The B.C. Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association is getting into the business of paving public support for the Campbell administration. According to a letter obtained exclusively by Public Eye, the association is organizing a "grassroots movement" known as the Livable BC Coalition "to sway public and political opinion in support of the government's transportation programs" - specifically its Gateway Project. The letter, which was written by road builders president Jack Davidson, invites supportive industry groups to join the coalition. Those that do will be asked "to present our transportation message to your members and have them relay the message to their employees." The letter also notes the coalition will "ask you and your members to attend important public events to show support for the Pacific Gateway and other important transportation projects."
In an interview, Mr. Davidson confirmed the authenticity of that letter. When asked why the road builders was organizing the group, the president said "There's a lot of not in my backyard. And there's a lot of we don't want anymore people in our region" - feelings the coalition will work to change.
He then went onto add, "One of the big things we're trying to do is get people to go out to the open houses and political events where these things are being talked about. And go to the city councils that are objecting to the Gateway and try to show the positive support. Because the negative support is always there...So we're trying to browbeat people - through the system, as well - to come out."
And did the government approach the association about organizing the coalition, we asked? Or was it the road builders idea? "Well, I don't know. I shouldn't be telling you," responded Mr. Davidson. Although he later added that government didn't "specifically" ask them to do that work. "But, as you said, they tell us to stand up and be counted. And we believed so strongly in this one that we're going to do it."
Mr. Davidson said a couple hundred associations have been invited to join the coalition, with 20 signing-up so far. The coalition will campaign for about a year and run on a shoestring budget of $10,000. The following is an edited transcript of our interview with Mr. Davidson, as well as a copy of the coalition invite letter. A version of this article will be published in tomorrow's edition of 24 hours.
***
B.C. Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association
February 22, 2006
I am writing to invite your organization to join a new and very important coalition - the Livable BC Coalition.
The mission of the Livable BC Coalition will be to grow public support for continued investment in transportation infrastructure. The Coalition will focus public attention on the need for safe, efficient transportation to sustain economic growth and improve our quality of life by keeping traffic moving.
Since your association has the reputation of being an opinion leader within your sector of the economy, we are looking for your support in encouraging a grassroots movement to sway public and political opinion in support of the government's transportation programs.
Currently, those groups against the Gateway Projects are making their voices heard in the media and with the public. With strong support and a coordinated effort, we can reach the public with the facts highlighting the need for strong transportation infrastructure.
The Coalition will be developing key messages and materials that will be distributed through the communications network of coalition members.
* We will ask you to present our transportation message to your members and have them relay the message to their employees.
* We will ask you and your members to attend important public events to show support for the Pacific Gateway and other important transportation projects.
If you are in support of keeping BC building and improving our transportation network, we encourage you to join our growing coalition. Please complete and fax in the form attached and we will add you to the coalition database. Sign up today! You will be supporting and investing in a strong and prosperous future for all British Columbians.
Sincerely,
Jack Davidson
President
(Logos: B.C. Business Summit, B.C. Road Construction and Maintenance Safety Network, Business Council of British Columbia, Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, Canadian Construction Association)
***
Public Eye Jack, I received a copy of the letter you guys sent out on February 22 concerning the Livable B.C. Coalition you're organizing...And I'm just wondering why you guys felt the need to go this route (to support the Gateway Project)?
Mr. Davidson Because there's a lot of not in my backyard. And there's a lot of we don't want anymore people in our region. Which is fine. But it's just not reality. People are coming to Vancouver. And we've got to move the traffic. We are having a lot of problems with our competitiveness here in B.C. And certainly the traffic congestion is hurting everybody's productivity.
Public Eye Why do you refer to it as a grassroots organization? Because it seems to be an industry driven thing?
Mr. Davidson Well, because I wasn't going to send the media an invitation to talk about it. And we were going to try and get - it's just in the forming stage - get to the people through the only method I have which is through the trade associations. So the intent is to get them online and then email to them to send to their members to send to their employees and workers. So, when it works, it's a cheap method to distribute our message.
Public Eye Approximately how many associations or organizations did you send the letter out to?
Mr. Davidson Oh, a couple hundred.
Public Eye A couple hundred or thereabouts. So it's a pretty extensive effort?
Mr. Davidson And we've got about 20 back so far. We forgot to send in the sign-up sheet that went along with it.
Public Eye Yeah, I know some people didn't receive the sign-up sheet. So I imagine that's been causing a bit of a headache.
Mr. Davidson It is.
Public Eye Do you have a communications firm that's helping you guys out with this?
Mr. Davidson No. We're pretty low key. We're trying to do it for no money. We are looking for - and it's hopefully somebody will - well, we're looking for help wherever we can and sponsorship for different events. One of the big things we're trying to do is get people to go out to the open houses and political events where these things are being talked about. And go to the city councils that are objecting to the Gateway and try to show the positive support. Because the negative support is always there. And we just - when it's a good idea, even when it's a good idea, the people don't come out. So we're trying to browbeat people through the system as well to come out.
Public Eye So you mention that you're trying to support the government initiatives. Was this an idea that originated with your organization? Or did government approach you about trying to drum up support? Or how did it work?
Mr. Davidson Well, I don't know. I shouldn't be telling you. We have a self-interest I guess. And we like to think that we don't act strictly on that self-interest. We believe, when the province does well, we do well. And we believe that the province is doing well because the government embraced the policy of building infrastructure. So we think they're connected. We believe, if the province does well, we'll have all the work we need. So we don't go out and support specific roads or projects or any of that stuff. That's the government stuff. But we do believe strongly that opening up the Pacific Rim or the Gateway as they call is just the most fantastic thing that can happen to B.C. for the future. Because where the people are is where the money is. And we think that - within 10 to 20 years - B.C. ports will move more product than the East Coast and the St. Lawrence together. So that's why we're pushing it.
Public Eye Yeah, I just ask the question because I know in the past government has thought that industry should be doing a better job of getting out there and supporting these initiatives because they are good initiatives for B.C.
Mr. Davidson Well, certainly we get that message from the government. You know, we were part of the sponsorship for the summit. Not the summit. You know - not the carvan. The convoy we did around the legislature in support of the government. So we have a history of going down this road, that's for sure.
Public Eye So did government approach you guys about helping out?
Mr. Davidson Not specifically about this. But, as you said, they tell us to stand up and be counted. And we believed so strongly in this one that we're going to do it.
Public Eye And when do you guys expect to get off the ground - start moving, that sort of thing?
Mr. Davidson Probably next month if we get enough of these things in.
Public Eye And how much money do you think it's going to cost to run the campaign? What are you looking at?
Mr. Davidson We hope the campaign will probably run for a year - maybe longer, as the different projects have different opposition to them. And it could be longer because the Gateway projects are scheduled to be spread out over to 2015. I'm hoping that we can do it all for under $10,000.
