Earlier, we reported on the departure of John Paul Fraser from Mark Marissen's government relations firm Burrard Communications Inc. Our readers speculated far and wide about a possible replacement for Mr. Fraser, with suggestions ranging from our 24 hours colleague Bill Tieleman to Webslinger Erik Bornman. But one poster wrote "Try his wife, Christy Clark." And now our operatives confirm the former provincial cabinet minister and mayoral nomination candidate will be joining Burrard as an equal partner - although she won't necessarily be working as a lobbyist. Instead, she'll be providing clients with strategic advice.
Think former conflict of interest commissioner Ted Hughes's child and youth review was the final word on the future of children and family development in British Columbia? Think again. On June 5, the ministry's top bureaucrat Lesley du Toit will be gathering together community stakeholders to discuss "what values should guide our ministry in how we do our work" among other topics. This, according to a leaked email obtained by Public Eye. In that email, Ms. du Toit also notes those who attend should "come together to honor what is already working" in the ministry rather than "dissecting (past) difficulties." Although, "many opportunities (will be) created at other times for" agencies "to talk directly with the ministry and within the ministry about your specific struggles." The following is a complete copy of the meeting's agenda. A second get-together is scheduled for June 16 in Vancouver.
If you have not yet confirmed your attendance or that of a representative from your organization, please do so as soon as possible by contacting Liv Brekke at Liv.Brekke@gov.bc.ca or (250) 356-7161.
Agenda and Message from Lesley du Toit
Dear Colleague
We look forward to working with you at our planning session on 5th June 2006. I am including the agenda in this note so that you have some sense of how the day will flow, but would also like to ask you to think about these matters ahead of time and even talk to staff who may be unable to attend but could contribute to what you bring forward.
On the 5th, we would like to hear your ideas on solutions and your ideas on what we can collectively work towards. The day is intended to provide a positive, strengths-based conversation with regard to transformation. I do acknowledge that many people may be experiencing or have experienced difficulties - within organisations, within the ministry, and between the ministry and yourselves. We are not however going to spend time dissecting those difficulties, but rather, we are going to come together to honor what is already working, and in a spirit of respect and cooperation to plan for the vision and change we would like to see for our organisations and our service to children and families. [There will be many opportunities created at other times for you to talk directly with the ministry and within the ministry about your specific struggles and these too will be important conversations.]
We are looking at two components:-
(a) The Ministry of Children and Family Development
(b) Services to children and families
AGENDA (8.30 - 5.00)
[Facilitators: Lesley du Toit and Dan George]
Opening prayer (Elder)
Introductions and comments (Lesley du Toit, Deputy Minister, Dan George, and ministry leadership team)
Introductions in groups
Briefing on Vision from Aboriginal planning sessions (Deb Foxcroft)
Building our collective Vision (Groups)
Break
Principles (value statements) for guiding relationships and the way the ministry does business. "what values should guide our ministry in how we do our work?" (groups)
Briefing on principles from the Aboriginal planning sessions.(Delegate from Aboriginal planning session)
Principles of service delivery to children and families."What principles should underpin our service delivery to children and families?"
Identifying good practices already underway which reflect these principles (Groups)
Lunch Break
Briefing on the framework for services from the Aboriginal planning sessions.(Delegate from Aboriginal planning session)
A framework for a continuum of services to children and families (groups)
In line with our vision, principles and framework, how should we prioritise our human resources, including recruitment and employment, development of skill and knowledge, leadership development, curriculum development etc ?(Groups)
In line with our vision, principles and framework, how should we prioritise our financial resources and funding practice? (Groups)
Break
Integrated feedback from the day (Lesley and Dan)
Closing prayer (Elder)
Looking forward to seeing you.
Lesley du Toit
Deputy Minister
Directions
The Mary Winspear Centre at Sanscha is located at 2243 Beacon Ave.
From Swartz Bay - drive south from the Ferry Terminal along the Pat Bay Highway (Hwy 17), turn left at Beacon Ave (first set of lights), and immediately right onto Bevan Ave., and right into the Centre's turnaround
From Victoria - drive north along the Pat Bay Highway (Hwy 17), turn right at Beacon Ave., and immediately right again onto Bevan Ave., and right into the Centre's turnaround
From Victoria International Airport - south on Willingdon Rd. to McTavish Rd., left on McTavish Rd. to Pat Bay Highway (Hwy 17), left onto Pat Bay Highway (Hwy 17) to Beacon Ave., right on Beacon Ave., immediately right onto Bevan Ave., and right into Centre's turnaround
Accommodations
The following is a list of recommended accommodations in Sidney. 20 rooms have been set aside at the Best Western for the night of June 4th at the government rate of $95. The confirmation number is 5113261.
Best Western Emerald Isle
2306 Beacon Ave.
(250) 656-4411 or 1-800-315-3377
www.bwemeraldisle.com
Beacon Inn at Sidney
9724 Third St.
(250) 655-3288 or 1-877-420-5499
www.beaconinns.com
Cedarwood Inn & Suites
9522 Lochside Dr.
(250) 656-5551 or 1-877-656-5551
www.cedarwoodinnandsuites.com
Non-Employee Travel Expenses
This letter explains eligible expenses and may be used to qualify for the government rate while travelling to attend the June 5th workshop.
This is an electronic version of the Non-Employee Travel Expense Claim Form that must be returned for reimbursement. Paper versions of this form will be available at the workshop.
