February 2007 Archives

The federal Conservative nomination race in Newton-North Delta continues to be a source of controversy. Two of the nomination candidates - Paul Brar and Sandeep Pandher - have a past association with the Liberals. And now Heather Stilwell, the Surrey school trustee who's running against them, has found some anomalies in the riding's party membership list. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Stilwell said she and her supporters have placed calls to 684 out of the more than 12,000 Conservatives who belong to the local electoral district association. And, of the 155 they actually managed to speak with, just 25 knew they were Tories. The rest "didn't know they had joined the party. And quite a few of those said, ‘Well, no, I'm a Liberal.'" Will wonders never cease?!

Last year's Non-Partisan Association annual report - which summarized the civic party's achievements after one year in office - wasn't exactly an unequivocal success for Mayor Sam Sullivan and his team. The Vancouver Courier's Allen Garr described the report as an example of "pseudology" or the practice of making false statements. As part of his evidence for making that allegation, Mr. Garr wrote "on page 4 of the NPA document under budget ‘highlights,' there's a note on ‘significant new funding' for the Vancouver Police Department" - funding that "Sullivan along with the majority of his caucus voted against." So how much did the association pay to get beat up by the press you may wonder? Well, Public Eye has learned, the total price tag (including printing) was...er...more than $6,000 - with the cost being born by the association and Sullivan donors.

Kim Haakstad, one of the federal Liberal's most reliable workhorses, will soon be carrying some extra saddlebags. The former party executive director has been named the provincial tour director for Stephane Dion in the coming election. Ms. Haakstad was also the British Columbia returning officer during the recent Liberal leadership race.

Last week, we broke the news federal Conservative Newton-North Delta nomination candidate Paul Brar had once supported Liberal incumbent Sukh Dhaliwal. But he's not the only would-be Tory parliamentarian in that riding who has a past association with the Grits.

Now that we know who the federal Conservative candidate in Victoria will likely be, inquiring minds are wondering which hopefuls will be running for the Liberal nomination in that riding. In an interview Public Eye, Mulligan Tam Pearson Law Corp. partner Mike Mulligan confirmed he's presently planning on stepping up to the starting line. "I'm still in the process of rounding up support and completing all the nomination papers and so on. But you seem to have gotten the scoop early," said Mr. Mulligan.

More election readiness news from the federal Liberals: last week, we told you British Columbia campaign co-chairs Pam McDonald and Bruce Young had organized a conference call with constituency association presidents. And now we've learned officials in British Columbia are operating with the understanding that most nominations should be, if possible, concluded by the end of March. This, following last week's announcement that the national nomination freeze has been lifted.

Footage of junior politicos singing campaign songs is almost always somewhat embarassing (at least for the viewers). Witness this recent home movie of provincial Young Liberals returning from the party's biennial convention. But it seems one New Democrat didn't think that movie was embarassing enough. An anonymous party supporter has...er...edited that footage. You can see the results for yourself.

Putting an end to weeks of speculation, Baba Brinkman has announced he will be composing a new rap song in suppport of his mother Joyce Murray bid for the Vancouver Quadra federal Liberal nomination. In an email to friends, Mr. Brinkman writes "when the local political internet watch-dog" - that would be your humble organ - "caught wind of the story that Quadra's current MP had decided not to seek re-election, opening the possibility that my mom could succeed him, how did they report it? Was the headline 'Stephen Owen to Retire'? Was the headline 'Joyce Murray Rumoured to Be Running in Quadra'? No, the headline was 'Coming Soon: A New Baba Brinkman Rap?' Even though I wasn't even mentioned in the article, this was the point of interest. So despite my mom's incredible credentials and abilities, according to BC's political pundits she is just 'that rapper guy's mom'. What's good for the goose is good for the gander though, so you can bet I intend to deliver the goods." In the meantime, readers can listen to Mr. Brinkman past campaign raps on his Website. The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned email.

Tomorrow morning, on Public Eye Radio, former California Environmental Protection Agency secretary Terry Tamminen discusses the climate change challenge confronting British Columbia. Provincial New Democrat education critic David Cubberley talks about how much progress we've made in earthquake-proofing the province's schools. And the party's House Leader Mike Farnworth shares with us the Opposition's plans for the present legislative session. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Ariel Lade, Bob Russell, Alex Tsakumis 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 8:30 and 10:00. 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.

