April 2006 Archives

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, Martha Hall-Findlay discusses her campaign to be leader of the federal Liberals. Mark Podlalsy, a policy chair from the Grit's renewal commission, talks about how the party can use the Internet to win the next election. And we'll speak with Global Medical Services Ltd. president Allan Holmes about pandemic preparedness in British Columbia. Also on the show: progressive journalist Murray Dobbin, NOW Communications Inc. president Ron Johnson and rabblerouser Brad Zubyk debate whether the New Democrats were right to not attack the Conservatives in the last election. Former Socred research director George Gibault will be in studio to give his take on the connection between youth poverty and youth political apathy. And Darrell Evans, executive director of British Columbia's Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, sounds off about the latest Campbell administration threat to openness and accountability in the provincial government. 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 email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, Willie Lambert discusses his race against Buzz Hargrove to be the Canadian Auto Workers Union's national president. Margaret Birrell, executive director of the British Columbia Coalition for People with Disabilities, talks about the provincial government's controversial Adult Guardianship and Personal Planning Statutes Amendment Act. And provincial New Democrat Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Maurine Karagianis will be in studio with government relations consultant Michael Geoghegan to chew over the Lobbyists Registration Act. Also on the show: we'll chat with federal Green David Chernushenko about his bid for the party leadership. And our regular panel of rabblerousers - John Heaney, Bob Russell, Bernard Schulmann and Allan Warnke - will debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. 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 email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Former provincial Liberal backbencher Sheila Orr will soon be breaking bread with New Democrat leader Carole James. But that privilege isn't going to come cheap. In an interview with your humble organ, Ms. Orr confirmed she and local philanthropist Donna Thomas are paying $300 to schmooze with Ms. James in the legislative dining room. That was the final price tag of "A Bite with Carol" - one of the auction items at a April 1 fundraiser for the Citizens Counselling Centre. Said Ms. Orr, "It's a great organization to support. They actually give services - counselling services - to people who can't afford to pay a counsellor. So, for $10, you get to go see a counsellor. And, as far as I'm concerned, this was a non-partisan event." Ms. Orr added she wouldn't be providing any free political counselling services to Ms. James during their meal.

Yesterday, provincial New Democrat MLA Maurine Karagianis wondered aloud why government relations consultant Michael Geoghegan can report to have a "high level of access to decision-makers and opinion leaders within the government" which he uses "get results that others can't" even though he's not registered as a lobbyist. But, in an interview with your humble organ, Mr. Geoghegan explained he recently tried to get a hold of the lobbyist registrar: "I phoned twice and emailed them last week and have yet to hear from a living person in that department. Is anyone still working there? Cause I'm singularly unimpressed with their inability to get back to anyone who leaves a message with them."

Who's that we see jumping aboard federal Liberal leadership candidate Gerrard Kennedy's band wagon? Why it's none other than Janice Nicholson, former parliamentary affairs director to Prime Minister Paul Martin. Ms. Nicholson, who has a properisity for punk rock music, was also the Liberal's deputy campaign director during the last election. Meanwhile, your humlbe organ is also hearing rumours former provincial Liberal caucus communications director and Rosedeer Strategies Inc. founder Mike McDonald is backing Bob Rae in his bid for the Grit leadership. But Mr. McDonald has not yet returned calls seeking comment.

Back in August 2001, The Vancouver Sun's Stephen Hume reported the Esquimalt and Songhees Nation bands had filed a lawsuit "claiming ownership of the land on which the province's legislature sits." The lawsuit - which asks British Columbia's Supreme Court to award the bands "unspecified damages and a declaration that the province is a trespasser on the land" - is scheduled to go to court in late September. And now, Public Eye has learned, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Bill Barisoff's office is looking to get in on the legal action. On March 31, Paul Pearlman of Fuller, Pearlman, McNeil advised the parties already involved in the case that the speaker's office would be making an application to join the proceedings. A senior staffer from that office - which has jurisdiction over the legislative precincts - declined to say why they needed legal representation seperate from government. But, according to the rumourmill, it understood the speaker wants to ensure the province retains ownership of the buildings, even if the land their on is transferred to the bands. The case is being heard by Justice Marvyn Koenigsberg.

Is the Canadian Union of Public Employees snubbing Vision Vancouver? That's the question some are asking after the union's British Columbia division invited Coalition of Progressive Electors Councillor David Cadman to speak at at their forty-third annual convention rather than a Vision representative. But, in an interview with your humble organ, union communications representative Daniel Gawthrop explained, "Obviously, we weren't going to ask the mayor" to deliver welcoming remarks from the City of Vancouver. "We don't agree with a lot of the stuff he's been doing. So it's a good old case of union seniority. Cadman's been (on city council) the longest. And there's only one person from the city we can invite. It wasn't a case of choosing one (party) over another. We didn't mean to piss anyone off." Mr. Gawthrop then added Councillor Cadman's credentials as a past member of the Vancouver Municipal Regional Union - the precursor of Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 15 - also makes him an ideal speaker for the convention, which gets underway this evening.

As many of our astute readers already know, former Sierra Club of Canada executive director Elizabeth May is considering running to be leader of the federal Green Party. And fellow Ottawa resident David Chernushenko, an environmental sports consultant, has already declared his candidacy. But will there be a Lotuslander in the race? In an interview with your humble organ, the party's finance critic Ariel Lade, an economist, confirmed he's been approached about stepping up to the starting line. But the former federal and provincial election candidate said, "I don't think I'm interested. I don't think I'm going to say no just yet. But it wasn't the thing I was planning on doing. There'd have to be a lot more pressure put on me before I would be willing in the race." In fact, Mr. Lade joked, "I think the job sucks. I'd have to be really arm-twisted and forced into it." But, that being said, he added, "I'd love to have a (leadership) candidate from another region" other than the nation's capital.