Please send completed forms to
Liv Brekke
PO Box 9721 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9S2
(250) 356-7161
Liv.Brekke@gov.bc.ca
On Monday, Vision Vancouver city councillor Heather Deal weighed in on parks board member Allan De Genova's caucus suspension saying, "It looks as if Sullivan and the NPA power-brokers are punishing one of their most popular representatives just for speaking his mind on an ethical question." At issue: a possible conflict between Heather Holden's role as a parks board chair and her job at the Vancouver Aquarium. But, coincidentally, a number of city watchers have raised eyebrows about Ms. Deal's clean air advocacy and her employment with the David Suzuki Foundation.
At a recent Greater Vancouver Regional District meeting, Ms. Deal presented a motion that would have reversed the board's decision to extend the AirCare testing exemption for newer cars. The councillor brought forward that motion on behalf of the district's environment committee, of which she is a member. But some found it odd when climate change analyst Nicholas Heap made a presentation at that same meeting, supporting the motion. After all, Ms. Deal and Mr. Heap are colleagues at the foundation - where she works as a marine researcher.
Asked for comment, the councillor said "I was a full-time biologist with the Suzuki Foundation. I now work two mornings a week with them. I discussed it with people as to whether or not there was any conflict (in me bringing forward the motion) because the Suzuki Foundation was also making a presentation. And everyone around me said, 'Don't be silly.' I don't work in (the climate change) part of the foundation at all. I work on the fish side." Ms. Deal added the foundation approached her about making a presentation at the meeting only after the district's environment committee had approved its AirCare motion.
Provincial New Democrat navels must be wonderous things. Because caucus members will be gazing at them again on June 14 and 15 - just three weeks after their weekend koombaya session at the Delta Airport Hotel. MLAs will be gathering in Penticton at the luxurious Lakeside Resort, Convention Centre and Casino - which, coincidentally, is just a couple blocks away from the Ramada Inn and Suites - where the Liberals will be holding their own caucus retreat on exactly the same dates.
This weekend, British Columbia's federal Liberal council will assemble in Victoria, bringing with them the expected gaggle of leadership hopefuls. On Friday evening, Gerard Kennedy's campaign team will host a reception for local Grits at the Hunters Club Bar and Grill between 8:00 and 10:00 (sans candidate). A day later, Joe Volpe - friend of Apotex Inc. employees and relatives everywhere - is holding a grin and grip session at Hugo's Grill and Brewhouse starting at 6:00. And, between 7:00 and 10:00, there will be a competing hospitality suite for Martha Hall-Findlay at The Fairmont Empress Hotel's Kensington Room - which suggests she's taking venue-selection lessons from Michael Ignatieff, who will also be in town.
Earlier, we reported provincial New Democrat MLAs would be gathering for a two-day retreat at "the only sound proofed luxury hotel" near the Vancouver International Airport - an ideal location, it would seem, to discuss caucus's recent performance during the spring legislative session. Also on the agenda: a polling presentation by policy director Ian Reid showing the party at 40 percent in the polls. That's still five percentage points behind the Liberals. But better than the New Democrats performed in a recent poll released by the Mustel Research Group Ltd. Party leader Carole James also laid out four themes that would be guiding caucus in the future. And former deputy minister John Heaney delivered a presentation on how to do opposition research. Meanwhile, in related news, a rumoured caucus staff shakeup in advance of that retreat did not happen. Nor were personnel issues discussed at that meeting, as some had expected.
Earlier, we broke the news that Kelowna orchardist Chanchal Bal would be one of Gerard Kennedy's campaign co-chairs. According to the news release announcing that appointment, Mr. Bal has "been active in the party in B.C. for over twenty years." But he hasn't always been a card-carrying Liberal. During the 2000 provincial New Democrat leadership race, Gordon Wilson campaigner Moe Sihota accused some of Ujjal Dosanjh's supporters of being Grits. Among those named was Mr. Bal. At the time, he told The Vancouver Sun's Kim Bolan his Liberal membership had expired prior to joining the New Democrats and being election a leadership convention delegate. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Bal explained he let that membership lapse specifically so he could support Mr. Dosanjh - as did "many other federal Liberals as well." Said the orchardist, "The situation was that the (Indo-Canadian) community was supporting Dosanjh. And, provincially, the NDP is (a party) that our community is interested in. But federally our community is federal Liberal."
Opposition leader Carole James poll numbers may be going south in British Columbia, with the latest survey from the Mustel Research Group Ltd. showing support for her party sagging at 37 percent. But back east, where such news may be as yet unknown, she's going to be guest speaker at the Ontario New Democrat's 2006 Cornerstone Leader's Dinner. In an interview with Public Eye, provincial secretary Diane O'Reggio told us "There's a number of folks who are really excited to have Carole here - especially coming out of the work she did in B.C. and her recent victories." Ontario party leader Howard Hampton will also be speaking at the love-in, which is being held at Toronto's Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex (whose address, appropriately enough, is 24 British Columbia Road). Proceeds from the event will be partially go toward the construction of a new party headquarters in Ontario. Individual tickets are $150, with table sponsorship opportunities ranging from $4,000 to $7,500.
The Non-Partisan Association announced the suspension of parks board commissioner Allan De Genova at exactly 10:48 on Sunday evening. In that announcement Mayor Sullivan stated "I think Allan needs some time out of the Caucus to determine whether he is still committed to the NPA team." But, in an email distributed to caucus members, we're told the mayor also noted Mr. De Genova could rejoin caucus immediately if he agreed to follow four key principles. And what are those principles? Well, in an interview with your humble organ, Mr. De Genova wasn't talking. "In fairness, I should not release that (information). Because that's where I have to soul search...But I can be back in six minutes or six months."
