April 2007 Archives

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, University of British Columbia political science professor Allan Tupper discusses ethics in government - specifically, whether conflict of interest rules for senior civil servants should be put into law. Association special education professor Pat Mirenda shares her thoughts on provincial plans to establish model schools. And Langara College journalism department chair Rob Dykstra talks about the alleged normalcy of media manipulation campaigns in politics. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Bob Russell, Alex Tsakumis, Allan Warnke and Brad Zubyk - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 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.

Earlier, we exclusively reported significant changes were made to an economic analysis commissioned by the provincial New Democrat-controlled special committee on sustainable aquaculture. Asked about those changes committee chair Robin Austin explained "mistakes were made" by the consulting firm responsible for that analysis - something, he stressed, that's allowable in a working draft. And, in an interview with Public Eye, MMK Consulting Inc. president Stuart Mackay confirmed Mr. Austin's explanation.

Last year, the provincial New Democrat-controlled special committee on sustainable aquaculture commissioned a first-of-its-kind economic analysis of the salmon farming industry in British Columbia. But, according to documentation exclusively obtained by Public Eye, a significant change was made to that report between February and March. A working draft, dated February 16, states salmon farmers employ 7,784 full-time equivalents - counting both direct, indirect and induced jobs. But that number drops to 2,945 full-time equivalents in a March copy of the report - which has not yet been released. So what's going on?

Federal Liberal leader Stephane Dion's environmental credentials have been promoted ad nauseam (pun intended). So some party members found it surprising Grit national director James Carroll drove to the Liberal's British Columbia general convention at the Sun Peaks Resort this past weekend in a rented...yes, you guessed it...Lincoln Navigator. In an interview with Public Eye, party communications director Elizabeth Whiting confirmed the rental. But she added, "Six people used the car to drive from Vancouver to Kamloops - rather than the environmental and financial costs of flying. As you know, there's no hybrid vehicle that would seat six people. And they did buy an offset credit for the trip" by making a donation to the Tree Canada Foundation's BC ReLeaf Fund at the convention. According to the United States government list, the 2006 two-wheel drive Navigator emits 12.6 imperial tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year - making it one of the most climate changing vehicles in its class - whereas the 2007 model emits 11.5 tons. Ms. Whiting wasn't able to say which model Carroll drove.

We're sure Public Eye readers will be losing sleep tonight, anxious to find out the results of the Non-Partisan Association's board elections. Well, here's the cure for your insomnia: David Choi, Yvonne De Valone, Victoria Mendes, Ned Pottinger and Matthew Taylor were electd to three-year terms on the board. Brian Demvy will be serving a two-year term. And George Cadman and Peter Ormesher will be serving one-year terms. But the big winner was...well, we'll leave that to you to figure out.

Late Tuesday, the Harper administration accidentally leaked details of its environment plan - which was scheduled to be released today - to the federal Liberals. Despite that snafu, though, Environment Minister John Baird soldiered on, inviting parliamentarians and their staffers to a Thursday afternoon technical briefing about that strategy. And that invite prompted this email response from Liberal Senator Larry Campbell: "Thank you for the invitation. I believe we already have a copy of your announcement. I am sure there must be someone who hasn't read it." The following is a complete copy of those emails.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is a "non-profit and non-partisan, advocacy organization dedicated to lower taxes, less waste and accountable government." So you'd think, given the federal Conservative's belief that government "must be fiscally prudent and should be limited to those responsibilities which cannot be discharged reasonably by the individual or others" that relations between the federation and the Harper administration would be cordial if not coozy. But you'd be wrong. Because the federation hasn't been able to meet with Jim Flaherty - despite having done so with every federal finance minister since the organization opened its Ottawa office in 1997. So what's going on?

