September 2005 Archives

Earlier, Public Eye reported on a labour relations board decision that opened the door to a Canadian Taxpayers Federation-funded legal action against the Hospital Employees' Union. That decision was subsequently appealed by the union. But in a Supreme Court decision handed down today, Justice Stephen Kelleher ruled against the appeal. The federation will now likely be proceeding with a class action lawsuit against the union, seeking hosptial patient damages that may have resulted from the illegal strike action in April 2004.

The Georgia Straight has lost its editor Ian Hanington. There's been no official explanation for Mr. Hanington's departure. But, on Monday, he'll start work as the editor of Shared Vision. News editor Charlie Smith, who is rumoured to have replaced Mr. Hanington, refused to respond to questions about those personnel changes or even confirm them. Instead, he angrily stated "You can do whatever you want" before hanging up. Looks like Mr. Smith's been taking some media relations lessons from the flacks and hacks who refuse to talk to him!

As has been noted by a number of our readers, rumours are afoot that mayoral nomination candidate Christy Clark's campaign manager Mike Hillman will be hired by the Non-Partisan Association. But, according to our operatives, that hiring decision has not yet been made. The Non-Partisan Association's campaign committee is meeting tomorrow morning to discuss the issue. And, if committee members are amenable, the association will invite Mr. Hillman to become its campaign director. Greg Wilson will remain the association's campaign manager.

By now, most Public Eye readers are acquainted with the backroomers who will be managing the Non-Partisan Association and Vision Vancouver's election campaigns: namely, Greg Wilson and Ian Reid But who will be running the Coalition of Progressive Electors election operations? Come on down Sean Hill, executive assistant to Toronto city councillor Joe Mihevc! Mr. Hill most recently managed provincial New Democrat candidate Mel Leham's unsuccessful run in Vancouver-Point Grey against Premier Gordon Campbell. And, according to our operatives, he also has managed a number of urban elections in Ontario for progressive candidates.

If your having trouble locating Vision Vancouver's Website, you can partly blame provincial Conservative president Ryan Warawa. Just before city councillor Jim Green's civic party officially announced their new moniker, Mr. Warawa purchased the domain names visionvancouver.org, visionvancouver.net and votevisionvancouver.ca, votevisionvancouver.com, votevisionvancouver.org and votevisionvancouver.net. That blocked Mr. Green from using any of those addresses. Instead, Vision Vancouver's Website can be found at the far less intuitive votevision.ca. Mr. Warawa - the son of Langley Conservative MP Mark Warawa - is using his Internet pages to post information critical of Vision Vancouver. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

Jordan Bateman is reporting he heard a "rumour from a reliable source today that (failed Non-Partisan Association mayoral nomination candidate) Christy Clark has accepted a spot on the Sam Sullivan election strategy team." That rumour has been floating since Ms. Clark showed up Tuesday morning at the civic party's Terrace Place election offices for a campaign committee meeting. Our operatives understand that the former provincial cabinet minister will be regularly attending future meetings.

The provincial New Democrat affiliation committee's majority report continues to be shredded by labour movement members. Yesterday, in a comment posted on Public Eye, United Steelworkers of America research department staff representative Kim Pollock opined that the committee responsible for the report was "a rough, rude railroad job, not a reasonable meeting of (the) minds on a matter of cardinal importance to the future of the party." He also questions the political value of de-affiliation noting "my own analysis of recent BC Fed and NDP polling, for instance, indicates that there is little if any support for a change in the relationship between unions and the party among voters the NDP needs to win." And Mr. Pollock, who is married to New Democrat treasurer Cheryl Hewitt, calls on an elder party statesman "to mediate this matter before we hurt the party irreparably." Mr. Pollock's boss, United Steelworkers of America district three director Steve Hunt, was one of three union leaders on the affiliation committee who opposed the majority report. The following is a complete copy of his posting.

On Monday, Vision Vancouver announced provincial New Democrat pollster Ian Reid would be the civic party's campaign manager. Not announced was the hiring of his deputy Matt Smith, a partner with consulting firm Tactical Outcomes Strategy. Most recently, Mr. Smith was Vancouver city councillor and New Democrat candidate Tim Stevenson's campaign manager during the last provincial election. He also managed Kelly Quinn's failed bid to win the party nomination in Vancouver-Kensington. And he was an organizer for Raj Sihota, who lost the Vancouver-Hastings nomination race to community activist Shane Simpson.

With civic elections just two months away, Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention delegates are on their best behaviour. But those hoping for an outbreak of verbal violence are anxiously waiting for a discussion of Hazleton's fish farming resolution, scheduled for Thursday morning. The resolution calls on the provincial government to "place a moratorium on any expansion of open-net farming on the BC coast until the final report of the BC Pacific Salmon Forum is completed." The forum, announced by government in December 2004, is developing policy recommendations to protect and enhance wild salmon stocks, enhance confidence in fisheries and aquaculture management. It received $5 million in funding from the government but is independently chaired by former federal fisheries minister John Fraser. Our operatives anticipate aquaculture-friendly communities will push back against the resolution. The following is a complete copy of that document.