Public Eye Well that would be kind of nice eh?
Mr. Davidson Well, with the Internet - and if you can build a network - then you can get your message out? And then maybe the media will help us too.
Public Eye So you've had 20 organizations express interest? Will it be primarily run out of the road builders' office or will it be shared amongst those other partners that I noted at the bottom of the letter?
Mr. Davidson Well, my board has allowed us to go out and cover the cost of setting it up and getting it going and that sort of thing. We will not be the spokesperson for it. We're only the facilitator.
Public Eye Who will be?
Mr. Davidson I think we're going to have three or four from different sectors. Probably the B.C. Automobile Association - Trace Acres would talk for the motoring public. Paul Landry from the trucking association would talk for the truckers. And they need a very, very strong voice we think. And people have to understand how much their goods move by truck. Everything they do. And this all costs them money on that truck sitting there. Marine will probably have someone talking about marine. That sort of thing. Some expert in the area rather than the road builders.
Public Eye I would imagine the potential criticism will come up that this is simply Astroturfing. Have you heard that term before?
Mr. Davidson No.
Public Eye It refers to when industry groups try and get together and build a grassroots effort that isn't really a grassroots effort. What would your response to that be?
Mr. Davidson It could wind up there. But we've never done this before. And we're trying to figure out how to get the message to the people. And we thought that this Internet network could work. If somebody puts a different label on it I don't really care as long as people get the message understand what the Gateway can mean to B.C.
Public Eye Will it have a Website?
Mr. Davidson I hope so. That might cost me some money. Yeah, I think it probably will (have a Website)...
Public Eye Well, thanks very much. I really do appreciate it.
Gordon Campbell's European healthcare tour has lost another member. The premier's chief of staff Martyn Brown has abandoned the tour following a personal tragedy. Our best wishes go out to him and his family. Last week, Health Minister George Abbott announced he wouldn't be participating "because he wants to be in Victoria to receive first-hand a government report on what went wrong in the care of 91-year-old Fanny Albo of Rossland" - as reported by The Vancouver Sun and the length and breadth of the provincial press pack. The remaining tour members are the premier's deputy chief of staff Lara Dauphinee, health strategic policy and intergovernmental relations assistant deputy minister Craig Knight and British Columbia's representative to the Health Council of Canada Les Vertesi.
As our astute readers will already know, supposed federal Liberal leadership candidate Stephane Dion will be making a campaign whistelstop in British Columbia this weekend. And, like Scott Brison before him, Mr. Dion will receive the honour of a reception hosted by former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark and her uber-backroomer husband Mark Marissen. The following is an edited copy of the invite, which again notes "This is neither intended nor should be interpreted as an endorsement or support of any particular candidate for the upcoming leadership race in the Liberal Party of Canada but rather a chance to meet and help form the debate to ensure BC issues are front and centre."
From: Bill Cunningham [mailto:bill@billcunningham.ca]
Sent: February 28, 2006 10:40 AM
To: bill@billcunningham.ca
Subject: You are cordially invited
You are cordially invited to a reception with
Hon. Stephane Dion
Saturday, March 4, 2006
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Christy Clark and Mark Marissen
Please join us as we discuss the future of the Liberal Party of Canada and the LPC in B.C.
This reception is another in a series of similar gatherings in British Columbia featuring prominent Liberals from across Canada.
We think it is important to have an open dialogue about the future of our Party and who should lead it. This is neither intended nor should be interpreted as an endorsement or support of any particular candidate for the upcoming leadership race in the Liberal Party of Canada but rather a chance to meet and help form the debate to ensure BC issues are front and centre.
Earlier, we reported British Columbia's federal Liberals invited a number of potential party leadership candidates to attend this weekend's president's council meeting. And, according to an email sent to council members today, former cabinet minister Stephane Dion has taken the Lotuslanders up on their offer. That message, which was authored by British Columbia party president Jamie Elmhirst, also notes there will be two executive motions coming up for debate at said meeting: one raising membership fees from $10 to $20 and the other increasing the number of membership forms available to party members. The following is a complete copy of that email, which was leaked to Public Eye.
----- Original Message -----
From: Jamie Elmhirst
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2006 8:40 AM
Subject: Federal Liberal Council - Executive Resolutions
Hello everyone:
I hope and trust that all of you are doing well. I wanted to alert you to two executive motions that you will be asked to consider this weekend at Federal Liberal Council. Both pertain to membership.
The executive is proposing the rule that limits individual party members to five membership forms at any one time be relaxed to ten memberships. We want to ensure that in this time of renewal and leadership, people have fair and open access to forms. However, we do not want to repeat past mistakes that called into question the validity of our membership process with the media, the public and party members. I think this motion strikes an appropriate balance. It demonstrates openness, but also shows that we intend to continue to safeguard the integrity of our membership process.
The executive is proposing that membership fees rise from $5 to $10 for youth and from $10 to $20 for senior party members. This reflects a widespread desire I have heard over time to place a higher value on a Liberal party card. It is also, frankly, a much needed response to the significant drop in revenue the party will receive as a result of a big drop in per vote dollars through Elections Canada. Kim Haakstad and Guy Heywood will provide more detail on the party financial situation on Saturday.
If you have questions or concerns about this or any other subject, please feel free to get in touch. I look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday. We are in the final stages of arranging a visit from Stephane Dion to President's Council. Dion is considered someone likely to seek the leadership of the party. Others were invited. Ken Dryden tried to make it, but will instead visit BC later in March. Details of that to follow.
We are actively inviting prospective leadership candidates to come to BC so that folks here can look them in the eye, ask them tough questions, and begin to develop a sense of who they support.
A copy of my blog for this week - which will go out to the general membership tomorrow - is attached.
Thanks,
Jamie
March 1, 2006
Dear fellow Liberals:
My humble apologies to all for not producing an update last week. It was a busy one for me and I'm a little behind the times. This coming Saturday, March 4th riding presidents, caucus members, past candidates and members of the provincial and national executive of the Liberal Party of Canada will gather in Vancouver for our first Federal Liberal Council meeting of 2006 and the first since the federal election. There will be quite a jam packed agenda as we look back on the campaign and forward into the future.
For those of you not familiar with the Federal Liberal Council (FLC), it is comprised - as mentioned above - by the president's of our 36 Liberal riding associations in BC. Members of the provincial executive, party staff, BC members of the national executive and caucus members also commonly attend. Federal Liberal Council is designed to give voice to the grassroots of the party from around the province and to allow all of us to come together four times a year to plan for a stronger and more successful Liberal Party in British Columbia.
