November 2006 Archives

When Premier Gordon Campbell rolled out his Children's Education Credit program on November 4, some wags wondered just how much preparation had gone into that announcement. Under the program, "$1,000 will be put in trust for every newborn in B.C. for when they are ready for post-secondary education." But when asked about the eventual value of each trust account, the premier told reporters at the biennial convention in Penticton "I couldn't tell you today how much it will grow. It depends on the assumptions you make in the long-term for the future" - although he reportedly gave an estimate of $2,000.

The premier's office seems to be standing behind its decision to comment on the recognition of Quebec as nation via opinion-editorial - rather than respond to repeated interview requests from the press gallery. On Monday, we reported some legislative scribes were less than enthusiastic about Gordon Campbell's apparent decision to release that screed exclusively to The Globe and Mail and the National Post, ignoring the gallery. But, in an email sent to past press gallery president and Canadian Press legislative correspondent Scott Sutherland, the premier's press secretary explains comment wasn't provided last week because a response to that issue "had yet to be determined."

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, British Columbia's new child and youth representative, might not be the only Saskatchewanite joining our child protection system. Marilyn Hedlund, who is presently the prairie province's child and family services executive director, is rumoured to have been chosen as the Campbell administration's new child welfare director. That post has been filled on an acting basis by Mark Sieben, who took over from Jeremy Berland. Ms. Hedlund hasn't yet responded to a request for comment, placed through her office. In a July missive to staff, children and family development deputy minister Lesley du Toit wrote that she hoped British Columbia would have a new child welfare director "within the next 3 months."

Earlier this month, the British Columbia government announced that "starting in 2007, a Children's Education Credit of $1,000 will be put in trust for every newborn in B.C. for when they are ready for post-secondary education. The credit will grow with interest through their lives and contribute to their choice of learning after high-school graduation." But where did the idea for that program come from, you may wonder? One possible answer: east of the Rock Mountains. In January 2005, the Klein administration rolled out the Alberta Centennial Education Savings Plan. At the time, the government said it "make available $500 towards a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for every child born to or adopted by Alberta residents in 2005 and after. Subsequent grants of $100 will be available to children attending school in Alberta at ages 8, 11 and 14, starting in 2013."

Earlier this month, children and family development deputy minister Lesley du Toit announced she had appointed Vancouver Coastal regional executive director Donna Knox as her chief operating officer. Ms. Knox has been charged with "oversight of the day-to-day running of the ministry." Following that announcement, some wondered whether this might be an indication Ms. du Toit is having some trouble managing her workload. But our astute readers may be interested to know this isn't the first time the ministry has had a chief operating officer. When Bob Plecas was put in charges of children and families in September 1996, he subsequently hired Thea Vakil to do the same job.

Almost two years ago, the Campbell administration released its climate change action plan. The public relations fanfare accompanying that release - of which there was none - was appropriate given the content of that plan. So, one wonders whether that document will be updated anytime soon? After all, a recent British government study on the economics of climate change found this phenomenon will result "in the greatest and widest-ranging market failure ever seen" - surely a matter of concern for British Columbia's free enterprise government? Well, we're told that Environment Minister Barry Penner is considering such an update - although no pen has been put to paper at this point.

Premier Gordon Campbell was showing his usual respect for the press gallery today. As early as last Wednesday, gallery members had requested comment from the premier on the Harper administration's motion recognizing the "Quebecois as a nation within a united Canada." But it seems he didn't want to talk to them about that issue. Instead, the premier choose to articulate his position - that the federal government should also recognize Canada's aboriginals as a nation - by releasing an opinion-editorial to the The Globe and Mail and the National Post. Needless to say, the legislative press pack was less than enthusiastic about the West Annex's communications strategy.

Last week, The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships released a poll showing "clear majorities" of Canadians "support P3s across the board." Not surprising, considering they commissioned that survey. But, according to the same poll - which was conducted by Environics Research Group Ltd. - just 44 percent of British Columbians are in favour of the private operation of water treatment facilities. That's the lowest level of support in the country. And yet the Campbell administration seems to be pushing ahead with plans to have Partnerships British Columbia take a "hard look" at how many of the province's new municipal capital projects - including such treatment facilities - "might be built as a public-private partnership."

Ida Chong, the minister responsible for the British Columbia public service agency, says the results of a recent government employee survey indicate "there's room for improvement" in the civil service. That survey, which was reported on exclusively by Public Eye, found an average of just 29 percent agreed with statements such as "executives in my organization make effective and timely decisions" and "I have confidence in the senior leadership of my organization."

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, Fraser Valley environmentalist John Vissers joins us to discuss his campaign against the Sumas II gas-fired power plant - and why the provincial Liberals, who opposed that project, are now supporting the development of two new coal-fired power plants. Heenan Blaikie LLP partner Murray Rankin will be chatting about how the Campbell administration continues to break its commitment to be the most open and accountable government in Canada. And Joe Trippi, who managed Howard Dean's headlining bid to become the Democrat's American presidential candidate in 2004, is going to be on the line tell us how Canada's Greens could gain political power. Also on the show: Burnaby-Edmunds MLA Raj Chouhan talks about some recent controversies impacting British Columbia's private post-secondary education system. And our rabble-rousing panel - Michael Prince, Troy DeSouza, Allan Warnke and Brad Zubyk discuss the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 6:00 and 9:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

On Monday, we used Saskatchewan Provincial Court Judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond as an example of the kind of candidate the special parliamentary committee responsible for appointing British Columbia's new child and youth representative might have been looking for. And today, the Times Colonist's Lindsay Kines and Jeff Rud confirmed Ms. Turpel-Lafond has, in fact, been selected to fill that post. What an astounding coincidence! So what, you may wonder, is her background?