Stephane Dion's federal Liberal leadership bid will soon be receiving supporting fire from a brigade of kiddie commandos in British Columbia. According to our operatives, next week will see the official launch of the BC Youth for Dion campaign - which is being co-chaired by former University of Victoria campus club president Lorne Phipps and Mia Taghizadeh, who was the women's representative on the Young Liberal's provincial executive. It is expected similar campaigns will be mobilized in other provinces.

Last week, we reported on the appointment of Ken Dobell, the premier's former deputy minister, as one of the Law Society of British Columbia's six lay benchers. Lay benchers, who are chosen by cabinet, are supposed to "bring a public viewpoint" to the work of society. And, over the years, that esteemed club has included a number of headlining names. For example, Canadian journalism icon Patrick Nagle, who passed away suddenly this January, was named to the society's board of directors in 2002. And famed broadcaster Jack Webster did an eight-year stint as a lay bencher. So one wonders, then, what these two late journalism greats would have thought about Mr. Dobell - who has been a staunch champion of "media fishing expenditions" and the province's freedom of information laws - carrying the same torch they once held at the society?

Your humble organ has reported at-length on the toing-and-froings of former international contractor of mystery (Public Eye passim) Lesley du Toit, the new deputy minister of children and family development. But what are her thoughts on the present state of British Columbia's child protection system - particularly its treatment of aboriginal peoples? Well, Ms. du Toit isn't speaking with the press. But she has been talking with others about those thoughts. In an interview on Public Eye Radio this past Sunday, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations regional chief Shawn Atleo said "In her opening comments to us at a public forum this last Friday she talked about very strong issues like racism inherent in the system. She talked about a system that was broken...But, most importantly, the deputy minister shares an interest with the First Nations peoples and aboriginal communities for us to be full partners in designing or redesigning a child welfare system...one that respects and reflects our people and is also based on recognition of our title and rights - which equally come with a responsibility to contribute."

Yesterday, Premier Gordon Campbell told reporters "there's a good opportunity" for the provincial government to pass legislation this spring establishing an independent child and youth representative. But drafting that bill might take some time. And that has some Rockpile denziens discussing the possibility the present legislative session could be extended by two weeks to accomodate that process. But senior operatives on both side of the house assure us that, at this moment in time, such discussions are "purely speculative."

Earlier, we reported former Sierra Club of Canada executive director Elizabeth May has been soliciting senior Greens for their support as part of her bid to become leader of the federal Greens. But she didn't seem nearly as an interested in the world of politics back in December. In an interview with The Ottawa Citizen's Kate Jaimet, Ms. May was quoted as saying she's come close to running for Parliament "a couple of times and the main reason I haven't done it has always been concern for my daughter. In the last election, I was asked by the NDP and the Liberals and I was thinking it over, but the election would be right during the time she was doing final exams. If I was going to run, I was thinking about (running in) Nova Scotia. Leaving here as a single mother, when my daughter is doing her final exams in Grade 8, isn't something I'm going to do."

Earlier this month, The Canadian Press's Dennis Bueckert reported Elizabeth May "one of the country's best-known environmentalist, is pondering a run for leadership of the floundering Green Party of Canada." And, according to our operatives, Ms. May has been doing a lot more than just thinking about her candidacy. It seems she's been making phone calls to the Green's senior members seeking their support for a leadership campaign that could be announced as early as next month. But it not all of those members are enthusiastic about the idea of the former Sierra Club of Canada executive director heaing their party.

Earlier, we exclusively reported on attempts by the B.C. Road Builders and Heavy Construction Industry Association to seed an Astroturf movement that could "sway public and political opinion in support of the government's transportation programs." And it looks like those attempts continue. In a letter sent to fellow travellers, association president Jack Davidson encourages them to "join our growing coalition" - attaching an application form which the road builders forgot to include in their first mailout. The following is a complete copy of that letter.

Earlier, we reported on the hiring of international contractor of mystery (Public Eye passim) Lesley du Toit as the new deputy minister of children and family development. But some bureaucrats are still scratching their heads as to how someone from South Africa gets named to one of the most senior and sensitive civil service postings in the province. Well, at least part of the answer has to do with Jim Anglin, the University of Victoria's vice-president of academic and student affairs and former director of the institution's school of child and youth care.