Guests and observers are welcome at FLC meetings and this weekend is no exception. Any party member interested in attending can find out how by following this link:
http://www.teambc.ca/cgi-bin/new_news.pl?newsID=419
The party executive is putting two motions before the Council for ratification. Both pertain to membership rules. First, in light of the leadership process we are entering into and reflecting our desire for a fair and open process, the party executive is recommending that the number of membership forms available to individual party members at any time be doubled from five to ten. We believe that this is a balanced response to concerns about availability, but still allows us to safeguard our membership process against abuse. Forms also cost money to print and handing out hundreds or thousands at a time when many are never returned completed is wasteful. When people have signed up ten new members and sent the forms to headquarters in Vancouver they can immediately get ten more.
Secondly, the party executive is recommending that membership fees for youth move from $5 to $10 dollars per year and for other party members from $10 to $20 per year. This, we believe, is reflective of a desire in the party to place a higher value on a Liberal Party membership card. It also is designed to at least partially recoup funds that will be lost due to a drop in our per vote money from Elections Canada so that the party office can continue to deliver a high level of service to ridings and party members. We do not believe it creates a barrier in any way to those who are committed to joining and remaining members of the party over the long term.
The Liberal Party of Canada centrally is also in the process of designing a new national membership registry that will, for the first time, allow new members to join the party online. It will require the use of a personal credit card to provide proof that the person joining the party is also the person paying. This is expected to roll out over the next several months.
All of this is designed to demonstrate two things: that we are an open party ready to embrace the future and new party members, but also that we maintain high standards and practices to safeguard our processes and the value of Liberal party membership.
If you have thoughts about these motions or questions about Federal Liberal Council, please let me know.
Until next time,
Jamie Elmhirst, President
Liberal Party of Canada (BC)
Last week, the provincial New Democrats made much ado about child and youth officer Jane Morley's investigation into the "timelines, changes to terms of reference, and other matters relating to" the director's case review of Sherry Charlie's death. Specifically, children and family development critic Adrian Dix said the report proved "key recommendations were suppressed" and pointed to the "clear need for the reinstatement of an independent Children's Commission." So it was somewhat surprising that yesterday's questions period didn't include any inquires about Ms. Morley's review. When asked why, party leader Carole James explained "In fact, we've raised issues about MCFD all week. We've been raising issues with the media. And we'll continue to raise issues." Of course, Ms. James made that statement on Monday. And that means it would have been temporally impossible for her to have been raising issues about the ministry of children and family development all week. But we digress.
Getting back to the question at hand, your humble organ then asked Ms. James whether there wasn't anything in Ms. Morley's report she wanted to ask about. Responded the leader: "There's a great deal. And we're going to continue to ask those questions when the Hughes report comes down tomorrow." There are, however, just two little problems with that cunning plan.
Number one: earlier this month, Ted Hughes announced his B.C. Children and Youth Review would be released in its entireity on April 7 rather than splitting the report into two parts - one to be published on February 28 and the other on April 30. So, for those who missed the point, Mr. Hughes's review won't be coming down today. And two: it's going to be a bit difficult for the Opposition to ask Children and Family Development Minister Stan Hagen any questions about Ms. Morley's investigation, given that he jetted off today for a meeting with federal Human Resources and Social Development Minister Diane Finley in Ottawa.
Will provincial Children and Family Development Minister Stan Hagen release Nicholas Simons from the confidentiality agreement that prevents him from talking about the Sherry Charlie case? That's the question we wanted the minister to answer earlier this afternoon. So your humble organ sent a note into legislature, requesting comment from Minister Hagen. But the Liberal frontbencher refused to leave the chambers because, according to communications director Kelly Gleeson, he was on house duty until 6:00. Fortunately we managed to catch Minister Hagen while he was taking a break from his duty in the speaker's corridor - just outside the chambers.
During the brief interview, he told us his staff would be seeking a legal opinion as to whether Mr. Simons could be released from his agreement - information that had been provided moments earlier by Mr. Gleeson. We also asked Minister Hagen whether he thought it was fair for him to criticize Mr. Simons when the New Democrat MLA was legally prevented from defending himself. After a short, hollow laugh, he replied "I think it's funny that you would ask that question given what people have been saying about me" before re-entering the house.
Nicholas Simons, the social worker who wrote the director's review into Sherry Charlie's death, is asking government for release from a confidentiality agreement that prevents him from talking about the case. That request follows Children and Family Development Minister Stan Hagen's statement that government could have "probably" chosen a better reviewer to complete the investigation, which was made public almost three years after Sherry's death. Such reviews are usually completed in two to six months. Minister Hagen was also quoted by The Times Colonist's Jeff Rud as saying Mr. Simons "to be blunt, I think got into the political aspect of this (case) even before he got elected." That's a reference to Mr. Simons's present post as a New Democrat MLA and his attempts during the investigation to look at ministry policies that might have contributed to Sherry's death, rather than focus on the practices that directly resulted in the tragedy - as is customarily the case.
Minister Hagen made those comments following the release of child and youth officer Jane Morley's report into the "timelines, changes to terms of reference, and other matters relating to" the director's review. Her report found "the story of (the review) is not a story of conspiracy and cover-up, but rather one of organizational failure." It also seemed to suggest Mr. Simons's inexperience as a reviewer may have been at least partially to blame in delaying the release of that document. Earlier, Public Eye exclusively told you the New Democrat MLA was scheduled to testify at the coroner's inquest into Sherry's death but was struck from the witness list the day before he was set to appear.
Earlier, we noted the provincial government surtax on passenger vehicles priced over $49,000 would now only apply to cars and trucks valued at more than $55,000 - which means you can buy your BMW Z4 Roadsters and the Jaguar X-Types for a whole lot less. But, interestingly, this isn't the first time the Cambell administration has upped that surtax threshhold. In Finance Minister Colin Hansen's February 2005 budget, it increased from $47,000 to $49,000, costing taxpayers $5 million in annual revenue. And Gary Collins's July 2001 economic and fiscal update increased that threshhold from $32,000 to $47,000 at a cost of $40 million in revenue. Of course, it is entirely coincidental that the British Columbia Automobile Dealers Association (now the New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia) has contributed $391,269 to Liberal coffers since 1999, including a whopping $150,299 during the recent election.
Much breathless anticipation has surrounded the question of which federal Conservatives will have the honour of staffing the ministers' regional office in Vancouver. And now, according to our operatives, strong rumours are circulating Colin "Leather Jacket-Cool" Metcalfe has been given the nod to head that office up, being styled as its chief of staff. Mr. Metcalfe most recently managed Sam Sullivan's bid to become Vancouver's mayor and the Knowards campaign. And his hiring, if true, will be a victory for those who represent the grassroots wing of the Conservatives in British Columbia. Gossipmongers also report Jerra Byrne, who was the party's political operations officer for Western and Northern Canada, will be working as one of Mr. Metcalfe's assistants.