Non-Partisan Association directors are putting on their talent scout caps. On Wednesday evening, they passed a resolution to strike a committee to recruit candidates for the upcoming board elections - scheduled for April 25. There were also some - how shall we put this - spirited discussions about the possibility a board-endorsed slate. However, it's likely the board will only act on those discussions if it becomes apparent there may be a repeat of last year's divisive slate-organizing activities. But, really, who would do such a thing?

Last week, the provincial government announced it would be forming a climate action team - chaired by Premier Gordon Campbell - to set interim targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. But will that action team need additional support staff? And, if so, who will be recruited for that effort? Well, some have suggested Partnerships British Columbia corporate affairs vice-president Suromitra Sanatani as a possible staff member. But that wouldn't work. After all, Ms. Sanatani is presently seconded to the ministry of advanced education, where she's working on another one of the premier's pet projects - the Pacific Centre for Social Innovation.

As our astute readers know, constituency assistants are forbidden from doing partisan work. But does that stop them from collecting opposition research materials? Last October, senior provincial New Democrat research instructor Paula Gunn sent an email to assistants clarifying caucus's new Community Network project - which would see those aides record the names of key activists, supporters, government appointees and firms with provincial business in their ridings.

Earlier this month, Kamloops This Week's Dale Bass revealed provincial New Democrat caucus communications officer Mike Hanson sent an email to his contacts calling Minister of State for Mining Kevin Krueger a "potato-head." And now, a week after it was revealed he had been disciplined for that email, Mr. Hanson has tendered his resignation. In an email obtained by Public Eye, caucus executive director Mary O'Donoghue writes she has accepted that resignation, adding "there are no oustanding issues." She then goes onto ask that "MLAs" - yes, you read that right - "and staff refrain from speculating about the matter any further." The following is a complete copy of that email.

Public Eye has obtained an undated photograph showing Newton-North Delta federal Conservative candidate Paul Brar attending an event with Joel Volpe - who recently ran for the federal Liberal leadership - and Grit parliamentarian Sukh Dhaliwal. Asked for comment, Mr. Brar said "I've been a member of the (Conservatives) for the past 16 to 18 months." But before that he was friends with the Liberals. "We were getting together. And everything was happening the way we wanted it." But now Mr. Brar feels the community “can do better in the Conservative Party of Canada because they're better on crime, they're better on accountability and they've shown it.”

Earlier, we noted the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch's stores reported just 69 percent compliance in fiscal 2005/06 with a government regulation requiring liquor licensees to ask anyone who appears to be under 25 for two pieces of identification. Solicitor General John Les has promised to increase that compliance rate - a goal which should now be much easier to meet. On Friday, the government discarded that regulation - which was applied to its stores on March 14, 2003 - because it was "difficult to enforce." So now only those who appear to be under 19 will be required to show two pieces of identification. Fancy that!

Across the country, federal Liberal operatives are girding their loins in preparation for the upcoming election - whenever that may be. So it should come as no surprise British Columbia campaign co-chairs Pam Mcdonald and Bruce Young have invited constituency association presidents to participate in a conference call tomorrow afternoon to discuss candidate recruitment and the party's election readiness.

Paul Brar wants to be the federal Conservative candidate in Newton-North Delta in the next election. But has he supported incumbent Liberal parliamentarian Sukh Dhaliwal during past campaigns? In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Dhaliwal described Mr. Brar as having been a "very good friend" and a "strong supporter." Continued the MP, "He helped me in my nomination and my elections. He was there everyday." Mr. Brar, though, says something different.

In his authoritative British Columbia Children and Youth Review, former conflict of interest commissioner Ted Hughes noted past ministry of children and family development service plans "have contained too few" performance measures. Those measures, a hallmark of the Campbell administration, are used as "indicators of the government's progress in achieving its goals" - in this case ensuring "child safety and child wellbeing."

You'd think it would be easy to make sure government stores don't sell liquor to minors. But, according to the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch's latest service plan, you'd be wrong. Last year, the branch promised those stores would be 85 percent compliant with a regulation requiring liquor licensees to ask anyone who appears to be under 25 for two pieces of identitifcation. But it fell somewhat short of that mark in fiscal 2005/06 - achieving just 69 percent compliance. Asked about that failure by Public Eye, Solicitor General John Les said, "That's a concern. It's a big concern for me. We want to make sure minors are not accessing liquor through government liquor stores. So I've asked the general manager for the LDB (Jay Chambers) to ensure that government liquor stores complying with those 2-ID requirements for those who appear to be 19 and younger - like everybody else has to comply."