Earlier this month, Tourism, Sports and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen let slip the price tag for the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project was now "in the low 800 (million dollar) range." That means the project is at least 62 percent over its initial $495 million budget - something the New Democrats have raised a justifiable hue and cry about. But the project isn't a fast ferries fiasco quite yet. In the November/December 2005 edition of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation's magazine, then British Columbia communications director Sara MacIntyre assembled a list of some of the most egregious examples of government cost overruns in the country - including the PacifiCats, which came in 120 percent over budget. Other examples included Manitoba's Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge (47 percent), Alberta's Louise McKinney River Front Park (71 percent) and renovations to the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa (218 percent). The following is a complete copy of that list.

In the category of subliminal messaging: on our way to Rockpile, we spotted a van parked near the press gallery parking lot. On its side was painted "In Gord We Trust!" in grafitti-style letters. So is this another element of the provincial Liberal's alleged media manipulation activities or simply an indication the Campbell administration has got the graffiti artist vote? Just askin'!

Last week, the Campbell administration appointed Terry Kuzma to the New Relationship Trust's board of directors. Of course, we're confident Mr. Kuzma - the woodlands manager for Carrier Lumber Ltd. - is more than qualified for that post. But our astute readers may also be interested to know he was also the campaign co-chair for Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell in the recent election. And in that role, Mr. Kuzma "committed literally hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands, of hours to the campaign." This, according to Minister Bell's 2005 budget speech. Asked whether there might be a perception of political patronage related to that appointment, Minister Bell said, "Not at all. It goes through the (board resourcing and development office) process, as you know. And it's vetted thoroughly. And I think Terry's a great choice for this. He has a track record of being able to work with First Nations" - adding that Carrier Lumber has a close relationship with two different aboriginal groups in northern British Columbia.

Yesterday, defense lawyer Kevin McCullough claimed that a call-in show segment featuring former premier Bill Vander Zalm was targetted as part of the provincial Liberal's alleged media manipulation acitivites. Reading from a police synopsis of a wiretap discussion between former senior government aide David Basi and then government caucus communications director Mike McDonald, Mr. McCullough stated, "Dave says they are going to give Vander Zalm a rough ride. (Mike) tells Dave to be careful, they don't want the phone numbers showing up from (government lines in) Victoria. Dave replies, 'Star 67, man.'" This, according to The Globe and Mail's Mark Hume. So what does Mr. Vander Zalm have to say about that report?

Earlier, we reported Vancouver-Fairview provincial New Democrat legislator Gregor Robertson "wouldn't rule out" running to be mayor of Vancouver "in the long-term." But he's not the only one being talked up as a future mayoral candidate. In an interview with Public Eye, maverick parks board member Allan de Genova - whose family attended Vision Vancouver's recent annual general meeting - confirmed he's also been approached about running for the top job.

This morning, former ministerial assistant Bob Virk's lawyer Kevin McCullough read from an email allegedly sent on March 11, 2003 by the premier's press secretary Mike Morton to then senior political aide David Basi. According to Mr. McCullough, the email stated, "Thanks Dave - I'll let the Premier know your team is in place, whereas MM's is not. The Premier will be on John McComb's show - there will be a call-in." That email is said to relate to defense claims of media manipulation on that part of the provincial Liberals. Asked for comment, Mr. Morton said, "Again, at this stage, it's before the court. And I'm absolutely not making any comment on anything that may be coming out of the courts."

Further unproven allegations of media manipulation by the provincial Liberals were made this morning in court. This, according to our colleague Bill Tieleman, who is covering the Basi-Virk case. But, in a stunning show of political agility rivaled only by beached whales and constipated hippos, the New Democrats didn't ask government about those allegations during today's question period. Meanwhile, Liberal House Leader Mike de Jong declined to discuss the matter, telling Public Eye, "I'm not going to talk about what's going on in court today." So are you aware of any media manipulation which has been undertaken the Liberals in the past or present, we pressed. "No," he responded. "And I'm not going to talk about what's going on in court today." For her part, Deputy Premier Shirley Bond said she was "absolutely not" aware of such activities. Meanwhile, the premier's chief of staff Martyn Brown didn't stop to talk with Public Eye when we asked him about the allegations on his way to caucus. Earlier, we reported the Liberals have a history of media manipulation, which isn't connected to the statements being made in court by defense lawyer Kevin McCullough.