Last year, we reported on the arrival of Ian "The Iceman" Todd at the Rockpile as a ministerial assistant. Almost immediately, there was a blizzard of speculation that Mr. Todd - the former chief of staff to Canadian Alliance leader Stockwell Day - would soon be promoted to higher (unelected) office. But that didn't happen. And now we hear Mr. Todd left the precincts on Friday to serve as the chief of staff to federal Conservative Citizenship and Immigration Minister Monte Solberg - a posting reported in this week's edition of The Hill Times.
Kamloops radio station CHNL's motto is "news as it happens." But it seems, this morning, the broadcaster was a little behind the times. According to one of our astute readers, the station reported "Premier Gordon Campbell says today he plans to be all ears with an open mind as he and Health Minister George Abbott go visiting four European countries to find out how they are managed their healthcare systems - the premier pointing out that the only way to get some answers is to ask questions." Minister Abbott, of course, announced on Friday he wouldn't be going on that tour because "he wants to be in Victoria to receive first-hand a government report on what went wrong in the care of 91-year-old Fanny Albo of Rossland" - as reported on B1 of The Vancouver Sun this Saturday and by numerous other organs across the province.
Earlier, we reported on former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark's reception for supposed federal Liberal leadership candidate Scott Brison. But other contenders may soon be making campaign whistestops in British Columbia. According to our operatives, his competitiors have been invited to attend the province's upcoming president's council meeting, scheduled for March 4 at the Plaza 500 Hotel in "Vancouver's upscale West side" (as described by its Website).
She coulda' been a contender in Novemeber's civic election. But former provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark is still gonna be somebody on talk radio. According to our operatives, she'll be guest hosting on CKNW when Bill Good is unavailable with her first appearance being scheduled for March 6. As our astute readers will remember, Ms. Clark was previously considered a shoe-in to replace departing afternoon show host Jennifer Mather. But those plans fell through when the station filled that time slot with Charles Adler's nationally-networked, Winnipeg-based show.
Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, Bernard Schulmann will be guest hosting while your humble organ takes some time off for birthday celebrations. Mr. Schulmann will be chatting with Langley Liberal backbencher Mary Polak and former Green candidate Ariel Lade to get their take on the recent provincial budget. Crease, Harman and Company's Bruce Hallsor will be discussing property taxes. And municipal amalgation will be on the table when Stevenson, Luchies and Legh's Jim Legh comes into the studio. Also on the show: the regular rabblerousers from our political panel. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 6:00 and 9:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.
Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, Michel Juneau-Katsuya, the president of an Ottawa-based security consulting firm, joins us to talk about his recommendation that Canada's border guards be armed. Mining Association of British Columbia president and chief executive officer Michael McPhie will be discussing the industry's perspective on controversial plans to expand coal mining in southeastern British Columbia. And Penny Parry, a former member of the provincial government's now defunct children's commission, will be phoning in to give her take on the review of the review into the death of toddler Sherry Charlie. Also on the show: Campaign to De-Elect David Emerson chair Kevin Chalmers will be speaking out about the arrest of some of his supporters. Victoria school trustee Peg Orcherton is coming into the studio to discuss changes to the way the public school system is funded. And provincial New Democrat health critic David Cubberley will be spouting off about Premier Gordon Campbell's European mystery health tour. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 6:00 and 9:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.
Earlier, we reported recently retired deputy minister Lee Doney would be collecting his pension while working on a 10-month, $200,000 contract for the premier's office. According to public accounts, government also transferred $111,469 to his company RLD Strategies Ltd. in fiscal 2004/05. And it looks like the firm is intending on doing even more business with the government. Back in November, aboriginal relations and reconciliation posted a notice on BC Bid that it was looking to establish a list of qualified contractors who can provide the ministry with third party advisory services.
Specifically, those contractors "will be responsible for liaising with key stakeholders, to develop successful strategies for gaining support for the new relationship," as well as advising "government on the viability of positions being taken with First Nations that affect interests, including the sectors of forestry, mining, oil and gas development, agriculture, local governments and other interested parties." And the contractors "will also work directly with First Nations and third parties to develop economic opportunities and partnerships."
Of course, the fact RLD Strategies has qualified to be on that list doesn't necessarily mean they'll be getting any contracts from government. But it also interesting to note that, in addition to being the past executive director of the British Columbia Treaties Commission, Mr. Doney also presently sits on Western Forest Products Inc.'s board of directors.
According to the government's request for proposal, "To help avoid real or apparent conflicts of interest that could undermine confidence in how the Province conducts its business, each Qualified Supplier should be prepared, if awarded a Contract, to be denied opportunities by the Province to pursue downstream business related in any manner at all to the work performed under that Contract." The following is the most relevant portion of that request.
***
THIRD PARTY ADVISORS
The Province is pursuing a new relationship with BC First Nations to further enhance the cooperative development and management of resources and improve the social and economic condition of First Nations.
An important goal of the new relationship initiative is to create investment certainty for the Province and third parties, while facilitating reconciliation and relationship building with First Nations. Key stakeholders affected by this initiative include all the major economic interests whose business are based on utilization of Crown land or Crown approvals. In addition, there are many other interests in BC who will play an important role in building a new relationship with First Nations. The Contractor(s) will be responsible for liaising with key stakeholders, to develop successful strategies for gaining support for the new relationship and implementing it in a manner which can meet the interests of those groups.
The Contractor(s) will help develop and advise government on the viability of positions being taken with First Nations that affect interests, including the sectors of forestry, mining, oil and gas development, agriculture, local governments and other interested parties.
The Contractor(s) will also advise government on the engagement strategies, including timing, for consulting with key third parties. Consistent with the goals of the new relationship initiative to bring First Nations into the fabric of the economy of BC, the Contractor(s) will also work directly with First Nations and third parties to develop economic opportunities and partnerships.
The Contractor(s) will develop and advise government on strategies in support of this goal and, where appropriate, assist in the implementation of those strategies with First Nations and third parties.
Key Deliverables will include:
Development of draft engagement strategy for third party participation in the new relationship;
An implementation plan to ensure the successful engagement of third parties in the new relationship;
Monthly reports demonstrating progress and identification of emerging opportunities; and
As required, attendance at key meetings with government officials, third parties and First Nations to further the new relationship.
Earlier last week, The Vancouver Sun's Miro Cernetig reported Premier Gordon Campbell is using the term subsidiarity to describe his approach to governing the province. According to Mr. Cernetig, "The term evolved from the Catholic church more than a century ago...Pope Pius XI spelled out the subsidiarity doctrine in his encyclical Quadragessima Anno: 'It is wrong for a superior body to hold to itself the right to make decisions for which an inferior is already well qualified enough to make for itself.'" But the premier might be interested in knowing this doctrine of devolution hasn't just been endorsed by "small-c conservatives and libertarians." In a paper published back in 2004, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternative's Judy Kennedy's noted subsidiary "the localizing of activities - may be the key to divesting ourselves of both corporate control and U.S. imperialism" - this according to a paper published back in 2004. Of course, our astute readers will know the Liberals have always been big fans of the centre, with Health Minister George Abbott recently describing its work as being "hopelessly and reflexively sycophantic in relation to the New Democratic Party."
