworkers' Union: $4,700.80
Compensation Employees' Union: $589.25
Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of B.C.: $209,602.00
Health Sciences Association of British Columbia: $112,531.55
Hospital Employees' Union: $549,760.92
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 138: $4,405.00
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 2009: $4,405.00
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 1527: $4,405.00
Kamloops and District Labour Council: $5,929.94
Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada: $2,691.00
Squamish and District Labour Committee: $639.60
Steelworkers District 3 Local 1-85: $1,890.96
United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 1518: $12,750.22
United Steelworkers District 3: $16,863.00

Total: $1,984,771.88
Total (including teachers' associations): $3,501,578.80

Other advertising sponsors

B.C. Citizens for Public Power: $12,867.12
B.C. Health Coalition: $4,394.68
British Columbia Old Age Pensioners Organization: $338.62
Broad Coalition: $1,233.41
Citizens to Re-Elect Graham Bruce: $651.15
Comox Valley Association for Good Government: $14,505.74
Community Action for Justice Coalition: $2,906.33
Community Business and Professional Association of Canada: $11,310.00
Conservation Voters of British Columbia: $1,890.12
Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations of British Columbia: $86,032.80
Creston and District Save Our Community Coalition: $2,486.00
Elk Valley and South Country Health Care Coalition: $2,910.71
Friends of Mike Hunter: $9,070.13
Friends of Vancouver Islanders: $7,697.50
Raincoast Conservation Society: $6,859.50
Right to Privacy Campaign: $8,093.00

Good news for underemployed provincial Liberals: back in June it was decided (but not announced) Elizabeth Watson would be leaving her post as managing director of the board resource and development office - the bureau responsible for vetting appointments to provincial agencies, boards and commissions. Some Liberals have partially-blamed Ms. Watson for the present shortage of government bum-warmers for party members. The reason: under her watch, government introduced guidelines to ensure those filling such seats would at least have some qualifications to be there - aside from their politics.

But, in an interview, the premier's press secretary Mike Morton laughed off suggestions rank and file dissatisfaction with Ms. Watson had anything to do with her departure. Instead, Mr. Morton said Ms. Watson - who has been with government for the past four years - was leaving to "pursue other opportunities." Ms. Watson did not respond to a request for an interview. A version of this article was originally published in Friday's edition of 24 hours.

Earlier this week, it was reported that government healthcare service contractor Maximus BC Health Inc.'s president Richard Mason resigned following revelations his company had been penalized for failing to meet customer service commitments. Ironically, just before his departure, Maximus employees had been sent a survey, which included questions about the company's leadership. The following is a copy of that survey, which was leaked to Public Eye.

Company Leadership

Please indicate your opinion of the leadership of the company by evaluating the following statements (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree Somewhat, Strongly Disagree).

Leadership provides clear direction for the company
Leadership is appropriately accessible to employees
Leadership is open and honest in communications
Overall, I have confidence and trust in the leadership of the company

Please indicate overall your view of the leadership of the company since April 2005 (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree Somewhat, Strongly Disagree).

Overall, my confidence and trust in the leadership of the company has grown since April 2005.

Team Leadership

Please indicate your opinion of the relationship you have with your immediate supervisor (whether a Supervisor, Manager or President).

My immediate supervisor (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree Somewhat, Strongly Disagree):

Communicates openly and honestly
Treats me with dignity and respect
Provides coaching and constructive feedback to develop me
Personally recognizes my accomplishments
Seeks my opinion
Views mistakes as an opportunity to learn
Embraces change as a way of life
Is accessible when needed

Please indicate how your overall view of team leadership since April 2005 (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree Somewhat, Strongly Disagree).

Overall, my working relationship with my immediate supervisor has improved since April 2005

Please indicate your opinion of the relationship you have with your co-workers.

My co-workers (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree Somewhat, Strongly Disagree):

Communicate openly and honestly
Treat everyone with dignity and respect
Embrace change as a way of life

Please indicate how your view of the relationship you have with your co-workers has changed in the last three months, since April 2005 (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree Somewhat, Strongly Disagree).

Overally, my working relationship with my co-workers has improved since April 2005.

Working Environment

Please indicate your opinion of your working environment (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree Somewhat, Strongly Disagree).