It's going to take more than prayers to fix the ministry of children and family development. But it seems somehow appropriate that, last Thursday, Victoria's old Metropolitan United Church (now the Alix Goolden Performance Hall) played host to a scratch and sniff session between a couple hundred of the ministry's headquarters staff and their new boss, former international contractor of mystery (Public Eye passim) Lesley du Toit. As expected, Ms. du Toit spent much of that session discussing her past and the future of children and family development. But there was also the hint of a suggestion that those who don't want to be part of the reform process at the ministry might want to consider opportunities in other parts of government. Meanwhile, in related news, we're told Ms. du Toit will be attending her first ministry executive meeting on Wednesday.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, we'll be chatting with journalist Charles Campbell about a recent report he produced for the David Suzuki Foundation on the state of British Columbia's agricultural land reserve. Federal Tories Paul Holmes, Andrew McVie and Derek Rolstone join the program to give their take on the Harper administration's recent performance in office. Provincial Conservative leader Wilf Hanni will be on the line to discuss how his party plans on winning some seats in the next election. And we'll talk with British Columbia Assembly of First Nations regional chief Shawn Atleo about possible reforms to the province's correctional system. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel of pundits - Bob Russell, Bernard Schulmann and Brad Zubyk - who will discuss the week that was in provincial and federal politics. 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 email us or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, we'll be chatting with provincial New Democrat education critic John Horgan, Victoria school board chair Michael McEvoy and Vancouver school trustee Eleanor Gregory about the present round of labour negotiations with the British Columbia Teachers' Federation. Green Party shadow cabinet members Ariel Lade and Eric Walton will be discussing their position on the Canadian military deployment in Afghanistan. And former CKNW broadcaster David Berner is coming on the show to talk about Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan's controversial views on drug addiction. Also on the program: Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons will be sharing with us his thoughts on former conflict of interest commissioner Ted Hughes's recent independent review of British Columbia's child protection system. And we'll talk with marine pollution expert Riki Ott about how your local government can act globally to save the environment. 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 email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Members of the Campaign to De-Elect David Emerson may have some company when the show up to tomorrow to demonstrate at Vancouver Board of Trade luncheon. Lower Mainland regional Conservative organizer John Buckham is planning a counter-protest to "show (party) support" for the federal international trade minister, who is delivering a keynote address to the luncheon. This, according to an email distributed to Tory operatives this morning. The email also notes those who are planning on showing up should "feel free to wear any Conservative Party item you may have, t-shirts, ball caps, buttons and so on. In addition to this hand written signs would be a great addition to the day, not only do they show up well for those who are across the street wondering what is going on but they also provide a great opportunity to get our message of support into the media." Suggested sign slogans include "Emerson = Courage" and "Keep up the good work!" The following is a complete copy of his email.

Federal Conservative bacbencher Garth Turner has found another cause celebre in British Columbia. According to our operatives, Mr. Turner - who loudly criticized Vancouver-Kingsway MP David Emerson's defection to the Tories - has agreed to be the star attraction at a fundraiser for Fair Voting BC. That's the group campaigning for the use of a single-transferable vote system in the next provincial election. A date for that event hasn't yet been set. In January, former Reform leader Preston Manning attented a similar fundraiser for the organization.

It looks like Stan Hagen will have at least one eyeball trained on our good friends at Community Living British Columbia, the independent authority responsible for providing services to the developmentally disabled. Today, the public service agency announced the ministry of children and family development would be hiring a senior bureaucrat to "monitor, evaluate, and make recommendations to manage the accountabilities of CLBC to the Minister of MCFD." According to that job description, the successful candidate will be required to "identify emerging issues with provincial implications" at the authority, assess their "public impact or political ramifications and alert the necessary stakeholders" - among other duties. An internal competition for that director-level job is being held, with the closing date set for May 11. One wonders if the ministry already has someone in mind for the position?

Yesterday, David Schreck opined on Strategic Thoughts that "when the BC Legislature resumes sitting after a two week recess" on Monday "there will only be 16 sitting days remaining in the spring session, and rumours have it that there may not be a fall sitting, despite the 'Parliamentary Calendar.' Unless the Campbell administration comes up with some surprises in the next four weeks, the first full session after the May 2005 election might go down as one of the dullest on record." But, according to our Rockpile operatives, the Liberals don't have many bills left in the can. And what they do have will be likely rolled out next week, completing the Campbell administration's spring legislative package.

Due to an increasing number of inappropriate postings, we will now be moderating the comments section of Public Eye. That means some messages may not always be immediately be published, while others will appeared in an edited form. Our apologies for having to take this step. The intent isn't to stifle debate but rather keep a modicum of decorum on the site. This policy will continue for the foreseeable future.

On Monday, The Globe and Mail's Campbell Clark reported Bob Rae is "planning to launch his campaign for the Liberal leadership early next week." But who's going to be backing him in British Columbia? Well Rob Mingay's name has been running on the rumour mill. And, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Mingay, who was former federal New Democrat leader Ed Broadbent's press secretary and is now the sales and marketing vice-president for Rocky Mountain Production Services, confirmed he's lending his support to the ex-premier. Meanwhile, Pam McDonald, who headed up former Prime Minister Jean Chretien's British Columbia desk, hasn't returned calls from Public Eye despite an earlier promise to speak with us. But, if she did, we'd ask her whether she too is supporting Mr. Rae.

Loyal readers will remember our coverage of last year's Leader's Invitational Golf Tournament - which raised $168,972 for the provincial Liberals. And, like clockwork, the party is once again preparing to hit the links at the Golden Eagle Golf Club, which is owned by the Aquilinis. Hierarchs are encouraging cardholders to help out at June 26 event in return for a "souvenir t-shirt, plus complimentary lunch and dinner" as well as an opportunity to "meet new friends, meet representatives from many companies, our Leader and Premier of BC, Cabinet Ministers and MLAs." The following is a complete copy of that volunteer pitch.

It looks like our favourite provincial Liberal field organizer has added another bullet to his resume. Your humble organ has confirmed earlier reports from one of our astute readers that Brian Bonney is now styled as the party's operations director - responsible for constituency development. Looks like all that campaigning on behalf of Coquitlam First has final paid off. Meanwhile, the rumour mill is running with reports matinee idol and Young Liberal president Dallas Henault will soon be working as an assistant to party executive director Kelly Reichert. But, in an interview with Public Eye, communications and member services director Chad "C.J." Pederson declined to confirm Messrs. Henault and Bonney's new postings saying, "It's operational information we deem internal."

Earlier, we reported Premier Gordon Campbell's security blanket (Public Eye passim) Ken Dobell had been appointed to the Law Society of British Columbia's board of directors. At the time, we noted Mr. Dobell has ample experience with the laws of the land - especially the legislation governing freedom of information requests. Back in 2003, the former civil service head disclosed he "now rarely writes notes of meetings and rapidly deletes most of his e-mails...to avoid having internal e-mails caught up in media fishing expeditions." But, when asked about Mr. Dobell's past deletion policy, law society public affairs manager Brad Daisley noted, "We've got very specific rules and policies governing retention of documents and information. And all benchers (are required to) follow those."