What's this we hear about the federal Liberals wining and dining provincial backbencher and former government Whip Kevin Krueger? According to Union of British Columbia Municipalities conventioneers from the heartlands, the natural governing party is attempting to convince the MLA from Kamloops-North Thomspon to run against Conservative MP Betty Hinton. But all those restaurant bills may be for naught. Mr. Krueger, who ran as the federal Liberal candidate in Kamloops back in 1993, is said to like the job Ms. Hinton is doing. And he's also committed to finishing up his present term in the house.

The pagentry. The pomp. The bad suits. It's all part of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities's annual general meeting, where local politician gather to praise and occassionally pan their provincial and federal colleagues. And your humble organ will be on hand to bring you the latest gossip and goings-on at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Around 2,135 Non-Partisan Association members voted at the civic party's Saturday nomination meeting. But Sam Sullivan - the association's chosen mayoral candidate - didn't cast a ballot. The reason: in an interview, Mr. Sullivan confirmed he had inadvertently let his association membership lapse. And by the time he renewed that membership - about a week before the nomination meeting - he hadn't been a card-carrier long enough to vote. "I was so embarrassed about it that I didn't want to press the issue," Mr. Sullivan admitted. Christy Clark, his competitor, also wasn't able to cast a ballot because she isn't yet eligible or registered to vote in Vancouver's civic election. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

There may not have been any two-fisted assaults at the Non-Partisan Association's nomination meeting. But those who backed mayoral hopeful Christy Clark are claiming there was a robbery. A man identifying himself as one of the former provincial cabinet minister's campaign volunteers asked Clark campaign scrutineers to hand-over the forms they had been using to track which supporters had made it the polls and which still needed to be taxied in. But after the man got 17 of those documents, he calmly left the voting area - and then started rushing toward the hotel exit. Ms. Clark's election day co-chair Kim Haakstad pursued him down the stairs and out of Marriott Pinnacle. But she stopped chasing when he hit the street. In an interview, Sam Sullivan's campaign manager Colin Metcalfe said, "I am sure that it was no one from our organization that would do that. We were too busy worrying about our own operations to be worried about the operations of our opponent." A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

Christy Clark didn't bus in her block voters on Saturday. Public Eye didn't see a single diesel-chugging engine was seen idling outside the Marriott Pinnacle. But there were a considerable number of black tops circling the hotel. The reason: the Vancouver Taxi Association, the industry group representing Terminal City's four major cabbie companies, was shuttling Clark campaign supporters to and from the nomination meeting. And why didn't they back her competitor Sam Sullivan, instead? Well, it might have had something to do with the fact the Vancouver city councillor tried unsuccessfully, on March 3, to increase the dual taxicab annual license fees from $321 to $940. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

Famed French gastronome Anthelme Brillat-Savarin once opined "Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are." And perhaps something similar can be said about the snacks that are served by political campaigns to their supporters? With that thought in mind, Public Eye took on the daunting task of sampling the munchies available at Sam Sullivan and Christy Clark's post-nomination parties. Mr. Sullivan, the underdog who became the Non-Partisan Association's overdog, served up generous helpings of all-dressed chips (very populist, trying to be all things to all people) accompanied by dip and salsa. Ms. Clark, on the other hand, had a more elaborate menu: deep-fried potstickers, spanikopita, miniature quiches and trays of vegetables and dip. Make of that what you will. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

The Non-Partisan Association's mayoral nomination race, which saw the election of Vancouver city councillor Sam Sullivan, was a real squeaker. According to our operatives, Mr. Sullivan's margin of victory was between 60 and 70 votes (we're hearing 64 or 69). And Clarkites tell us ballot challenges didn't effect the final election result. We're also told 2,100 association members voted.

We now have the results of the Non-Partisan Association's mayoral nomination race, as just announced by the civic party's president Paul Barbeau. And the winner is: Vancouver city councillor Sam Sullivan, who accepted the nomination with Fleetwood Mac's Don't Stop booming in the background. The fact those results were more than 90 minutes late could be an indication a great many ballots were challenged during vote counting.

The ballots haven't been counted yet. But supporters of Non-Partisan Association mayoral nomination hopeful Christy Clark are already passing out invitations to her "victory party." The booze-up is being held at The Cellar, an establishment operated by Granville Entertainment Group - the pub and restaurant empire owned by Blaine Culling. Federal Conservative operative and Sea Level Communications Ltd. principal Tim Crowhurst is known to be a close associate of Mr. Culling's and firm vice-president Vance Campbell. Meanwhile, Sam Sullivan's campaign seems to have vacated the second floor of the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel - with not a single leather jacket in-sight. But we're told their reception will be held in the Mariott Pinnacle Hotel's Shaughnessy Room. The following is a copy of Ms. Clark's invite.

The Non-Partisan Association nomination meeting's polls have now closed. And now the waiting and worrying begins. There seems to be some sentiment among association hierarchs that, if former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark does win the mayoral nomination, that victory needs to be decisive. Otherwise, Sam Sullivan and his operatives may cause a ruckus. And Mr. Sullivan continues to dodge questions about whether he'll run for council if Ms. Clark leads the association's slate in the upcoming civic election. In an interview with Public Eye, the candidate said "I'll have to sulk a while" before making that decision.