Michael Klassen is best known to Non-Partisan Association members as the founder and president of Thinking Cap Inc. - the firm that designed and developed the civic party's Website and is responsible for Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan's monthly email newsletter. But what you may not know is that, in January, Mr. Klassen was appointed by council to the city's planning commission - which he vice-chairs. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Klassen explained, "Planning experience is not a prerequisite for the planning commission. The planning commission is intended to be a cross-section of Vancouver. And I think what they're looking for mostly is just a passion for the city. I was born in Vancouver General Hospital. And I've lived in the city and worked in the city my entire life. So I felt that was one of my bigger advantages - the fact I'm actively involved in my community, my neighbourhood assocation and pretty much any street I've lived on in the city. And maybe that was some good raw material that they were looking for."

Last week, the federal Liberals released a commercial promoting party leader Stephane Dion's role as president of the December 2005 United Nations Conference on Climate Change. And who was that commercial produced by, you may wonder? Well, that would be The Element Agency, a Vancouver-based advertising and communications firm headed by Don Millar. The company's portfolio includes considerable work with environmental advocacy groups. It's expected The Element Agency will lead the development of the Liberal's election advertisements as part of Red Leaf Communications - the consortium of Grit-friendly firms responsible for such work.

Federal Liberal conventions are supposed to give Grits a chance to hold their elected members to account. But it seems some parliamentarians don't think answering questions from the rank and file is a priority - despite recent commitments by the party to "foster greater engagement" with the grassroots. The accountability session at this past weekend's British Columbia general convention was attended by just four MPs - Don Bell, Raymond Chan, Hedy Fry and Blair Wilson. Absentees included Sukh Dhaliwal, Ujjal Dosanh, Keith Martin and Stephen Owen - as well as senators Larry Campbell, Ross Fitzpatrick and Mobina Jaffer.

Earlier, we reported Canadian Taxpayers Federation British Columbia communications director Sara MacIntyre had resigned to become the public relations director at NaiKun Wind Development Inc. So who's going to replace her, you may wonder? Well, the answer - which has been announced yet - is Maureen Bader, who was most recently a public affairs officer with the ministry of energy, mines and petroleum resources. Ms. Bader was also the corporate communications and public affairs director for the Prince Rupert Port Authority. And, as a member of the Fraser Institute in 1991, she published a number of papers describing the benefits of South Africa's free banking system.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, federal New Democrat candidate Julian West discusses why he wants to represent Saanich-Gulf Islands. Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group executive director Greg Awai shares his thoughts of developing a common vision for the capital regional district. And provincial New Democrat Olympic critic Harry Bains weighs in on the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project debacle. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Bob Russell, Alex Tsakumis and Allan Warnke - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 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.

Today, former provincial New Democrat leadership candidate Mehdi Najari came within 17 votes of the winning his party's federal nomination in Saanich-Gulf Islands. But Malaspina University-College mathematics instructor Julian West beat Mr. Najari on the third ballot with 88 votes. Mr. West's victory came after Hanny Pannekoek and Victoria school trustee Mark Walsh dropped off after receiving the lowest vote counts and the first and second ballots respectively. The following is an unconfirmed vote count for that race.

Vision Vancouver's founders served the Coalition of Progressive Electors with divorce papers back in 2005. But that didn't stop coalition elected officials David Cadman, Sharon Gregson, Spencer Hebert, and Loretta Woodcock from attending last night's $150 per ticket Vision Vancouver fundraiser at the Al Porto Ristorante. Other newsworthies at the fundraiser - which was attended by around 200 supporters - included British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union president George Heyman and federal Liberal British Columbia youth president Braeden Caley.