But talk is that he may not be back at all, with some speculating Mr. De Genova could join Vision Vancouver. Asked for comment about that speculation yesterday, Vision city councillor Heather Deal said "there's nothing on the table at this point. But we've always had a good working relationship with Al and we'll certainly be talking to him." But, for his own part, Mr. De Genova said "right now Sean it's going to be the people of Vancouver that will decide what I should do because I'm going to them for advice like Sam has gone to his caucus. Because I don't have anybody to go to here. I'm out on my own here. If I need advice, I go to the people I serve...I will follow the line of whatever the people in my community tell me to do."
Yesterday, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan refused to get into specifics of why parks board member Allan De Genova had been suspended from the Non-Partisan Association's caucus, except to say it was an issue of "broken trust." And rumours are afoot that some had been pushing for that suspension ever since the commissioner told The Georgia Straight fellow association member Heather Holden should be more cautious in avoiding any perceived conflict of interest between her role as parks board chair and her job at the Vancouver Aquarium. But, in an earlier interview with Public Eye, the civic party's president Matt Taylor said he left last Tuesday's private get-together between himself, Mr. De Genova and Mayor Sullivan "feeling it had been a positive meeting - that the mayor had been very forthcoming to Al to try and address his concerns and to try to see how we could work better together. I thought it was a positive meeting." And that suggests the commissioner's decision to discuss what went on at that meeting was directly responsible for the suspension.
Much who-haing could be heard at Storyeum's Gastown Hall on Saturday evening, as New Democrats gathered to roast retired provincial party secretary Gerry Scott. Flamers included party leader Carole James, caucus chair Jenny Kwan, agriculture and lands critic Bruce Ralston and Maurine Karagianis, who said some words on behalf of former premier Dave Barrett. But those who attend the gigglefest say the biggest laughs were reserved for the four "Gerry Idol" competition contestants, who did their best impersonations of Mr. Scott. As part of that competition, former caucus executive director Clay Suddaby delivered a list of the top ten things Mr. Scott would never say. And political consultant Brad Zubyk and deputy chief of staff Raj Sihota also did their best to parody the Zen-talking operative. But the winner ended up being former party communications officer Marcella Munro.
Your humble organ has been remiss in covering the latest seat warming action at the Rockpile. So here's some squibs to bring you up-to-date: earlier this month, we reported on the eminent depature of ministerial assistants Cheryl Maitland (small business and revenue) and Steve Puhallo (tourism, sports and the arts) and from the legislative precincts. The government has since moved to fill those gaps in the Rockpile. Replacing Mr. Puhallo will be Olga Ilich's junior aide Colin Doylend. And Rick Thorpe's executive assistant Samantha Thorpe (no relation) takes over from Cheryl Maitland. Meanwhile, in related news, Sharon McKinnon, who was one of two senior aides at children and family development, will be filling Jake McEwan's shoes at agriculture and lands. And senior issues management coordinator Tera Nelson is packing her bags in the premier's office to take a post at Partnerships British Columbia.
More news from the court of federal Liberal leadership candidate Michael Ignatieff: provincial public affairs bureau staffers will be interested to know their former colleague Tara Wilson, who was previously at finance communications, is now campaigning on behalf of the Ivy Leaguer. In related news, according to an email sent by Ms. Wilson and leaked to Public Eye, the Mr. Ignatieff will be making a whistlestop in the Garden City in "the first week of June." No word yet on event locations. But, given the acamedician's past travel history, some of our readers might well expect stopoffs at the Royal Victoria Yatch Club, The Fairmont Empress Hotel's Bengal Lounge and some of the better homes and gardens in Oak Bay are likely...or maybe not? The following is an edited copy of Ms. Wilson's email.
----- Original Message -----
From: Tara Wilson
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 8:22 PM
Subject: Get togther this week (Wednesday)
Hi, I am helping Catherine and Dave Hurford on Michael Ingnatieff's leadership campaign.
M.I. will be in Victoria the first week of June and we have lots of planning to do so we can make the most of the visit and drum up support.
Dave will be here Wednesday (May 24th) and we will be getting together with some of the Victoria team at 5pm at the Hotel Grand Pacific Lounge in James Bay.
Let me know if you can attend this planning session.
Thanks Tara
Earlier, we noted former Sierra Club of Canada executive director Elizabeth May told The Ottawa Citizen last year that the main reason she hasn't run for Parliament "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 a man, and I was married, and there was a wife to take care of the kids and the house, I probably would have run by now." But "I don't have savings, I work for a very low income, and I'm a single mom of a daughter. To take a chance, to quit my job, to run for politics, if you win, it's going to be even harder to be a single mom, and do a good job at being a mom. And on the other hand if you lose...(there's) the potential to be both unemployed and broke, and condemned forever to the label of partisan, to any party." Within months of that story being published, Ms. May became a federal Green leadership aspirant. So what happened to concerns about her daughter's well-being?
In an interview on Public Eye Radio, Ms. May explained "To tell you the truth Sean, my daughter read that interview and she said, "Mommy what were you thinking? Are you telling me you're really not running for Parliament because you think it would be a danger (to me)." She was extremely forceful in her views. And I said, "But the election campaign last year would have been right in the middle of the exams. Your grade eight exams." And she said, "Mommy, I can do my grade eight exams without you at home." Now frankly, I don't believe I'm that dispensable to my daughter's exams or anything in her life. But she was very, very concerned that I should run for leadership of the Green Party."
During the interview, Ms. May also said she would lead the party to an electoral breakthrough by making sure the Greens were represented during the televised leadership debates. But why would she succeed in securing that representation when all her predecessors have failed? Is it because of her profile as an environmentalist?
