July 2006 Archives

Earlier, we broke the news former provincial cabinet minister Gulzar Cheema wouldn't be renewing his federal Liberal membership. But, in an interview today, Dr. Cheema said he's no longer thinking about running for the Conservatives in Newton-North Delta. "I think this is the best thing for me to do - not to be seen as just an opportunist and be painted as someone people can't trust. Even though I don't like what the (Liberals) doing and I like the present government and what they're doing...So I just want to sit out (the next election) and examine all options."

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, we'll be going on-air a hour later than usual. First up on the show: pundits Chris Gainor and George Gibault debate whether the old phrase "the best things in life are free" applies to Canada's trading policies. University of British Columbia resource and environmental management professor Mark Jaccard ruminates on our fossil fuel future. And Julia Gully from the Alliance of Concerned Citizens tell us why some manufactured home owners are now homeless. Also on the show: Plutonic Power Corp. president Donald McInnes will be talking about why his company is set to become the biggest independent power producer in British Columbia. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 7:00 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.

Yesterday, we exclusively reported on a controversial Conservative email which uses Prime Minister Stephen Harper position on the current Middle East crisis to solicit funds from party members. And now federal Liberal leadership candidate Gerard Kennedy has weighed in on the issue. In an new release, Mr. Kennedy states "We have people dying and families being displaced on both sides of this conflict and meanwhile, Stephen Harper is allowing his foreign policy to be used as a partisan fundraising tool. This crosses the line." Mr. Kennedy calls on the prime minister to denounce the email. The following is a complete copy of that release.

Last month, federal Green leadership candidate Elizabeth May was adamant her cross-country climate change tour wasn't a campaign event and shouldn't be counted toward her leadership expenses. But, yesterday, her national communications director Christopher Ian Bennett confirmed in an email "a more than required portion of the (tour) will be paid for by the campaign," which has a $50,000 spending limit.

The recent violence in the Middle East has resulted in the deaths of at least 437 Lebanese, more than 140 Palestinians and 51 Israelis, according to the latest reports. So which political party do you think would try to politically and financially exploit the Harper administration's controversial decision to back Israel in this time of crisis? Would it be the Liberals? Or perhaps the self-righteous New Democrats? Well...er...no. It's the Conservatives. In a fundraising email sent out this evening to the party faithful, Tory executive director Michael Donison writes "Our Conservative Prime Minister, Stephen Harper was amongst the first of the world's leaders to take a principled stand on the new turmoil in the Mid-East. Since then, leaders the world over have risen to stand with Stephen Harper. Our nation has every reason to be proud. Admit it: Moral clarity feels a lot better than the endless equivocation we found with our previous government."

Ivy Leaguer Michael Ignatieff will be a busy boy when he touches down in British Columbia this coming Sunday. As expected, Mr. Ignatieff will be doing the usual grin and grip sessions you read about in news releases. But a travel agenda obtained by Public Eye also provides detailed information about the federal Liberal leadership candidate's private fundraising/get-to-know-you meetings - such as a Beach Drive reception in Victoria for Indo-Canadian community leaders and a North Shore lunch with British Columbia fundraising chair David McLean, who will be bringing along "10-15 guests/contributers (sic)." The following is an edited copy of that agenda.

On Tuesday, former provincial Liberal cabinet minister Gulzar Cheema declined to comment on rumours he was interested in running against Grit MP Sukh Dhaliwal as a Conservative candidate. Although he did confirm he would be letting his Liberal membership expire next month. But, yesterday, he confirmed his Newton-North Delta election plans in an interview with The Vancouver Sun's Kim Bolan, telling her "That would be my choice if everything works out, if the party accepts me." But here's one detail Dr. Cheema might not be aware of: party rules stipulate that "unless waived by the Director of Political Operations in consultation with the President of National Council, (a nomination candidate) must have been a member of the Party for at least six (6) months." And that means that, if Dr. Cheema takes out a membership on August 2, he might not be eligible to run for a nomination until February. So he better hope the Newton-North nomination meeting is called after the New Year. But, according to our operatives, at least some of Conservative nominations will be held before Christmas.

Earlier, we reported former Squamish councillor Paul Lalli is campaigning for the federal Conservative nomination in Fleetwood-Port Kells. But we hear Kwantlen University College political science instructor Shinder Purewal's name is also being talked up as another contender for that nomination. Of course, such talk in no way implies Mr. Purewal has any intention of running or has even contemplated the matter. But there could be some interesting questions posed if he did enter the race. After all, as our astute readers may remember, there was a hue and cry from the Opposition benches last August when the Martin administration installed Mr. Purewal as the citizenship judge for Surrey. This, after Mr. Purewal reluctantly stepped aside as the Liberal candidate for Vancouver South so that Ujjal Dosanjh could run in the riding. Moreover, when he ran for the Liberals in 2000 in Surrey North, he told The Globe and Mail that voters should cast their ballot for him because "I am a center-left Liberal concerned with the Canadian social safety network." Mr. Purewal hasn't yet returned phone calls placed by Public Eye yesterday and earlier this morning seeking comment on the fact that others have been promoting him as a possible candidate.