"In politics in British Columbia everybody has an opinion." That was how provincial New Democrat leader Carole James responded to Bill Tieleman's criticism that her caucus has "lost its sense of direction." During a scrum earlier today - her first since returning from a trade junket to Taiwan - Ms. James expressed confidence in her caucus saying, “we would not have had an independent children's officer in this province if it were not for the questions that the Opposition has been asking."

"B.C.'s New Democrat Party opposition has lost its sense of direction." So sayeth Bill Tieleman in a column published in today's edition of 24 hours. Mr. Tieleman, the former communications director for the British Columbia Federation of Labour and then Premier Glen Clark, writes that "a series of NDP political blunders have resulted in the Gordon Campbell Liberals enjoying a big advantage over the NDP in recent polls." And, even though "Carole James is an effective, personable and persuasive leader," if she and "her MLAs don't figure out how to be a strong opposition and hold the Liberals feet to the fire instead of burning their own, they will be sitting on the wrong side of the Legislature for many years to come." Of course, this isn't the first time a question mark has been publicly raised about the New Democrat's performance by a prominent personality from the left.

When last we heard from Cheryl Maintland, the former ministerial assistant and event coordinator had left the legislative precincts to become a regional organizer for the provincial Liberals. But it seems opportunity came a knocking. And, late last month, Ms. Maitland was hired by Canada's National Brewers as their public affairs manager. That post was previously occupied by Marko Dekovic, who is now federal International Trade Minister David Emerson's senior regional assistant.

Back in September, Public Eye was the first to report rumours that provincial Green leader Adriane Carr would be resigning to become the federal party's deputy leader - a position which recently became a paying gig. So it will come as no surprise to our readers to hear that Ms. Carr will made that transition official today - this, according to The Canadian Press. Earlier, we also told you about the instrumental role she played in getting Elizabeth May elected as the leader of the Greens.

The chattering classes have a new guessing game this week. It's called who's going to be British Columbia's new child and youth representative. The members of the special parliamentary committee responsible for that appointment have remained tightlipped about their choice - which will be unveiled when the legislature resumes sitting on Wednesday. But here at Public Eye, we think someone with a First Nations and a legal background would have been just the kind of candidate the committee would have been searching for. Someone, for example, like respected Saskatchewan Provincial Court Judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. So let's see whether they were successful in that search, shall we?

More good news courtesy of the provincial government's recent work environment survey: according to the report, 49 percent of employees agreed with statement "Overall, I am satisfied in my work as a BC Public Service employee." Meanwhile, a more detailed breakdown of the survey obtained by Public Eye, show 32 percent gave a neutral response to that statement while 19 percent disagreed. Those results may not seem that bad. But a recent Statistics Canada report using data from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-being found that just 8.6 percent of the employed population aged 18 to 75 reported job dissatisfaction - with 6 percent of workers being "not too satisfied" and 2 percent being "not at all satisfied."

So what, you may wonder, happened at parks board commissioner Allan De Genova's news conference this morning? Did he rejoin the Non-Partisan Association or become a Vision Vancouverite. Well, the answer is neither. Mr. De Genova announced he'll be serving out the remainder of his term in office as an independent.

Guy Dauncey is well-known for his environmental endeavours - being the president of British Columbia Sustainable Energy Association, publisher and editor of EcoNews and author of Stormy Weather: 101 Solutions to Global Climate Change. But what you may not know is that federal Green leader Elizabeth May recently appointed him to her shadow cabinet, as the party's climate change critic. So does that mean he's going to be running in Victoria during the next election? In an interview on Public Eye Radio, Mr. Dauncey said "I still haven't decided myself."

Last week, we exclusively told you about a recent provincial government work environment survey in which just 29 percent of provincial employees gave their executives favourable reviews. Commenting on that number - and other unfavourable results included in the survey - Simon Fraser University public policy professor Doug McArthur told Public Eye Radio, "This is a pretty surprising and - I don't like to exaggerate - but almost shocking survey when you start looking at these numbers and seeing how the employees seem to be feeling about their work these days in the provincial government."

So what message will parks board commissioner Allan De Genova be delivering at his news conference tomorrow? Well, in an interview Public Eye, Mr. De Genova still wasn't saying whether he'd be joining Vision Vancouver. But, if the Non-Partisan Association thinks he's going to be slinging mud at them, they might want to think again. "That is absolutely not going to be the case at all. If that's how they think then that's probably very small of them to think that," said Mr. De Genova. In fact, the commissioner has assured association councillor Peter Ladner - who is expected to attend the news conference - that this won't going to be a "Sam-bashing" event. Other association elected officials set to show up include parks board members Ian Robertson and Marty Zlotnik. Mr. De Genova added Vision Vanouverities George Chow and Raymond Louie have said they'll also be there, along with Spencer Herbert and Loretta Woodcock from the Coalition of Progressive Electors.