No sign of the feared Indo-Canadians bus-block vote yet. And there isn't much time left for the diesel-guzzers to make a showing (16 minutes to be exact). But your humble organ notes the presence of four past provincial Liberal MLAs and two from the present. Defeated executive council members Brenda Locke and Joyce Murray were scrutineering ballots on behalf of their old colleague Christy Clark (we can tell because they were wearing a pink name tags - Sam Sullivan's vote checkers have blue ones). Vancouver-Burrard and Surrey-Tynehead MLAs Lorne Mayencourt and David Hayer are also out supporting Ms. Clark - as is former Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain and Surrey-Panorama Ridge backbenchers Karn Manhas and Tony Bhullar. And we've been told by brother muckraker Allen Garr that former finance minister Gary Collins made an appearance.

Of course, there's a reason why Colin Metcalfe is managing Non-Partisan Association mayoral hopeful Sam Sullivan's campaign from a hotel hallway rather than a comfortable conference table. Turns out competitor Christy Clark booked the four rooms that were available on the Marriott Pinnacle's second floor, leaving Mr. Metcalfe without a headquarters. Running get-out-the-vote operations for Ms. Clark from those rooms are Election Day co-chairs Kim Haakstad, executive director of the federal Liberals in British Columbia, and Doug Beaton, senior advisor to Industry Minister David Emerson.

Your humble organ has hopped across the pond to attend the Non-Partisan Association's nomination meeting. And from what we've seen so far, they'll be no shortage of votes when the results are announced at around 3:30. A steady stream of association members has been arriving at the palatial Marriott Pinnacle Hotel since the polls opened at 10:00, marching past a gauntlet of hand-shaking candidates and their supporters. Mayoral nomination hopeful Sam Sullivan seems to have a the most eye-catching presence, with leather jacket cool campaign manager Colin Metcalfe commanding his operation via walkie-talkie headset. No sign yet of competitor Christy Clark's much feared Indo-Canadian block vote. But Sullivanite backroomers are expecting some busloads to arrive after 12:30.

Earlier, we reported the Non-Partisan Association's returning officer Jacques Leger would be reviewing 194 questionable names on the civic party's membership list. Those names were identified by mayoral nomination hopeful Sam Sullivan's campaign as possibly not being eligible to vote at tomorrow's nomination meeting. But there has been some backroom grumbling about Mr. Leger might not be the right man for that job. The reason: said backroomers point out his wife Mary Pynenburg is the federal Liberal candidate for Burnaby-New Westminister. And Mr. Sullivan's competitor, former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark is also a card-carrying Grit. But, in an interview with Public Eye, association president Paul Barbeau said Mr. Leger "has acquited himself perfectly in this process. There is absolutely no reservations on the part of the organization with regard to the independence of our returning officer."

On Monday, The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula reported Non-Partisan Nomination candidate Sam Sullivan said a "preliminary audit of the NPA memberships (conducted by his campaign) appeared to indicate that as many as 45 per cent of the names didn't appear to be on the provincial voters' list." Which had some Clarkites asking, how did Mr. Sullivan's campaign get their hands on that list? After all, under the Election Act, only registered political parties and municipal and provincial election candidates are allowed to have copies. And candidates must destroy those copies once the election they're running in is over. So your humble organ contacted to Elections British Columbia communications manager Jennifer Porayko to see whether anyone had raised this issue with her office. And it turns out the answer is yes.

Also making news at David Emerson's fundraiser: roast hoast David Haggard, who is rumoured to have told a number of attendees he would be running as a federal Liberal candidate in the next election. But it won't be in New Westminster-Coquitlam, the constituency where he came in third during the 2004 campaign. Instead, Mr. Haggard, the former president of the Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers Union, will be taking on Nina Grewal in Fleetwood-Port Kells.

Landlubbing unionists and politicos weren't the only ones schmoozing at Industry Minister David Emerson's fundraiser. A flotilla of shipping industry representatives purchased a 10-seat table at the event, headed by International Shipowners Association of Canada president Wilfred Vacheresse. The reason for their attendance: the delegation planned on speaking to the minister about Bill C-15. That bill, which was passed in May, includes a number of offenses meant to clamp down on marine polluters. But the industry wants to change the strict liability nature of those offenses. A strict liability offense means once the prosection has proven a law has been broken, there is no need to prove intent to secure a conviction. Instead, to avoid one, the accused most show he acted with due diligence prior to the offense occuring.

Friends, associates and those wanting to lobby David Emerson paid out $200 each last night to attend a fundraising roast for the federal Liberal industry minister's constituency association. According to our operatives, former Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers of Canada president David Haggard hosted the event, held at Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant. Barbs were delivered by Senator Jack Austin, minister's regional office executive director Billy Cunningham, Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh and former provincial deputy minister Bob Plecas. And a who's who list of powerhouse personalities was on hand to witness that delivery.