For those following the Vivian Smith affair, here's the latest: in a news release from the Canadian Association of Journalists, CanWest Global Communications Corp. executive vice-president David Asper states his company shares the group's "concerns regarding the lines between editorial and advertising and work(s) vigilantly to ensure our readers are provided with unencumbered journalism, and where there are the occasional slip-ups...we are committed to remedying them quickly." Meanwhile, the association's Ottawa chapter has written to Times Colonist publisher Bob McKenzie commending his decision "to rescind the indefinite suspension of Vivian Smith both as a columnist and a writing coach." And The Tyee's Shannon Rupp is quoting CanWest communications director Dervla Kelly as saying Dennis Skulsky, who heads up the company's newspaper publishing arm, was "'very upset' when he learned about the way Smith's contract had been handled." Ms. Smith's contract with the newspaper was cut short after she wrote a column criticizing the high cost of Victoria's tourist attractions. The following is a complete copy of the Ottawa chapter's letter.

As some of our astute readers may know, the provincial government maintains an online phone and email directory for its employees. But how many of you have ever taken a look at it's terms of use? Not many huh. Well, one of our readers did. And what he discovered may surprise you. According to that document, the information included in the directory cannot be used for "unsolicited commercial purposes, distributing junk mail" and...wait for it..."lobbying." So how, pray tell, are government relations professionals supposed to communicate with the Campbell administration? Perhaps they should start dailing random numbers! Or better yet, just shell out the money to attend a Liberalfundraiser! The following is a complete copy of the directory's terms of use.

The summer barbeque circuit always cooks up generous helpings of gossip and innuendo. And the juiciest rumour being served at Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon's Beans n Jeans event was that former provincial cabinet minister Gulzar Cheema - who ran for the federal Liberals in Fleetwood-Port Kells during the 2004 election - will soon be joining the Conservatives to run against Newton-North Delta Grit MP Sukh Dhaliwal. And what's Dr. Cheema's response to those rumours? In an interview with Public Eye, he said "At this stage, I'm still a member of the (federal) Liberal Party. And my membership expires on August 2. And, after that, one thing's for sure is that I'm not going to renew my membership with the party at this stage. I think I'm going to look at all the options. And that's all I can say at this time. But, certainly, I have enjoyed working in my (medical) practice for the last few years. But I love politics. And I want to get back into politics."

Prior to the last election, federal Conservative problem child Gurmant Grewal announced he wouldn't be seeking re-election in Newton-North Delta. And now it looks like at least one candidate is looking to unseat his wife Nina. It has come to Public Eye's attention that former Squamish councillor Paul Lalli is campaigning for the Conservative nomination in Fleetwood-Port Kells. In an interview, Mr. Lalli explained he's been door-knocking for about two or three months "And what I've been hearing is that people want a MP that is going to listen. People want a MP that's going to be accessible. And people want a MP that's going to engage the entire community. And that's what I intend on doing." Are you implying then that Ms. Grewal hasn't been listening or been accessible to riding residents? "I'll let the constituents make that decision on election day," Mr. Lalli responded. The small businessman has been living in the constituency for the past year. The following is a complete copy of his campaign brochure's text, which features the fascinating campaign slogan "Strong Voice. Honest Choice for Fleetwood-Port Kells."

Within the next few hours, federal Liberal leadership candidate Gerard Kennedy will be getting on board the harm reduction band wagon. His campaign will be issuing a news release calling on the federal government to continue funding Vancouver's safe injection site. During the last election, then Opposition leader Stephen Harper said he was against providing government support for the use of illegal drugs.

As many of our readers know, this past Saturday Conservative Senator Gerry St. Germain hosted
provincial Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon's annual Beans n Jeans barbeque. Not surprisingly, more than a few Tories made an appearance at that shindig, including South Surrey-White Rock MP Russ Hiebert, national party council member Ray Leitch and minister's regional office chief of staff Colin Metcalfe. But federal Liberals - such as Newton-North Delta MP Sukh Dhaliwal and former South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale candidate Judy Higginbotham - were also spotted doing grin and grip exercises.

Earlier, we reported Times Colonist publisher Bob McKenzie sent an email to the broadsheet's staffers, apologizing for putting Vivian Smith's column on hiatus. But he's not the only one who's writing about the affair. CanWest MediaWorks Publications Inc. president Dennis Skulsky has weighed in on the matter, telling employees the company "takes the issue at the Times Colonist very seriously and has acted to address this situation. Vivian Smith's column has been reinstated and our journalists have been reassured that they are free to cover any organization or subject with the full support of their Editor and Publisher. We believe that the rigorous adherence to these principles is a public trust and a precondition for the credibility of any media outlet." The following is a complete copy of Mr. Skulsky's email. In related news, the Canadian Association of Journalist has put out a news release referencing Ms. Smith's axing.

Less than an appropriate amount of ado has been made out of last week's decision to increase the salaries for senior bureaucrats and - most egregiously - political aides. To wit, in some cases, ministerial assistants - who now top out at $94,500 - will be making more than the base salary for a MLA: $75,400. But what hasn't been reported yet is that, last week, our good friends at the legislative assembly management committee voted to boost the budgets for constituency offices by $35,000 annually to $119,000. And, at that same closed door meeting, they hiked the amount of money each caucus gets by $5,000 per member. Funny old world eh? The following is a complete copy of the news release announcing those increases.