Last week, we broke the news that parks board commissioner Allan De Genova will be holding a news conference tomorrow morning to discuss "where I was, where I am and where I'm going." And that may very well be Vision Vancouver. After all, back in October, Mr. De Genova's family attended the civic party's annual general meeting. But if he does defect, Mayor Sam Sullivan wants his fellow Non-Partisan Association caucus members to know it wasn't because he failed to reach out to the commissioner. In an email, Mayor Sullivan notified them he has "attempted several times to contact Al to discuss his suspendion from Caucus, and to ask about his plans for the future. Unfortunately we have not been able to connect by phone or in person to discuss this matter in detail." The following is a complete copy of that email.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, B'nai Brith Canada senior counsel David Matas talks about his report investigating the organ harvesting of Falun Gong prisoners in China. Simon Fraser University public policy professor Doug McArthur joins us to discuss the results of a recent provincial government work environment survey. And pundits Chris Gainor and George Gibault debate anti-Americanism in Canada. Also on the show: prominent environmentalist Guy Dauncey discusses what you can do about global warming. And our rabble-rousing panel - Troy DeSouza, Ariel Lade, Bob Russell and Allan Warnke discuss the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 6:00 and 9:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Since the provincial New Democrats didn't seem interested in asking Larry Blain about the mandatory municipal capital project reviews that will now be conducted by his company, your humble organ tried to get some answers. But the Partnerships British Columbia president and chief executive officer didn't seem to want to speak with us. Asked about those reviews following his appearance in front of the select standing committee on Crown corporations, Mr. Blain refused to answer any questions saying, "I'm pressed right now. I have a meeting." This, despite an offer to walk and talk with him on his way to that meeting. Of course, this isn't the first time Mr. Blain has brushed Public Eye off. Last year, the former investment banker hung up on us. Boy, he's sure putting on the charm!

Given an opportunity to grill Partnerships British Columbia president and chief executive officer Larry Blain, you would think provincial New Democrats might want to know more about the new mandatory municipal capital project reviews that will now be conducted by his company. But you would be wrong. Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca legislator John Horgan did raise the issue of how this new work might impact Mr. Blain's performance-based compensation package. And good for him - even though that question has already been asked and answered by Monday Magazine's Russ Francis and The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer. But that was the extent of New Democratic curiosity. Of course, some might find this strange - especially since these mandatory reviews are of great concern to the Canadian Union of Public Employees. Then again, though, the New Democrats didn't put out a news release criticizing said policy until three days after it was first announced. So maybe they're just trying to be consistent.

The ministry of aboriginal relations and reconciliation appears to have a serious problem. According to a recent work environment survey conducted between February and March, an average of just 13 percent of employees agreed with statements such as "executives in my organization make effective and timely decisions" and "I have confidence in the senior leadership of my organization" - the poorest results among all the government organizations surveyed. And why might that be, you may wonder? That's the question we posed to Mike de Jong, who was put in charge of the ministry this past August. "They might have been thinking about the minister not the executive," he jokingly responded yesterday. But, in all seriousness, Minister de Jong said, "I don't know, I haven't seen the report. And if I have, I don't remember it."

The provincial legislature will be back in session on November 22 to appoint British Columbia's new child and youth representative. Liberal House Leader Mike de Jong has scheduled a news conference for 4:10 to discuss the news.

Your humble organ has spilled much ink ruminating on the Premier Gordon Campbell's controversial announcement that all new municipal capital projects costing more than $20 million and receiving provincial funding would have to be reviewed by Partnerships British Columbia. Questions about those reviews have also been raised by respected forensic and investigative accountant Ron Parks, New Democrat finance critic Bruce Ralston, Monday Magazine's Russ Francis and - most recently - The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer. So it seems fortutious that the select standing committee on Crown corporations will be meeting this Friday to talk about...yes, you guessed it...Partnerships British Columbia. So here's two questions legislators might want to ask president and chief executive officer Larry Blain at that meeting. Number one: why does this government-owned company deserve a monopoly on conducting those reviews, when they could be done by a major consulting company? And two: will Partnerships British Columbia be contracting out any of that review work?

Back in October, children and family development deputy minister Lesley du Toit informed her executive she would be "working on how I can free myself up more to really lead the transformation change management work." And so it has come to pass that Vancouver Coastal regional executive director Donna Knox has been charged with "oversight of the day-to-day running of the ministry." Last Friday, Ms. du Toit announced she had appointed Ms. Knox as her chief operations officer - a new post that will also "provide functional directional assistance to ADMs, screen emergent client issues and organize initial responses, and monitor high level projects." Meanwhile, Patrick Doyle - who was the "human resource lead on the devolution of Community Living programs" from children and family development to Community Living British Columbia - has been named Ms. du Toit's strategic human resources deputy. The following is a complete copy of that announcement.

Earlier, we told you the Fraser Health Authority had approached former minister of state for resort development Patty Sahota about liasing with the Indo-Canadian community on behalf of the regional organization. That contract work has yet to be awarded. But if Ms. Sahota does get the job, she won't be the only one with political connections working for the authority. Today, the Nelson Daily News's Sara Newham reported Interior Health Authority communications officer Stephen Harris has been named Fraser Health's new public relations director. Of course, Mr. Harris is amply qualified for that post, having been the editor of the Express...as well as former Nelson-Creston Liberal backbencher Blair Suffredine's constituency assistant.

As one of our astute readers has already noted, the ministry of transportation isn't on the list of organizations included in the public service agency's 2006 government-wide work environment survey. The reason: in an interview with Public Eye, transportation communications director Mike Long explained his ministry "conducted its own work environment survey just prior to this government survey going out. So it was decided we wouldn't participate in that survey because we'd be asking basically the same questions to the same group of people. However, we will be participating in the next cross-government survey, along with all the other surveys."

Former Agricultural Land Commission chair and chief executive officer Kirk Miller has gotten into the government relations business. Today, John Moonen announced Mr. Miller, who retired from the commission in June 2005, has joined his firm. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Miller clarified he won't personally be lobbying the government. Instead, he'll be "working with John giving strategic advice on land and local government issues." Also joining John Moonen and Associates Ltd. is former ministerial aide Colin Doylend. According to the firm's Website, Mr. Doylend, who departed the legislative precincts this past September, has "excellent contacts amongst both elected officials and bureaucrats, as well as key stakeholders" in the education, aboriginal relations, tourism and sport sectors.