Last night, a special meeting of the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors was held at the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel to discuss concerns about the mayoral nomination process. Those concerns were contained in a letter sent to the board last Friday by Warren Smith, a representative of nomination hopeful Sam Sullivan's campaign. Those familiar with the letter inform us the Sullivan campaign challenged the eligibility of 194 new association members to vote at the upcoming Saturday nomination meeting. According to review of 429 forms conducted by the campaign, those members aren't on the provincial voters list. Additionally, Mr. Smith questioned whether former Campbell administration cabinet minister Christy Clark's mayoral nomination campaign paid for the memberships of those they signed-up. If that were the case, those sign-ups would also be ineligible to vote. And what was the board's view of those complaints, you may ask?

Earlier this week, New Democrat critic Adrian Dix revealed the provincial government altered its investigation into the tragic death of toddler Sherry Charlie. That alteration specifically involved the removal of a term of reference that Mr. Dix says would have looked into the role the ministry of children and family development played in that death. The minister responsible Stan Hagen has said senior civil servant David Young, who left government in January 2004, was responsible for that removal. And today, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Young spoke for the first time about that claim, confirming Minister Hagen's statement that there was no political interference involved in that decision.

Last week, Non-Partisan Association rivals Jennifer Clarke and Philip Owen came together to endorse Vancouver city councillor Sam Sullivan's mayoral nomination bid. But there was one little detail concerning that dramatic endorsement that went unreported. According to our operatives, Mr. Owen requested he not appear on stage or in any photographs with Ms. Clarke. Bitterness perhaps? Not so, say those close to the former mayor. Evidently, Mr. Owen simply wanted to ensure the media's attention was on Mr. Sullivan rather than he and Ms. Clarke.

The deadline for becoming a Non-Partisan Association nomination candidate may have passed. But rumours persist that former city councillor Sandy McCormick - who's name is not on the presently on the list of nomination hopefuls - would somehow end up on the starboard-leaning civic party's slate. So we phoned up Ms. McCormick to see what she had to say about the matter: "My name was put forward. I've had a lot of people encouraging me to run. But I think it would be in conflict with a position I'll be fulfilling with the government related to 2010." And what position might that be? "I have to be vague because it's not finalized. It's related to 2010 and that's all I can say." Back in March, Ms. McCormick - who was then running for the provincial Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Langara - stepped aside to make room for star candidate and future finance minister Carole Taylor. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

Today, provincial Liberal backbencher John Rustad rose in the house to refute New Democrat claims that commodity prices rather than provincial policy are responsible for the re-opening of the Mount Polley mine. His evidence: during a Friday ceremony marking that re-opening, Imperial Metals Corp. Pierre Lebel stated "much of the credit goes to a provincial government that has streamlined the permitting process and encouraged British Columbians to invest in mineral exploration by offering additional tax credits under the federal flow-through share financing program." High praise, indeed. But perhaps not surprising. Shortly after Mr. Rustad made that statement, The Times Colonist's Jeff Rud pointed out to press gallery colleagues that, last year, the Campbell administration forgave a $2,946,392.65 loan to Huckleberry Mines Ltd. which is co-owned by Imperial Metals. Government has previously defended that decision by explaining the mine would have closed without that write-off. The firm subsequently donated $8,340 to the Liberals during the recent election.

Our sincere apologies to Andrew Wynn-Williams, executive assistant to Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen. Public Eye was remiss in failing to note your departure from the legislative precincts to become operations director for the premier's technology council. Quite a nice promotion. But one that is not without merit. Like Progress Board executive director Tim McEwan, who was previously a senior policy analyst with the British Columbia Business Council, Mr. Wynn-Williams was once a member the private sector's cheerleading squad. Before joining government in 2003, he was communications and policy development director for the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Washington Post and Newsweek columnist George Will once wrote that football is committee meetings punctuated by violence. So it comes as no surprise that BC Lions right guard Bobby Singh is rumoured to be interested in running for local politics in Richmond. The evidence: an astute Public Eye reader points out the similarly-positioned Richmond First Voters Society has created a skeleton Web page for a Mr. Singh on the civic party's Web site, listing him as a member of their school trustee candidate team. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

The Non-Partisan Association's mayoral nomination race has so far been anything but boring. But there seems to be some concern among association members that the race has gotten a bit too exiciting. After all, the civic election is just two months away. And it would be a shame if poorly-chosen words said during the heat of the nomination process were turned against the association come November. So it was not surprising to hear the civic party's president Paul Barbeau and campaign co-chair Peter Hyndman had a meeting with Ms. Clark and Mr. Sullivan's campaign managers on Thursday, during which they reminded Mike Hillman and Colin Metcalfe to keep the tone of the debate civilized.

Next week will be a busy one for Terminal City politicos travelling the rubber chicken circuit. Among the events: on Monday, Vision Vancouver will be having its launch party at Monk McQueen's Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar, the award-winning False Creek restaurant owned by Canadian National Railway Company chairman David McLean. Tickets to the evening event are $150. Then, on Tuesday, mayoral nomination hopeful and former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark is buying lunch for Non-Partisan Association members at the Floata Seafood Restaurant, an infamous federal Liberal haunt. There's some speculation that Ms. Clark could announce a number of endorsements at the luncheon, which is expected to attract around a thousand supporters and moochers. The following is a copy of the invites for both events.