As our astute readers know, reporters aren't the only ones who get to attend the provincial government's budget lockups. Stakeholders, who include everyone from the British Columbia Federation of Labour to the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce, are also given a sneak peak at the province's books before the finance minister presents them to the legislature. But this year press gallery members weren't the only ones pay special attention to those special interests, asking them for their opinion on the budget. Speaking with Public Eye, finance communications director Robert Pauliszyn confirmed staffers from the premier's office interviewed stakeholders and video taped their responses for possible posting on the government's Website. When asked whether that video would be used in future television commercials, Mr. Pauliszyn said, "Not to my knowledge."
Earlier, Public Eye reported ex-provincial cabinet minister Christy Clark would be hosting a reception for supposed federal Liberal leadership candidate Scott Brison. But what was said and who was at that scratch-and-sniff event - which Ms. Clark says is "neither intended nor should be interpreted as an endorsement" of the former Tory. Well, according to our operatives, most interesting was the appearance of John Bethel. Mr. Bethel ran unsuccessfully as a Liberal candidate in Edmonton East during the 2004 election (despite or perhaps because of being appointed to that nomination by Paul Martin). But he is best known for having been the president of Prime Minister Martin's leadership campaign in that province. Any guesses who Mr. Bethel, a friend of Mr. Brison's national co-ordinator Leslie Swartman, might be organizing for now?
We're also told former Albertan David Brodie, who headed up Prime Minister Martin's western desk, was in attendance - as were Earnscliffe Strategy Group Inc. members Mike Drummond, Adam Johnson and Bruce Young. And Dale Flood, former special assistant to Industry Minister David Emerson, could be seen working the crowd of 80 or so Liberals - which included national party vice-president Mike Hillman, constitution and legal affairs committee co-chair Martin MacLachlan and Janice Nicholson, Prime Minister Martin's former director of parliamentary affaris.
Farris, Vaughan, Wills and Murphy partner James Hatton also showed up with his wife/television star Jennifer Schlotter. And former ministers' regional office executive director Billy Cunningham was spotted escorting Mr. Brison into the reception, where the would-be contender had his French language skills tested by former national communications vice-president Shannon Salter.
Of course, this wasn't just a Martini party. Also noted was the presence of the ubiquiotus Greg Wilson, as well as Unified Network of Indo-Canadians for Togetherness Through Education and Discussion co-founder Amar Randhawa. Both supported Sheila Copps for the Liberal leadership. And former (Alan) Rock machine members Craig Munroe, Vancouver Quadra's constituency association president, and Bilal Cheema, who was most recently a special assistant to Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan, were also there.
And how did these backroomers receive Mr. Brison? Politely. But our operatives report the would-be contender sounded somewhat scripted at times. And we've also been told Mr. Brison would be well-advised, in the future, to spend more time schmoozing and less time on question and answer sessions.
Earlier today, one of our astute readers reported there would a reception tonight for federal Liberal turncoat David Emerson. Our operatives confirm that reception, which is being organized by strategic communicator Patrick Kinsella, is taking place between 5:00 to 7:00 and being billed as a meet-and-greet event. But there seems to be question marks over who exactly the new international trade minister is meeting - a list which might not extend much past the usual Terminal City suspects. After all, in an interview with Public Eye, Vancouver-Kingsway federal Conservative constituency association president Marilyn Brown said she wasn't aware of the reception, adding "I asked David if he wanted to have an event. And we actually asked if he wanted to have a big rally. And he said, 'No. Just let me get on with my work.'"
Earlier, we reported Gordon Campbell's brother-in-law Les Vertesi, an advocate of parallel private healthcare, would be joining the premier's European mystery health tour. But it turns out this isn't the first time the premier has rubbed shoulders with those who might favour adding a dash of free enterprise flavour to the bland borscht that is Canadian medicare. Back in 2003, The Vancouver Sun's Jeff Lee reported British Columbia's first minister invited Richard Scott, the former chief executive officer of what was once America's largest and most aggressive for-profit hospital operator, "to come to B.C. to give him advice on overhauling the health care system, saying he was 'an invaluable resource for government leaders, like myself, who see the need to reform and rebuild health care.'"
The premier eventually withdrew that invite, explaining "I don't see that we need him. I think the health authorities are well on target for what they are doing." Of course, that decision had absolutely nothing to do with the fact Mr. Scott and his company was at the centre of one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in United States history, with the Department of Justice accusing the firm of defrauding and overbilling the government's Medicare program.
Who's that we spy working for Earnscliffe Strategy Group Inc.? Why it's none other than University of Victoria Young Liberal mafia alumnus Adam Johnson, who was most recently former federal Liberal Industry Minister David Emerson's parliamentary affairs director. According to our operatives, Mr. Johnson joins Earnscliffe as a senior associate, splitting his time between Vancouver and Victoria (which means Byng Giraud will finally have some company). Under the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders, Mr. Johnson cannot "make representations for or on behalf of any other person or entity to any department with which they had direct and significant official dealings during the period of one year immediately prior to the termination of their service in public office." As a result, his lobbying work will be restricted to provincial and municipal files. Mr. Johnson previously worked with Earnscliffe principal Bruce Young when the two were at Hill and Knowlton Inc.
It looks like there's been an outbreak of restructuring fever at the attorney general's court services branch. Among those infected: assistant deputy minister Helen Pedneault who has decided the branch no longer needs its four regional directors, who were responsible managing law court and sheriff services in the following areas: Interior, Northern, Vancouver Island and Vancouver Westminster. Those services will now report directly to branch headquarters as part of a fashionable move to eliminate silos within the ministry. We're told the staff filling those posts - Michael Christian, Alvin Glover, Bill Grandage and Joanne Pitzel - have been re-assigned.
Earlier, we told you Health Minister George Abbott pooh-poohed claims the premier's European mystery health tour travelling companion Les Vertesi was an advocate for parallel private healthcare. This, despite admitting he was "not an expert" on the emergency room specialist's work. In that same scrum, Minister Abbot also said he hadn't read Dr. Vertesi's self-published book Broken Promises. And that's a pity. Because if he had, Minister Abbot would know Dr. Vertesi supports introducing market forces in the public healthcare system. But "until such time as a mature internal market exists, a healthy private industry that parallels the public one and can contract with it to provide services would force both sides to work in the same competitive environment."