Earlier, we reported rumours the premier's international contractor of mystery (Public Eye passim), Lesley du Toit, had signed a four year contract to serve as the deputy minister of children and family development. And what's that we see, gracing the front page of the ministry's Website? Why, it's an information bulletin announcing Ms. du Toit has "committed to a long-term appointment in this position of at least four years." Funny old world eh?

Earlier this month, Community Living British Columbia announced it "was proud to learn, in early March, that four of its employees had been nominated for the 2005/06 Premier's Innovation & Excellence Awards in the category of Innovation" - including Rick Mowles, who has been the authority's chief executive officer since February 2005. According to the announcement, "the CLBC nominees were recognized for their work in the 'delivery of an integrated project involving 8 government entities that saw the uninterrupted transfer of responsibility for the delivery of services to individuals with development disabilities and their families from the Ministry of Children and Family Development to the new Crown agency." Of course, as our astute readers will know, Community Living British Columbia hasn't exactly accomplished that shift in a timely manner.

As we have already reported ad nauseum, international contractor of mystery (Public Eye passim) Lesley du Toit has been providing Gordon Campbell with "advice on transforming services for children and youth in British Columbia" for the past two months. And increasingly solid rumours are afoot that she'll be appointed deputy minister of children and family development tomorrow. But here's something to consider: if Ms. du Toit, a South African national, isn't applying for permanent resident status, wouldn't she need a work permit to be under contract with the government? And, as some of our astute readers may know, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada has the authority to deny permit applications if a "permanent resident could fill the job." But perhaps, like the premier, the federal government believes there's no one in the entire country who can fix our childcare system?

Guess who's joining the Law Society of British Columbia's governing body? Why it's none other than the Gordon Campbell's favourite security blanket Ken Dobell, who is presently working as a special advisor to the premier. Of course, few would question Mr. Dobell's qualifications for that posting. After all, as Premier Campbell's former deputy minister, he has ample experience with the laws of the land - especially the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. To wit, during a September 2003 conference celebrating the 10th anniversary of that legislation, Mr. Dobell told attendees that he "now rarely writes notes of meetings and rapidly deletes most of his e-mails...to avoid having internal e-mails caught up in media fishing expeditions" - this, according to report by The Times Colonist's Judith Lavoie. Subsequently, Sandy Santori, the then minister responsible for the freedom of information act, told Ms. Lavoie he would be talking to Mr. Dobell about his deletion policy noting, "The legislation is very clear that e-mails are documents of record and they should be treated accordingly...I will refresh his memory today."

Earlier, we speculated that the premier's international contractor of mystery (Public Eye passim) Lesley du Toit - who jets back into town today - would be appointed deputy minister of children and family development. And now, one of our astute readers reports that said appointment will be announced tomorrow, with Ms. du Toit having already signed a four year contract with the provincial government. Your humble organ has been unable to confirm that report. Although we have also heard conflicting theories that Ms. du Toit, executive director of South Africa's Child and Youth Care Agency for Development, may be hired as the transition manager responsible for setting up the office of the representative for children and youth - part of the recommendations included in former conflict of interest commissioner Ted Hughes's independent review of British Columbia's child protection system.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, we'll be chatting with Victoria Medical Society president Milton Baker about his thoughts on reforming the Canadian healthcare system. Green Party hierarchs Sharon Labchuck and Ariel Lade will be on the show to discuss the recent outbreak of environmentalism in the Liberals. And Dennis Perry, president of the Coalition to Save the Eagleridge Bluffs, is phoning in to give us the latest on his campaign against plans to uppgrade the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Also on the show: David Schreck from Strategic Thoughts will comment on coming changes to the ministry of children and family development. And our regular panel of rabblerousers - John Heaney, Bob Russell, Allan Warnke and Brad Zubyk - will debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. 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 email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Public Eye has reported at length on race to fill the seven open seats on the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors. And, according to our operatives at the association's annual general meeting, Elyn Dobbs, Greg Elzinga and Jeff Melland have failed to cross the finish line. Instead, the candidates endorsed by Mayor Sam Sullivan's former campaign manager Colin Metcalfe - Joost Bakker, Cindy Chan Piper, Glenn Cho, Kilby Gibson, Allen Langdon, Mina Laudan and Douglas Leung - swept the polls. We leave it to our astute readers to discuss what this may mean (if anything) for the association's future.

Earlier, your humble organ reported some advocates have been gnashing their teeth about a decision to continue providing services for special needs children through Community Living British Columbia. But it seems not everyone is displeased with that decision. In an interview with your humble organ, the authority's communitions director Sally Greenwood said "We have certainly made a number of calls to the stakeholders this week and spoke directly with them. And, as well, we had a meeting of the children's transformation working group which consists of representatives from many of the service delivery groups and the major organizations throughout the province. And the information (about keeping special needs children services at the authority) was well-received."

Children and Family Development Minister Stan Hagen has been the source of much hot and bother amongst some community living advocates this week. The reason: on Monday, his ministry quietly announced Community Living British Columbia will continue providing services for all special needs children. Under an earlier memorandum of understanding, those services had been temporarily transferred to the authority. But they were supposed to be handed back to the ministry in July - something that now won't be happening. Letters of protest have been sent to Minister Hagen, arguing that the decision goes against the Gove inquiry's recommendation "to bring all provincial child welfare responsibilities together into one provincial authority" - rather than a "fragmented" approach relying on inter-ministerial cooperation. And there seems to be concern about whether Community Living British Columbia is capable of delivering those services on a long-term basis - which might explain why the independent authority will soon be launching a branding campaign to increase "respect for and confidence in CLBC."