Earlier, our colleague Bill Tieleman reported Kevin McCullough, the lawyer for former Campbell administration aide Bob Virk, alleged David Basi, "while a ministerial assistant, was hired by the Liberal party on media monitoring contracts" which was "a highly political effort to sway public opinion through the use of radio shows and other events." Asked about those allegations, which have not been proven in court, provincial Liberal communications director Chad Pederson said, "We're not going to be commenting on anything that's coming out with the court proceedings. From our standpoint, it's a matter before the courts. And we're going to let that process take its course."

As many of our astute readers know, the Basi-Virk picture show got underway yesterday. Unfortunately, because those court proceedings are taking place in Vancouver rather than Victoria, your humble organ isn't able to indepedently report on the case. But we recommend reading our colleague Bill Tieleman's comprehensive coverage of the trial, which is featured today in 24 hours and The Tyee - as well as on his own blog.

Finance Minister Carole Taylor is, arguably, more charismatic and telegenic than Premier Gordon Campbell. So it's understandable that many members of British Columbia's chattering classes think Taylor would be an excellent replacement for premier, should he retire. But what happens if Minister Taylor isn't around when that happens? Asked yesterday whether she has committed to running for re-election, the former broadcast journalist appeared surprised and said, "I have not made any comment about whether I'll be running again." But have you considered not seeking re-election, we pressed? "We're only half-way through (our term in government). And, at this point, what I'm doing is really just concentrating on doing the best job I can." But that isn't exactly a no. "I just honestly haven't put my mind to it," she responded, adding that she would make a decision "when the premier asks us what we're considering to do for the future."

Predicting any election based on polls is never an easy task. There are many factors that one can only guess at because there's no easy way to quanitify them. With this in mind, the following is an analysis to determine the most likely provincial election result based on the latest Ipsos-Reid Corp. survey - which has the Liberals at 49 percent, the New Democrats at 32 percent and the Greens at 15 percent.

In January 2004, The Vancouver Sun's Jim Beatty quoted Premier Gordon Campbell as saying, "Our party is not involved in federal politics. I've been very clear that that should not be the case." Nevertheless, some of his MLAs continue to flirt with the federal Conservatives and Liberals. Consider, for example, Burquitlam backbencher Harry Bloy. According to his Facebook Website, Mr. Bloy is a proud member of the "Campaign to Elect Bill Cunningham Member of Parliament for Burnaby-Douglas." But Mr. Bloy doesn't just back the Grits. Last month, Ryan Warawa reported New Westminster-Coquitlam Tory candidate Yonah Martin "praised" the backbencher's support for her nomination campaign. Asked today whether such support is at odds with Premier Campbell's instructions, Mr. Bloy simply said, "There's a number of people that I support federally."

Despite provincial New Democrat transportation critic David Chudnovsky's recent appearance at a mass rally protesting the Gateway Program, the party still hasn't said whether they actually oppose that highway expansion initiative. But could it be that the days of hand-wringing and navel-gazing are at an end? That's the question some are asking following news that Lower Mainland New Democrat legislators met yesterday morning to discuss the matter.

Last April, Premier Gordon Campbell and Mayor Sam Sullivan launched a "co-operative planning process to create a cultural precinct in downtown Vancouver." Since then, city council has approved $900,000 in grants to "develop Phase One (of that process) as well as a long-term strategy" for the cultural precinct. But doesn't that precinct presuppose the results of the Creative City Task Force, which is in the process of authoring a 10-year strategic arts and culture plan? Not at all, according to Vancouver cultural services managing director Sue Harvey.