I would recommend the company to my friends as a place to work
The company inspires me to contribute my utmost for its success
I fully understand the direction of the company
I understand how I contribute to the direction of the company
I have the authority to make the decisions necessary to do my job well
I have the tools and resources I need to do my job well
I feel encouraged to contribute my opinions
I feel that my contribution is recognized
Communications is encouraged by the Company

Working Environment Continued

Please indicate your overall view of the work environment for the last three months, since April 2005 (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree Somewhat, Strongly Disagree).

Overall, my working environment has improved since April 2005

Demographics

Please indicate your department:

Beneficiary Services:

Contract Centre:

MSP Level 1
PharmaCare Level 1
MSP Level 2/3
PharmaCare Level 2/3
Research/Government Ageny/Group Administration

Provider Services:

In Province Adjusdication
Out of Country
PharmaCare Help Desk/Info Support
Provider Programs
Billing Support/Benefit Services

Program Support/Document Management Centre:

Document Management Unit
Program Support

Information Technology:

Legacy Support
Business Consultants
Developer/Web
Technical Support (Infrastructure, Tech Support Help Desk, DBA's, Architects)

All Managers

All Administrators/Supervisors

Contractors

Thank you for participating!

July 2005

Just a quick note from Denise Champion, the public affairs bureau's casualty replacement officer (Public Eye passim): according to an email leaked to your humble organ, Rockpile resident Barb Ewens - previously a senior aide to Tourism, Sports and the Arts Minister Olga Ilich - has joined the bureau as an events coordinator. Astute readers will know the bureau's events planning branch has become something of a retirement capital/emergency escape hatch for political hacks, presently staffed by the likes of former assistants Sheryl Exton, Cheryl Maitland and Pavan Nirwan. The following is a copy of that email.

Good Afternoon.

Just a quick note to let you know that, effective today, Barbara Ewens has accepted an OIC appointment to the Public Affairs Bureau as an Events Coordinator.

Please join me in welcoming Barb to the Bureau!

Denise J. Champion

Director, Operations and Human Resources
Public Affairs Bureau

Pat Kinsella, perhaps the most powerful provincial Liberal backroom boy in the province, and Mark Jiles, Premier Gordon Campbell's constituency campaign manager, may soon be doing business together. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Jiles, a former account director with public and government relations giant Hill and Knowlton Canada Inc., forthrightly confirmed he and Mr. Kinsella have had a number of coffee conversations about how best they can pursue 2010 Winter Olympic business prospects. Mr. Giles, who now provides sports marketing services under the name Bluestone Ltd., said the two of them are "looking at advising companies on everything from sponsorship opportunities to procurement opportunities." Mr. Kinsella runs The Progressive Group, a communications firm.

Barinder Sall, we hardly knew you. According to our operatives, Attorney General Wally Oppal's ministerial assistant is leaving the precincts under his own power for an opportunity in the private sector. Astute Public Eye readers will remember Mr. Sall, who was the former judge's aide/scheduler during the recent election, became a Rockpile resident shortly after cabinet was sworn-in. Also leaving the legislature for the private sector: Philip Rygg, who had been working as a senior aide to Environment Minister Barry Penner.

The commuter newspaper bushwar in Vancouver has escalated. Public Eye has learned the managing editor of Metro Vancouver, Gord Kurenoff, has had his name removed from the newspaper's masthead. And, as of Sunday, Metro staffer Don Fiorvento, a former reporter with the North Shore Outlook was filling that position on an interim basis. Prior to joining Metro, Mr. Kurenoff had been editor of Kamloops This Week.

Terminal City may have a new civic party. But who will be Vision Vancouver's candidates? City councillors Raymond Louie and Tim Stevenson are already on the ticket. But that still leaves at least three spots on the slate that need to be filled by November. In an interview, candidate selection committee chair Am Johal explained Vision Vancouver started compiling a 30-person list of possible recruits for that slate back in July. And now they've shortened the list down to 10 hopefuls.

Those hopefuls will interviewed in September and ranked according to 18 factors, including diversity and experience. The top rankers will then be submitted to Vision Vancouver's executive for approval as city council candidates. Mr. Johal then went on to deny rumours Canadian Union of Public Employees lawyer Carmella Allevato and parks board commissioner Heather Deal have already been chosen as candidates. Mr. Johal is currently working on contract as a researcher for Ms. Allevato's union. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

Earlier, Public Eye reported sex trade activist Jamie Lee Hamilton organized a meeting this past Monday so that supporters and fellow travellers could "come out and brainstorm some great campaign ideas" for her upcoming Non-Partisan Association parks board nomination campaign. Among those in attendance: former TEAM and Green city council candidate Bev Ballantyne, former Progressive Democratic Alliance candidate John Spark and ex-Tory nomination hopeful and independent city council candidate Ryan Warawa. So it will come as no surprise to Public Eye readers that - according to our tipsters - in the days before and after that meeting, all three of them requested association memberships forms.