Much ink has been spilled contemplating what's at stake this evening when Non-Partisan Association members go to the polls to elect seven board members. The latest opinion comes from Colin Metcalfe, who was Sam Sullivan's campaign manager during the recent civic election. In an email sent to association cardholders yesterday, Mr. Metcalfe writes "I want to encourage you to come out and join us (at the annual general meeting) to ensure that we elect those who support Sam and our NPA team." And who might those candidates be, you may wonder? Well, "after having reviewed their bios and checking with fellow supporters" Mr. Metcalfe has concluded the "following (candidates) would be the best to serve our association, our membership, and our elected representatives:" Joost Bakker, Cindy Chan Piper, Glenn Cho, Kilby Gibson, Allen Langdon, Mina Laudan and Douglas Leung. Absent from that list are Elyn Dobbs, Greg Elzinga and Jeff Melland. The following is a complete copy of Mr. Metcalfe's email.

Earlier, we reported on Non-Partisan Association director Alex Tsakumis's accusation that former federal Liberal uber-operative Mark Marissen is presently orchestrating an attempt to takeover the civic party. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Marissen declined to comment on the specifics contained in Mr. Tsakumis's email except to say, "Here's the question: does he know what he's saying is inaccurate or does he believe it? Cause I'm not sure which is more disturbing." But Mr. Tsakumis seems to be standing by his accusations. "My response to Mr. Marissen is pretty clear," said the board member. "If he wasn't involved or any of his minions weren't involved (in the present race for seven seats on the association's board of directors) then why didn't he just outright deny it? That, in and of itself, tells me everything."

Earlier, we reported on Elyn Dobbs, Greg Elzinga and Jeff Melland's email pitch encouraging Non-Partisan Association members to support a package of bylaw amendments that they say will "improve democracy, accountability and transparency" within the civic party. The trio, who are running for seats on the association's board of directors, explains those improvements are needed "because for too long it has been characterized by infighting and petty personal politics." But it seems association director Alex Tsakumis has taken umbrage with their claims. In a message sent to his board colleagues, Mr. Tsakumis writes that they "will find the basis for the Mark Marissen induced push that we are currently witnessing" to take over the Non-Partisan Association in Ms. Dobbs and Messrs. Elzinga and Melland's email.

Last Friday, Non-Partisan Association councillors voted to axe the Vancouver's child and youth advocate Sheila Davidson - just hours before former conflict of interest commissioner Ted Hughes released his independent report recommending dramatic improvements to the province's child protection system. And it seems the city was quick to give Ms. Davidson the bum's rush. In an interview with your humble organ, the former advocate said that a representative from the city's human resources visited her this morning at around 10:30 and "gave me a letter, signed by the city manager, that indicated that, as of April 7, my position was finished and I was given two weeks pay in lieu of notice. And I was told by the HR representative that I was to the collect my personal effects...And I said, 'I have lots of files because I brought lots of information with me.' And she said, 'You can make an appointment to collect those.'"

Let us, for a moment, fondly recall last year's MLA pay raise fiasco, wherein members from both sides of the house joined together in the spirit of cooperation to give themselves a 15 percent salary hike. At the time of that fiasco, the Canadian Press's Terri Theodore paraphrased Premier Gordon Campbell as saying "MLAs had worked on the wage increase since last summer." And, according to recently released (and long-awaited) legislative assembly management committee minutes "pay, benefits, allowances and parliamentary and constitutency office expenses" for elected officials were among the first topics discussed by the all-party group, which met 11 times between September 19 and November 17.

An earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale has hit the offices of the government's provincial emergency program. According to our operatives, the epicentre of the quake was none other than the program's executive director Bob Bugslag, who will no longer be working for government - effective immediately. An email notification about that personnel change was distributed late yesterday. And program staff were personally informed this morning by deputy solicitor general David Morhart. Mr. Bugslag, who is known for his aggressive management style, will be replaced on an acting basis by deputy emergency program director Cam Filmer. No word yet on the reason for Mr. Bugslag's departure.

Your humble organ has spilled much ink reporting on Greg Elzinga and Jeff Melland's plans to "improve democracy, accountability and transparency" within the Non-Partisan Association by introducing a package of bylaw amendments at the civic party's upcoming annual general meeting. The association's board of directors has since ruled those amendments are non-complaint with the party's existing bylaws. But, despite that ruling, Messrs. Elzinga and Melland are going ahead with their plans - this, according to an email distributed to cardholders yesterday. In the email, which also signed by fellow board hopeful Elyn Dobbs, the trio writes they want to "improve the Board, because for too long it has been characterized by infighting and petty personal politics." The following is a complete copy of that email.

It seems reports that the Campbell administration's open cabinet meetings are dead may have been greatly exaggerated. Last week, the province's public affair bureau posted a request for proposal on BC Bid seeking "an experienced full-service Contractor for planning, facilitating, and providing television coverage of open cabinet meetings (the Events) at locations throughout the Province of British Columbia...It is anticipated that the Contract term will be from contract signing to March 31, 2007 with three one-year options to renew at the sole discretion of the Province." Those competing for the contract have been asked to provide fixed prices for filming meetings at the legislature, as well as in Vancouver, Kelowna and Prince George - suggesting the government may be taking it's show on the road.