The Vancouver Quadra federal Liberal nomination race is beginning to get a bit crowded. Last night, three hopefuls made nomination pitches to the constituency association membership at the Kerrisdale Community Centre. They were Cindy Grauer, Joyce Murray and Ethos Strategy Group partner Catherine Evans. The following is a complete copy of an email announcing Ms. Evans's candidacy.

Comments being posted on Public Eye seem to suggest our readers have launched a grassroots campaign to recruit Kim Emsley-Leik to run for the federal Liberal presidency in British Columbia. And what does Ms. Emsley-Leik have to say about such talk? In an interview with your humble organ said, "To be honest I'm really flattered. And it's probably something I'd be interested in in the future. But right now I'm doing my master's" degree in pathology at the University of British Columbia. "And if you're going to do the LPCBC presidency you have to be 110 percent committed to do it so you can do it properly. So right now, I won't be running." Ms. Emsley-Leik, the operations chair for party leadership candidate Michael Ignatieff's British Columbia campaign, also confirmed she was approached to seek the Liberal nomination in Cariboo-Prince George and Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam. But she's also turned down those offers.

It's no secret relations between employees and executives at the ministry of children and family development could stand a little improvement. According to a recent work environment survey, just 20 percent agreed with statements expressing confidence in their bosses. So it should come as no surprise that, last fall, the ministry's leadership team launched an initiative to encourage managers to "engage employees in a meaningful way by looking at and acknowledging the staff and their strengths." This, according to records obtained under a freedom of information request by Public Eye.

When last we spoke with Gary Collins, the former provincial finance minister had resigned as president of Harmony Airways to pursue "other career opportunities." And what might those be, you may wonder? Well, in an email sent to friends and associates minutes ago, Mr. Collins announced he'll be joining Belkin Industries as a senior vice-president. The following is an edited copy of that email.

Public Eye sends our congratulations (we think) and best wishes (he may need it) to Harris and Company partner Dean Crawford, who has been acclaimed as chair of the British Columbia federal Liberal green light committee. Committee members, who are responsible for vetting nomination candidates, named Mr. Crawford to that post last Wednesday.

Last week, we told you about a discussion paper being circulated by the provincial New Democrat's nomination review committee. That paper features a number of affirmative action proposals. But those aren't the only recommendations included in the report. The committee also reaffirmed that "nomination meetings held in constituencies whose executives willfully violate the regulations established by the Provincial may be declared null and void." Which is all well and good. But one wonders what Delta North legislator Guy Gentner thinks about that proposal. After all, Mr. Gentner was selected as the New Democrat candidate in that riding following a controversial nomination meeting - the result of which the party's executive council rejected. That is, until they appointed Mr. Gentner to that post! Other newsworthy suggestions in that report include a proposal "implement a ceiling on nomination expenses" - because, apparently, the New Democrats...uh...don't have one right now.

Central Saanich police corporal Jack McClintock failed in his first bid to be the federal Conservative candidate in Victoria. But, as they saying goes, if at first you don't succeed...er...you probably will if you try again. Mr. McClintock has again submitted papers to run for that nomination - the only one to do so before Wednesday's filing deadline. And that means - assuming those papers are approved - he'll be running against incumbent New Democrat parliamentarian Denise Savoie in the next election. Mr. McClintock, a former member of the Victoria police department, also competed to be the Canadian Alliance candidate in Victoria in 2000.

Fond farewells to our good friend Brian Bonney. In an interview with Public Eye, provincial Liberal communications director Chad Pederson confirmed Mr. Bonney - whose Internet adventures have been chronicled by your humble organ - resigned on February 11 as the party's operations director. Said Mr. Pederson, "He's left to explore other opportunities. He was a valuable asset to the party. And he'll be missed. And we certainly wish him well." So now the world is Mr. Bonney's oyster. Good pearl hunting.

In last week's throne speech, the Campbell administration mentioned the legislative buildings would be upgraded to meet modern seismic standards. But one wonders what the Families for School Seismic Safety think about the provincial government's commitment to historical preservation? After all, in its December 2006 newsletter, the association expressed concern "bureaucratic hold ups - such as due diligence reviews of projects in progress" - may delay the Campbell administration's 2004 promise to make all of British Columbia's schools earthquake safe within the next 15 years, at a cost of $1.5 billion. Well, we'll find out the answer to that question on Tuesday. That's when the association is thinking about issuing a statement concerning the issue - following Monday evening's Vancouver school board meeting.