Earlier, we reported the Vancouver Island Aboriginal Transformation Team recently informed children and family development stakeholders that their aboriginal authority will begin service by 2008. This, despite the fact the ministry discarded targets for establishing aboriginal and non-aboriginal authorities in its latest service plan. Children and family development declined an opportunity to comment. But provincial New Democrat critic Maurine Karagianis was pleased to share her thoughts about the issue. "I think the Liberals aren't making any firm public commitments because they're not confident in their ability to pull this off," she explained, referring to the regionalization of children and family development services. "They're extremely gun shy. And they don't want to make any commitments for which they can be held accountable later."

Did you know federal Liberal leader Stephane Dion is an environmentalist? Well, given Mr. Dion's seemingly inability to speak about little else in the way of policy issues, you likely do. And, in keeping with that theme, the Liberal constituency association in Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam has organized a $75 per ticket fundraiser dinner featuring Simon Fraser University biological sciences professor John D. Reynolds - the Tom Buell BC Leadership Chair in Salmon Conservation. According to the advertisement for that dinner, his talk - "Things Change: Oceans, Climate, and Environmental Policy" - will be "non-partisan. His participation does not indicate support for, or affiliation with, the Liberal Party of Canada." Fair enough. But, regardless of Prof. Reynold's intentions, couldn't it be argued his presence at that event is inadvertently assisting the Grits in their partisan fundraising efforts?

Earlier, we reported the ministry of children and family development had discarded targets for establishing aboriginal and non-aboriginal authorities in its latest service plan - released on February 20. At the time, the minister responsible Tom Christensen explained those targets had been discarded because government "will not force the process by putting a time frame in place." So some our astute readers may be surprised to learn just such a time frame exists for at least one of those new aboriginal authorities.

Earlier this month, former provincial New Democrat government caucus communications director Brad Zubyk said there was a "lack of vision and leadership" in the party. So what does Mr. Zubyk think about Ipsos-Reid Corp.'s latest public poll showing the New Democrat support fallen four percentage points over the past three months to 32 percent support, while Liberal support has risen four percentage points to 49 percent? "I don't think there's much to say," quipped Mr. Zubyk. "The numbers speak for themselves." Global BCTV legislative bureau chief Keith Baldrey was the first to report on that poll - which surveyed 800 British Columbians between April 4-10.

The Campbell administration has consulted with University of Victoria earth and ocean sciences professor Andrew Weaver as part of its initiative to address the global warming problem. In an interview with Public Eye, Prof. Weaver, a prominent climatologist, confirmed he met with the administration's climate action cabinet committee last Wednesday. But he's keeping what was said during that meeting - which took place at the premier's Vancouver office - under lock and key. "That's something I'm not prepared to discuss with the media," he explained. "Because, you know, I do agree with the premier that there are certain frank discussions that you can't have if you do them in an open environment. Public policy has to be debated publicly. But the discussions that you have, at times, need to be kept confidential. Because, if they're not confidential, you don't end up saying the kind of things you need to say."

At least one Non-Partisan Association politician won't be running for re-election in 2008. In an interview with Public Eye, Eleanor Gregory confirmed she told her Vancouver school trustee caucus colleagues about those plans yesterday. Explained Ms. Gregory, "There's many things I want to do in my life. And I've spent a lot of time involved in politics. And, with my children now being young adults, there are many other things to do that intrigue me. And I want to make sure I do them."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts associate director Shira Goodman discusses why her state is moving away from electing judges - a system 66 percent of Canadians support according to a recent Strategic Counsel survey. Former Vancouver children and youth advocate Penny Parry discusses the political punishments that can be levelled against social service organizations that speak up on behalf of their clients. And Convergence Communications Ltd. principal Mike Magee shares with us his thoughts about the controversial deal between the federal Liberals and the Greens. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Bob Russell, Alex Tsakumis, Allan Warnke and Brad Zubyk - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 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.