Responded, Ms. May "I think - and I can never guarantee any outcome in the future of my life, let alone the political life of Canada - but I'm quite confident that if I was a TV producer and I was about to put four guys in suits in front of the Canadian public I'd throw in a mouthy woman. I think it'd make more interesting television." So it's your gender that will make the difference, we inquired? "Gender and I'm a good debater. I know my issues. And I will go after those guys when they're not telling the truth."
Today, The Province reported that "Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan has suspended long-time parks board commissioner Allan De Genova from the Non Partisan Assocation caucus." The tabloid quotes Mayor Sullivan as saying "I think Allan needs some time out of the caucus to determine whether he is still committed to the NPA team." Yesterday, in a late afternoon interview with your humble organ, association president Matt Taylor declined to comment on whether Mr. De Genova's standing with the civic party was at risk expect to say, "By taking the steps he has - it appears Al has sent the signal that he has no good faith interest in working with the NPA caucus." Meanwhile, Mayor Sullivan's community relations director Anna Lilly told us her boss "is going to pass on the request of yours to do an interview (concerning Mr. De Genova) at this time."
Earlier, we exclusively reported on park board commissioner Allan De Genova's account of a private meeting between himself, Non-Partisan Association president Matt Taylor and Mayor Sam Sullivan. But Mr. Taylor's recollection of that meeting differs from Mr. De Genova's. In an interview earlier today with Public Eye, the association president said it is "categorically false" to suggest either he or Mayor Sullivan were concerned Mr. De Genova might vote against a proposal to expand the Vancouver Aquarium. Said Mr. Taylor, "It was Al who was seemingly insistent on talking about his vote - which frankly the mayor was not interested in talking about. Never, at any time, did the mayor ever say to him vote one way or another. All he said was communicate with your caucus."
Mr. Taylor also took issue with statements that the mayor has been less than communicative with Mr. De Genova. "It was the mayor who called the meeting. The mayor was reaching out to him...to try to open lines of communication to deal with his concerns." The president then added, "It was grossly inappropriate for Al, having attended a private meeting, to divulge the contents of that meeting to the media...It's not a great reflection on his way of doing business - to deal through the media."
Asked whether Mr. De Genova's standing with the association was now at risk, Mr. Taylor said, "By calling the meeting, the mayor was clearly reaching out to Al and trying to make him a bigger part of caucus. I would say though that - by taking the steps he has - it appears Al has sent the signal that he has no good faith interest in working with the NPA caucus."
Those statements come admist rumours the association will soon be issuing a news release about an undisclosed issue.
Earlier, we reported former minister of state for multiculturalism Raymond Chan would be endorsing federal Liberal leadership candidate Gerard Kennedy. In fact, according to our operatives, he'll be co-chairing Mr. Kennedy British Columbia campaign. He'll be joined by in that job by silver screen star Jennifer Hatton and Kelowna orchardist Chanchal Bal.
Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, former Sierra Club of Canada executive director Elizabeth May joins us to discuss her bid to become leader of the federal Green Party. We'll debate Canada's plans to promote ethanol use with Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development sustainable communities director Jesse Row and agriculture scienist David Pimental from Cornell University. And University of Victoria Addictions Research Centre administrator Connie Carter and recovering addict Steve McDougall will be in studio to talk about Victoria's drug problem. Also on the show: Islands Trust chair Kim Benson, who will be chatting about the profit and pressures created by tourism on the Gulf Islands. 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.
Tomorrow, federal Liberal leadership hopeful Gerard Kennedy will be launching his British Columbia campaign at the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel. And, according to our operatives, former minister of state for multiculturalism Raymond Chan will be endorsing Mr. Kennedy's candidacy at that event. Lotusland campaign co-chairs are also expected to be named. The following is a complete copy of the invite to that launch.
From: INFO LPCBC
Sent: 25 May 2006 16:04
Subject: Gerard Kennedy in BC
You are cordially invited to the launch of Gerard Kennedy's British Columbia campaign this Sunday May 28th, 2006 at the Delta Richmond Airport Hotel.
If you are interested in attending and getting to know the growing number of British Columbians in our grassroots campaign send an e-mail to bc4gerardkennedy@gmail.com, or call the BC for Kennedy hotline at 604-288-7787.
When: 2:30pm - 5:00pm Sunday May 28th, 2005
Where: Delta Richmond Airport Hotel, 3500 Cessna Drive, Richmond BC
Sincerely,
The BC for Kennedy Team
For more information on Gerard Kennedy, his experience, and his priorities, please visit www.gerardkennedy.ca
Don't forget that in order to be able to vote for delegates to the Leadership Convention, your membership must be up-to-date by July 1st. You can sign up on line at www.liberal.ca, or call our hotline at 604-288-7787.
LPCBC is pleased to provide promotional e-mails for any declared leadership candidates. The e-mails will be sent to all members of the Liberal Party of Canada in BC and may include details of the event and a candidate bio or website link.
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. We think it is important to have an open dialogue about the future of our Party and who should lead it.
The relationship between parks board commissioner Allan De Genova and the Non-Partisan Association continues to face challenges. Last week, Mr. De Genova suggested fellow association member Heather Holden should be more cautious in avoiding any perceived conflict of interest between her role as parks board chair and her job at the Vancouver Aquarium. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. De Genova confirmed that suggestion - which was reported in the Georgia Straight - resulted in a Tuesday evening meeting between himself, association president Matt Taylor and Mayor Sam Sullivan.
Asked about what went on at that meeting, the commissioner said Mayor Sullivan and Mr. Taylor were concerned he might vote against a proposal to expand the aquarium - which is supported by the association but opposed by the park board's two Coalition of Progressive Electors members. And he was advised to "perhaps to make sure I'm working closer with my own colleagues and...working closer with Heather."