Much discussion at yesterday's New Democrat provincial council meeting concerning the party's future relationship with labour. And, according to our operatives, that discussion didn't go especially well for the reformers. Porkchoppers and their backers controlled the microphone during much of the meeting, speaking passionately and sometimes incoherently against the recommendations contained in the affiliation committee's majority report. An example: your humble organ had no idea the pyramids of Egypt were built by trade unionists. Nor do we understand what that "fact" has to do with a debate about affiliation. But it was mentioned at the meeting.

Today, The Province reported the provincial New Democrat's affiliation "committee wants to 'modernize' the relationship by allowing only provincial unions (not their locals) to affiliate with the party. Each union would have the power to send two delegates to party conventions and to submit resolutions to the party's governing council. Labour would still have seats on the council and the party's executive...But even those dinky changes were too much to swallow for hard-core unionists on the committee." Public Eye published a complete copy of that still unreleased report last Thursday.

The hissing and pissing directed at Gordon Gibson's morning column slamming Christy Clark's bid to win the Non-Partisan Association mayoral nomination continues. Earlier today, an anonymous sniper posted a comment on Public Eye noting "Is that the same Mr. Gibson whose wife Kilby is working full time on the Sam Sullivan campaign, and whose daughter is on the 'youth wing' of the federal Liberal 'machine' that her father calls so 'polluted'? Shurley not!" Picking up the gauntlet, Ms. Gibson wrote back valiantly under her own name "Shurely so! I am a staunch supporter of Sam Sullivan I believe he's the best person for the job - simple."

Today, Vancouver city councillor Sam Sullivan's campaign announced they would be holding yet another endorsement event for the Non-Partisan Association mayoral candidate - this time, at the Opus Hotel on September 19. Of course, the fact Mr. Sullivan has received so many props is not a surprise. The man is friendly to a fault and the association's favourite son. But he's also been doing a considerable amount of backroom glad-handing and back-slapping. An example: last Friday, Mr. Sullivan hosted a dinner with association candidates at the same establishment, which is right around the corner from the good councillor's abode. Said dinner had been scheduled before former cabinet minister Christy Clark entered the mayoral race as a team-building exercise. But Mr. Sullivan went ahead with the event anyway, giving him a chance to tell his compelling (and vote-getting) life story. The following is a copy of his campaign's most recent media advisory.

Last Saturday, The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bulla "obtained" a copy of a poll, commissioned by Non-Partisan Association mayoral candidate Christy Clark, showing the former provincial cabinet minister "has a better chance than four-term councillor Sam Sullivan of beating Jim Green in a race for mayor of Vancouver." But the 300 Terminal City dwellers surveyed by Synovate Inc. weren't just questioned about who they'd most likely vote for. The polling firm also asked them what they thought was the single most important issue facing Vancouver. The following is a copy of that previously unreleased data. The poll, conducted between August 24 and 28, had a margin of error was 5.7 percentage points 19 times out of 20.

Today, in The Vancouver Sun, former federal Liberal candidate Gordon Gibson put the boots Christy Clark's bid to become the Non-Partisan Association's mayoral candidate. Comparing the former provincial cabinet minister with Vancouver city councillor Sam Sullivan, Mr. Gibson wrote, "By contrast, Christy Clark hasn't paid her dues. She doesn't even live in Vancouver, though she has graciously agreed to move here if she gets the nomination. Now that, my friends, is commitment." Of course, some of our correspondents wonder whether those musings have anything to do with the fact Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell (another non-due payer) was recently appointed to the Senate - a post Mr. Gibson had also been touted for. That appointment was engineered by Ms. Clark's husband Mark Marissen.

Earlier, Public Eye reported an internal provincial New Democrat's committee had recommended allowing affiliated province-wide unions (as opposed to locals) to sent two delegates each to convention - a significant reduction. And now we have the proof! Public Eye has exclusively obtained a copy of the committee's confidential and final majority report, which stops short of banning labour groups from affiliating with the party. But it seems even that change didn't sit well with the unionists.

Earlier, your humble organ reported on fabled provincial Liberal backroom boy Patrick Kinsella's recent elevation to the esquestrian classes. And now, thanks to an astute reader, we're pleased to let you know about the rapid expansion of his race horse stable. Yesterday, Mr. Kinsella (who runs a communications firm) and Glen Todd, purchased three throughbreds for $12,000, $19,000 and $12,500. And it seems his wife has also become involved with the sport of kings. Back in August, The Province's Tom Wolski reported a number of prominent women involved with charitable causes, including Brenda Kinsella, had "pooled together $16,000 US to buy a racehorse. Their ambition was not geared toward making money for themselves but to raise funds for research and help create a better awareness of breast cancer, under the banner the Pink Ribbon Stable."