Federal Green leader Elizabeth May has cancelled Kevin Potvin's candidacy in Vancouver-Kingsway. This, according to lengthy response to "widespread media criticisms" posted by Mr. Potvin on The Republic of East Vancouver's Website. The now former candidate was told about Ms. May's decision by a party official late this afternoon. "My apology, it was explained, had not gone deep enough," he writes. "I was expected to disown my own words" - specifically, a controversial editorial Mr. Potvin published about the 9-11 tragedy. Public Eye exclusively told you about that editorial on Thursday morning.

Interested in attending a $225 per ticket fundraising reception featuring federal Liberal leader Stephane Dion and Surrey candidates Sukh Dhaliwal, Judy Higginbotham and Brenda Locke tomorrow evening? Well, not enough party members were. Because the fundraiser, scheduled to take place at the Coyoto Creek Golfcourse, has been cancelled. Organizers made a push to sell more tickets on Thursday. But, by Friday, it had become apparent attendance at the event would be a bit lacking - which may have had something to do with the fact former party leadership candidate Ken Dryden had a fundraiser for Ms. Locke at the exact same location Thursday evening. So Mr. Dion's Coyote Creek soiree has been rescheduled - at the request of the Surrey constituency associations - for the next time the leader visits British Columbia. The following is a complete copy of the invite to that event.

More news from Kevin Potvin: this morning, federal Green Vancouver-Kingsway candidate distributed a statement on 9-11 that will read outside Beans Cafe later today. In that statement, Mr. Potvin will call on constituents to "share with each other how these (events) have turned so many of us from un-conflicted lovers of peace into a people who call for war, from a nation that used to pride itself on its ability to broker peace between warring parties, into a nation that has become one of the warring parties.'" Meanwhile, the National Post's Katie Rook is writing about Mr. Potvin's controversial 9-11 editorial in today's edition of the broadsheet. The following is a complete copy of the candidate's aforementioned statement.

Today, the Canadian Press's Joan Bryden reported Grit leader "Stephane Dion has decided not to run a Liberal candidate against Green Party Leader Elizabeth May in the next federal election...In return, sources say May will promise not to run a Green candidate against the Liberal leader and will essentially endorse Dion for prime minister." And at least one former British Columbia Green leader is endorsing that deal. In an email addressed to Canadian Greens, Stuart Parker - now a New Democrat - writes that he's "very pleased to see the party returning to the kind of coalition-building politics I attempted to inaugurate in my last years as leader." And he's hopeful "that in the coming months, the Greens will consider coming to the table with New Democrats and BQ members as well." The following is a complete copy of that email.

Earlier, we exclusively reported on federal Green Vancouver-Kingsway candidate Kevin Potvin's controversial 9-11 editorial. Speaking first with Public Eye, Mr. Potvin said he still endorses the "totality" of that editorial. But what does the Green Party have to say about his opinions? In an interview, deputy leader Adriane Carr said Mr. Potvin's four-year-old article "certainly raises alarm bells in my mind." So she called Mr. Potvin this morning to discuss the matter.

Kevin Potvin, who was acclaimed last month as the federal Green candidate in Vancouver-Kingsway, made a "revolting confession" - in his own words - on November 28, 2002. That's when Mr. Potvin published an editorial in The Republic of East Vancouver - the alternative newspaper he founded - discussing his immediate reaction to the 9-11 tragedy.

Larry Blain, the chief executive officer and president of Partnerships British Columbia, didn't just make $519,448 in the fiscal 2004-05. As first reported by Monday Magazine's Russ Francis last year, his contract also includes a $10,000 annual car allowance. But what you may not know is that that allowance is better than the average provided to chief executive officers in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Last month, The Vancouver Sun's Nicholas Read reported "former education minister Christy Clark and Vancouver businesswoman Wendy Cocchia want to establish a publicly funded school in Vancouver for children with disabilities." Ms. Cocchia, the owner of the Absolute Spa Group, envisions "a publicly funded kindergarten-to-Grade 12 school for up to 200 students along the lines of the Mediated Learning Academy in Coquitlam, an independent institution where 102 children representing more than 30 different medical diagnoses attend classes no bigger than 10 students each." But that's not the only recent foray Absolute Spa has made into the world of provincial politics. The company donated $295 to the provincial Liberals on March 29, 2006 - its first such contribution according to a review of financial reports filed since 1999 with Elections British Columbia. Absolute Spa hasn't yet returned a call requesting comment on that donation.