Earlier, we reported Times Colonist publisher Bob McKenzie wrote an email to the broadsheet's staffers, apologizing for putting Vivian Smith's column on hiatus. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Smith, who was also a writing coach for the newspaper, responded to the news this way: "I got a call from (the newspaper's editor-in-chief) Lucinda (Chodan) on Friday morning, asking me to consider starting to write my column again. And I said I would do that but I'd like to consider that. I needed to know what their terms were. So I had a short meeting with her on Friday evening during which she assured me that the column could continue on as it had - that I would be able to write with the constraints that would be typical of a newspaper reporter" or columnist - i.e. that it be fair and accurate. "And she did repeat to me that the publisher was not influenced by advertisers. So I heard her out and I told her I would let her know (my decision) by Monday morning."

Public Eye has reported at length on the Vivian Smith affair. As early as this morning, the Times Colonist declined to discuss why Ms. Smith, a columnist and writing coach at the broadsheet, had her contract cut short. But, within the last hour, publisher Bob McKenzie sent out an email to staffers writing that "the recent decision to place Vivian Smith's column on hiatus was an error in judgment for which I apologize." The email notes "there have been a number of rumours circulating about the relationship between the Times Colonist and its advertising clients. I would like to underscore our policy on this matter: we do not allow advertisers to influence the content of this newspaper. I value the editorial integrity of the paper and the important role it allows us to play in the community." The following is a complete copy of that message.

The Canadian Association of Journalists will soon be weighing in on the Vivian Smith affair, Public Eye has learned. In an interview, president Paul Schneidereit confirmed the association will be releasing a statement - perhaps within the next hour - "on the larger issue of editorial independence." But that statement will specifically reference the axing of Ms. Smith by the Times Colonist. That controversial decision was made after Ms. Smith wrote a column criticizing the high cost of Victoria's tourist attractions. Tourism representatives subsequently met with the newspaper's publisher Bob McKenzie. And, according to one account of that meeting, Mr. McKenzie told those representatives he agreed Ms. Smith's column "should have never run" and that her contract would "probably" be cut short.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, freelance photojournaist Jon Elmer joins us to discuss the conflict in the Middle East. Maureen Broadfoot, a leading member of the Tsawwassen Residents Against Higher Voltage Overhead Lines, will be chatting about the cost of satisfing Vancouver Island's power needs. And Jack Burak discusses his bid to lead the Canadian Medical Association - challenging president elect and private healthcare advocate Brian Day. Also on the show: anti-gambling crusader Sol Boxenbaum, co-founder of Viva Consulting Family Life Inc, weighs in the British Columbia Lottery Corp.'s controversial gold player card program. And our regular panel of rabblerousers - Troy DeSouza, John Heaney, Ariel Lade and Bernard Schulmann - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics.

Earlier, we reported former United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society chairman Mason Loh was still contemplating whether to file his nomination papers to run in Vancouver-Kingsway. And now, Public Eye has learned Mr. Loh has submitted those papers and is now waiting for the green light committee to approve his candidacy. He'll be running against businesswoman Wendy Yuan.

Yesterday, Public Eye reported University of Victoria journalism professor Lynne Van Luven had decided to stop writing columns for the Times Colonist "as a sincere protest against the way TC Management has dealt with" Vivian Smith. Ms. Smith had her contract with the newspaper cut short after she wrote a column criticizing the high cost of Victoria's tourist attractions. And now, Public Eye has learned another freelancer is joining Prof. Van Luven's protest. In an email addressed to Times Colonist staff and management and forwarded to Public Eye, Janis Ringuette - who also writes for the newspaper's Sunday Monitor section - states "Smith's column rightly reported that many tourist attractions are very expensive...A reasonable response to complaints about Smith's column from business interests with different opinions would have been to provide space in the newspaper for those other views to be presented. Terminating Smith was unfair. A deep chill has descended on freelancers and regular staff alike."

The controversial axing of Times Colonist columnist Vivian Smith has prompted one of her colleagues to quit working for the newspaper, Public Eye has learned. University of Victoria journalism professor Lynne Van Luven, who freelances a regular column for the broadsheet's Sunday Monitor section, tendered her resignation in an email sent earlier today to features editor Bruce MacKenzie and books editor Liz Pogue. In that email, Prof. Van Luven explains she's resigning "as a sincere protest against the way TC Management has dealt with" Ms. Smith, whose contract was cut short after she wrote a column criticizing the high cost of Victoria's tourist attractions.

It looks like British Columbia's federal Liberal hierarchs are going to be catching a whiff of grapsehot tomorrow afternoon. In an interview with Public Eye, Royal Pacific Real Estate Corp. president and chief executive officer David Choi - who has been mentioned as a Vancouver-Kingsway nomination candidate - confirmed he'll be holding a 2:00 news conference at the Kensington Community Centre this Friday. And what will that presser be about, you may wonder? Well, according to Mr. Choi "As you know, the Liberal Party announced on the 17th that there will be a nomination (meeting for Vancouver-Kingsway) on the 29th," of this month, which is "rather quickly. And the membership cut-off was actually on the 14th because they announced this on the 17th. So we have concerns about the process" by which the nomination was called. Mr. Choi said Vancouver school trustee Don Lee will also be at the news conference and is helping organize the event. Presently, the only candidate running for that nomination is Wendy Yuan, whose campaign is being chaired by national party vice-president Mike Hillman.