Tomorrow morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial Liberal House Leader Mike de Jong talks about Campbell administration's legislative agenda. Federal Liberal British Columbia campaign co-chair Bruce Young and his Conservative counterpart Bruce Hallsor share their thoughts on election preparedness. And our rabble-rousing panel - Troy DeSouza, 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 8:30 and 10:00. 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.

Promises of throne speeches past are coming back to haunt the Campbell administration. In 2005, the Liberals reaffirmed their commitment to "lead the way in Canada on electoral reform." As part of that commitment, the government said there would be an "extensive effort to better inform British Columbians" about the present first-past-the-post system and its proposed replacement - the single-transferable vote. And that effort will include "equal funding" for those who favour change and those who don't. But the government hasn't given any further details on how it's going to keep said promises.

Last April, former conflict of interest commissioner Ted Hughes released 62 recommendations to repair British Columbia child protection system - recommendations the Campbell administration has committed to act on. So it seems somewhat curious children and family development deputy minister Lesley du Toit doesn't reference his British Columbia Children and Youth Review in any correspondence she sent between May 1, 2006 and December 8, 2006. This, according to a New Democrat freedom of information request response released today.

Premier Gordon Campbell's former personal polymath may soon be taking on a new job if some federal Liberals have their way. Rhodes scholar Andrew Wilkinson, a former provincial deputy minister, is being promoted as a possible successor to Heenan Blaikie LLP partner Craig Munroe, the president of the Vancouver Quadra constituency association. Mr. Wilkinson, a trained physician and partner with McCarthy Tetrault LLP, hasn't yet returned a call from Public Eye requesting comment on such talk. Mr. Munroe is said to be thinking about running to be the Liberal's British Columbia president.

Earlier, we reported Finance Minister Carole Taylor talked about British Columbia's public-private partnership opportunities at invite-only forum organized by Euromoney and Project Finance Magazine. But she wasn't the only one addressing the conference. James Stewart, the chief executive officer of Partnerships UK - the government agency responsible for promoting public-private projects in Britain - was also scheduled to give his two cents. And the province's public affairs bureau wanted to make sure Minister Taylor was aware of his presence. Her speaking notes include a reminder to acknowledge Mr. Stewart's presence because Partnerships UK "helped (Partnerships British Columbia) a lot." Hmmm...it seems the Blair administration has been providing a lot of inspiration for the Campbell government.

It's no secret the union movement thinks the Campbell administration's public-private partnerships are a bad deal for the province. For example, in November, British Columbia Federation of Labour conventioneers said those projects are "shrouded in secrecy and face gross delays, loss of service and public scrutiny, as well as huge cost overruns." This, according to a news release from the Canadian Union of Public Employees. But it seems at least one union pension plan thinks investing in such partnerships is a good deal for its members.

Earlier, we reported the provincial New Democrat's nomination review committee - which has eight female members and four males - has advanced for discussion a suggestion that 50 percent of the party's candidates in the next election should be women. So here's some relevant numbers: presently, the Opposition caucus has 33 members, of which seven are women. That means, assuming all the men run for re-election, there will be room for just 13 more males on the New Democrat slate in 2009. The following is a complete copy of the committee's membership, as listed in its Changing the Nomination Process report.

During the federal Liberal leadership race, Stephane Dion promised one-third of the party's candidates in the next election would be women. But that's nothing compared to a series of affirmative action proposals being advanced for discussion by the provincial New Democrat's nomination review committee. According to a report, obtained exclusively by Public Eye, "lack of representation of women, Aboriginal people, youth, people with disabilities, visible minorities, and (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) individuals" is one of the principle issues confronting the party's candidate recruitment process.

A provincial government-commissioned review suggests Community Living British Columbia might not save money when it begins closing group homes. This past September, the authority launched a six-month project to give developmentally disabled individuals living in those homes the option of moving into what are described as "person-centred and cost-effective" dwellings. And, as part of that process, some group homes could be closed - with the financial savings being tracked by the authority's quality service branch.

The federal Conservatives seem to be using sticks rather than carrots to make sure would-be election candidates are on their best behaviour. According to the party's nomination rules and procedures - which were distributed to riding associations this past June - candidates must make out a $1,000 cheque payable to the Conservative Fund Canada to "serve as a Good Conduct Bond." Those who follow those rules and procedures will get their cheque back. But it's tough luck for those who don't. And the news is even worse for candidates who win less than 10 percent of the vote at a nomination meeting. They have to relinquish their $1,000 "Non-Frivolous Bond." Which means troublemakers who want to run for the Conservatives for shits and giggles are going to be out $2,000. Ouch!