Today, as part of the provincial government's budget update, Finance Minister Carole Taylor announced the cost of an earlier announced tax incentive specifically benefiting British Columbia's biotech industry - $20 million annually. At the time, we reported on the premier's personal and partisan connection to that industry. And since then, Elections British Columbia has released filings showing QLT Inc., the province's leading biotech firm, donated $102,990 to the Liberal's election campaign. So is there any connection between the tax incentive and those incentives? That's the question we posed to Minister Taylor at the lock-up. The following is a complete transcript of that interview.

As Public Eye readers know, the New Democrat's provincial council will be meeting this weekend to discuss the affiliation committee's final report and recommendations. But affiliation won't be only major item on the agenda. According to an email from the New Democrat's Burnaby hivemind, the "BC Provincial council will spend a portion of the afternoon on Saturday, September 17 on federal election preparedness and federal party business. Federal activists are invited to attend council for these important discussions." The following is a complete copy of that email and the council's agenda, which was leaked to Public Eye.

Liberal backbencher Lorne Mayencourt wants you to be able to say your sorry. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Mayencourt said he's working on drafting The Apology Act for introduction during the current legislative sesson. If passed, the bill would allow British Columbians to apologize to a grieved party without worrying about admitting guilt or liability - as is currently the case.

Your humble organ has spilled much ink covering the provincial New Democrat's affiliation report - a document whose contents have so far remained undisclosed to the prying eyes of the public. But, according to operatives familiar with the report, the committee has recommended allowing affiliated province-wide unions (as opposed to locals) to sent two delegates each to convention. Presently, those unions can send two delegates for the first 160 members of their union and one delegate for every 800 members after that. Changing that formula would considerably reduce the influence of the labour movement within the party and at convention.

The Non-Partisan Association's board members have requested Christy Clark and Sam Sullivan's mayoral campaigns appoint two representatives each to the committee responsible for organizing the civic party's October 12 fundraising dinner. Those appointments haven't been formalized. But Ms. Clark will likely put her brother Bruce and horse baron Patrick Kinsella on that committee. There has also been a suggestion that whichever candidate wins the mayoral nomination will appoint the chair of the association's fundraising committee - a position presently occupied by backroom boy Marty Zlotnik's stepson Andrew Graham.

Copies of the provincial New Democrat's affiliation report were distributed to Opposition members yesterday, Public Eye has learned. In an interview with your humble organ, party leader Carole James confirmed MLAs discussed that report yesterday. But she said, "Caucus isn't taking a position on the report - like specifics in the report. They're going to let the discussion happen at provincial council" - which is scheduled to meet this weekend. Ms. James also confirmed she has read the report, adding "I support change. And I think there's change there. And I think the discussion needs to go to provincial council so that they can have a go at it and see what discussion takes place." And would she reveal the contents of the report? "No," Ms. James said with a laugh and a smile.

Former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark will officially announce today that she is running for the Non-Partisan Association's mayoral nomination, Public Eye has learned. In an email, sent to association candidates and executive members yesterday evening, Ms. Clark writes "the support that I have received to date has been overwelming (sic), and over the coming days, I will be reaching out to everyone in the NPA who I have not talked to yet to discuss how the NPA can...form a majority on Council this coming November." Over the weekend, Public Eye speculated Ms. Clark would make that announcement on Tuesday or Thursday. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours. The following is a complete copy of that email, which was leaked to Public Eye.

Back in May, while at The Vancouver Sun, Public Eye reported some Campbell administration hierarchs were ruminating about the creation of a "central agency to coordinate and communicate government policy." So it came as no surprise when the government announced in today's Throne Speech that there would be a new "permanent policy secretariat to work on cross-government priorities that will report to participating ministries through a deputy ministers' committee."

As predicted, expected and reported, the provincial government announced in today's Throne Speech that it will double the length of question period from to 30 minutes. Furthermore, as part of an attempt to give the Opposition a greater role in the legislature, the number of two-minute members' statement - which occur just before question period - will also be doubled to six. Good news for the New Democrats, to be sure. But the fourth estate wasn't nearly as enthusiastic. The reason: those extensions mean question period might not wrap-up until around 3:00. And, when you add 15 minutes or more of scrum time in the hallway outside the legislature, that doesn't give the press gallery members (especially those on teevee) much room to file their stories.

Today, The Vancouver Sun's Miro Cernetig reported "when the throne speech is read, it's expected the (provincial) Liberals will introduce a lengthened question period." And, according to our operatives on both sides of the aisle, that expectation will be met at 2:00 today. British Columbia's 15 minute question period is presently the shortest in the Commonwealth.

The Campbell administration continues to fish talent from Victoria's media pool. Jumping into the provincial government's better paid public affairs bureau as media relations officers are CFAX reporter Amy Mason and A-Channel associate producer Lisanne Bowness. They replace former CFAX reporter Lara Perzoff and Devon Keller.

The party of political correctness doesn't "currently have a comprehensive, explicit, and formal harassment policy" - this, according to a recent motion drafted by the New Democrat's women's rights committee. So the committee is calling on the party to adopt a policy that would apply to "harassment around issues of race (i.e. comments, slurs and jokes), politics, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities as well as sexual harassment (unwanted attention of a sexual nature such as remarks about appearance or personal life, graffiti or degrading pictures, physical contact or sexual demands)." A vote on the motion will be held at the New Democrat's upcoming provincial council meeting, set for this coming weekend. In an interview, party president Jeff Fox said he was surprised the party didn't already have a harassment policy and would be looking into whether that is actually the case. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours. The following is a complete copy of that motion, which was leaked to Public Eye.