Public Eye's 24 hours colleague Erin Airton has resigned from her post at provincial Liberal-connected public relations firm James Hoggan and Associates Inc., your humble organ has learned. Ms. Airton, the company's account director, will now be working as manager of communications and strategic planning at Platinum Group Metals Ltd., a Vancouver-based, publicly-traded platinum and palladium mining company with operations in South Africa and Canada

It looks Ezra Levant, publisher of the starboard-leaning Western Standard is doing his bit for Queen and country. On October 14, the recovering Stockaholic will be the featured speaker at the fourth annual fundraising luncheon for the Victoria chapter of The Monarchist League of Canada. The festivities, scheduled be held at the landlocked Princess Mary Restaurant, are being organized by capital city federal Conservative grand poobah Bruce Hallsor. Previous speakers have included artist Robert Bateman and Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo.

The premier's chief of staff, Martyn Brown, is on the move - geographically speaking, that is. Public Eye has learned Mr. Brown's Cobble Hill residence is up for sale. Asking price: $359,995. The real estate agency responsible for the sale, Ken Neal and Associates, notes the "one owner home has been meticulously maintained since day one" (no surprises there) and features "a huge master with double closets and luxurious en suite including a corner soaker tub" - perfect for relaxing after a hard day's work running the province.

When notified Mr. Brown may be leaving his constituency, Malahat-Juan de Fuca New Democrat MLA John Horgan quipped, "I hope he'll be able to get the same steady representation wherever he goes. I would like him to stay within the boundaries though to help build a vibrant economy in the western communities because it really is a loss to the community. I'm saddened by his departure." No word yet on where Mr. Brown will be moving - although closer to the capital city is a good bet, according to the rumour mill.

The Social Credit Party may be little more than a page in British Columbia's history books. But the party's youth wing seems to be making something of a comeback. In an interview with Public Eye, ex-Socred youth president and Simon Fraser University alumni Robin Dhir confirmed he's invited former fellow travellers to attend a reunion in Coquitlam on August 27.

Said Mr. Dhir, "at the end of the day, we're all right-wingers of some sort. And regardless of whether you want to be labelled a Liberal or Tory, we're definitely not NDPers. And we're definitely not federal Liberals. So it's a reason to get all those people together and stay involved."

And why stay involved? "At some point some of our friends are going to run - someone like (Transportation Minister) Kevin Falcon has run in the past and we got involved in helping him," explained Mr. Dhir. So the group will be looking to assist other former Young Socred candidates in the future.

Mr. Dhir, now a business development manager with Kodak Canada Ltd., also added he and a number of others a looking at formalizing the group so it can do charitable work.

Astute Public Eye readers have notified your humble organ that yesterday, without fanfare or an accompanying news release, the provincial government posted some details about the so-called New Relationship it's negotiating with British Columbia's aboriginal peoples. Those details had previously been kept under wraps by the West Annex's openess and accountability advocates - although they were available on the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations Website. Better late than never, we suppose.

Since being elected leader of the provincial New Democrats, Carol James has consistently refused to answer questions about whether she wants to move the party to the centre. Instead, Ms. James has said she favours a "balanced approach" to politics - which members of the chattering classes have simply assumed means she's a centrist. Not so, it seems.

During an appearance last month at the Hospital Employees' Union's summer school, which was recorded for posterity by Working TV, an agitated member of the sisterhood informed Ms. James that "through the election and post-election, it's been said that you're going to be moving to the centre and not being so closely associated with the working people or the unions in particular. I caution you, if that's the case, don't bite the hand that feeds you. I worked 18 hours a day to get you back where you are, as well as my brothers and sisters. And we expect you to be in bed with us." So what was Ms. James's response to this rather direct question?

Chortling happily, the New Democrat leader said, "Thank you. And just to clarify it's the press who continually try to point which direction the party is going. And I think they'd love to have everybody in the province move from the middle to the right, to the way right. It's the direction the media love to push. People who've heard me answer this question know that I'm always very clear that what I'm talking about is a balanced, commonsense approach. It doesn't have anything to do with moving left, middle or right. It says that we all should work together and there's some basic, fundamental values we believe in which includes respecting working people in this province. And that's always going to be there in this party." The audience's response: enthusiastic applause.