Former provincial Liberal cabinet minister Joyce Murray might not be the only one thinking about running for the federal Liberal nomination in Vancouver Quadra. Cindy Grauer, who, sat on the Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission between 1997 to 2003, is also being talked up as a could-be nomination candidate. Ms. Grauer, the principle of management consulting firm GR Strategies Inc., hasn't yet returned a phone call from Public Eye placed earlier this morning.

This week, in an interview with The Province's Ian Bailey, former provincial cabinet minister Joyce Murray confirmed what we had already anticipated - that she's "considering a bid to become Vancouver Quadra's Liberal candidate in the next federal election." This, after parliamentarian Stephen Owen announced his retirement from politics. But, notwithstanding Ms. Murray's enthusiasm for that job, the party's local constituency association executive will be setting up a candidate search committee this coming Thursday to recruit a few more good women to run in the upcoming nomination race.

Forest and Range Minister Rich Coleman was hobnobbing with ice rink royalty last Wednesday. One of our astute readers spotted him in the Orca Bay box at General Motors Place, socializing with National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman. Asked whether he gave Mr. Bettman any advice about the management of the league, Minister Coleman laughed and said, "I don't know whether he would have taken it anyway. I just asked him what he thought of the league 15 years later - because he's been the commissioner for 15 years - and whether he was satisified. And his remark is he's never satisfied." Also in the box were Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Bill Barisoff and Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini.

Your humble organ is making the transition from a PC to a Mac. As a result, expect somewhat fewer postings over the next week.

Last month, Mayor Sam Sullivan community relations director resigned "to take on a new opportunity in the private sector." And the hunt is now underway to find a replacement for Anna Lilly. Chief of staff Daniel Fontaine fired the starting pistol this morning, in an email encouraging friends and fellow travellers to beat the bushes for anyone who might be interested in becoming the mayor's next communications director. The following is a complete copy of that email.

On Saturday, The Vancouver Sun's Miro Cernetig reported Premier Gordon Campbell is "planning to launch a major 'green initiative' next week that will follow much of the script that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has laid down in California to combat global warming." In fact, Public Eye has learned the Campbell administration has been consulting with the California government since Christmas as part of its environmental policy development process. And that consultation has included a visit from former California Environmental Protection Agency secretary Terry Tamminen, who met with Premier Campbell and his deputy minister Jessica McDonald (among others).

Earlier, we reported Burquitlam provincial Liberal backbencher Harry Bloy had scheduled his sixth annual wine and roses fundraiser for March 17 - featuring special guest Finance Minister Carole Taylor. But it's going to be held at a new location - Brian Jessel's BMW showroom. Which seems somewhat appropriate. After all, last year Minister Taylor announced the surtax on passenger vehicles priced over $49,000 would now only apply to cars and trucks valued at more than $55,000 - which has made it more affordable to purchase luxury models like the BMW 3 Series, the X3 and the Z4.

Here's a red letter date for Tri-City provincial Liberals. On March 17, Burquitlam legislator Harry Bloy will be hosting his sixth annual wine and roses fundraiser, with tickets priced at $85 and sponsorship opportunities ranging from $1,500 to $2,500. This, according to a letter and order form authored by Mr. Bloy's constituency assistant Dave Teixeira. All of which isn't particularly surprising. But wait a minute. According to the document propreties for that file, Mr. Teixeira created the promotional material at 10:49 in the morning on January 25 - a Thursday for those who are checking their calendars. So does that mean he was doing partisan work on constituency office time? In an interview, Mr. Teixeria allayed our concerns. "I can't remember the time I did that. But it certainly wouldn't have been done on the company time, if you will." So that's that. The following is a portion of the aforementioned material.

The results of the provincial New Democrat caucus officer elections are in! In what will be a surprise to some, Jenny Kwan has retained her post as caucus chair, fending off a challenge from Shane Simpson. Legislators also gave Harry Lali another term as caucus vice-chair, voting for him over Chuck Puchmayr. And Doug Routley has been elected deputy whip, replacing Diane Thorne who no longer wanted the job. Meanwhile, Katrine Conroy continues unopposed as the New Democrat's whip.

A programming note for Public Eye Radio listeners: beginning on February 18, we'll be broadcasting on Sunday mornings between 8:30 and 10:00. That timeslot change - which is excellent news for your humble organ - also means this weekend's show has been cancelled.