As some of our astute readers will already know, Conservative Council founder and chair Rick Peterson is running for the Tory nomination in Vancouver Quadra. But it looks like he may have some competition. In an interview with Public Eye, University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business law division lecturer Deborah Meredith confirmed she's "seriously thinking" about lacing up for that race - although she hasn't yet filed her nomination papers. Explained Ms. Meredith, "I'm pretty keen on the Conservative government. And I'd like them to have a majority. And the other thing is it would be nice to have some good representation of Vancouver in Ottawa." Vancouver Quadra is presently held by Liberal MP Stephen Owen.

When last we spoke with Allan De Genova, the parks board commissioner said he would be "coming out" at the end of October with a "message" concerning his political future. As our astute readers may know, that deadline passed without an announcement. And now the chattering classes anxiously await news as to whether Mr. De Genova will be rejoining the Non-Partisan Association caucus - which he was suspended from earlier this year - or taking out a Vision Vancouver membership. But it turns out that wait is almost over. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. De Genova said on November 20 he will be holding a morning news conference at the Terminal City Club where Vancouverties will find out "where I was, where I am and where I'm going." The commissioner added "there will be a large turn-out of people from all of the communities to hear my announcement."

Earlier, we reported federal Liberal leadership candidate Michael Ignatieff was in Victoria this past week, pressing the flesh and attending Remeberance Day ceremonies. But there was at least one conspicuous absence at last Friday's delegate/alternate and volunteer reception: Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca constituency association president Jason Walker. In an email to Public Eye, Prof. Walker explained "It is no secret that I stepped forward and committed my first vote to Dr. Michael Ignatieff as I felt he was the best choice and his vision of Canada had impressed me. However, over the past few months I have faced a moral dilemma when digesting Michael's comments on Isreal, Meech Lake and Quebec to name a few."

Earlier, we reported Priorities for Environmental Leadership in British Columbia members met with representatives from the provincial New Democrat caucus last Wednesday. And what was up for discussion during that luncheon, you may wonder? Well, we hear subject of the New Democrat's relationship with the Greens was broached. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Western Canada Wilderness Committee executive director Andrea Reimer - who attended that meeting - explained, "There was an individual on the environmental-side who wanted to discuss that. But it was neither appropriate nor, as a result of that, taken up as a topic of conversation by anyone."

Federal Liberal leadership candidate Michael Ignatieff may have a "wonderful common touch." But his ongoing witness exploration of British Columbia's toniest neighbourhoods and private clubs suggests otherwise. This past Friday, for example, he attended a delegate/alternate and volunteer reception at a mansion in the Uplands - another confounding choice given that Mr. Ignatieff is the leadership candidate most vulnerable to accusations of elitism. Although, in the Ivy Leaguer's defense, British Columbia campaign manager David Hurford told Public Eye last week his candidate would also be attending Remembrance Day services in Victoria and visiting the historic Abbotsford Sikh Temple while in British Columbia. The following is an edited copy of the invite to that reception.

Former minister of state for resort development Patty Sahota may soon be working for the Fraser Health Authority. In an interview with Public Eye, authority new business development and facilities vice-president Mary Ackenhusen confirmed Ms. Sahota was contacted last month about the services she could provide to the regional organization. "And she has given us a high-level proposal or expression of interest on the kinds of things she could do for us strategically in terms of our contact with the Indo-Canadian community."

Last week, respected forensic and investigative accountant Ron Parks raised a concern about the government's plan to have Partnership British Columbia review many of the province's new municipal capital projects. That plan would see the government-owned company take a "hard look" at how those projects "might be built as a public-private partnership" - if they cost more than $20 million and receive provincial funding. But Mr. Parks suggested there could a question of bias in those reviews because "the more projects (Partnerships British Columbia) can promote or have their involvement in, the better." So is there another group that could do the same work? Mr. Parks confirmed a major consulting company has the capacity to do such an assessment. But the resort municipality of Whistler came up with a different approach.

Earlier, we reported on a recent British Columbia government work environment survey in which just 29 percent of provincial employees gave their executives favourable reviews. But that wasn't the only newsworthy result included in that survey. According to the report, only 40 percent of respondents agreed with each of the following statements: "recognition is based on merit in my work unit" and "in my work unit, the process of selecting a person for a position is based on merit." This, under an administration which promised during the 2001 election "to restore a professional, non-partisan public service founded strictly on merit - not political patronage" or, presumbly, other forms of favourtism.

Earlier this month, British Columbia Liberal conventioneers debated a resolution calling on the party to support "the province in developing a comprehensive human resources strategy to ensure the government continues to attract and retain excellent public servants." But our favourite Port Coquitlam city councillor Greg Moore, who was moderating the public safety and labour relations policy break-out session, suggested a somehwat different approach to ensuring more young people join the civil service: "The best thing we can do is keep the B.C. Liberal government governing, which makes it an exciting...place to go." So that must mean Premier Gordon Campbell and his deputies have nothing to do with the fact just 29 percent of provincial employees with statements such as "executives in my organization make effective and timely decisions" and "I have confidence in the senior leadership of my organization" - right?

Most provincial government employees have good things to say about the person they directly report to. But ministry executives? Not so much. Those are the results an internal work environment report that surveyed 23,000 public service employees earlier this year. According to the survey, an average of 62 percent of respondents agreed with statements such as "the person I report to is an effective leader" and "the person I report to is an effective manager" - with the remainder being neutral or disagreeing. But an average of just 29 percent agreed with statements such as "executives in my organization make effective and timely decisions" and "I have confidence in the senior leadership of my organization."