Last week, in 24 hours, Public Eye reported the provincial New Democrat's affiliation committee had its last meeting on August 30 where they approved a final report on the controversial subject. In an interview, party president Jeff Fox said "we are anticipating we will get (the report) in the next couple days and in anticipation of that we've set up some meetings and briefings with the executive." A copy of the report will then be distributed to provincial council members in advance of its upcoming weekend meeting. But what exactly is in said document? We don't have an answer just yet. Although, according to our operatives, labour representatives on the affiliation committee were none too happy with the fact the report was approved via majority vote rather than consensus.

Now that the Non-Partisan Association's membership sign-up window has closed, news hounders are asking when former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark will make her bid for the civic party's mayoral nomination official. There's no currently indication that's going to happen today. Ms. Clark's handlers say she's taking the day off. And Monday isn't the best day for an announcement. That's when the Throne Speech will be read, laying out provincial government's agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Tuesday is a possibility. But that's the same day competitor Sam Sullivan will be rolling out his second round of endorsements. And the government is releasing it's updated budget on Wednesday - a story that will likely dominate the day's new cycle. So don't expect an announcement from Ms. Clark then either. Which means she could be coming out of the closet as late as Thursday.

The differences between former cabinet minister Christy Clark and Vancouver city councillor Sam Sullivan's mayoral nomination campaigns were on public display yesterday at Non-Partisan Association headquarters. According to our spies on the scene, Ms. Clark's sign-ups were submitted in a box of tightly-wrapped packets containing 25 membership forms each. By comparison, Mr. Sullivan's paperwork looked considerably more weather-beaten, being delivered in manila envelopes and other related stationary.

Yesterday was the deadline for signing-up new Non-Partisan Association members. And, according to The Province, "the total membership of the NPA had now risen to 5,338. That's about 3,100 more than the membership total prior to yesterday's final submissions." But how many of those members will support former provincial cabinet minister minister Christy Clark and how many will support Vancouver city councillor Sam Sullivan? Well, Ms. Clark's clockwork campaign says they've signed-up in excess of 2,000 members. And Mr. Sullivan's band of sling-wielders are claiming around 1,100. Which means, as long as most of Ms. Clark's sign-ups are approved, she stands a good chance of winning the association's mayoral nomination.

The British Columbia Federation of Labour is reminding affiliates their New Democrat campaign donations can be credited against the $300 per delegate fee required to send warm union bodies to the party's upcoming convention, Public Eye has learned. The reminder, penned by federation secretary-treasurer Angie Schira, was sent out earlier last month. According to the porkchop crowd, this letter isn't particularly newsworthy. Similar stationary was sent out just prior to the 2003 leadership convention. Nothing to see here, everyone go home. But conspiracy theorists are convinced the letter is part of a putsch to maximize the number of labour loyalists at convention - delegates who will vote against whatever de-affiliation resolution makes it to the floor.

Earlier, Public Eye reported Columbia Basin Trust Energy Inc. - part of the locally-controlled Columbia Basin Trust - was looking into purchasing the Crown-owned Columbia Power Corporation. The trust informed government of its intent on June 20. And now your humble organ has learned Columbia Basin Trust Energy has hired a number of consultants to work on the takeover agreement - including former chief executive officer Ken Epp. Said hiring is sure to inspire much confidence among those who follow the trust's increasingly Byzantine machinations. After all, astute readers will recall Mr. Epp resigned from his post following completion of an audit that found him to be in an apparent or perceived conflict of interest. The reason: during his tenure, Columbia Basin Energy awarded $2 million worth in contracts to the company Mr. Epp was working for.

Former Non-Partisan Association mayoral candidate Jennifer Clarke is endorsing Vancouver councillor Sam Sullivan as her successor. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Clarke said "I think (both Mr. Sullivan and former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark are) fine individuals. But I think that Sam's the more qualified of the two and he would be the best candidate for mayor. Sam has a long history with the city. He has been a councillor for a dozen years. He has lived in various communities of the city. And I think he has a very good feel for what Vancouver needs right now. And that's not replaceable." And why would Ms. Clark not be someone who could fill that role? "I'm just going to say what I've said about Sam. The positive things I have to say about Sam. And I think the other attributes that Christy Clark has, I'm sure she'll put forward."

Vancouver city councillor Sam Sullivan will be holding the second major media event of his campaign for the Non-Partisan Association's mayoral nomination next Tuesday. The yet-to-be announced event, which will likely include a video presentation, will happen at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre. Mr. Sullivan is being challenged for the nomination by former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

Gordon Campbell's former deputy minister could be paid a maximum of $230,000 each year in fees and expenses now that he's a consultant with the premier's office. According to documents obtained under freedom of information legislation, Ken Dobell - who retired in June as the provincial government's top bureaucrat - will be styled as a special advisor to the premier under a contract that will last until May 30, 2007. Mr. Dobell, who made $202,804 annually when he was a civil servant (excluding travel expenses), will be given space in the premier's Vancouver office and is authorized to purchase business-class tickets when air travel is required. His responsibilities will include advising on negotiations concerning softwood lumber duties and a funding agreement for the Port of Prince Rupert. Mr. Dobell will also provide, as required, "high level liaison" services between the government and the RAV project, as well as supporting transportation-related elements of the Campbell administration's Asia-Pacific Gateway program. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours. The following is a copy of Schedules A and B of Mr. Dobell's contract.