Thanks to an offensive email, Bill Bennett resigned earlier this week as the minister of state for mining. But will he be returning to the executive council? In an interview with Public Eye, Fernie Mayor Randal Macnair said Mr. Bennett publicly predicted Wednesday that he would be back in cabinet. But Mr. Bennett said Mayor Macnair's got it wrong. "I don't think I predicted that at all. I said" - at a Rotary Club luncheon - "I'd like someday to be back in cabinet. I think that's different than predicting. I have no idea whether the premier is disposed toward that or not. It's not up to me anyway." He then added, "There were some folks there who don't support me politically. So I would anticipate they would be doing things that are not supportive of me politically."

City councillors shouldn't be using their vancouver.ca email addresses for partisan purposes. This, according to city clerk Syd Baxter. "There's a broad sweeping policy - and it doesn't particularly apply to email but it includes email - that city-owned facilities and services are not to be used for partisan purposes," he explained. And would that policy preclude councillors from attaching to their emails a tagline promoting one of Vancouver's civic parties? "That's my view. That would not be acceptable."

Last month, we reported some federal Conservatives have been wanting former provincial cabinet minister Patrick Wong to run for the Tory nomination in Richmond. And rumour has it Mr. Wong will announce today he's stepping up to that starting line. If that happens, it won't be much of a surprise to some of our astute readers. On February 2, the Conservatives appointed Mr. Wong a special advisor to political operations director Doug Finley, providing counsel on Asia Pacific issues and assisting the party in reaching out to new Canadians.

If provincial New Democrat health critic Adrian Dix was a movie, he'd be the critic's favourite. Canadian Press reporter Dirk Meissner, for example, has described the Vancouver-Kingsway legislator as being "very adept at raising the profile of any issue he wants to seize." And Global BCTV legislative bureau chief Keith Baldrey named him "the most effective NDP MLA when it comes to holding the Liberals accountable." These quotes (and 19 more) can be found on the legislator's Webpage. But it seems the press gallery doesn't seem to have nearly as much to say about New Democrat leader Carole James. She has just three quotes listed on her page. Surely there must be a backlog of praise just waiting to be posted?!

Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett resigned Tuesday over an offensive email he wrote last month. But, when Premier Gordon Campbell was charged with driving drunk in Maui, he didn't resign. He apologized. And that has some wondering why Mr. Bennett couldn't have said he was sorry too - rather than losing his cabinet post. In response to a question posed by Public Eye, Premier Campbell said, "I think that it was clear - and Bill recognized this - that he was acting as a Minister of the Crown (when he sent the email). And he accepted that responsibility. I was on vacation, as I said, at the time (I was charged). And I didn't feel (resigning) was something I had to do. And I said I would give British Columbians a chance to judge that and they did. And I was re-elected in 2005. But I think, clearly, when you're acting as a Minister of the Crown, in your capacity at work, I think you have an obligation to be met." Premier Campbell has named Kamloops-North Thompson legislator Kevin Krueger as Mr. Bennett's replacement.

We've always known the federal Liberals can count more than a few members of the equestrian classes among their ranks. And now comes more proof. Yesterday, it was announced the party's former national policy chair Akaash Maharaj has donated the naming rates for his tent pegging team to the United Nations Children's Fund. Tent pegging, in the words of Mr. Maharaj, is a sport that involves a "mounted cavalier riding at a full gallop across a timed course, on the flat and over jumps, using sword and lance to smite a succession of ground and elevated targets." He'll be competing at the International Tent Pegging Championships, scheduled to take place this coming March in Oman.

Here's some intelligence for members of the children and family development community: it seems deputy minister Lesley du Toit, along with her leadership and transformation teams, have been at a retreat in Richmond since Tuesday. That retreat is scheduled to last until Thursday, when members of the ministry's larger reference group will join the meeting. Whatever could be under discussion?

Vancouver Quadra parliamentarian Stephen Owen's decision not to run in the next election has federal Conservatives re-calculating their chances of taking that riding. And some Tories have starry-eyed ambitions to run a supernova candidate in the upscale constituency - such as man in motion Rick Hansen. When asked for comment on that talk, Rick Hansen Foundation senior communications manager Sarah Fugiyama said "I can tell you he doesn't intend to enter politics at this time. And, as you know, he enjoys his work and remains committed to work here with the foundation and, obviously, with his family. I know he's always been flattered by the suggestion over the years. But he's very much focused on his ongoing pursuit of research and accessible communities."