Earlier, The Surrey Leader's Jeff Nagel reported South Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg was "actively campaigning" on behalf of Doug McCallum to get the former Surrey mayor a provincial patronage appointment. And now we're hearing rumours that job may be a seat on the Agricultural Land Commission's South Coast panel. After all, Walter Dyck, Peter Dhillon and Carol Paulson's terms on that panel are set to expire on May 1 - potentially opening up a spot for Mr. McCallum if one of them isn't re-appointed. But, in an interview with your humble organ, the would-be federal Conservative candidate said, "I've met with them. And we're still working through it. But certainly it's not the agricultural land commission."

Earlier, we reported on Greg Elzinga and Jeff Melland's plans to "improve democracy, accountability and transparency" within the Non-Partisan Association by introducing a package of bylaw amendments at the civic party's upcoming annual general meeting. But, on Tuesday, the association's board of directors unanimously approved a motion - introduced by Alex Tsakumis and seconded by Cameron St. John - declaring those amendments non-complaint with the civic party's bylaws. An explanation for that declaration is still forthcoming - although it is said to have been based on three legal opinions.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, Radio India host Gurpreet Singh will be joining us to discuss how the Indo-Canadian community feels about the latest accusations against former ministerial assistant David Basi. Former scribes Ian Macdonald and Betty O'Keefe will be on the line to talk about the parallels between those accusations and the bribery scandal that took down for Socred cabinet minister Robert Sommers in the fifties. And crooner Mike Witherly, a senior campaigner for federal Liberal leadership hopeful Stephane Dion, is phoning-in to promo his candidate. Also on the show: Penny Parry, a former member of the now defunct children's commission, will be chatting up the Ted Hughes's independent review of the British Columbia child protection system. And our rabble-rousing panel of pundits - Michael Prince Bob Russell and Brad Zubyk - will review the week that was in provincial and federal politics. 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 email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Some squibs from the footrace for seats on the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors: as some of our astute readers may already know, that competition has attracted a late entrant. Today, former association school board candidate Elyn Dobbs circulated an email notifying members that she'll be on the ballot. Meanwhile, we're told Armida McDougall won't be taking to the field, despite an earlier report to the contrary. And fellow realtor Kilby Gibson's campaign will be minus one vote at the association's annual general meeting. It turns out Ms. Gibson made a prior family commitment to be in New York on that date. The following is a complete copy of Ms. Dobbs's email.

Earlier today, former conflict of interest commissioner Ted Hughes released his independent review of the British Columbia's child protection system. The review, which is presently being reported on by length and breadth of the provincial press pack, makes a number of recommendations including the establishment of a "a new (all-party) standing committee on Children and Youth." Of course, this isn't the first time the idea of such a committee has been floated.

Your humble organ has spilled much ink reporting on the comings and goings of Lesley du Toit, the premier's international contractor of mystery (Public Eye passim). As our astute readers will already be aware, Ms. du Toit has a number of responsibilities - including assisting "government in developing a response to the recommendations of the Child and Youth Review Panel, headed by Ted Hughes, Q.C." - this, according to an information bulletin sent out last year. And childcare community members have been led to believe she will be one of, if not the prime mover and shaker in that effort. But when we asked Mr. Hughes whether Ms. du Toit had met or would be meeting with him to discuss those recommendations - which were released earlier today - the former conflict of interest commissioner replied "You bring me news. I was not aware she was going to be the implementer of the report. The answer to your question is no. But my executive director to my right had a telephone conversation with her somewhere over the last couple months. But I have no contact. And I was unaware she could be the prime implementer. You bring me news sir."

It seems Red-FM, the recent recipient of radio license to serve Vancouver's ethnic communities, got into a spot of bother with the provincial New Democrats last month. In an interview with your humble organ, communication director Jim Rutkowski confirmed caucus filed a complaint against the station with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission on March 14. But Mr. Rutkowski declined to elaborate, saying "The matter's been resolved" following discussions with the station. "So I'm not going to comment any further on it."

Over the weekend, The Surrey Leader's Jeff Nagel reported South Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg was "actively campaigning" on behalf of Doug McCallum to get the former Surrey mayor a provincial patronage appointment. Said the caucus chair, "He has enormous experience at both the local and the regional level...We have a number of agencies, boards and commissions that for a number of those he would be a logical one to assist." In an interview with your humble organ, Mr. Hogg confirmed Mr. McCallum approached him about seeking an appointment - which some of our more astute readers may find a bit odd. The reason: after failing in his bid to seek a federal Conservative nomination in the last election, the former mayor told Public Eye "I think I've had my fill of politics for the next little while. So I think I'm going to go back and look at some business opportunities."

Earlier this week, the Globe and Mail's Campbell Clark and Karen Howlett reported Stephane Dion will make his bid for the federal Liberal leadership official tomorrow at Montreal's Palais des Congres. And, according to our operatives, he'll be doing some blackslapping in British Columbia two days later. A presently unannounced event in Surrey has been pencilled into his schedule. And he'll also be in the Garden City for a shoulder-rubbing session at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre between 10:00 and 11:15 - a far more populist venue than the Union Club, which recently hosted Ivy Leaguer Michael Igantieff's earlier soiree. Meanwhile, in other Dion campaign related news, former British Columbia party president and election candidate Billy Cunningham is throwing his weight behind Mr. Dion. The following is a complete copy of the email for the candidate's Victoria reception.

Last Friday, The Vancouver Courier's Pat Johnson noted the Non-Partisan Association's annual general meeting will coincide this year with the first night of Passover when "Jewish families all over the world come together, not in a conventional place of worship, but at the family table, to re-enact the Exodus from enslavement via a ritual meal filled with ancient symbolism." Not surprisingly, this has been the source of some concern within the Jewish community. Letters about the issue have reportedly been written to the Canadian Jewish Congress. And it is expected the congress will be sending the association a reminder about the upcoming holiday.