Mr. De Genova says he was also told "I still have bridges to build and mending to do with the NPA" - a reference to a November 2005 article published in the Vancouver Sun where he described some of the civic party's candidates as being "narrow-minded" and admitted he had considered joining Vision Vancouver. "They're still not sure whether my foot is in or out" of the association, Mr. de Genova explained.
But, for his own part, the commissioner added "I just feel shunned (by the association). I'm isolated." As an example, Mr. De Genova told the mayor he's tried phoning him five times since the election. "And you know what, back in the day - Philip Owen, Gordon Campbell, Larry Campbell - they used to pick up the phone and call me. Now you get your secretary to call me."
Mr. De Genova said he left the meeting "not quite sure where I'm at. I don't know if they still want me around or not. I left there not quite sure. I talked to them like I'm telling you - how my feelings are. And I left there feeling very positive at the end of the day that whatever happens it's okay with me because I'm here for my community."
Earlier, we reported provincial New Democrat leader Carole James's press secretary Scott Perchall and party communications officer David Bieber would be attending a political training seminar in Washington, D.C. But they aren't the only ones flying down to get some advice from the Yanks. Also at the conference will be the party's provincial secretary Laura Nichols, as well as organization director Nikki Hill. The cost of their trips - as well as Mr. Bieber's - is being picked up by the party.
At least two senior provincial New Democrat operatives are heading south of the border for political advice. Public Eye has learned the leader's press secretary Scott Perchall and party communications officer David Bieber will be attending a training seminar in Washington, D.C. hosted by Campaigns & Elections. The annual event - which is being held at the Washington Marriott and costs $475 to register - includes sessions such as "Just Don't Do It - Actions to avoid in a campaign," "Keep Your Friends Close, and Your Enemies Closer - How to talk to reporters" and "Diggin' for Dirt! - How to find and use opposition research." In an interview with Public Eye, caucus communications director Jim Rutkowski said Mr. Perchall was "paying his own way" to the event - receiving no funding from caucus. Mr. Rutkowski didn't know whether the party was funding Mr. Bieber's trip.
Next month, Victoria-Hillside MLA Rob Fleming will be hosting his first annual golf tournament and dinner. Tickets to the turf and T-bone event are $150, with "great prizes and auction items available!" But that's not the only attraction. Special guests will include former interim provincial New Democrat leader Joy MacPhail and...wait for it...ex-premier Dan Miller. Ms. MacPhail and Mr. Miller get along just fine. But some insiders think that's a bit of a peculiar pairing. After all, Ms. MacPhail has almost been canonized by party members and Mr. Miller is now co-chair Campbell administration's Competition Council, as well as being a senior counsel with National Public Relations Inc. - whose Vancouver office is headed by senior provincial Liberal election campaigner Marcia Smith.
Earlier, we wondered whether it was odd that government relations giant Hill and Knowlton Inc. would be co-hosting a private roundtable with Treasury Board president John Baird to discuss the Accountability Act - legislation that is supposed to toughen up the rules around lobbying. But the C.D. Howe Institute, which is organizing the event, doesn't think so. In an interview, the institute's development and public affairs director Duncan Munn explained, "They're a registered lobbyist. They have different aspects to their business - including media relations and communications and things like that. So, from our perspective, we're operating above the political fray. And the whole point of the exercise is to educate people about the Accountability Act and what's involved.
Mr. Munn added "Hill and Knowlton is not sponsoring this event with any money whatsoever. Michael Coates, the chief executive officer of Hill and Knowlton, is well-known in Ottawa. And we always have co-hosts for all of our events...just to to send invitations out and encourage people to attend." So Hill and Knowlton's role is limited to sending invitations out and encouraging people to attend the event? "Yeah. I mean they don't have a role in terms of anything else. Michael Coates just agreed to, in effect, introduce the topic to people in Ottawa where he's well-known."
On Monday, C.D. Howe Institute members will be attending a private policy roundtable with Treasury Board president John Baird to discuss the Federal Accountability Act. Nothing particular abnormal about that. But, as our astute readers will already know, that act is meant to - among other things - tighten up the rules around lobbying. So does anyone find it somewhat odd this roundtable (which is being held at the swish Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel) is be co-hosted a government relations firm - specifically Hill and Knowlton Inc.? That's the same group whose Canadian offices are presided over by Michael Coates, the "volunteer (Tory) advisor who negotiated the format of the televised leaders debates and helped prepare (Stephen) Harper for debates" - this according to The Ottawa Citizen's Glen McGregor. The following is a complete copy of the invite to that event.
(Logos: C.D. Howe Institute, Hill & Knowlton Inc.)
C.D. Howe Institute
Policy Roundtable Luncheon in Ottawa
The Honourable John Baird, President of the Treasury Board
The Accountability Act
I am pleased to invite you, or a senior representative of your firm, to attend a C.D. Howe Institute Policy
Roundtable luncheon on Monday, May 29, 2006, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Quebec Suite (1st
floor) of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa. Our guest speaker will be the Honourable John Baird, President of the Treasury Board and MP for Ottawa-West Nepean.
Having presented a short list of priorities in the recent election campaign, the new federal government promptly introduced C-2, “An Act providing for conflict of interest rules, restrictions on election financing and measures respecting administrative transparency, oversight and accountability,” a sweeping bill designed to make government more transparent and to crack down on unethical actions. Among other things, the proposed bill contains measures that would prevent ministers and their political aides, as well as senior public servants, from becoming lobbyists for at least five years after they leave their position; give more powers to independent officers of Parliament, including the Auditor-General and Ethics Commissioner; protection for whistleblowers; a complete ban on corporate and union donations as well as an annual cap of $1,000 on individuals’ donations to federal political parties. As President of the Treasury Board, Minister Baird is responsible for presenting the Act and overseeing its implementation.