Montana Democratic state senator Dan Weinberg took the high road when asked about now former minister of state for mining Bill Bennett's seemingly anti-American comments. In an interview with Public Eye, he said those comments are "not helpful. But I'm not going to concentrate on that. There are larger issues here than how somebody personally feels about a group of people." Continued Mr.Weinberg, who is in favour of protecting the Flathead River watershed from mining, "All of us should be taking care of our land. And the land does belong to all of us. Whether you're on the Canadian side or the American side, the Flathead River basin is to be treasured and cared for by all of us."

Today, Vancouver Quadra parliamentarian Stephen Owen announced he won't be running in the next election. In a statement, Mr. Owen said, "It has been a great honour and a wonderful experience for me to represent the people of Vancouver Quadra and to serve in the governments of Prime Ministers Chrétien and Martin." And who will be replacing him as the Grit candidate in that riding? Well, some Liberals are promoting former provincial cabinet minister Joyce Murray - who ran in New Westminster-Coquitlam in the next election - as his successor. The following is a complete copy of Mr. Owen's statement.

So what do the provincial New Democrats think about now former minister of state for mining Bill Bennett's controversial email to Fernie Rod and Gun Club president Maarten Hart? Referring specifically to Mr. Bennett's comment that he doesn't "give a shit" about American opinions on "Canada or Canadian residents," agriculture and land critic Corky Evans said, "It's not just rude - it's indicative of some kind of antipathy toward people who care for land on both sides of the border but especially from the United States. Being a person who was born there, am I not a good Canadian because of where I got born, because I'm an immigrant or because I don't think we should mine coal in the Flathead Valley?"

Earlier, we exclusively told you about a heated email exchange between Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett and Fernie Rod and Gun Club president Maarten Hart. Speaking first with Public Eye, Minister Bennett commented, "I not only think (my email) was inappropriate, it was stupid on my part. I was very angry and frustrated because I just spent three hours reviewing an issue that was very important to hunters. And when I came across this email slagging me and the government it seemed ungrateful. And I responded very badly. And I have offered my resignation to the premier. And he has accepted it."

The president of the Fernie Rod and Gun Club got an unexpected response from Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett when he wrote to complain about proposed changes to the provincial government's big game allocation process. In an email sent back in November, Maarten Hart claimed those changes would give guides and outfitters an unfair advantage over resident hunters. And he didn't mince words when making that claim, writing that the Campbell administration "bows to the almighty dollar and faces east three times each day (not to Mecca, but to Wall Street)". But, a reply sent out last month, Minister Bennett was even more blunt. "It is my understanding that you are an American, so I don't give a shit what your opinion is on Canada or Canadian residents," he informed Dr. Hart. He then went on to describe the veterinarian as "dumb" and alleged he might be "an American spy who is actually interested in helping the US create a park in the Flathead" - a reference to Dr. Hart's opposition to coal mining in that watershed, which stretches into the United States. The following is a complete copy of that email exchange.

Speaking of 2010 LegaciesNow, did you know Janet Fraser - who served as Gordon Campbell's executive assistant when he was mayor of Vancouver and president of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities - is now working for that non-profit society? Neither did we. But, in an interview with Public Eye, LegaciesNow communications director Karen McDonald explained Ms. Fraser has, "been under contract as a service provider to us around our engagement with municipalities for the physical activity and healthy living program. So she's a liaison between us and (the Union of British Columbia Municipalities) and some of the member communities, in terms of promoting different physical activities and healthy living initiatives. So she'll coordinate our community excellence awards with UBCM for local government partnerships that support physical activity and healthy living."

Back in August, we reported Non-Partisan Association board member Allen Langdon had left his job at Reputations Corp. to become the Spirit of British Columbia community committees director at 2010 LegaciesNow. But it turns he's still working with the Vancouver public relations firm - in a roundabout sort of way. In an interview with Public Eye, LegaciesNow communications director Karen McDonald confirmed Reputations will be managing the launch of this year's Spirit of British Columbia Week - which celebrates the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Gerry Lenoski, who was the British Columbia communications chair for Michael Ignatieff during the recent federal Liberal leadership race, will be running for the Grit nomination in Burnaby-New Westminster. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Lenoski explained, "That's where I grew up. That territory is home to me. And those people make a difference to me."