Yesterday, we reported K&E Public Affairs Inc.'s Website went down. And now we've learned the company is closing its doors. Brian Kieran, who just last week handed the mantle of senior partner to Jamie Elmhirst, will be - for all intents and purposes - retiring to Pender Island. And Mr. Elmhirst will be continue as a government relations consultant on his own hook.

Earlier, we reported Mike Witherly - who headed Prime Minister Paul Martin's British Columbia desk - would be contracting out his services under the name Rushbrooke Communications. And now we see that Roy Bornmann, former communications director to Minister of State for Multiculturalism Raymond Chan, is also going freelance as the president of Lapin Communications. In related news, we're told Mr. Bornmann is one of federal Liberal leadership candidate Ken Dryden's principal campaigners in British Columbia.

Earlier, we exclusively reported K&E Public Affairs Inc.'s announcement to friends and associates that the company had "embarked on an internal transition that will mark the beginning of Brian Kieran's preparations for inevitable retirement from government relations." That announcement came just days before the release of search warrant documents alleging the OmniTRAX Inc. lobbyist - who has not been charged with any wrongdoing - gave former ministerial assistant David Basi $3,000 to cover the cost of a November 2002 trip to "meet with officials from (the company) and attend a football game" in Denver, Colorado. And now some of our astute readers note K&E's Website is down. Technical issues?

It seems the provincial New Democrat caucus has...er...misplaced one of its senior staffers. It has come to our attention that operations director Marian Meagher - who was principally responsible for managing caucus's legislative assistants - departed the precincts last week. No word yet on the reason for her exiting. Ms. Meagher was best known for being an active past member of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, having been a director, national director, and British Columbia regional executive vice-president for the union.

Most of our astute readers will be familiar with iTrend Research Group Inc., the public opinion polling firm that once famously employed Langley MLA Mary Polak as its managing director. But, according to our operatives, the firm's assets are now being sold-off and it's operations are winding-down following a decision by iTrend founder and provincial Liberal mover/shaker Chris Gardner to pursue other opportunities. The firm hasn't been actively seeking clients since the fall of last year.

Earlier, we exclusively reported rumours a number of CKNW staffers received pink slips this morning. In a media statement, Corus Entertainment Inc. confirmed those rumours as part of a restructuring that affected 12 positions at their Vancouver operations. A Puget Sound Radio reader has posted an exhaustive list of the unfortunates, which includes talk show host David Berner (who was working on a contract-basis). Broadcast News is also reporting CKNW news director Gord McDonald has been demoted - to news editor, according to our operatives. Mr. McDonald post will now be occupied by Ian Koenigsfest who apparently retains his job as the station's public affairs director, responsible for talk shows. And we have learned CKNW legislative bureau chief Sean Leslie will now be hosting a weekend afternoon/evening chat program that will run on Saturdays between 4:00 and 6:00 and on Sundays between 3:00 and 7:00. But that additional work will mean Mr. Leslie will now only be spending three days a week in the precincts. No word yet on the new show's name.

Earlier, federal Liberal provocateur Jonathan Ross reported former Pilothouse Public Affairs Inc. lobbyist Erik Bornman is articling at McCarthy Tetrault LLP's Toronto offices. Of course, our astute readers will know this is the same Mr. Bornman who is alleged, according to search warrant documents released yesterday, to have "had contact with BASI and received information and documents from BASI in exchange for payments which were made to Aneal BASI for forwarding to David BASI," who was once the most powerful ministerial assistant in the Campbell administration. So we thought we might phone McCarthy Tetrault to see if the powerhouse law firm had any comment concerning those recent allegations. The emailed response from the firm's communications director Doug Maybee: "As your inquiry relates to a matter that is before the courts in BC, we feel it is inappropriate to comment." Further inquiries in a phone interview didn't illicit a different answer. Previously, Pilothouse partner Brian Kieran stated on September 11, 2004 that Mr. Bornman had been informed by police "that he was not under investigation." A call placed to Mr. Bornman, who is a potential Crown witness, hasn't been returned. The following is a complete copy of Mr. Maybee's email.

Earlier, we reported on Greg Elzinga and Jeff Melland's plans to introduce a package of bylaw amendments aimed at democratizing the Non-Partisan Association. But not everyone is enthusiastic about debating them at the association's upcoming annual general meeting - including board member Alex Tsakumis. In an interview with your humble organ, Mr. Tsakumis confirmed he met with Mr. Elzinga yesterday to discuss those amendments. Said Mr. Tsakumis, "Cameron St. John sent an email to every member of the board suggesting that we should call Jeff Melland and Greg Elzinga and ask them what the motivation was for them putting out Cameron's proposed amendments. So I was going to meet with a mutual friend of mine and Greg's anyway. And we met. And I asked him (about the amendments). And he answered those questions." And did you suggest Mr. Elzinga might want to withdraw those amendments, we inquired?

Former ministerial assistant David Basi is once again in the news. But what's his would-be successor Barinder Sall been up to recently? Last time we checked-in on the aspiring powerbroker and creative email writer (Public Eye passim), he was spotted departing the legislative precincts after a brief stint as Attorney General Wally Oppal's senior aide. But it seems he's still doing some work for his former boss, organizing a Saturday breakfast meeting at the Vancouver Coast Airport Hotel between the attorney general and around 60 members of the Indo-Canadian community. Invitees included: Khalsa Diwan Society president Gurdip Gill; former provincial Liberal cadidate Bob Hans; defeated MLA Rob Nijjar; Public Eye reader favourite Amar Randhawa; Randeep Singh Sarai, who was a volunteer coordinator for the attorney general's election campaign; and talk show fan Prem "Peter" Vinning. According to our operatives, during the meeting the former British Columbia Appeal Court justice announced he was interested in running for the federal Liberal leadership but then declared he was simply making an April Fool's joke.