As a result, Dr. Vertesi writes parallel private healthcare is "much more than a way to decant the waiting lists. It is quite simply the only 'reality check' available to tell public hospitals whether the quality of service they provide and the price at which they provide it meet acceptable standards, both to the public and the workers within the industry." Earlier in the day, Minister Abbott also said he had not read Dr. Vertesi's testimony before the standing senate committee on social affairs, science and technology, in which he supported the notion of just such a system.
Today, provincial Opposition frontbencher David Cubberley slammed Les Vertesi's presence on Gordon Campbell's European mystery health tour, saying "If the premier wants to send a message that he's going to lead a real dialogue on healthcare and that he can be trusted to do this, he does not want to take someone along with him who is an advocate of user fees and two-tier medicine." But, in a scrum, Health Minister George Abbott pooh-poohed that attack saying, "I just don't believe the Opposition health critic is providing a fair and balanced analysis" of the doctor's views - despite having admitted minutes earlier that he was "not an expert on Dr. Vertesi and his work." The following is a complete transcript of that scrum.
Media Is this the premier's brother-in-law?
Minister Abbott It is the premier's brother-in-law.
Media Do you think that's appropriate?
Minister Abbott I think that's appropriate. I don't have a problem with that no.
Media You don't see it as nepotism?
Minister Abbott No, I don't see it as nepotism.
Media The only advisor on the trip is the premier's brother-in-law?
Minister Abbott I have actually an assistant deputy minister who will be joining us - Craig Knight. Penny Ballem was going to join us. Unfortunately, her sister is undergoing serious surgery next week. So she's unable to join us. Craig Knight is also there. And I think it will be very good. I'm looking forward to hearing the contributions.
Media What are his special qualifications for being on this trip?
Minister Abbott Mr. Vertesi or Dr. Vertesi in fairness has some 30 years experience as an emergency room specialist. He was the director of medical services at Royal Columbian Hospital and was for 18-years the director of the emergency department at Royal Columbian. He is a well-known author. I was pleased to see the Opposition health critic had a copy of one of his publications. I mean, Dr. Vertesi is well-qualified. He's British Columbia's member on the Canada Health Council. And the times that I've had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Dr. Vertesi I've found him to be very knowledgeable, very balanced in the way that he looks at things.
Media Dr. Vertesi has compared - in the past - the public healthcare system in Canada to communism, the Berlin Wall. Made various different references to that. Do you share that view?
Minister Abbott I don't think I would be taking quite that rhetorical flourish. And I'm not sure he did.
Media Well, he did. It's in his book. Numerous times. Have you read his book?
Minister Abbott I have not read his book. And I have no immediate plans to read his book either.
Media Why don't you have plans to read his book?
Minister Abbott Well, if you looks me finish answering the first question, I'll be happy to answer your next question.
Media Sure.
Minister Abbott If, I presume if he was making reference to Eastern Bloc countries, I suspect he was probably lamenting what - in his view - was a lack of choice in the medical system. But I'm not an expert on Dr. Vertesi and his work. I do know that he is a very knowledgeable, very experienced physician - as well as someone who has been for a long-time been a leader around public policy issues. I believe the Justice Institute awarded him a prestigious award. So I'm not an expert on this. But it's not as if we've picked someone off the street.
Media Shouldn't you be an expert in his work if he's going to be coming with you and advising you? Shouldn't you be aware of his work?
Minister Abbott I have a range of advisors, starting with Penny Ballem. I don't consider Dr. Vertesi necessarily an advisor for me. It's great that Dr. Vertesi can join us. He is British Columbia's representative on the Canada Health Council. I think he can, I'm sure, benefit from looking at other jurisdictions.
Media How did Dr. Vertisi come to be on this trip and why not invite the NDP?
Minister Abbott The aim of the brief visit to Europe is to look at four jurisdictions where I think we can learn some things about how we might improve incrementally or otherwise the healthcare system in British Columbia. For example, Norway has some of the best prevention programs in the world for what they do. Britain has taken a change agenda that is quite remarkable. And they are also undertaking some work rather similar to ActNow BC on the prevention side - which I'm sure will be useful. France is, according to the World Health Organization, the number one jurisdiction in terms of healthcare. And just about every analysis I've seen always sees them as number one, two or three. And Sweden as well has done some interesting things in terms of collaboration with private healthcare models. These are all things that we can learn about. It is not always to go over and see some fundamental change in the way healthcare is delivered. There's lots of incremental improvements that can be made by looking at what other jurisdictions are doing.
Media But what about bringing the Opposition so there's some balance - to provide another perspective on this process?
Minister Abbott Well, I suppose there's no limit to the number of people we could invite. The aim was to keep the group small. Mr. Vertesi - Dr. Vertesi, by the way, is paying his own way. The government of British Columbia is not paying for Dr. Vertesi. He is joining and he is carrying his own costs in respect of joining the tour. The aim was to keep it small. The premier - as you know - is there now, he's going there today for the final four days of the Olympics. And so the health tour will be piggbacked onto the final four days of the Olympics. I understand Martyn Brown is there as well - the premier's chief of staff. I will be joining the premier there as well - I believe on Monday. As I say, Dr. Penny Ballem my deputy had hoped to join us but can't because of a serious illness in her family.
Media Who's idea was it (for Dr. Vertesi to join the tour)?
Minister Abbott I can't speak to who's idea it was. I understand as British Columbia's representative on the Canada Health Council that it was thought that he might be an appropriate one to invite. I understand he's paying his own way. And...
Media So this is not really your trip. This is the premier's trip. And so he would know?
Minister Abbott Well, look it's everybody's trip Vaughn.
Media So who invited him?
Minister Abbott Well, I didn't invite him. So you can ask the premier's office who invited him. But I think it's great that he's coming along.
Media Doesn't it send sort of a signal when you take an expert who has a particular opinion on where you should go with healthcare when this is supposed to be a fact-finding mission?
Minister Abbott Well, again, I would not accept the Opposition health critic's evaluation of Dr. Vertesi's work as a careful, sustained, thorough and fair and balanced analysis of Dr. Vertesi's work.
Media But you just told us you're not an expert on it? Didn't you just say you're not an expert on his work.
Minister Abbott Of course, I'm not an expert on his work.
Media So how the heck do you know what he says?
Minister Abbott Well, because I just don't believe the Opposition health critic is providing a fair and balanced analysis of...
Media Well he's read his book, unlike you. Maybe he knows more then you about what's in the book?
Minister Abbott Well that's great. I'm proud if he's done that Vaughn.
Media Do you know who invited him then?
Minister Abbott I do not. I believe, again the trip was organized out of the premier's office. And I suspect he would have been invited by the premier's office.
Media Government announced this at 4:00 yesterday, when most reporters were covering the budget. Was government trying to hide Dr. Vertesi?
Minister Abbott Government never tries to hide anything, as you know.
