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.

That doesn't seem like the kind of response you'd expect if the government had done a detailed analysis of the program. So Public Eye filed a freedom of information request asking for any documents or correspondence written by senior advanced education bureaucrats between October 23 and November 13 referencing the children's education credit. And today we received a reply: "staff did not locate any responsive records."

That suggests there was no analysis by those civil servants. When we put that observation to the minister responsible Murray Coell, he said "I think the announcement is something that the premier made. He gets to delegate, being the premier, who gets to develop the program - which he asked me to do and I'm delighted to do" - with that work being done "during the spring session" and applied retroactively. The following is an edited copy of the aforementioned freedom of information request response.

***

November 24, 2006

Dear Sean Holman:

I am replying to your November 13, 2006 access request to the Ministry of Advanced Education (AVED) under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act). You request access to "...any and all correspondence (emails, etc.) or documents from/to/forwarded to/copied to Moura Quayle or her assistant deputies referencing this program/initiative (the Children's Education Credit of $1000 announced by Premier Gordon Campbell on November 4) between October 23 and November 13".

AVED staff conducted searches for responsive records in the Deputy Minister's office, the Assistant Deputy Ministers' offices as well as in programs of the Post Secondary Education Division, the Students and Learning Division and the Research, Technology and Innovation Division. Staff did not locate any responsive records.

If ou have any questions about this response to your access request, please write or call me. If you required further assistance, you may also contact the Acting Director, Allan Carlson.

Under section 52 (Right to ask for a review) of the Act, you may ask the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) to review the Ministry's response to your request. You have 30 days upon receipt of this notice to request a review by writing to:

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
PO Box n9038 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9A4
Telephone: 250-387-5629 Facsimile: 250-387-1696
Website: www.oipc.bc.ca

If you wishto request a review by the OIPC, please provide their office with:
* a copy of your original request;
* a copy of this decision letter; and
* a written request, specifying the reasons for a review.

Sincerely yours,

Mark Grady for
Privacy and Records Management Branch

If you wish to request a review by

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."

"Further complicating matters," continued Mike Morton "was the significant time change" between British Columbia and China, where the premier was touring. And that change "did not allow for a convenient time to call" the gallery. Mr. Morton then added the administration has "always communicated directly with individual print media such as the Globe and Mail, the National Post and others if the issue has a national context." The following is a complete copy of that email.

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Morton, Michael J PREM:EX
To: Sutherland, Scott
CC: Steeves, Dale PREM:EX; Keenan, Jason PREM:EX; Cox, Wendy; Bailey, Ian; Leyne, Les
Sent: Tue Nov 28 11:28:34 2006
Subject: RE: Harper Nation motion

Hi Scott. While I can take partial credit for the decisions surrounding Hartley Bay last March, as far as this op-ed is concerned, I was on a plane approximately 1000kms west of the Aleutian Islands when it was in the process of being distributed. Further, while you and Sean Leslie both e-mailed me late last week asking for a comment from the Premier regarding the Quebec resolution, the Premier's response to it had yet to be determined. Further complicating matters, was the significant time change that did not allow for a convenient time to call back to British Columbia.

As you know, op-eds are undertaken for print media, not radio or television. I appreciate that Canadian Press is a wire service that has an affiliation with many newspapers throughout Canada but we have always communicated directly with individual print media such as the Globe and Mail, the National Post and others if the issue has a national context.

As an illustration, last July, we sent out an op-ed under the Premier's name titled "The Key to Canada," focusing on equalization, leading up to the the Council of the Federation meetings. It was published in the Vancouver Sun, the Globe and Mail and other newspapers throughout the country. I do not recall the Canadian Press taking issue with this op-ed nor any other one that has been distributed and published in this manner in the past.

In closing, I do hope that this helps to clarify the matter for you and if you would like to discuss it further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Michael Morton
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
British Columbia

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.

In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Plecas explained he was brought in to decentralize the ministry. And "between my desire to spend 40 percent of my working time in the field and a very large span of control" - which included around 25 senior bureaucrats reporting to him "I needed someone who could be in charge of operations - like a COO in a private sector company."

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."

When asked why she thought executives received so few favourable reviews, Minister Chong said there has been a change in the government work environment "in terms of perhaps new and different responsibilities" since the Liberals were elected. She also noted the survey was conducted in February and March - "prior to all the wage settlements" with public sector unions. And "sometimes, a very large influence or factor in responses can be (wage) satisfaction."

Minister Chong then went onto explain her government has done much to promote excellence and innovation amongst government workers - including introducing awards recongizing such service and establishing a leadership centre that develops career opportunities for bureaucrats.