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed joins us to discuss Premier Gordon Campbell's controversial mandatory reviews for many new municipal capital projects. Fair Vote Minnesota president Tony Solgard and former Pierce County, Washington charter review commission member Kelly Haughton discuss recent electoral reform successes south of the border. And Democratic Reform British Columbia leadership candidate Robert Allington tell us why we should still be paying attention to his party. Also on the show: federal Green senior deputy to the leader David Chernushenko talks about his appointment to the Harper administration's national roundtable on the environment and the economy. And our rabble-rousing panel - Ariel Lade, Bob Russell, Allan Warnke and Brad Zubyk discuss the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 6:00 and 9:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Provincial New Democrat caucus research director Don Anderson has resigned, effective immediately. Said news follows a similar announcement by communications director Jim Rutkowski and the leader's press secretary Scott Perchall's that they too would be leaving the legislative precincts. That means chief of staff David Perry and deputy chief of staff Raj Sihota - when you account for operations director Marian Meagher's earlier departure - will soon be the sole remaining members of the leadership team that was hired following the 2005 election. Curious.

Is the Campbell administration and the environmental movement on the brink of detente? The evidence: last week, Priorities for Environmental Leadership in British Columbia invited government representatives to attend a Tuesday evening social at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Leadership group members wanted an opportunity to speak with government about their priorities - and assure the administration they would be willing to say good things about the Liberals if they make pro-planet decisions. Those showing up for the event included Environment Minister Barry Penner, his deputy Chris Trumpy and Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations John Van Dongen. Earlier in the day, the leadership group met with ten New Democrat caucus members, including leader Carole James, for a lunch at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour.

More news from flowchart land: provincial New Democrat leader Carole James's office will soon be getting another warm body. Yesterday, it was made known that a senior communications officer would be added to that office. And what will this senior officer be communicating, you may wonder? Well, the answer is far beyond the prophetic powers of your humble organ. In related news, the New Democrat caucus will also be hiring an office manager.

Looks like the provincial New Democrat flowchart is experiencing a bout of transformative change. Caucus research director Don Anderson, communications director Jim Rutkowski and executive director Mary O'Donoghue will no longer be reporting to chief of staff David Perry. Instead, Messrs. Anderson and Rutkowski will now report to Ms. O'Donoghue - who will be directly accountable to caucus's executive committee. What these means, who knows.

Federal Liberal leadership candidate Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff's supporters were nowhere to be found on the list of 13 leadership convention delegates elected by the party's British Columbia executive on Monday. As required by the party constitution, three of those spots filled by executive members - in this case secretary James Hatton, constitutional advisor Martin MacLachlan and policy chair Cameron St. John. Messrs. Hatton and St. John are both backing Gerrard Kennedy whereas Mr. MacLachlan is an independent. The remaining ten were divided equally between men and women: independent delegates Michele Cadario and Jane Shackell; Kennedy delegates Dean Crawford, Jennifer Hatton, Shannon Salter and Bruce Young; Stephane Dion delegates Mark Marissen, Ann Tautz and Mike Witherly; and Ken Dryden delegate Roy Bornmann.

Eight months ago, Premier Gordon Campbell promised to act on former conflict of interest commissioner Ted Hughes's recommendation to name a new independent child and youth representative. And now it looks like that promise may finally be kept. The special committee responsible for that appointment finished interviewing candidates last Thursday. Seven hopefuls went through that process, out of the 94 who submitted applications.

On Tuesday, The Canadian Press reported "Michael Ignatieff's front-running Liberal leadership campaign was dinged $1,000 yesterday for making unsubstantiated accusations of fraud against chief rival Bob Rae." But the party's permanent appeal committee also chastised the campaign for the "inflammatory tone of the notice of appeal filed in this matter. The notice of appeal contains numerous allegations of fraud, many of which even if proven would have been entirely irrelevant. However, no attempt was made in the course of the hearing to prove even one of those allegations. Regrettably, and contrary to the Rules of the Permanent Appeals Committee, the notice of appeal found its way into the public domain well before our hearing, and the unproven allegations have been the subject of considerable media comment, to the detriment of a number of individuals, campaigns, and the Party." Which makes one wonder, will Mr. Ignatieff's organizers be issuing an apology to the Rae campaign - specifically former British Columbia chair Mason Loh?

Earlier, we reported federal Liberal leadership candidate Michael Ignatieff would be attending a fundraiser at The Vancouver Club. Tickets for that reception are $45 at the door, with "tax-deductible proceeds" providing "assistance to young delegates to attend the leadership convention." But wait a minute. According to party regulations, leadership contestants can't incur any direct or indirect campaign expanses "for the purpose of facilitating in any manner whatsoever, including by way of subsidization of registration fees, transportation, accomodation or other costs, the presence at the Convention of any delegate or alternative entitled to attend the Convention." So what's going on?

Federal Liberal leadership candidate Michael Ignatieff continues to tour British Columbia's bluest-blooded hangouts. The most recent addition to his internary: a reception at The Vancouver Club with Liberal parliamentarians Blair Wilson and Stephen Owen. And who's organizing that reception, you may wonder? Well, those wanting to attend are being asked to contact Mr. Wilson's constituency assistant Scott Bardsley on his cell phone or his blairwilson.ca email address.