Earlier this month, British Columbia Medical Association members made headlines when they elected controversial Cambie Surgical Centre founder Brian Day as their Canadian Medical Association presidential nominee. But those who pay attention to the minutae of such events may be interested to know Fair Voting BC was commissioned to run that historic election, which was conducted via a mail-in preferential ballot. According to our operatives, the electoral reform group's president Bruce Hallsor also served as the association's chief electoral officer. The cost for all that work: expenses plus a $2,000 donation to Fair Voting - which will go toward financing its future electoral reform campaigns. Fair Voting intends to continue contracting out its services as part of its fundraising activities.
Earlier, your humble organ reported Gordon Campbell's brother-in-law Les Vertesi will be joining the premier when he tours Europe next week. But what else do we know about Dr. Vertesi, aside from his advocacy for a parallel private healthcare system? Well, according to past interim Opposition leader Joy MacPhail, he was no friend of the provincial New Democrats when they were office. While questioning the government's decision to appoint Dr. Vertesi to the Health Council of Canada, Ms. MacPhail said, "I am very familiar with Dr. Vertesi's criticisms of my time when I was in government - very familiar. It turns out that the minute this government got elected and nothing changed, Dr. Vertesi decided to fall silent, and now he's getting his payoff" - a claim disputed by Dr. Vertesi fan club member and then Health Minister Colin Hansen.
Indeed, according to review of press clippings from the late nineties, Dr. Vertesi was repeatedly quoted slamming the state of healthcare in British Columbia. And, in a letter-to-the-editor published by The Vancouver Sun on February 10, 2001, he wrote "Maybe it was just a coincidence, but the irony was too strong to miss. The BCTV Thursday evening news had a story about St. Paul's Hospital being so full that the emergency ward was unable to accept anyone. The next news story featured Premier Ujjal Dosanjh boasting that the grizzly bears in B.C. were safe. Interesting priorities, aren't they?"
But Dr. Vertesi also caused some trouble for the Liberals during the runup to the recent election campaign. Speaking with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., the Fraser Health Authority's associate director said the only way toreduce wait times in Surrey Memorial Hospital's emergency room would be to hire more staff. That appeared to contradict statements by then Health Minister Shirley Bond, who seemed to think the problem could be solved simply by expanding that room.
And Dr. Vertesi, who instrumental in founding British Columbia's acclaimed advanced life support paramedic program, doesn't look he's interesting in coozying up to the May Day parade crowd. In a letter-to-the-editor published in the Sun on March 10, 2004, he criticized a public healthcare advocate for failing to "mention of unionized workers...as barriers to change." Also included in Dr. Vertesi's list of barriers was "public bureaucrats."
Who's that we see visiting the legislature? Why it's none other than the British Columbia Nurses' Union, who we're told will be meeting this morning with the provincial Liberal caucus. Healthcare, of course, will likely figure prominently in that discussion. But perhaps union president Debra McPherson will also comment on Premier Gordon Campbell's controversial European travelling companion - parallel private healthcare system advocate Les Vertesi? After all, when the provincial government named him to the Health Council of Canada back in December 2003, Ms. McPherson told The Province's Don Harrison Dr. Vertesi's ideas about medicare were "almost wacko." And she added having the premier's brother-in-law on the council "does a great disservice to the people of B.C." - calling for his immediate recall.
Earlier, your humble organ reported child and youth officer Jane Morley's investigation into the "timelines, changes to terms of reference, and other matters relating to the director's case review" of Sherry Charlie's death hit the attorney general's desk last week. But when will British Columbians get to see a copy? Well, according to our operatives, the ministry is expecting to release that document sometime before the end of the week.
Earlier, we reported Gordon Campbell's brother-in-law Les Vertesi will be joining the premier when he tours Europe next week to "explore new approaches to improve" British Columbia's public healthcare system. But Dr. Vertesi will likely make a poor travelling companion for the Liberal leader - in part, because of a controversial book he self-published in 2003 entitled Broken Promises. In that book, the former Royal Columbian Hospital medical director and emergency department head repeatedly compares our healthcare system to communism or, more specifically, the Berlin Wall. An example: "With no ability to adjust money to workload, reward productivity, or provide financial feedback to managers, we have brought the most destructive aspects of Lenin's experiment home to bed with us."
Dr. Vertesi also writes the Medicare Act was "more than an attempt to ensure everyone had adequate treatment: it was a social statement that all people are the same, and no human being should be able to feel more privileged than anyone else." As a result, "Canadians are being held to an ideology that has little to do with their actual health, and more to do with the social-political theories of their masters...Just as control over the media and over public thought was important in East Berlin, so it is in Canada. Any semblance of private health care is aggressively attacked in a posture of self-righteousness, but the real reason is to make sure Canadians stay unaware of what they are missing."
Those quotes are included in online excerpts from the book. According to a February 2004 article, The Province's Don Harrison also paraphrased Dr. Vertesi as saying "the wealthy should be able to buy faster health care." And, a year earlier, the doctor gave testimony before the standing senate committee on social affairs, science and technology, in which he supported the notion of a parallel private healthcare system. The reason: because it would increase access to medical services and "provide us with a reality check, so our public health system knows when we are out of touch with what people really want, what the quality should be and what the cost should be." Although he also said "I would like to see a dominant public system that provides for the majority, 90 per cent, for example, of the health care needs of our country."
But that support for a parallel private system could explain why Dr. Vertesi has been a "sought-after speaker by groups who favour privatization of health care, such as the right-wing Fraser Institute, the Canadian Independent Medical Clinics Association, the Vancouver Board of Trade and even the Vancouver Libertarian Supper Club" - as was reported by our comrade-in-ink Bill Tieleman in yesterday's edition of 24 hours. In his column, Mr. Tieleman opined the Campbell administration's past decision to appoint Dr. Vertesi as British Columbia's representative on the Health Council of Canada could be an indication the premier plans on radically privatizing healthcare in this province.
Gordon Campbell's brother-in-law Les Vertesi, a noted physician and advocate of parallel private healthcare, will be joining the premier when he tours Europe to "explore new approaches to improve" how medical services are delivered in British Columbia. The premier's office issued an information bulletin at 4:00 today notifying reporters Dr. Vertesi, British Columbia's representative to the Health Council of Canada, would be joining the first minister on that tour. Others accompanying him include Health Minister George Abbott, chief of staff Martyn Brown, deputy chief of staff and executive assistant Lara Dauphinee and health strategic policy and intergovernmental relations assistant deputy minister Craig Knight. It goes without saying most wags would have been too busy covering the budget to pay attention to that bulletin. And it's unlikely they'll get a chance to ask Premier Campbell about his controversial travelling companion, given that the Liberal leader willl be in Vancouver tomorrow morning before he jets off across the pond in the afternoon. Dr. Vertesi will reportedly be paying his own way to the Old World. The following is a complete copy of that bulletin.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
For Immediate Release
2006OTP0011-000113
Feb. 21, 2006
Office of the Premier
PREMIER TO PROMOTE B.C., RESEARCH HEALTH IN EUROPE
VICTORIA - Premier Gordon Campbell leaves Wednesday to represent British Columbia at events leading up to the closing ceremonies of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy. The Premier will then visit Norway, Sweden, France and England to review health strategies.