The federal Greens are looking southward for political advice, Public Eye has learned. On August 23 and 24, Joe Trippi, who managed Howard Dean's headlining but ultimately failed bid to win the Democrat presidential nomination in 2004, will be putting on a political strategy workshop for senior Greens. The event is being organized by outgoing party leader Jim Harris. Mr. Trippi is also the author of The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - a book about "how how to engage Americans in real dialogue, how business leaders, government leaders, and anyone else can make use of the most revolutionary idea to come along since man first learned to light a fire. No...not the Internet. Or computers. Or telecommunications. Democracy."

Earlier, we told you Wendy Yuan is the only candidate who's currently running in the Vancouver-Kingsway federal Liberal nomination race, scheduled to be held on July 29. Former United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society chairman Mason Loh and Royal Pacific Real Estate Corp. president and chief executive officer David Choi have been suggested as possible competitors. Those familiar with the nomination race say it's unlikely Mr. Choi will run. Mr. Loh, on the other hand, has filled out his nomination papers. But he's still contemplating whether to file them. The deadline for new entrants into the nomination race is tomorrow. Meanwhile, in related news, the Vancouver-Kingsway constituency association is said to have an estimated 1,200 members.

Yesterday, we reported on British Columbia Lottery Corp.'s controversial gold player card, which corporation representatives have described as a customer loyalty program. Said communications officer Shelly Marsh, "You see (such programs) at Petro-Canada, where you get points for filling up with gas. Or, at Save-On-Foods, where you get points for groceries." The only difference, according to the corporation: with this card, you earn points for gambling. But University of Lethbridge professor Robert Williams, research coordinator for the Alberta Gaming Research Institute, doesn't agree.

"British Columbia has taken state-sponsored gambling promotion to a new level...And that's a low-level, not a high one" - this, according to America's leading anti-gambling group. The National Coalition Against Gambling Expansion, which issued the statement following a Public Eye inquiry, was responding to news that the British Columbia Lottery Corp. is now administering a frequent player program for casino-goers.

"If you proudly consider yourself not right-of-centre but right-wing and proud of it - do you happily vote Liberal or look for some truly right-wing alternative?" That's the question CKNW's Bill Good posed to listeners last Tuesday morning. And the answer, from at least some of the callers, was resounding support for the Campbell administration. "I've always considered myself a moderate Conservative. And, therefore, I have no problem with the BC Liberal government doing it," said Dan. Mark later added, "I think we've got to look to the positive things that have been done. I think they've hit the right economic issues. And know they're doing with other things like labour - which is just a sigh of relief." And Brian gushed, "I think Gordon Campbell's doing an excellent job. I don't know why we'd want to replace someone who's doing so well for British Columbia right now." Surely, this is a strong vote of confidence in the work the Liberals have been doing during their second term in office! Or perhaps not.

Earlier, we noted the Canadian mainstream media has yet to report on the controversial axing of Times Colonist columnist Vivian Smith - although the story was picked up by the British press yesterday. But we may have spoken to soon. Today, former Globe and Mail and Maclean's managing editor Geoffrey Stevens, a columnist with The Record and the Guelph Mercury weighed in on the issue. After canvassing the facts of the case - which have been covered at length by this organ - he notes "although the bloggers are having a field day, none of this was reported in the 'TC' or the Vancouver Sun or Vancouver Province. All three are owned by bottom-feeding CanWest Global. As they say, freedom of the press is reserved to those who own it." Mr. Stevens, a friend of Ms. Smith's, is one of Canada's most respected journalists.

Earlier, we reported Susan Yurkovich, a member of the provincial Liberal's super-secret central campaign committee, was working for BC Hydro Corp. as their public affairs and communications vice-president. And now we've learned she's going to get some company from a fellow traveller. Today, Steve Vanagas informed colleagues he's leaving the West Annex to be the director of corporate communications at the power producer. Mr. Vanagas, the premier's deputy chief of staff responsible for communications and research, will be working under Ms. Yurkovich - who is now styled as the company's senior vice-president of corporate affairs.

It seems the Igantieff campaign isn't alone when it comes to sampling the "elegant yet relaxed" ammenities offered by the Royal Vancouver Yatch Club - although the Kennedy men are doing so in a somewhat less public way. In an email circulated to key supporters, Ballard Power Systems Inc. external affairs and government business development director Stephen Kukucha invites them to attend a meeting of Kennedy campaign's British Columbia policy team at the club this coming Thursday. According to the email, the purpose of the meeting will be to discuss national and provincial policy issues, as well as prepare two to three Lotusland-specific statements for August/September. Those invited include: Kennedy campaign British Columbia youth co-chair Braden Caley; Delta-Richmond East policy chair Hatem Ela-Alim; Dale Flood, former special assistant to Industy Minister David Emerson; Seabreeze Power Corp. government relations vice-president Eugene Hodgson; Non-Partisan Association director Doug Leung, former Nanaimo-Cowichan candidate Lloyd MacIlquham; and Vancouver Quadra constituency association communications chair Rikia Saddy. The following is a complete copy of that email.