One of British Columbia most respected investigative and forensic accountants is raising a concern about the government's plan to have Partnership British Columbia review many of the province's new municipal capital projects. Last month, Premier Gordon Campbell announced projects costing more than $20 million and receiving provincial funding would have to be reviewed by the government-owned company. The reason: the firm will be taking a "hard look at how that project might be built as a public-private partnership."

Provincial New Democrat energy and mines critic John Horgan is "unapologetic" about taking former premier Dan Miller with him on a trip to Calgary to meet oil and gas executives. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Horgan explained, "He's an old friend of mine - a former minister of energy - who has a lot of experience in these areas. And we went together. And I used his knowledge of the sector and the individuals in it to sit down with people and tell them what I was all about. So I suppose you could say he helped open doors. But I'd like to think that these individuals would have met with me in any event. But I went with Dan in the interests of expediting the trip and making sure I could see as many people as possible." And did you have any optical concerns about having Mr. Miller accompany you, we inquired? After all, he's now working as a lobbyist for National Public Relations Inc. and sitting on the Campbell administration's British Columbia Competition Council.

United States Senator Barack Obama graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991, being elected the first African American president of its law review. He then went on to work as a civil rights lawyer and constitutional law professor before entering public life and going on to become one of the Democrat's leading voices. But, apparently, provincial Liberal president Mickey Patryluk thinks this potential progressive presidential candidate has something in common with Premier Gordon Campbell.

Gadzooks! Democratic Reform British Columbia - which once counted former independent legislator Elayne Brenzinger among its members - is still alive and twitchting. In fact, another minor political party actually wanted to merge with them - this, according to an email sent out by former Democratic Reform policy chair and prospective leadership candidate Robert Allington. Writes Mr. Allington, "Shirley Abraham, the former DR BC Vice President who resigned from our executive to join the BCCP was elected President of the provincial Conservatives at their recent AGM, and has announced that her party has decided to withdraw from further merger or coalition discussions with DR BC." Guess the Liberals and New Democrats can now stop shaking in their boots. Meanwhile, in related news, Democratic Reform will be holding its annual general meeting on November 18 in Sidney, where they will elect a successor to former leader Tom Morino. The following is a complete copy of that email.

Earlier, we reported the provincial Liberals would hosting their own conversation on health at the party's biennial convention. And, during that discussion, Premier Gordon Campbell announced he'd "like to have some regional get-togethers with the party membership and talk about this...in the New Year - so everyone gets a chance to do some roundtabling, some brainstorming and develop some recommendations we might be able to add to the conversation." A laudable suggestion, to be sure. But could this have anything to do with the fact the province's conversation on health has only received 917 written submissions to-date, excluding comments posted on its online forum.

Back in 2004, The Vancouver Sun's Jim Beatty reported "large numbers of Indo-Canadians" were "noticeably absent" from the 2004 provincial Liberal biennial convention. As our astute readers may remember, Barinder Sall - the then constituency assistant to former Vancouver-Fraserview backbencher Ken Johnston - contracted a case of foot-in-mouth disease when he complained about that reportage. But it seems that illness didn't stop him from coming to this year's convention - on a chartered bus which shuttled around 30 Indo-Canadian delegates from Attorney General Wally Oppal's riding to Penticton. Mr. Sall, who briefly worked as a senior aide to the former British Columbia Appeal Court Justice, has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Earlier, we reported Rick Thorpe owned an undisclosed number of common shares in a major wine producer when he was the minister responsible for the liquor distribution branch. Minister Thorpe says he “never dealt with anything” that had to do with Vincor International Inc. when he held that file. And he reviewed the ownership of those shares with conflict of interest commissioner H.A.D. Oliver. Minister Thorpe hasn't yet responded to a request for further comment placed yesterday morning. In related news, former Socred cabinet minister Rafe Mair says he sold off his booze shares when then Premier Bill Bennett made him responsible for liquor control, licensing and distribution in 1976. The famed broadcaster said, "I started thinking where the hell can I get in trouble here. And I thought, well Jesus, I better look at my RRSP to see if there's no (perceived) conflict,” he said. “And sure as hell I had about 100 shares in Walker's Distillery, which I promptly sold. I wouldn't have thought of doing anything else.” Minister Thorpe is presently responsible for small business and revenue. A version of this article was originally published in today's edition of 24 hours.

Provincial Liberals weren't the only ones who showed up to the party's biennial convention. The New Democrat's children and family development critic Maurine Karagianis was also at the trade centre to offer this curious comment about Premier's Gordon Campbell promise to cut taxes: "We see the Liberal party once again is playing to an elite member of society here. And, once again, it's about this attitude of entitlement that they feel. You will notice, in all of the remarks leading into the introduction to the premier and the premier's comments, they were directly to the Liberal Party supporters and members here. It was not generally about British Columbians. So I think they speak to a few supporters and insiders. And, for the most part, the things that are very meaningful to British Columbians were missing from the speech." But doesn't New Democrat leader Carole James also play to her base when she speaks to similar conventions, we asked?

Premier Gordon Campbell dished out double helpings of news at the provincial Liberal's biennial convention - announcing a $1,000 post-secondary education investment for each new baby born in British Columbia, a ban on smoking in indoor public spaces and lower taxes. But some of the province's most prominent news outlets didn't send reporters to cover the proceedings. Curiously, The Globe and Mail, The Vancouver Sun, The Canadian Press/Broadcast News, BCTV and CKNW were all no-shows.

Michael Ignatieff's federal Liberal leadership campaign continues to reinforce their candidate's blue-blooded reputation. Earlier, we reported the former academic made whistlestops at the Royal Vancouver Yatch Club and The Union Club of British Columbia. And now we've learned the campaign is hosting a volunteer and delegate reception at...yes, you guessed it...the Terminal City Club. But, in fairness, they are entitled to their entitlements. The following is a complete copy of the invite to that reception.