But, if that's the case, then why are civil servants so dissatisfied, we wondered? Well, one explanation, advanced by Minister Chong, is that the Campbell administration "might have to do a better job in terms" of letting civil servants know about those initiatives. "Sometimes it's just awareness."

And awareness also seems to be a problem amongst members of the Campbell administration's executive council. In an earlier interview with Public Eye, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mike De Jong said he hadn't seen the public service survey. "And if I have, I don't remember it."

Asked about that response, Minister Chong said the survey might not have been "as well publicized amongst all my colleagues as it should have been." But better communications isn't the only measure the Campbell administration will be taking to make the civil service a more attractive work environment. The premier's deputy minister Jessica McDonald recently announced corporate human resources plan which includes among its goals “improved workplace health and employee engagement.” Although, that plan wasn’t “a direct response” to the survey results, said Minister Chong.

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?

Well, in addition to being "the first treaty Indian and the first aboriginal woman to serve on the bench in Saskatchewan," Ms. Turpel-Lafond recently made headlines as one of the judges the Indigenous Bar Association would like to have seen elevated to the Supreme Court of Canada. But a review of Saskatchewan press clippings shows she hasn't had any trouble getting in the newspapers.

Since becoming a member of the judiciary, Ms. Turpel-Lafond has been a strong advocate for those with fetal alcohol syndrome. Speaking to Canadian Association for the Practical Study of Law in Education conference delegates last year, she wondered why those with the syndrome aren't "being diagnosed until they are 12 and in my courtroom? That is a big issue. Poor attachment by the family to health-care roviders is an issue. Poor access to diagnostic services, particularly in the north, is a major, major issue. Poor access to pre-natal health care is a big issue."

In 2003, Ms. Turpel-Lafond suggested widespread reforms in the justice system to accomodate fetal alcohol sufferers. "I think we should look at FAS and (opening therpeutic courts where you would have teams associated with it do the diagnosis, do the planning, and monitor the youth in the community," she said in an interview with The Star-Phoenix's Lana Haight.

And she tried to enact some of those reforms herself just two years after being appointed to the bench. In May 2000, Ms. Turpel-Lafond issued a controversial probation order for a 16-year-old believed to have fetal alcohol syndrome. That order would have seen the assign the teen "a youth worker with special training and understanding in the organic brain impariment" and that his care "an in-patient treatment centre with an aboriginal focus...special education supports, and special supports in terms of reference" - services that weren't being offered by the department of social services.

As a result, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, struck down that order, stating "There is nothing in the (Young Offenders) Act that gives a youth court judge power to order governments to create programs no matter how badly they are needed." Although the court acknowledged "her motivation and that of her colleagues in similar cases is to try to break the cycle of criminal behaviour."

Ms. Turpel-Lafond also made it into the papers in 1999 after speaking to a Federation of Saskatchewan Indian First Nations accountability and governance conference. At that conference, she said "The media would have us believe the problem of accountability is a crisis in leadership in Indian country in Saskatchewan and Canada. I don't agree. I think this is a far too limited view of the problem and only serves to reinforce some very profund stereotypes that are out there about Indian people."

According The Star-Phoenix's James Parker, Ms. Turpel-Lafod - a former legal counsel to the federation - blamed "inadequate budgets, federal legislation that limits the autonomy of band governments, extreme poverty that creates huge economic disparities on reserves and historical injustices that have left aboriginal people culturally devastated, politically marginalized and economically disadvantaged" for those accountability problems.

That outspokeness prompted the Saskatchewan Party call on government to impose conduct guidelines for provincial court judges. And, in a subsequent story, Mr. Parker paraphased then First Nations Coalition for Accountabiloity president as saying "Turpel-Lafond's comments could be a major setaback in the battle to make band governments more accountable." Although, in fairness, just a year before, the soon-to-be judge was waging her own war for more accountability among those governments - recommending the adoption of conflict-of-interest guidelines and a code of ethics by First Nations leaders.

Not surprisingly, Ms. Turpel-Lafond has also expressed concern about aboriginals caught up in the justice system. Although, in an interview with Mr. Parker soon after being appoint to the bench, she said, "The biggest mistake people can make about me is that I have no independence in my perspective, that I'm there inside the system as an advocate for Indian people. I'm there as an advocate for justice and as public servant or everyone in Saskatchewan."

Ms. Turpel-Lafond's resume includes a doctorate in law from Harvard University, as well as being named one of the top 20 Canadian leaders for the 21st century by Time magazine in 1999. She is married to former Saskatoon Tribal Council vice-chief George Lafond.