It's raining pink slips this morning at CKNW. According to unconfirmed reports running on the rumour mill, axes have been hurled at a number of Big Dog staffers including Neil Hadley, Jason Howe, Jennifer Thomson, Dean Ward and Leanne Yuzwa. No word yet on the explanation for those layoffs, who else may have been effected and what programming changes could result.

Earlier, your humble organ reported supporters of Sam Sullivan would be meeting on Friday to let him - and his enemies - know they'll be watching the mayor's political back. And who showed up at Morton's Steakhouse, you may wonder? Well, according to our operatives, those in attendance included: Adele Armstrong, Mayor Sullivan's campaign scheduler during the recent election; mayoral campaign technical director Alan Baedak, mayoral campaign financial agent; Patrick Chan; mayoral campaign assistant Jonathan Cooper; former Non-Partisan Association mayoral candidate Jennifer Clarke, a member of the mayoral campaign's senior advisory council; association board member Marko Dekovic; Reputations Corp. president and chief reputation officer Wayne Hartrick; mayoral campaign volunteer coordinator Melissa De Genova; Spirit Bear Youth Coalition founder Simon Jackson; mayoral campaign fundraising chair Jodi Norrison, former provincial New Democrat MLA Bernie Simpson, the mayoral campaign's South Asian community liason; Identity Management Inc. chairman and chief strategist Steve Simpson, mayoral campaign manager Colin Metcalfe; mayoral campaign official agent Warren Smith; association board member Alex Tsakumis; Sergio Custodio, a member of the mayoral campaign legal team; and Lynn Zanatta, the mayor's partner.

Coquitlam First campaign manager Dave Teixeira must have a real thing for men in costumes. After all, he presently works as a constituency assistant for Harry Bloy, who has proudly worn his scoutmaster uniform in the legislature on several occassions. And Mr. Teixeira's associate Brian Bonney has donned the same getup for local council meetings. But what you may not know is that Mr. Teixeira - going under the name Dave Republic - is also the owner of Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling, which features notable personalities such as the Cremator and Disco Fury. Whoever said politics isn't like professional wrestling? Earlier, we revealed Mr. Teixeira and Mr. Bonney attempted to skew the results of an online poll asking if Coquitlam First should "fully disclose the list of contributors to its campaigns last fall?"

Earlier, we reported the search warrant documents connected to the police raid on the provincial legislature would be released today at 10:00. But there's been another delay. It seems Joe Doyle, Aneal Basi's lawyer, hasn't yet said whether he has any concerns with those documents. But early indications are the paperwork will be made available to the press regardless of whether the Crown receives a response from Mr. Doyle - likely sometime after 12:00. Aneal is David Basi's first cousin and a former public affairs officer at the ministry of transportation. He was charged with assisting Mr. Basi in an alleged money laundering scheme. Those allegations haven't been proven in court.

Last week, your humble organ reported on the appointment of Darren Chung to Vancouver's development permit board's advisory panel. Mr. Chung is filling one of four general public seats on that nine member panel. But he also happens to be a development assistant with Adera Development Corp. - "one of B.C.'s most trusted home builders." When asked about suggestions that Mr. Chung's appointments adds an extra developer to the panel - which already has two seats reserved for the industry - Councillor Peter Ladner said "We honestly didn't think about it. Because you have to have some understanding of the industry and issues to be effective on this panel. We were as much concerned about finding people who were effective as we were about what interests they brought to bear."

Earlier, we reported on Coquitlam First campaign manager Dave Teixeira's effort to get provincial Young Liberals to vote "no" in an online poll asking if the slate should "fully disclose the list of contributors to its campaigns last fall?" In an interview with your humble organ, Mr. Teixeira - who presently works as Burquitlam MLA Harry Bloy's constituency assistant - denied accusations he was attempting to manipulation public opinion. "I think it's the same as any get-out-the-vote initiative. We're simply making people aware of our position" and encouraging them to vote in the poll "if they felt that way in-kind."

Earlier, we reported Coquitlam First campaigner Brian Bonney, a provincial Liberal field organizer, circulated an email encouraging supporters to vote "no" in an online poll asking whether "the Coquitlam First civic election slate (should) fully disclose the list of contributors to its campaigns last fall?" But he wasn't the only one advocating against disclosure. Writing to three Young Liberal executives, Coquitlam First campaign manager Dave Teixeira notified them "There is a poll on www.tricitynews.com where we are trying to drive up the NO vote. As you guys know a lot of young Liberals, I am hoping you can get them to vote in the poll from their home, work and school computers...Do not forward this message, rather here is a sample (thanks to Brian)." Mr. Teixeira is now Burquitlam MLA Harry Bloy's constituency assistant. The following is a complete copy of that email, which was copied to Mr. Bonney and Liberal field organizer Mark Robertson's party email addresses. Mr. Robertson was Team Burnaby's campaign manager.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, we'll be chatting with former Pacific Public Affairs Ltd. lobbyist Gerry Kristianson about the past and present state of the government relations business in British Columbia. New Democrat MLA Leonard Krog, Attorney General Wally Oppal's critic, joins us to give his take on what should be done to regulate lobbying. And The Tyee's Barb McLintock is coming in to review what's will happen Monday morning when the courts release more documentation connected with the police raid on the legislature. Later in the show, Simon Fraser University political science professor John Calvert will give his take on BC Hydro Corp.'s recently-released integrated energy plan. And we'll be chatting about the Coqutilam First controversy with Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 561 president Dave Ginter. 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 email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.