Earlier, Public Eye broke the news that Wendy Yuan (who dat?) would be running for the federal Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Kingsway. So far, Ms. Yuan - whose nomination campaign is being chaired by national vice-president Mike Hillman - is the only declared candidate in the race. And she may end up being the only one. Today, the Grits announced the nomination date for that riding has been set for July 29, with the meeting scheduled to take place at the Vancouver Alpen Club. Sharon Apsey, the Liberal election readiness chair in British Columbia, made the decision to call the meeting in conjunction with the party's green light committee. That decision was approved by national election readiness co-chairs Mike Eizenga and Lucien Robillard. New entrants have until July 21 to get throw their hats in the ring.

Here at Public Eye, we've spilled much ink reporting on the axing of Times Colonist columnist Vivian Smith. That axing occurred a day after tourism industry representatives met with the newspaper's publisher to complain about a column by Ms. Smith in which she encouraged out-of-towners to explore Victoria's no-charge attraction rather than its more pricey visitor venues. And, according to one account, Bob McKenzie "agreed" during the meeting "that (the column) should have never run" and indicated Ms. Smith's contract would "probably" be cut short. So far, there's hasn't been a peep about this story in the Canadian mainstream media. But, across the Atlantic, it is getting some attention. Yesterday, The Guardian's media commentator Roy Greenslade - a journalism professor at London's City University - referenced the controversy on his blog, calling it "an extraordinary tale." Times Colonist representatives have yet to comment on the reason for Ms. Smith's axing, except to confirm the former Globe and Mail editor was told the newspaper doesn't base editorial decisions on advertiser complaints.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, William Stubblefield, the chair of the independent scientific panel which reviewed Victoria's sewage treatment practices, joins us to talk about his final report. Fiona Gow, the adoptive mother who fought successfully to stop Community Living British Columbia from using IQ test results to determine who gets services for the developmentally disabled, discusses the provincial government's recent decision to appeal that court ruling. Royal Roads University political communications professor David Black shares his thoughts on Bell Globemedia Inc. deal to takeover CHUM Ltd. And Mackenzie Institute president John Thompson will be talking terrorism. Also on the show: our rabblerousers - John Heaney, Bob Russell, Bernard Schulmann and Brad Zubyk - rant about 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.

On Friday, Newmarket Aurora Liberal MP Belinda Stronach sent a discussion paper to party members recommending "in future caucus members vote for a 'slate' of colleagues whom they feel should be appointed to cabinet, with the party leader then appointing those selected by caucus to particular portfolios." And, yesterday, Northwest Territories Premier Joe Handley - whose legislature uses a somewhat similar cabinet selection system - told Public Eye Radio he "likes" Ms. Stronach's proposal. Said Premier Handley, "I think it would reinforce people's commitment to the party more than the present system where they're beholden to one individual who is the leader of the party because he has the ability to determine their future" by choosing who gets into cabinet and who doesn't. "So this system that we have (in the Northwest Territories) is much less likely to become autocratic."

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, Sto:lo Tribal Council Grand Chief Doug Kelly joins us to talk about Prime Minister Stephen Harper's opposition to so-called "racially-divided fisheries programs." Federal Liberal leadership hopeful Carolyn Bennett will be chatting up her candidacy. Political wisemen George Gibault and Stuart Parker debate whether the state should have any place at the marriage alters of the nation. And Royal Roads University strategic and international studies professor Terry Power discusses the latest crisis in the Middle East. Also on the show: Northwest Territories Premier Joe Handley weighs in on Belinda Stronach's proposal to import some aspects of the consensus-style government practiced by his legislature to the Liberal Party. And University of Victoria law professor and political ecologist Michael M'Gonigle will be on hand to promote his latest book Planet U: Sustaining the World, Reinventing the University. 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.

Last month, children and family development supremo Lesley du Toit's shared with ministry staffers her view that they shouldn't use the government's "official email network to advertise or send unnecessary messages to all of staff." This, in response to a message promoting Bike to Work Week - a program that has been strongly supported by the provincial government for the past 12 years. So one wonders what Ms. du Toit might think about the latest email from her colleague Linda Morris, the public affairs bureau's deputy minister. Writing to bureau members, Ms. Morris invites them to attend "a Lunch & Learn" session on July 27 with Rosemary Quinn of Fitness Works Personal Training Ltd. At that session, Ms. Quinn will be presenting her lecture "Journey of the Fat Cell" which teaches attendees how to "outsmart your fat cells." Which, we suppose, is one way of ensuring the government's word slaves practice the ActNow message box preached by the premier. The following is a complete copy of that email.