"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."

But it's not just Mr. Tieleman, a columnist for 24 hours, who has gone public with concerns about the party's "political blunders." Over the summer Doug McArthur, the deputy minister to two New Democrat premiers, suggested cardholders have been wondering, "can we go through to the next election with the current leadership?" And, at a community conference in Merritt, Yale-Lilooet legislator Harry Lali reportedly said his caucus "ought to be out there pushing back much harder against the Liberals."

When asked whether she thought such views were widespread within the party, Ms. James responded, "You'd have to ask individuals. Everyone has an opinion, as I said...There's great support out there for the work we've been doing as Opposition and we're going to continue to do our job." She then defended her less combative approach in the legislature, saying she proved during the election campaign that you can be cordial but also “be very tough on the issues."

Ms. James also commented on the utility of her Taiwanese junket, saying "The people of this province need to see how important the economy is. And they need to see that all the leaders they elect are reaching out for business opportunities for our province. That's part of my elected job - is to make sure that I’m looking for every opportunity to bring business and to build those relationships for British Columbia."

And, even though Opposition legislators can't sign trade agreements on the province's behalf, Ms. James maintained Taiwanese officials were "very pleased to have anyone from British Columbia there. Because they were very clear about the fact that we have not been present in Taiwan - that there's been missing opportunities."

"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.

During the July 27 broadcast of Voice of BC, Doug McArthur - who served as the deputy minister to two New Democrat premiers - noted, "We've now had a complete session with Carole James and her caucus in Opposition to the government - her new expanded caucus. The success of the Opposition has been questioned by many. The polls show that the Liberals are up significantly and the NDP is down significantly. I think we all know and appreciate that amongst New Democrats - active New Democrats - one of the questions being asked is, 'Do we have the leadership that can do the job, and can we go through to the next election with the current leadership?'"

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."

"You're looking at a huge sacrifice. And, on top of that, you get the media and the general public thinking you're just up to no good because you're a politician and not understanding that's the realm of serious sacrifice - when you're flying to Ottawa every week, eight hours a week only with your family. And during that time you've got to change the lightbulbs, clean the greenhouse and fix all the practical things. So that's one of my big concerns - plus having to stop so much of what I'm doing at the moment. And, plus, do I have more influence as an individual without party affiliation."

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."

"In most ministries, we've got the executive in the ministries - that's the assistant deputy ministers and the deputy ministers - getting satisifaction ratings that are actually below (sitting American president) George Bush's. And we know how low his have been for a long time," continued Prof. McArthur, who served as deputy minister to premier under both Mike Harcourt and Glen Clark.

"This indicates that the senior executives in the public service are not directing their attention to questions of employee relations and questions of providing and improving workplace satisfaction...And I know that public servants are notorious for not being overly happy with their jobs and some would say complain about their jobs. But these numbers have to be taken as a wakeup call."

And what would he do if heard that wakeup call and was still head of the public service? "In general terms there's a few things I would do," responded Prof. McArthur. "One is I would use these numbers as a basis for assessing the management of the individual ministries and the overall public service management system. So, first of all, deputy ministers and assistant deputy ministers in departments that have failing grades here - recognizing that none of them are great numbers - but those that have failing grades, that would enter into my job evaluation of those people. And I would make it an important factor in assessing whether or not these people should continue in their jobs. I think you can draw no other conclusion that, in some cases, they should not be continuing in their jobs."

"The second thing I would do is I wouild take steps to have these ministeries establish processes that they start listening to and finding out from their employees what the problems are. They've got to talk to the employees to try and fix this. It's not going to be easy to fix it. But this tells you the employees have something to say," added Prof. McArthur, stressing the need to use neutral parties to facilitate that conversation.

And he says it's important for cabinet to also "sit down and talk about this. They talk about having a big agenda for B.C. But they really need to look at the public service." Because, "with a workforce that's showing this much dissatisfaction, this much lack of confidence in their senior managers and their bosses, who are showing as much stress as they do...you know work is suffering. You know the quality of work is suffering. You know the programs and services are simply not being delivered effectively and efficiently."

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.

He also confirmed Mayor Sam Sullivan did try to get a hold of him "about three times" over the last ten days. "And I equally tried - if not more times - to reach him." But they weren't able to connected. The commissioner said he's not sure why that was, given that "I heard from Kim Capri yesterday on the first call. And met with Ian Robertson and Marty Zlotnik. I met with half the NPA today."

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.