When he was responsible for the liquour distribution branch, provincial cabinet minister Rick Thorpe says he "never dealt with anything" that had to do with Vincor International Inc. - a wine producer he has had a reported financial stake in. But, speaking with Public Eye in Penticton, he did not say whether he had been involved in the development of government policies generally related to the wine industry.

This morning's biennial convention caucus breakfast was a closed door affair. And what were the provincial Liberals hiding from the press pack? The party's musical talents, it turns out. Those who attended the breakfast tell us Port Moody-Westwood backbencher Iain Black wheeled out a piano to do a version of Benny and the Jets entitled Billy and the Bells - a reference to Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Bill Barisoff and the bell he uses to notify MLAs about a division vote.

Grilled prawn salad, filet mignon bordelaise and baked New York cheesecake were on the menu last night when the provincial Liberals sat down to break bread at their 2006 biennial convention dinner. But it looks like they had a little help footing the bill for that feast. According to the menu, there were two contributing event supporters: Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. - the exclusive communications partner for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games - and Vinters Quality Alliance Okanagan Wineries. Coincidently, convention chair and party regional director Harry McWatters is the founder of Sumac Ridge Estate Winery and the former chair of the British Columbiia Wine Institute - which is responsible for building and marketing the Vinters Quality Alliance brand. The following is a complete copy of that menu, which also shows the Liberals dined on "Alberta Beef Tenderloin" rather than British Columbia meat.

The provincial Liberals have always managed to lap the New Democrats on the fundraising circuit. And, last night, Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon and backbencher Lorne Mayencourt spent some of that loot by a hosting a pricey party for cardholders at the Penticton Lakeside Resort's Barking Parrot Lounge. In keeping with the party's Fire and Ice theme, the lounge featured several ice sculptures - including one full-size bar and four flames. Firepots were also used for decoration. But of perhaps greater importance to those in attendance was the free flowing liquour. Veuve du Vernayk was the principle poison - with each glass containing a flashing plastic icecube. But those with humbler tastes could also sample from a tub of bottled beer. Live music was performed by Doctor Strangelove, The Roxy's house band.

Yesterday, the federal government appointed Canaccord Capital Inc. chairman and chief executive officer Peter "The Rabbit" Brown to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Organizing Committee's board of directors. Politically, he's best known among the chattering classes as one of the provincial Liberal's most prominent supporters. Said billionaire Jimmy Pattison in a 2001 interview with the National Post's Diane Francis, "If (Premier) Gordon Campbell is king, then Peter Brown is emperor." But there's at least one connection between Mr. Brown and the Harper administration: former Conservative Opposition house leader John Reynolds's son. In August, Paul Reynolds - who heads up Canaccord's United Kingdom subsidiary - was appointed president of Mr. Brown's company. At the time, the National Post's Boyd Erman paraphrased Mr. Brown as saying Paul would succeed him as Canaccord's chief executive officer within the next year.

The British Columbia Federation of Labour bused 1,500 protesters to the provincial Liberal's last biennial convention. But, this time around, there's just one demonstrator: cowboy-hat wearing Summerland resident Roy Roope, who has been patrolling the entrance to the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. The reason: like it says on his sign, Mr. Roope believes the toll on the Coquihalla Highway is an "Illegal Gov't Ripoff!" Explained the retiree, who was sporting a ski jacket and woolen gloves to fend of the bitter weather, "The Coquihalla toll is not fair to the Okanagan-Thompson people. It's the only toll highway in B.C. It should have been ended decades ago. It was intended to cover accelerated costs only. And that has long since been paid - long since been paid. As a matter of fact, we're at least approaching payment of the highway in full."

Provincial Liberals have spent much of the day discussing policy and questioning government ministers. But that's not the main event. Tonight, at 10:00, Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon and backbencher Lorne Mayencourt will be hosting a drink-up at the Penticton Lakeside Resort's Barking Parrot Lounge. The entrance ticket: a glossy card/medallion featuring a burning icecube. Appropriate since Minister Falcon and Mr. Mayencourt are calling their event Fire and Ice. You guess which politician is which.

On Wednesday, The Vancouver Sun's Ian Mulgrew reported "B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Brenner has criticized Attorney-General Wally Oppal for attacking juges over their working hours. Brenner, who is in charge of the senior trial bench, demanded an apology for what he called Oppal's 'incomprehensible remarks' that 'constitute a deliberate attempt to demean the judges of this court.'" As our many of readers know, Attorney General Oppal - who has declined to apologize - once sat on the bench himself. But here's something you may not know: in an interview with Public Eye, the minister confirmed he was also on the short-list for the post Justice Brenner was appointed to in May 2000. But he's also stressed he personally likes Justice Brenner.

Earlier, we reported North Island provincial Liberals have been distributing goodie bags in support of their salmon aquaculture resolution. Not surprisingly, that proposal - which calls on the party to continue to "support a risk managed, science based approach to salmon aquaculture" - passed unanimously earlier this afternoon. In an interview following that vote, the constituency association's event chair Barb Walker explained her riding introduced the resolution because, "In the North Island and the North Coast, (aquaculture) is a huge economic input into our communities."