On Wednesday, Surrey Now's Tom Zytaruk reported Dona Cadman, the widow of independent MP Chuck Cadman, announced she would be running for the federal Conservative nomination in Surrey North to carry on her late husband's legacy. Of course, some of our astute readers might find that decision somewhat odd given that New Democrat Penny Priddy - whom Ms. Cadman endorsed during the last federal election - presently represents the riding. But we digress. Moving along, your humble organ also notes Ms. Cadman now has her own Website. Curiously, though, the email contact for the would-be candidate - bcconservative@gmail.com - is the same address used by the provincial Conservatives. In an interview with Public Eye, party president and sneaky Web monkey Ryan Warawa explained the situation this way: "I noticed that (Ms. Cadman) hadn't gone ahead and registered her own domain" - so he did so on her behalf. "I just wanted to prevent any Web (gerrymandering)," continued Mr. Warawa somewhat jokingly - a reference to his own Internet hijinks. He added that he's happy to transfer the address to Ms. Cadman at any point.

Yesterday, the Toronto Star's Linda Diebel paraphrased federal Liberal British Columbia party president Jamie Elmhirst as saying leadership candidate Gerard Kennedy "pulled in 4,000-plus new members by the deadline, compared with 1,500 each for his nearest competitors, (Bob) Rae and MP Stephane Dion." Continued Mr. Elmhirst, "Certainly the campaigns are going to say I'm wrong, but I think these tallies are fairly accurate." Needless to say, Mr. Elmhirst has ruffled more than a few feathers - especially among Rae supporters in Lotusland who maintain their candidate was, at the very least, in a close membership race with Mr. Kennedy as the campaigns reached the finish line. And now, Public Eye has learned, the party president is retracting some of his comments.

Earlier, we exclusively reported provincial New Democrat leader Carole James has been diagnosed with uterine cancer. A news release from the party, which was originally scheduled to be released at 3:00 today, has now been sent to the press pack confirming the diagnosis. According to the release, Ms. James will be undergoing surgey at the end of July. She is quoted as saying, "As a result, in addition to my planned vacation, I will be taking some extra time for recovery this summer before resuming my normal work schedule in September." The following is a complete copy of that release.

Provincial New Democrat leader Carole James will be making an announcement related to her health today, Public Eye has exclusively learned. Caucus members were informed that Ms. James has uterine cancer in a conference call earlier this afternoon. The prognosis is said to be positive. A news release is expected at 3:00.

Your humble organ has reported at length on the axing of Times Colonist columnist Vivian Smith. That axing occurred a day after tourism industry representatives met with the newspaper's publisher to complain about a column by Ms. Smith in which she encouraged out-of-towners to explore Victoria's no-charge attraction rather than its more pricey visitor venues. In an interview with Public Eye, associate professor Klaus Pohle, a specialist in media ethics and newspaper management at Carleton University's school of journalism, said it wasn't surprising publisher Bob McKenzie declined to comment on the situation, explaining "I would be totally embarrassed to admit" to canceling such a contract just after meeting with "the vested interests in Victoria...It's a terrible conflict. A terrible conflict. And it sends a terrible message - not only to the journalists at the paper but to the other media and the readers and the advertisers. It sends a message (to the advertisers) that I can interfere anytime. And that's a very, very dangerous situation to be in."

Earlier, we exclusively reported Vivian Smith, a biweekly columnist and summer writing coach at the Times Colonist, had her contract with the newspaper cut short. That decision was delivered a day after tourism industry representatives met with the newspaper's publisher to complain about a column in which Ms. Smith encouraged out-of-towners to explore Victoria's no-charge attraction rather than its more pricey visitor venues. According to Butchart Gardens public relations director Alison Partridge, the publisher "agreed" during the meeting "that (the column) should have never run." And, says Ms. Partridge, Bob McKenzie "did indicate" at the time that Ms. Smith's contract would "probably" be cut short. Mr. McKenzie declined to comment on Ms. Partridge's statements via a representative. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Smith said "I would once again defend my column on the basis of the facts and fair comment. My idea was to give people alternatives if they want to enjoy this wonderful city." And she added that "if it's true, what (Ms. Partridge) says, it's a sad day for the kind of reporting and fair comment that serves readers best. And that's the kind that's done without fear or favour."

More red meat from the summer barbeque scene: next Friday, electoral reform mastermind Bruce Hallsor will be hosting a fundraiser for Fair Vote Canada at his Saanich home. According to an email sent to fellow travellers, guests of honour will include federal Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn and Victoria MP Denise Savoie. Both of them will "speak briefly about their views on electoral reform, but the main event will be social mixing and mingling." The following is an edited copy of that invite.

Earlier, we exclusively reported Vivian Smith, a biweekly columnist and summer writing coach at the Times Colonist, had her contract with the newspaper cut short. That decision came after the publication of a column by Ms. Smith encouraging out-of-towners to explore Victoria's no-charge venues rather than its more pricey tourist spots. The feature also misstated the ticket price for children five and under visiting Butchart Gardens and suggested toddlers might not be interested in the attraction. The newspaper's editor-in-chief Lucinda Chodan declined to comment on the reason Ms. Smith's contract was cut. But today, in an interview with Public Eye, Butchart Gardens public relations director Alison Partridge confirmed a delegation of representatives from the attraction, as well Tourism Victoria chief executive officer Lorne Whyte, met with publisher Bob McKenzie to discuss the offending column last Tuesday - a day before Ms. Smith got the axe.