Dear caucus members,

I understand from news reports that Al De Genova will make an announcement tomorrow about his status as a member of the NPA and the NPA caucus.

Further to our discussion at the last meeting of the full NPA Caucus, I have attempted several times to contact Al to discuss his suspension 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.

I wish Al well in whatever path he chooses to take. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to call me.

Sam

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.

From: du Toit, Lesley MCF:EX
Sent: Fri, November 10, 2006 5:18 PM
To: McDonald, J L PREM:EX; Christensen, Tom MCF:EX

Dear All

I am delighted to let you know that as of today I have made two new appointments with respect to Leadership in the Ministry. Congratulations Donna and Patrick! I am so thrilled and honored that they have been willing to take on these new challenges and know that you will all welcome them and give them your support in their new role.

Firstly, Donna Knox is appointed as the Chief Operations Officer.

Donna has been involved with child welfare in government for the past 30 years and has been a Social Worker, Community Services Manager, Contracts and Resources Manager, and most recently the RED for the Vancouver Coastal Region. She holds a B.P.E. degree and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of British Columbia. Donna has immense experience in operations, management and direct services to children, youth an ffamilies, and presently serves as a member of the provincial leadership team

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a new role at the Provincial Office to bring sharper focus to current and near-term priorities, projects, and critical response management. Donna will assit me in the oversight of day-to-day running of the ministry and free up some of my time to engage in directly facilitating transformation work.Reporting to me, she will oversee daily ministry operations, provide functional directional assistance to ADMs, screen emergent client issues and organize initial responses, and monitor high level projects.

Secondly, Patrick Doyle is appointed as Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Human Resources.

Patrick has over 20 years experience in Human Resources in both the private and public sector. Most recently he was a member of the province of British Columbia's main table bargaining team and is a current Board member of the Community Social Services Employers Association. Patrick holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Public Administration degrees.

Patrick's work experience includes senior level work in labour relations, compensation and rewards, recruitment and retention, education and training, and disability management. He has developed and implemented numerous new HR programs and practices in these fields. He was the Ministry human resource lead on the devolution of Community Living programs from MCFD to the new authority Community Living British Columbia. He presently is a member of our executive leadership team as the executive Director of SHR.

As Assistant Deputy Minister, Patrick's responsibilities include strategic human resources, education and training, transformation change management support, and labour strategy for the ministry's contract sector.

Kind regards
Lesley

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."

Continued Prof. Walker, "There have been rumors floating that I may not supporting MI as I did not attend an event for Michael last Friday, and I suppose with most rumors there is some truth. Mine was contracting the flu...Let me be clear, I am true to my word, and will vote in the first ballot for Michael. However, after that, I will be re-evaluating my position. At the end of the day, I see my vote being cast on values and who I feel can renew our party, and carry us into a successful election to defeat the Harper Government."

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.

Sent: November 8, 2006 11:20 AM
Subject: Reminder: Delegate/Alternate and Volunteer Reception

Michael Ignatieff returns to Victoria November 10, 2006

Michael Ignatieff and his BC Campaign team cordially invite you to a

"Delegate/Alternate and Volunteer Reception"

Friday, November 10th

Details are listed below:

Date: November 10th
Time: 5:00-6:30pm
Location: Upper Terrace

Please RSVP if you haven't done so already

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."

When asked why Ms. Sahota was contacted, Ms. Ackenhusen said the authority has "as part of our project initiative, a communications strategy to have some interactive dialogue with the Indo-Canadian community. So, with her background and contacts, it was felt she might be able to help us think how to do that."

The vice-president couldn't say, at this point whether there would be a competitive bid process to award that work - or even if the authority was interested in retaining Ms. Sahota. So far, though, the former Burnaby-Edmunds MLA is the only person who has been approached about the job. "I'm not sure how the name came up," said Ms. Ackenhusen. "Although she's obviously quite well known."

According to Ms. Sahota's biography, "before being elected to the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Sahota worked in various sectors of the forestry industry, including remanufacturing, lumber wholesale, and environmental systems. After earning her bachelor of arts degree in political science in 1993 from the University of Victoria, she worked for a commercial development realty firm and for the B.C. Liberal Party as a regional organizer and as an aide to then-Opposition Leader Gordon Campbell."

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.

In August 2004, Whistler appointed a blue ribbon panel to "provide opinions and recommendations" about what method the municipality should use to upgrade its waste water treatment plant. According to the panel's report, "two procurement options" were under consideration - "the traditional engineering approach proposed by Dayton & Knight;" and the second; and the Design Build Operate (“DBO”) approach proposed by Partnerships BC."