I would like to remind Institute members that Policy Roundtables offer an unequaled opportunity to meet decision makers and discuss vital policy issues in an off-the-record forum.
I very much hope you will be able to join us.
Jack M. Mintz
President and Chief Executive Officer
C.D. Howe Institute
Registration Form
Former Calgary-Centre federal Green candidate John Johnson is thinking about entering his party's leadership race. In an interview with your humble organ, Mr. Johnson - an engineering consultant who also competed provicially in Calgary Nose Hill - said "The impetus for running is mostly to raise the profile of Western Canada. I was told we don't have a Western Canadian leadership candidate at this point. So I'm interested in raising the profile of Western Canada."
When asked how he would differentiate himself from better-known contenders such as David Chernushenko and Elizabeth May, Mr. Johnson replied "To my knowledge I'm the youngest leadership candidate - I'll be 36 on the campaign trail. My training is engineering - it's a technical background. And I think I bring a rubber hits the road kind of solution to solve a lot of Canada's problems in policy. I think there're going to be a lot of opportunities to offer genuine pragmatic solutions that are cost-effective, that are fiscally responsible and social and environmentally responsible."
But if Mr. Johnson wants to advance those solutions in the leadership race, he has to get 100 signatures of support from Green Party members in more than two provinces by May 31. And so far, he says "I've got about 30 (signatures) in Edmonton. And I've got a fellow in Ottawa that I've got to hear back from. But I would love some signatures in B.C."
Earlier, we reported on the appointment of Deb Foxcroft as children and family development's new assistant deputy minister of aboriginal services. According to an email sent to civil servants by her boss Lesley du Toit, Ms. Foxcroft is "presently Chair of the Aboriginal Chairs Caucus and the Chair for VIAT" as well as formerly being "Director of the first delegated Agency." Impressive credentials, to be sure. But what might the name of that agency be? Well, somewhat surprisingly, Ms. du Toit doesn't mention it in her comminque. But our astute readers will know the first delegated agency in the province was Usma Nuu chah nulth Family and Child Services - the same organization that placed toddler Sherry Charlie in the care of a relative who eventually killed her. To be clear, though, Ms. Foxcroft wasn't the director of Usma at the time that placement occurred, having moved on from the agency in 1999 - three years before the tragedy. And, in an interview with Public Eye, children and family development communications director Kelly Gleeson added "We are proud to have Deb as the first Aboriginal ADM of this ministry - something that has been supported and recognized by all aboriginal leadership in the province."
"Deb has 25 years of social services and child welfare experience. She was the first director of Usma and it is her work and vision that helped establish the model from which delegated agencies across the province now exist." In addition, she "developed the first child care funding initiative for reserves in BC, she has been involved at the provincial and national level in First Nations child care policy, she is internationally recognized for her role in indigenous human rights, and she has received the Order of BC and been recognized by the Children's League of Canada for community service."
All may not well in the state that is the provincial New Democrat caucus. Rumours are afoot there could be a staff shakeup ahead of tomorrow's two-day caucus retreat at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. Those rumours follow the release of a recent Mustel Research Group Ltd. poll showing New Democrat support sagging at 37 percent compared with the Liberals who are at 54 percent. The caucus also received a drumming in the press for their performance during the spring legislative session.
Here's a golden opportunity for an enterprising shit disturber: it seems the domain name for federal Liberal leadership aspirant Maurizio Bevilacqua's Website expired on May 10. And now the domain is "pending renewal or deletion." So, if Mr. Bevilacqua's vigilant campaign team doesn't manage to re-register that address, you might be able make life very difficult for them over the coming months.
Speaking of Mark Marissen, your humble organ hears the beloved Martini drinker will soon be bidding fond farwells to his business partner John Paul Fraser. Mr. Fraser, who works with Mr. Marissen at Burrard Communications Inc., is scheduled to depart at the end of the month. But we also understand a replacement is on the way.
British Columbia may have set the bar for outrageousness during the last federal Liberal leadership race. But, during this campaign, Lotusland Grits seem to be setting the bar for civility. Last night, Stephane Dion's national coordinator Mark Marissen invited operatives from all camps to attend a drinkup at the Terminal City Lions Pub. Representatives from Carolyn Bennett, Hedy Fry and Joe Volpe's teams didn't show. And those supporting Maurizio Bevilacqua were busy attending a reception for their candidate at the Saltaire Restaurant. But campaigners for Scott Brison (Nick Carmel), Mr. Dion (Bill Cunningham, Melissa De Genova, Megan Pritchard and Mike Witherly) Ken Dryden (Roy Bornman), Michael Ignatieff (Gerry Lenoski and Kim Emsley-Leik) , Gerard Kennedy (Don Stickney and Bruce Young) and Bob Rae (Pam McDonald and Greg Wilson) could be spotted milling about the pub.
Earlier, we reported Wendy Yuan would be running for the federal Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Kingsway - the riding presently occupied by turncoat cabinet minister David Emerson. In an interview with Public Eye, her campaign chair Mike Hillman explained Ms. Yuan's early start this way: "It's my understanding that Bill Graham, as our leader, is anxious to make sure whoever becomes our leader in December has a party organization and structure that is prepared (for an election). Therefore, there's work that can be done now. There's certain steps that can be taken. And I believe he has been talking to the leadership contenders - as well as to his caucus - about doing some things. And I think, as part of that, there is the potential that there's a number of ridings in Canada - not many but some - where the leader might well decide it's worthwhile to proceed with an early nomination date." And one of those electoral districts will be Vancouver-Kingsway? "I think it is. And I've argued for that. So it's up there for discussion. But it's ultimately (Mr. Graham's) decisioin."