North Island Liberal constituency association president Colleen Ross must have busted the bank to promote her riding's salmon aquaculture resolution. The resolution, which is being presented at the party's biennial convention, calls on Liberals to "continue to support a risk managed, science based approach to salmon aquaculture." Not exactly contoversial stuff. Nevertheless, the association has taken the extra step of distributing ziplock bags which contain material urging party members to vote in favour of the proposal. Included in the bag is a magnet, a bite-sized chocolate bar and a package of Festa Salmon, manufactured by Walcan Seafood Ltd. of Heriot Bay. There's also a glossy pamphlet discussing the importance of aquaculture - and "electing a true north islander in 2009." In fact, the constituency has printed a sticker that reads "De-Claire - The North Island - electing a true north islander in 2009" - a reference to New Democrat MLA Claire Trevena.

Provincial New Democrat Leonard Krog may have won Nanaimo by 4,569 votes. But Liberals in that riding want their party to know "...we are so not dead!" Constituency association members showed up to the party's biennial convention sporting red and white T-shirts and baseball caps featuring that slogan. Explained Gloria Saunders, "As most people know, Nanaimo went back to being NDP. And nothing's getting done as far as policy or anything is concerned. So we decided we wanted to tell the world we're not dead." According to Ms. Saunders, the association's treasurer Jim Ballard and communications chair Kim Smythe came up with the concept. She also said Liberals in the Harbour City have found a candidate to run against New Democrat incumbent Leonard Krog. But she declined to say who that candidate might be.

Earlier, we reported Paladin Security Group Ltd. is patrolling the provincial Liberal biennial convention. Paladin bills itself as "Western Canada's largest full-service security company." But it made the headlines in June for another reason: The Vancouver Sun's Glenn Bohn reported the firm would be challenging 20 violation tickets for "allegedly employing people who do not have valid security employee licences." And, in 2003, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority awarded Paladin a controversial five-year $23 million contract when it privatized security services at nine Lower Mainland hospitals - making the company the union movement's favourite rent-a-cop.

The next provincial election may still be almost three years away. But our good friend Greg Moore already seems to be getting in shape for another run against New Democrat Mike Farnworth in Port Coqutilam-Burke Mountain. Last month, we reported Mr. Moore skipped his Port Coquitlam council duties to attend an important Liberal fundraiser. And now we've just learned he's moderating the public safety and labour relations policy break-out session at the party's biennial convention. As our our astute readers know, Mr. Farnworth just so happens to be the New Democrat's public safety critic.

Freelancer Paul Willcocks's opinions are published in community newspapers across British Columbia. But soon, Mr. Willcocks will also be lending his voice to The Times Colonist. The Garden City broadsheet has hired their former publisher as an editorial page writer. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Willcocks confirmed he will continue penning his freelance column.

The provincial Liberal biennial convention is underway. And the accompanying security for the event is out in force. The party has hired Paladin Security Group Ltd. to patrol the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. But we're this protective presence - which features nine guards sporting black-on-black suits and white earpieces - is thin compared to previous conventions. Paladin Security has a substantive portfolio of government clients.

As some our astute readers may know, provincial New Democrat caucus researcher Maura Parte - who is married to Victoria-Hillside legislator Rob Fleming - is taking maternity leave. And who will be filling Ms. Parte's post, you may wonder? Well, for at least three months, British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union health research and policy staff representative Anne-Marie Delorey will be warming that seat. Workers of the world unite, indeed! Meanwhile, in related news, the New Democrats have begun the process for selecting a new caucus communications director. Interested parties have just two weeks to get their resumes in - the bare minimum amount of time needed to conduct a proper job search. The following is a complete copy of that posting.

Public Eye will be travelling to Penticton today, where we will be reporting on the provincial Liberal biennial convention. Look for coverage of the two-day event, starting tomorrow.

The revolving door between the legislative precincts and its government relations lobby keeps spinning. The latest through the passageway: former provincial Liberal backbencher Mike Hunter. Mr. Hunter last made the headlines when New Democrat Leonard Krog ousted him in Nanaimo during the last election. But, according to the government's lobbyist registry, the former Fisheries Council of British Columbia president is back in the public domain. He signed-up in August as a consultant lobbyist for J.S. McMillan Fisheries Ltd., helping them refinance a loan from the province.

Vision Vancouver city councillor Raymond Louie thinks municipalities shouldn't have to pay for Partnerships British Columbia to review their capital projects. Last week, Premier Gordon Campbell announced that, from now on, the government-owned company will be taking a "hard look" at how those projects "might be built as a public-private partnership" - at least in the case of proposals costing $20 million or more and receiving provincial funding. And Partnerships British Columbia hasn't said municipalities won't be paying for that work - news that doesn't sit well with Mr. Louie. "I don't think it's appropriate at all," said the councillor. Such mandatory reviews "would create quite a bit of work for Partnerships British Columbia. And if the city were have to pay for that, that could be a considerable cost. Because, in order to do a proper assessment of a public-private partnership, you need to have a public sector comparator and many other factors added to the equation" - depending on what kind of partnership model is used.

Yesterday, we broke the news that caucus executive director Jeff Bray had abruptly resigned. When asked about the reason for that resignation, caucus chair John Yap said "As you know, this is a personnel matter. And we really don't discuss details of that nature. What I can say is that Jeff tendered his resignation to seek other employment opportunities." But this was quite a sudden decision, wasn't it? "Well, this type of thing does happen. We've had other instances where staff seek other opportunities. There's a strong job market right now in Victoria. So it's not unusual for staff to seek other opportunities."

Hockey legend Russ Courtnall took to the ice Monday night for the provincial Liberals. As co-chair of the B.C. Liberal Leader's Dinner in Victoria, he delivered the closing remarks for the fundraiser - which was held at the Victoria Conference Centre. Mr. Courtnall made political headlines last year when The Times Colonist's Louise Dickson reported he'd "been approached by the Conservative Party to run for the nomination in the federal riding of Victoria."