In Torino Feb. 23-27, Campbell will promote B.C. investment and tourism opportunities at a series of events hosted at B.C.-Canada Place, including a forum to introduce European customers to B.C. wood products. He will also participate in a signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding between B.C. and other Olympic host cities to establish a new partnership for sharing of best practices to maximize the economic opportunities of hosting the Games. The Premier will attend the closing ceremonies when the Olympic flag is passed on to Vancouver.
From Feb. 28-Mar. 6, Campbell will visit Norway, Sweden, France and England to explore new approaches to improve B.C.'s health-care system. All four of these nations' health-care systems are ranked above Canada's by the World Health Organization and are noted as leaders in health-care transformation.
The B.C. delegation will be examining what innovations these countries have made that are possible under the Canada Health Act and what aspects of their health-care systems are not consistent with the Canada Health
Act.
In England, the B.C. delegation will learn how the U.K. is addressing issues such as wait times, quality of care and access to care, including the use of Personal Health Plans. Sweden is recognized for its extensive primary care system with over 1,000 interdisciplinary health-care centres. Norway is regarded as a leader in health promotion policy and France's health-care system is ranked number one internationally by the World Health Organization.
Accompanying Campbell in Norway, Sweden, France and England will be Health Minister George Abbott; Dr. Les Vertesi, B.C. government representative to the Health Council of Canada; Martyn Brown, chief of staff to the Premier; Lara Dauphinee, deputy chief of staff and executive assistant; and Craig Knight, assistant deputy minister,
strategic policy and intergovernmental relations in the Ministry of Health.
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1 backgrounder attached.
Media
contact:
Mike Morton
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
BACKGROUNDER
2006OTP0011-000113
Feb. 21, 2006
Office of the Premier
2006 Winter Olympic Games Itinerary
February 23 - February 27, 2006
February 23
* Speak at Prince George Promotional Event
* Speak at PetroCanada Coaches Appreciation Reception
February 24
* Keynote address to major national sponsors for 2010
* Keynote address at BC Wood Promotional Event
* Live on NBC Today Show
* Meet with President Mercedes Bresso, Piemonte Region
* Speak at City of Vancouver/Torino Reception
February 25
* Meet with President Rogge, International Olympic Committee President
* Host "Fellowship of the Rings" and MOU Signing
* Tour Athletes Village with Jack Poole and John Furlong
* Host B.C. Government Countdown Event with Governor-General attending
February 26
* Attend Official Closing Ceremonies for 2006 Winter Olympics
Health Fact Finding Mission and 2010 Business Promotion Itinerary
February 28 - March 6, 2006
February 28: Stockholm, Sweden
* Health facility tours
* Meet with health-care professionals
March 1-2: Lillehammer, Norway
* Meet with Gerhard Heiberg, IOC member and Chairman of the 1994
Lillehammer Winter Games
* Overview of Lillehammer Olympic Park
* Visit the Norwegian College of Elite Sport, Lillehammer University
College, and the Olympic speed skating oval
* Visit Lillehammer Hospital
* Meet with the chair of National Physical Activity Council and
health-care representatives
March 3-4: Paris, France
* Meet with Canadian Ambassador Claude Laverdure
* Meet with Minister of Health, Xavier Bertrand, and health officials
* Tour health facilities
* 2010 Winter Olympics: Doing Business in British Columbia event at the
Canadian Embassy
March 5-6: London, England
* Tour health facilities
* Meet with Partnerships Health UK
* Meet with Canadian High Commissioner Mel Cappe
* Meet with UK Minister of State for Health Services and government
health officials
* 2010 Winter Olympics: Doing Business in British Columbia Event at the Canadian High Commission
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In today's budget, the Campbell administration announced the provincial surtax on passenger vehicles priced over $49,000 would now only apply to cars and trucks valued at more than $55,000. According to the government, that will help "British Columbians who require diesel pickups and similar vehicles" - at a cost of $10 million in annual revenue. But, in what surely must have been an unintended consequence, luxury car buyers and sellers will also be opening champagne bottles tonight to celebrate the increased threshhold. According to CanadianDriver, 2006 vehicles in the $49,000 to $55,000 range include the Audi A4, the BMW Z4 Roadster, the Jaguar X-Type and the Lincoln LS. The following is a complete list.
Acura Models
MDX
Audi Models
A4
BMW Models
3 Series
X3
Z4
Buick Models
Rainier
Cadillac Models
DTS
Chevrolet Models
Suburban 1500
Tahoe
Trailblazer
Chrysler Models
300
Crossfire
Dodge Models
Durango
Ford Models
Expedition
Explorer
GMC Models
Envoy
Envoy XL
Yukon
Yukon XL 1500
Yukon XL 2500
Infiniti Models
G35
M35
Jaguar Models
X-Type
Jeep Models
Commander
Grand Cherokee
Land Rover Models
LR3
Lexus Models
RX330
Lincoln Models
LS
Mark LT
Mercedes-Benz Models
C Class
Nissan Models
350Z
Armada
Titan
Saab Models
9-3
9-7X
Subaru Models
B9 Tribeca
Toyota Models
4Runner
Highlander
Sienna
Volkswagen Models
Touareg
Volvo Models
S80
V70
XC90
Earlier, we reported Susan Yurkovich, a former member of the provincial Liberal's super-secret central campaign committee, would be doing "contract work on a part time basis" for BC Hydro Corp. - this, according to media relations manager Elisha Moreno. But it turns out she has a rather impressive title to go along with that lowly contract work: vice-president of public affairs and communications. That post has been vacant since Shawn Thomas departed the Crown corporation in December 2004 admist rumours of ruffled-feathers.
Earlier, we reported the Harper administration could soon handover ownership of the Dominion Coal Block lands to the provincial government - opening up previously untouched coal deposits for development. But the Flathead Coalition, a transboundary environmental group, has sent federal Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn a letter alerting him to the "sensitive local and international dimensions" of that development work - which they believe could pollute the waters in and around Glacier National Park, as well as ruin valuable wilderness habitats. The letter goes onto urge Minister Lunn to "defer a decision on the transfer of the Dominion Coal Block lands to British Columbia pending completion of a comprehensive baseline assessment" of the region's environmental values. And it invites him to "join (the coalition) on the ground in the Transboundary Flathead" for a guided tour this summer. But, in the meantime, we note the Campbell administration has already given the Tory frontbencher a guided tour of the provincial legislature, which reportedly included scenic visits last Thursday with British Columbia's resource ministers.