Mr. Hillman also responded to questions as to whether being Ms. Yuan's campaign chair was in conflict with his role as the Liberal's national vice-president - one of the party's senior elected officials. Explained Mr. Hillman, "I don't see it as a conflict. The process around the machinery of elections rests with the leader and with his campaign team. I'm not a member of that. The campaign team - according to our constituion - when it comes to the (nomination) rules they consult with the national executive. It's not that the national executive passes those rules. It isn't their jurisdiction. So I don't see a conflict in any regards as to the rules and my ability to influence the rules."
"My dedication to the party has been to all the members who volunteer and get out there," added Mr. Hillman. "And, in Wendy, I've seen a person who put a tremendous amount of effort into the party in the past. She's continued to do that - in spite of making room for David Emerson. She's continued to grow within the party. She has that dedication. She's an exceptionally hard worker. And it's that type of hard work that I quite cherish in our party structure."
Others being talked about as possible nomination candidates in Vancouver-Kingsway include former United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society chairman Mason Loh, who was a candidate in Vancouver East during the 2000 election, and Royal Pacific Real Estate Corp. president and chief executive officer David Choi.
Earlier, we reported Wal-Mart Canada Corp. would be revisiting its proposal to setup shop in Vancouver following the election. Of course, the multinational might have raised some eyebrows if it had continued to be assisted in those efforts by Reputations Corp. - which has close ties to Non-Partisan Association and Terminal City Mayor Sam Sullivan. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Wal-Mart public affairs director Andrew Pelletier confirmed his company is looking for another firm to represent its communications interests in the Big Smoke. Said Mr. Pelletier, "We will continue to work with Reputations on other projects outside of the Lower Mainland. We've worked with the firm for a number of years. And they've shown themselves to be a top firm - an extremely capable firm and a firm with very sound ethics and integrity...We don't believe there's any conflict on the Vancouver file currently. However, both Reputations and Wal-Mart Canada have agreed the best approach going forward is that Reputations not work on this particular file in Vancouver."
Mr. Pelletier added "Reputations volunteered to bow out of this particular file. We hold ourselves at Wal-Mart to extremely high standards of integrity with all of our deals with outside suppliers as does Reputations. And neither Reputations nor Wal-Mart Canada want even the perception of a conflict. We don't believe there's a conflict. But we don't even want the perception of a conflict." He declined to comment on rumours that Palmer Jarvis DDB is on the short-list to replace Reputations.
Late in the spring legislative session, the Campbell administration made an abortive attempt to limit public access to information about major government partnerships with the private sector. So it seems only appropriate that Finance Minister Carole Taylor and Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon will be "sharing British Columbia's experiences" with public-private partnerships at an invite-only/unwashed masses-not-allowed forum hosted by Project Finance Magazine. The forum, which is being held at the Four Season Hotel Vancouver on June 22, "will be limited to 100 guests and will bring together national and provinicial government, developers, financiers, lawyers, and rating agencies in one room to focus on the key issues facing the Canadian PPP market." Speakers at the event will also include Partnerships British Columbia chief executive officer Larry Blain. No word yet on the content of those speeches. But Mr. Blain will be advising civil servants from other provinces how they too can negotiate a $500,000 pay package?
Reports of Scott Brison's death as a viable federal Liberal leadership candidate may or may not be exaggerated. Nevertheless, the notorious Blackberry user continues to go through the motions, attending a reception this coming Sunday at the well-traversed home of national party vice-president Mike Hillman. The following is an edited copy of that invite.
From: Bill Cunningham
Sent: May 22, 2006 7:03 PM
Subject: You are cordially invited
You are cordially invited to a reception with
Hon. Scott Brison
Sunday, May 28, 2006
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Michael and Donna Hillman
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.
A footnote in David Emerson's history could be running against him in the next federal election. Those who follow the non-partisan politician's comings and goings will vaguely remember Wendy Yuan, who announced in February 2004 she would be running for the Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Kingsway only to withdraw a month later to make room for Mr. Emerson. Since then, she has been the leaders representative on the party's British Columbia executive. But today, Ms. Yuan - who is president and chief executive officer of a British Columbia-based export company - will return to the world of almost-elected politics, declaring her intent to once again seek the Grit nomination in that riding. The following is a complete copy of the invitation to that announcement.
From: Donna Hillman
Sent: May 19, 2006 4:39 PM
Subject: Wendy Yuan INVITE
Wendy Yuan
President and CEO
Bradley Pacific Enterprises
and
Michael Hillman
National Vice President
Liberal Party of Canada
INVITE YOU TO ATTEND
on the occassion of her special announcement
Yuan to Seek Liberal Nomination
in Vancouver Kingsway
Croatian Culture Center
3250 Commercial Drive
Vancouver B.C. V5N 4E4
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006
Announcement will commence at 1:30 PM
Your humble organ will be taking a brief (but much-needed) respite over the long weekend. That means two things. Number one: postings will be sporadic between now and Wednesday. And two: we'll be missing out on the second anniversary of Public Eye's first article - which was 1,465 stories ago. So a big thanks to all our readers and everyone who has contributed to the continued success of this journal.