The panel - which included representatives engineering and accounting firms, as well as other local government - recommended the municipality accept Partnerships British Columbia's proposal. Although one dissenting panel member noted that document "did not provide evaluators and potential proponents with a suitable basis upon which to evaluate the merits of proposals Whistler would receive...A substantial examination of the Whistler plant by an independent consultant is required to prepare a suitable Shadow Bid."

But it was all for naught in the end. In June, Whistler councillors voted to cancel plans to upgrade the plant using a public-private partnership.

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.

The survey also found 34 percent agree they are "fairly paid to do their work" - a sentiment deputy and assistant deputy ministers likely no longer share after receiving an increase to their maximum payable salary over the summer. Moreover, just 43 percent feel their "job is secure" - almost four years after the civil service was traumatized by the administration's Black Thursday layoffs. And only 35 percent agree they "have opportunities for career growth" in the civil service.

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."

Leaders at the ministry of aboriginal relations and reconciliation executives received the fewest favourable reviews - averaging 13 percent. Bad news, given that this is the organization responsible for building Premier Gordon Campbell's cherished New Relationship with the province's First Nations peoples. But the reviews weren't much better at the integrated land management bureau. Only an average of 16 percent of bureaucrats at that office - which coordinates access to Crown land - gave their executives a thumbs up.

Other problem ministries include children and family development and employment and income assistance, where an average of just 20 percent gave their executives top marks. Meanwhile, in the office of the premier, an average of 62 percent gave their leadership good reviews - the best performance across civil service. Government didn't provide data differentiating between those who disagreed with the positive statements in the survey and those who gave a neutral response. The following is a copy of the survey, which two-thirds of employees completed.

***

Day-to-day work

Percent who agree with the following statements

56% - A healthy atmosphere exists in my work unit.
41% - My work unit is supported to cope effectively with change.
60% - My work unit values diversity.
72% - My work unit is free from discrimination and harassment.
61% - I have adequate opportunities to candidly express ideas.
51% - Appropriate accountability practices are in plae in my work unit.
70% - My job is a good fit with my skills and interests.
58% - I have opportunities to provide input into decisions that affect my work.
48% - Work is distributed fairly in my work unit.
45% - My workload is manageable.
44% - My workplace procedures allow me to be as productive as possible.
43% - I receive meaningful recognition for work well done.
40% - Recognition is based on merit in my work unit.
34% - I am fairly paid for the work I do.
45% - My benefits meet my (and my family's) needs well.
44% - In my work unit, the process of selecting a person for a position is fair.
40% - In my work unit, the process of selecting a person for a position is based on merit.
42% - My work-related stress is manageable.
31% - I feel anxiety as a result of the stress I experience for work.
49% - I feel stimulated as a result of the challenges I experience at work.
48% - I have support at work to provide a high level of service.
50% - I am encouraged to be innovative in my work.
52% - I have the freedom to make the decisions necessary to do my job well.
33% - My work unit gets useful feedback on its level of performance.
64% - My work unit strives to improve the quality of its work.
74% - My work is interesting.
73% - My work is meaningful.
82% - I am proud of the work I do.
43%- I feel my job is secure.
52% - I have support at work to balance my work and personal life.

Average percent who agree by ministry with the above series of statements

51% - Total
69% - Office of Premier
64% - Offices of Legislature
60% - Economic Development
60% - Public Service Agency
60% - Agriculture and Lands
59% - Community Services
55% - Advanced Education
56% - Labour
56% - Forests and Range
56% - Citizens' Services
56% - Finance
56% - Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
56% - Education
51% - Attorney General
54% - Environment
52% - Small Business and Revenue
50% - Health
57% - Tourism, Sport and the Arts
43% - Housing
45% - Public Safey and Solicitor General
50% - Children and Family Development
45% - Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
50% - Integrated Land Management Bureau
42% - Employment and Income Assistance

Physical environment and resources

Percent who agree with the following statements

54% - My physical work environment is satisfactory.
63% - The physical security of my workplace is satisfactory.
60% - I have the tools (i.e., technology, equipment, etc) I need to do my job well.
55% - I have the information I need to do my job well.

Average percent who agree by ministry with the above series of statements

58% - Total
78% - Office of Premier
78% - Offices of Legislature
77% - Economic Development
75% - Public Service Agency
69% - Agriculture and Lands
65% - Community Services
62% - Advanced Education
68% - Labour
60% - Forests and Range
61% - Citizens Services
66% - Finance
64% - Energy, Mines and Petroleum Development