Yesterday morning (between 10:00 and 11:00 to be percise), communications directors sat down for a get-to-know-you meeting with newly-appointed public affairs bureau supremo Linda "Wonder Woman" Morris at 617 Government Street. According to our operatives, Ms. Morris received favourable reviews from attendees, who are said to have been impressed with their new boss's down-to-earth personality and expressed desire to learn (as opposed to teach). Of course, first impressions are just that - first impressions. But so far, Ms. Morris seems to be giving off good vibrations to bureau word slaves.

Speaking of Rich Coleman, according to our operatives the former provincial Liberal solicitor general and now forest minister, will be holding an appreciation barbeque for friends and supporters this Sunday. The annual charred chicken event, which has been going on for the last 10 years, is being held at a private farm in Milner. Approximately 400 to 500 Coleman converts are expected to attend.

It looks like fabled provincial Liberal backroom boy Patrick Kinsella has become a member of the esquestrian classes. According to our operatives, Mr. Kinsella (who runs a communications firm) claimed a horse - C J Come Home - this past weekend at Hastings Racecourse. And he also co-owns another thoroughbred, Miss Rainier with Glen Todd of Empty Wallet Stables. Miss Rainier has been entered in a number of races at Hastings, including The British Columbia Breeders' Cup Oaks, The BC Cup Stallion Stakes and The Nanaimo. Previously, British Columbia's horse racers have credited former Campbell administration Solicitor General Rich Coleman with helping save their industry by overseeing the installation of slot machines at Hastings and other tracks across the province.

Bureaucratic water coolers are bubbling with news of swashbuckling assistant deputy minister Beth James' latest adventure. Astute Public Eye may remember the former West Annexer had been posted to human resources last year, overseeing the ministry's human resources division. But, as of the last cabinet shuffle, Ms. James has been toiling away at small business and revenue's valiant 14-person small business and regulatory reform division. And rumours abound she's contracted Sage Group Management Consultants for some sort of tight-lipped project related to that division. The good folks at the public affairs bureau have yet to confirm those rumours. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Sage Group partner and former deputy minister Doug Allen, told us "we're in the process of talking to her. But that's about all I can say at the moment." The Sage Group, which also includes former assistant deputy minister Catherine Holt, has worked on a number of troubleshooting contracts for the Campbell administration.

Today, The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula reported the battle for the Non-Partisan Association's mayoral nomination "has already produced friction, with Sullivan's team concerned about party rules that they say seem to be getting changed for the Clark campaign." And now your humble organ has learned Vancouver city councillor Sam Sullivan's campaign manager Colin Metcalfe has put those concerns into writing. Public Eye has obtained a letter sent by Mr. Metcalfe to association president Paul Barbeau on Sunday, citing concerns about the number of membership forms that being distributed and the deadline for submitting those forms. But the letter stop short of accusing the association of favouring Mr. Sullivan's competitor, former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark. The association's board is said to be discussing those concerns at a meeting tonight. The following is a complete copy of that letter.

Last month, the premier's office announced former Vancouver Coastal Health Authority communications and community engagement vice-president Linda Morris would be taking charge of the public affairs bureau. A weighty and hazardous responsibility. But worry not. Because it turns out, unlike her predecessors, the new deputy minister has a super-powered icon watching her back. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Morris confirmed her office will soon be guarded by a one-foot tall statue of Wonder Woman. "Years and years ago when I was working for the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, I was at a meeting in Baltimore. And I was just in a store and found (the statute). And she's been an interest since childhood. So I bought it. And she's followed me from job to job...She usually sits in the corner and watches over me," explained Ms. Morris.

The West Annex is about to give birth to a new bureau, Public Eye has learned. Details about the as-yet unnamed office's role in government are sketchy. But what we do know is that Steve Vanagas, the deputy chief of staff responsible for communications, will be heading the operation and it will have some kind of pro-active communications function. Rockpile residents being shuffled into the bureau include caucus communications staffers Nicole Chalmers, Delphi Hoodicoff and Jason Keenan, as well as public affairs bureau media monitoring manager Rishi Sharma.

The seat of government seems to have become a popular place to host musical chair parties: according to our operatives, Finance Minister Carole Taylor's ministerial assistant Lisa Braman - who was elevated to that post back in June - has been shuffled to Children and Family Development Minister Stan Hagen's office. Survey says her replacement will be Steve Simons, who was most recently communications director for the government's offshore oil and gas team. Ms. Braman was previously an aide to former caucus executive director Steve Vanagas (now a deputy chief of staff in the premier's office).