Last night, on Public Eye Radio, Troy DeSouza announced he would once again be seeking the federal Conservative nomination in Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca. In a subsequent interview, Mr. DeSouza explained, "I'm the kind of guy that's pretty focused on what needs to get done. And when I see what needs to get done, I'll get it done" - referring specifically to infrastructure projects in the riding.

Here's some news that should surprise no one: Saanich-Gulf Islands federal Liberal fixture Kit Spence will be running for the party nomination in that riding. In an interview with your humble organ, Mr. Spence - a political party development expert with the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs - said "I've already told everybody I intend to run. I've spoken to the new campaign co-chairs (Pam McDonald and Bruce Young). I spoke to the leader (Stephane Dion) when he was here and expressed my interest. And the riding association has done an extensive search. And so far, I'm the only one who has definitively committed to this." Mr. Spence, who is well-known hat lover, had considered but decided against seeking that nomination prior to the last election.

Tonight, on Public Eye Radio, Fair Vote Ontario chair Joe Murray discusses the electoral reform movement in his province. Victoria school trustee Charlie Beresford shares her thoughts on the latest school closure in the capital city. And Friends of Canadian Broadcasting chair Ian Morrison talks about the future of the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. under the Harper administration. Also on the show: former Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca federal New Democrat candidate Randall Garrison tell us why he's running in Vancouver Centre. And our rabble-rousing panel - Troy DeSouza, Ariel Lade, Bob Russell, 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.

Port Coquitlam councillor Greg Moore has a new day job - regional organizer for the provincial Liberals. That won't come as too much of a surprise to those who have followed his political career. After all, Mr. Moore ran for the party in the last election in Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain. And he recently moderated a public safety and labour relations policy break-out session at the Liberal's biennial convention in Penticton. But what is surprising is the region he's organizing for: Okanagan and the Kootenays. When asked whether that work would take him away from representing the citizens of Port Coquitlam, Mr. Moore responded, “Not at all. In my previous job, I actually traveled a lot more than I do now - which is not a lot.” The councilor confirmed he was hired by the party late last year.

Provincial Liberal backbencher Lorne Mayencourt hasn't yet announced whether he'll be running for the federal Conservatives during the next election. But someone seems very interested in finding out how he'd perform as a Tory candidate. A number of our astute readers have reportedly received phone calls asking if they have a favourable or unfavourable opinion of Mr. Mayencourt and whether they were aware of his safe streets and safe schools initiatives. Those surveyed were also questioned about who they'd vote for in the next election and whether they had a favourable or unfavourable opinion of Liberal leader Stephane Dion and Conservative leader Stephen Harper.

It took BC Hydro Corp. just over seven months to award power contracts to two controversial coal-fired power plants - which some environmentalists estimate could push British Columbia's greenhouse gas emissions up by roughly 2.5 percent. But the Sierra Legal Defense Fund has waited more than five months for the government to respond to a request for any records it has about that announcement (such as the environmental and public health impacts those plants will have on the province). And, guess what? The defense fund is still waiting - with the documents expected to arrive sometime in early February. This, despite the fact, British Columbia's freedom of information legislation gives the ministry of environment 30 working days to respond to such a request - plus a few extensions.

Just in case you were wondering, Jessica McDonald, the premier's deputy minister, went a little upscale - but not too upscale - during her expedition to the Island Nation. According to travel documents obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request, she stayed at the Knightsbridge Hotel, a small but comfortable home-away-from-home located in one of London's more fashionable districts. Frommer's Travel Guide states that its rooms are appointed with traditional English fabrics and feature granite-and-oak bathrooms, Frette linens and an honour bar. But it's also described as one of the more affordable properties operated by the city's premier hoteliers - and Tim Kemp - with rates between $346 per night for a single room to $1,038 per night for a suite (calculated according to yesterday's exchange rate). In an interview, the hotel's manager said Knightsbridge doesn't offer discounts to visitors from the British Columbia government. Tally-ho!

The Campbell administration hasn't yet responded to a request for details about top bureaucrat Jessica McDonald's study trip abroad. But New Democrat children and family development critic Maurine Karagianis is concerned about what might have been said during a scheduled meeting between Ms. McDonald and a senior British mandarin to discuss "the role of the non-profit sector in the delivery of public services."

The province relies on non-profits to deliver many government services. But are the Liberals thinking about getting those societies to do even more of that delivery work? That's one conclusion that can be drawn after the premier's deputy minister scheduled a meeting with a senior British mandarin late last year about "the role of the non-profit sector in the delivery of public services."