Today, The Globe and Mail's Bill Curry reported Assembly of First Nations leadership candidate Bill Wilson "could have a chance" at incumbent Phil Fontaine if he is seen as being closer to the Conservatives. Mr. Curry noted "Ken Thomas, who chaired the Tory aboriginal caucus during the Mulroney years, is working on Mr. Wilson's campaign." And now it has come to our attention that former Non-Partisan Association board member Alex Tsakumis and Stephen Rogers, who ran for the party in Vancouver Quadra during the past two election, will be co-hosting a wine and cheese reception for the outspoken lawyer at the Pan Pacific Vancouver. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Tsakumis said his support for Mr. Wilson has nothing to do with Mr. Fontaine's tight relationship with the previous Liberal administration in Ottawa. Instead, the Conservative cardholder explained "I was asked by a mutual friend of Bill's and mine if I would be will to co-host the event. I've met the chief a few times in the past. And I'm an admirer of his tenacity and the forthright manner in which he conducts his affairs. And I was happy to be a co-host." The following is a complete copy of the invite to that event.

One of the most influential federal Conservatives in British Columbia is hosting a fundraiser for provincial Liberal Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. Earlier this month, select supporters received a glossy, full-colour, personalized brochure (cha-ching!) offering them complimentary tickets to Minister Falcon's annual Beans n Jeans barbeque - scheduled to get underway at 3:00 on July 22. And, according to that brochure (which features a photograph of the highway baron sitting on a fence, beside a horse) the western-themed event is being "generously hosted" by Senator Gerry St. Germain at his Indian Springs Ranch. Upon hearing the news, one federal Grit wryly wondered if Campbell administration MLAs in the Okanagan would be organizing a similar event at Liberal Senator Ross Fitzpatrick's Cedar Creek Estate Winery. But we're pretty sure Public Eye readers already know the answer to that question.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, Vern Faulkner, editor of the Esquimalt News and the Oak Bay News, and the Victoria News's Don Descoteau will be interviewing Garden City councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe. Scott Brison will be talking about his bid for the federal Gritleadership. And the chair of the Liberal's ethics task force - Michael Bloomfield - is coming into the studio to update us on the work of that committee. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel of pundits - Troy DeSouza, Bob Russell, Allan Warnke, Brad Zubyk - 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.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, Robert James, a partner with Cook Roberts LLP, will be discussing Prime Minister Stephen Harper commitment to oppose "racially divided fisheries programs." Greater Victoria Gambling Harm Reduction Coalition president Dale Perkins joins us to talk about View Royal council's recent decision to vote against expanding the liquour license for a local casino. Truck Loggers Association president Mike Hamilton weighs in on the softwood lumber dispute. And Chris Gainor and George Gibault will be discussing the twenty third anniverary of the Solidary Coalition. Also on the show: Kenneth Deer, publisher of the Eastern Door, discusses Canada's recent decision to vote against the United Nations declaration on indigenous rights. And Capilano College student and youth political activist Ben West gives us his take on the Canadian Federation of Students. 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.

Earlier, federal Liberal leadership candidate Michael Ignatieff announced he would touring British Columbia this summer. And, according to a schedule distributed to party members on Thursday, that tour will include stopoffs in Abbotsford, Kamloops, Kelowna and...err...at an open house at Newton-North Delta MP Sukh Dhaliwal's constituency office tomorrow. But aren't such offices supposed to be non-partisan venues? In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Ignatieff's Western Canada campaign manager David Hurford explained, "MPs have open houses through their normal course of events...And our role is to drop in. I wouldn't characterize it as a quote leadership event. I think (Mr. Dhaliwal) is going to be having a group down there that will probably be watching the World Cup final. And it's a chance to drop in on the way out to Abbotsford. We're driving past there anyway. So we'll drop in and say hi to Sukh and his constituents. It's just us dropping in." The following is a complete copy of that schedule.

The afternoon and coffee spoon pleasures of Victoria will now longer be available to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. The group is moving its Lotusland office from the Garden City to Vancouver - along with provincial director Sarah MacIntyre. That means Ms. MacIntyre will now be closer to British Columbia's media headquarters - as well as having more of an opportunity to comment on Terminal City taxpayer concerns. But not to worry - the federation will be leaving some memories of its presence behind. According to an email from the group's national communications director Troy Lanigan (who is staying in Victoria) the federation's new digs will be smaller. And that means the federation has "lots of decent office furniture available for a song." The following is a complete copy of that email.

Vivian Smith, the Times Colonist's resident writing coach, has had her contract cut short. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Smith - who also wrote a biweekly Sunday column for the newspaper - said she was notified about the sudden decision on Wednesday morning by editor-in-chief Lucinda Chodan - "who is a person who I was thrilled to work for, who is a fine manager and journalist. And I have a huge amount of respect for her." Ms. Smith added an explanation for her early departure hasn't been forthcoming, noting "I have never had a negative word said to me by a manager about my column in the past...And if I made an error, I never heard about it."