Documents recently filed with the federal government's lobbyist registry reveal a controversial conservative adman will soon be lobbying on behalf of The Friends of Science Society, an action group opposed to the Kyoto Accord. Bryan Thomas presently works as a senior counsel in the Calgary office of Fleishman Hillard Canada Inc., a division of one of the world's largest public relations consulting firm. But he is better known for his work as president of a London, Ontario agency that produced the advertising campaign for Ontario Premier Mike Harris's Common Sense Revolution - to a May 1997 article published in The Hallifax Daily News. In the same year, he was also responsible for the Reform Party's election commercials that drew red lines through the faces of Quebec politicians. And, in 1999, while consulting for the Saskatchewan Party, the National Post quoted him as saying that advertisers involved in politics need to keep the issues simple: "The name of the game is to find out that 20% to 30%, to find out who they are and to get inside their wee little heads and to find some way to reach out to them." Mr. Thomas subsequently resigned as an advisor to the party and has been absent from the headlines since.
The provincial Liberals may claim to have brought labour peace to British Columbia's public sector. But there appears to be some holdouts of union unrest. On May 1, New Democrat MLAs were sent a "strictly confidential" bargaining bulletin informing them that "a tentative agreement" had been reached between caucus and its constituency assistants - who are represented by the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union. Those negotiations have been underway since August. And it was hoped ratification of that agreement would happen "quickly." But that deal hasn't been signed. And insiders familiar with the negotiations say the agreement may now be off the table. Opposition chief of staff David Perry hasn't yet returned a phone call seeking comment on this story. The following is a complete copy of that bulletin.
BARGAINING BULLETIN
Strictly Confidential
May 1, 2006
To All MLAs
Further to previous communications regarding progress on negotiations, your committee is pleased to advise that a tentative agreement has been reached and that we currently await the response of the Union to our request for a meeting to finalize language on agreed upon terms and conditions. It is our hope to be able to commence the ratification process quickly, and a meeting to present the tentative agreement will be set immediately upon having the document completed.
We would like to thank all MLAs, the Union and its bargaining committee members for their very constructive and positive suggestions.
Please feel free to contact your bargaining committee members if you have any questions.
Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon has a reputation for being one of the staunchest conservatives in the provincial Liberal caucus. But perhaps he's not as different from the socialist New Democrats as some may think. On Friday, while delivering a speech to the Lower Mainland Municipal Association's annual general meeting, Minister Falcon spoke about a 32 kilometre bridge that was recently built to connect mainland China to a new, island-based deep water port. Joked the Surrey-Cloverdale MLA, "No one there ever questions the need to build infrastructure like this. Now, granted, China has a bit of a different governance structure. But, in many ways, it is the ideal governance structure." As the room broke into laughter, Minister Falcon added, "China really has the ultimate Kevin Falcon government structure" - which got even more guffaws from the audience. He then wryly noted that, the Chinese "don't have the labour or environmental restrictions we do. It's not like they have to do community consultations. They just say 'we're building a bridge' and they move everyone out of there and get going within two weeks. Could you imagine if we could build like that?" Minister Falcon subsequently confirmed those quotes in an interview with Public Eye.
As some of our astute readers may be aware, the select standing committee on public accounts is in the process of hiring British Columbia's next auditor general. That process hasn't been without controversy. But it is expected Wayne Strelioff's replacement will be announced shortly. After all, the final meeting of that committee is scheduled to wrap up at 1:00 today. No word yet on who the successful candidate will be. Although many suspect former comptroller general Arn Van Iersel's name is among those being considered. Meanwhile, in related news, the special committee to appoint a merit commissioner will also be puffing out white smoke sometime soon, having had its final meeting on Saturday.
Much ado has been made about Richmond MP Raymond Chan's federal Liberal leadership forum yesterday at the Floata Seafood Restaurant, which was attended by around 300 party members. But of at least equal importance last night was Vancouver South MP Ujjal Dosanjh's appreciation dinner for the volunteers who worked on his campaign in the recent election. About 600 showed up for the Fraserview Banquet Hall fest, including Carolyn Bennett, Stephane Dion and Ken Dryden. Bob Rae - who was unable to attend Mr. Chan's leadership forum - was also there, having stopped off in Vancouver for a four-hour visit before jetting off to Montreal. Those who didn't glad-hand at the event included Hedy Fry and Michael Ignatieff, who were both at the earlier leadership forum.
Earlier, we reported Community Living British Columbia chief executive officer Rick Mowles is the co-owner of JJJ Stables, an award-winning California-based stable. But he's far more than just a player in the sport of kings. Mr. Mowles is the chair of the BC Standardbred Association's government policy committee, which is responsible for keeping in touch with MLAs, monitoring legislation that impacts the industry and suggesting improvements the association would like to see.
Most of our astute readers will know Rick Mowles as the chief executive officer of Community Living British Columbia - which is renowned for its innovative contracting-out policies. But what you may not know is that Mr. Mowles, just like our good friend Pat Kinsella, is a player in the sport of kings - being the co-owner of JJJ Stables. The award-winning stable is noteworthy for basing its race horses in Willows, California - 60 miles north of Sacramento. According to a November 2004 column by The Province's Tom Wolski, "This unique way of training horses began a few years ago, when (fellow co-owner Alan) Anderson decided he wanted to spend more time at home with his family" who live in the States. "To do this, Anderson purchased undeveloped acreage in Willows and began building his dream farm complete with a swimming pool, not for him but for their horses." The horses are then driven up to British Columbia, where they compete.
Earlier, we reported provincial New Democrat caucus chair Jenny Kwan was "alerted" to emergency room cutbacks at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital by a physician who has previously defended aspects of the American healthcare system. But further investigation reveals that's not the only colourful comment Mar