Bonus point: astute Public Eye readers will note other politicians blaming the media these days also include the Campbell administration's flappable Children and Family Development Minister Stan Hagen, whom Opposition member Adrian Dix seems to be taking particular delight in torturing.

Today, The Georgia Straight reported "A former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister is considering a political comeback. Ted Nebbeling, former minister in charge of the Olympic bid and the community charter, told the Straight that he is seriously considering running for mayor of Whistler in the November civic election." Public Eye broke that story last week.

Just in time for the November civic elections comes this could-be bombshell: in an email, sex trade activist and potential Non-Partisan Association parks board candidate Jamie Lee Hamilton confirmed a tell-all book about her life will be published by Toronto-based Cormorant Books Inc. this September. Entitled She's No Lady: The Story of Jamie Hamilton, the biography - written by Barbara Daniel was originally scheduled to hit bookshelves last October. Ms. Hamilton then mysteriously added she knows of "one politician who is shaking in his boots" about material that may or may not be in the book. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

Federal Conservative nomination candidates are getting some unexpected (but surely not unwanted) visitors this summer. Our tipsters report Tory House Leader Jay Hill and Opposition Whip Rob Nicholson are scheduled to tour British Columbia during the last week of August for scratch and sniff sessions with the would-be and already-are MPs in this province.

It looks like the Brewers of Canada will be mixing business with pleasure next week. In an interview with Public Eye, the industry association's public affairs manager Marko Dekovic confirmed he sent emails to select provincial Liberal staffers inviting them to attend an evening of refreshments on August 17 at the Sticky Wicket Pub and Restaurant. According to Mr. Dekovic, the invite has been extended "to just some of the staff we now. There's staff we like to keep in touch with. It's summertime. And we get together once or twice a year." No word on how many staffers will be attending as Mr. Devoic hasn't yet gotten back any RSVPs.

Upper-crust federal Liberals in Victoria are preparing for a night of cocktails and schnapps with Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, Public Eye has learned. Invites to the event were extended to members of the exclusive Laurier Club, whose members donate $1,000 or more to the Grits each year. The grand gathering is being hosted by Victoria constituency association executive member and real estate developer Jurgen Weyand. There's currently some discussion about whether event attendees will ask Minister Cotler about British Columbia Marijuana Party president Marc Emery's arrest-by-request of the United States.

The colourful Jamie Lee Hamilton, who ran unsuccessfully as a Coalition of Progressive Electors city council candidate back in 1996, wants a spot on the Non-Partisan Association's park board slate. In a leaked email, sent last Thursday, Ms. Hamilton - who was also a federal Green candidate in the 2000 election - invited friends and supporters to a Monday evening organizing meeting at the Jewel of India Restaurant. The reason: "Jamie Lee will be throwing her hat in the ring (Parks Board) and you are requested to come out and brainstorm some great campaign ideas."

According to our tipsters, attendees included former TEAM and Green city council candidate Bev Ballantyne, former provincial Liberal candidate and park board chair Laura McDairmid, school board nomination candidate Michelle Mollineaux, former Progressive Democratic Alliance candidate John Spark and ex-Tory nomination hopeful and independent city council candidate Ryan Warawa. Interestingly, all of those attendees - minus Mr. Spark - ran in the 1999 civic election. At that meeting, Ms. McDairmid also reportedly expressed an interest in making a bid to join the association's city council slate.

Ms. Hamilton, a sex trade activist, has been a somewhat controversial figure. Back in 2000 she was charged with running a common bawdy house when it was revealed she allowed some prostitutes to use an East End property as a brothel/safe house - charging them $15 per visit to cover expenses. Those charges were stayed. And a year later, The Vancouver Sun reported Ms. Hamilton used money from her government-funded drop-in centre to help finance her city council campaign in 1999. At the time, Ms. Hamilton said her campaign would repay some of those expenditures - which had been approved by the drop-in centre's board of directors. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours. The following is a copy of the aforementioned email.

***

-----Original Message-----
From: tricia foxx
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2005 6:31 PM
To: jamie hamilton
Subject: Organizing Mtg for Friends of Jamie Lee

Hi All

There is an organizing mtg regarding non-partisan municipal politics this Monday August 8 from 6pm-8pm at Jewel of India l