Yesterday, we reported children and family development's South African supremo Lesley du Toit reaffirmed her commitment to devolution in an email sent to ministry staffers on Tuesday. In an earlier "transformation progress" memo, Ms. du Toit elaborated on that commitment, noting "servies will be regionalized over the next four years" with a priority being placed on "aboriginal services." The regionalization of those aboriginal services will be, according to the deputy minister, "in the hands of the Aboriginal forum or caucus which will include the Aboriginal leadership, delegated agencies, boards, regional coordinators, communities, chiefs and elders, and others." Indeed, the memo goes onto note "legislation for the emerging regional governance/structure authorities will be developed during 2006 by Aboriginal people with the support of the ministry" - specifically Deb Foxcroft. The following is a complete copy of that email, which also notifies staff that Ms. du Toit will be backing in South Africa from July 9 to August 6 where she'll be packing up her belongings and sorting out personal matters.

In October 2002, then Children and Family Development Minister Gordon Hogg proudly announced the introduction of legislation that would set in motion the devolution of protection services to five aboriginal and non-aboriginal regional governance authorities. At the time, he said those changes would "allow reform to be driven at the community level...where services can be tailored to local strengths and needs." And now, almost four years later, newly-appointed children and family development deputy minister Lesley du Toit continues to preach from the same gospel - working to ensure policy theory becomes civil service practice. In an email sent out on Tuesday, Ms. du Toit reaffirmed her committment to devolution, telling staffers "that the needs and strength of children, youth, families and communities should drive the ministry at a regional level. They become the 'boss.' In turn, the needs and strenghts of the regions should drive the ministry at a provincial level. The regions thus become our 'boss.'"

More room swapping news from the Hotel Lobbyist: according to our operatives, Josh Christensen will be joining governemnt relations giant Hill and Knowlton Inc.'s Victoria office as a senior consultant. Mr. Christensen was previously an associate with K&E Public Affairs Inc. until the firm turtled in April. And our astute readers may also remember him as a communications officer with British Columbia Ferries Corp. Meanwhile, his new colleague Steve Vander Wal is moving out of Hill and Knowlton's Garden City digs and will now be residing in the company's Vancouver office.

Yesterday was the membership sign-up deadline for the federal Liberal leadership race. According to The Toronto Star's Linda Diebel, the party "isn't expected to release the results (of that membership drive) for a couple weeks." But, according to our operatives, in British Columbia the number of Lotusland Liberals stood at 19,665 last night - with some counting still remaining. That means there's been at least 10,000 sign-ups since mid-June, when the party's West coast membership was 9,515. Meanwhile, there's much talk that Gerard Kennedy and Bob Rae's campaigns are the sign-up leaders in this province. Although such musings have been pooh-poohed by their competitors.

Astute readers will remember that, back in January 2002, the Campbell administration announced a 38.8 percent reduction in legal aid funding - from $88.3 million to $54 million. And now, four years later, Lotuslanders may finally learn the exact length and breadth of that shaft. Last month, the Legal Services Society of British Columbia announced on BC Bid it was looking for a contractor to "design, administer, and analyze a survey to measure client satisfaction" with its advisory and representation services. A worthy enterprise. But, according to that request for proposal, the contractor will also interview society clients to measure how satisified they have been with their access to those services - including those whose applications for aid have been denied. And the results of those interviews will surley give the New Democrats some question period fodder when they are completed a year from now.

It looks like Ainsworth LLP, one of Canada's leading forest companies, is diversifying its operations to include political fundraising for the province's governing party. In an email sent to business community members on Monday, the company's British Columbia timberlands general manager Brad Bennett announced the Liberals "South Cariboo Riding Association in conjunction with Ainsworth is again hosting the 'South Cariboo BC Liberal Golf Classic'" at the 108 Resort. The email boasts that for "$150/person you can enjoy golf and dinner with some of the events special guests" - perhaps most notably Forests and Range Minister Rich Coleman. Minister Coleman hasn't yet responded to a request for comment about his involvement with the fundraiser. But, in an interview with Public Eye, New Democrat critic Bob Simpson said it wouldn't be "appropriate" for the minister to attend the Ainsworth-organized event, given that he is responsiblity for the forestry sector. The following is a complete copy of Mr. Bennett's email.

David Chudnovsky may be the provincial New Democrat's transportation critic. But it looks like the former British Columbia Teachers' Federation president has expanded his responsibilities to include labour. Last month, at the World Peace Forum, Mr.Chudnovsky moderated an international panel discussing "Trade Union Strategies for the 21st Century." According to the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union notice advertising that event, panel topics included "How can falling union representation in the private sector be reversed?" and "How should unions relate to 'progressive' governments?"

Last month's Ipsos-Reid Corp. poll may have been at least partially responsible for the recent provincial New Democrat shadow cabinet shuffle. But the party also responded to its sagging public opinion numbers by emailing the following message to supporters: "This poll does show that we have work to do and that we need to continue to reach out to British Columbians from all walks of life," conceded organization director Nikki Hill. But "a poll this far from the next election is a snapshot of voter feeling...Despite the benefits of a global economic boom, many British Columbians are falling further behind...Gordon Campbell has spent an enormous amount in taxpayer dollars - billions - trying to convince people he has changed. The fact is he only paid attention to a few issues that matter to ordinary British Columbians when he was forced to by the NDP and when he was embarrassed by the media." The following is a complete copy of that email.