Earlier, we questioned why Exxon Mobil Corp. - one of British Columbia's smallest offshore oil and gas leaseholders - expressed an interest in that resource when executives met with Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Rich Neufeld back in February. Well, in an interview with Public Eye, Clark Wilson LLP energy and natural resources group chair Tony Fogarassy explained, "When you look at the oil and gas rights map of the BC offshore, it looks like (Exxon Mobil) hasn't got a lot out there because, gee, (Shell Canada Inc.) and (Chevron Corp.) have got tons. And from a proportional standpoint, they've got a small little bit. But, when you add up the number of hectares that Exxon Mobil has under lease, it's quite a substantial figure - because that whole area is completely unexplored. And the tracks that they've got are actually quite large by onshore standards."

Today, the provincial government announced "the BC HealthGuide handbook will now be available in Chinese and Punjabi to enhance access to health information for B.C.'s diverse and multi-lingual communities." In a news release, Health Minister George Abbott said, "We are meeting our throne speech commitment to translate the BC HealthGuide into Chinese and Punjabi and to give families in these communities better access to health information in their mother languages." Huzzah! Truly, the Campbell administration is showing its commitment to British Columbia's Chinese and Indo-Canadian communities - more than two years after the government released a French translation of the handbook.

"Few mainstream newspapers will touch 9-11 conspiracies," wrote Kevin Potvin in the January 4 edition of The Republic of East Vancouver. The reason: such conspiracies are often met with "accusations of anti-patriotism, treason, and anti-Semitism." So you'd think Mr. Potvin, who publishes The Republic and is now the federal Green candidate in Vancouver-Kingsway, wouldn't be talking very much about 9-11 truth during his election campaign. But you'd be wrong. On his Facebook campaign Website, Mr. Potvin encourages would-be supporters to come meet him and talk "about 9-11 truth and implications for Canadian foreign policy, at Beans Cafe, 3365 Cambie Street, Friday April 13 at 1 PM."

Last year, the Liberals grossed $3.3 million from fundraising functions across the province. This, according to financial reports filed with Elections British Columbia. But not every such function was a moneymaker. The South Fraser Leader's Dinner, for example, actually cost the party $2,533. This, despite the fact the October 2 fundraiser grossed $101,978 - including $3,875 in bars sales and $11,400 from sponsors. Fancy that!

Last week, we exclusively reported offshore oil and gas development was on the table when Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Rich Neufeld met with Exxon Mobil Corp. executives in Texas. Those executives asked about the status of that development and offered help the provincial government lift the federal moratorium on offshore drilling and exploration. But here's what's odd about that discussion: Exxon Mobil is one of the smallest offshore petroleum leaseholders in British Columbia. Companies such as Shell Canada Inc., Petro-Canada Inc. and Chevron Corp. have a bigger stake in that resource. So why would Exxon Mobil be making such an offer?

Earlier, we reported former provincial Green candidate Julian West would be running for the Saanich-Gulf Islands federal New Democrat nomination. But wait a minute. Doesn't Mr. West live in Ladsymith? In an interview with Public Eye, the Malaspina University-College mathematics instructor explained he's going to be renting his house out for the next year. "I'm moving out. The house is almost completely packed up. So I'm not going to be maintaining a residence here. So I'm either going to living down (in Saanich-Gulf Islands) full-time campaigning or I'll be going out of country for a bit."

There continues to be - how shall we put this - considerable curiosity concerning deputy minister Lesley du Toit and her approach to children and family development issues. So those looking for a better understanding of Ms. du Toit might be advised to attend the Reclaiming Youth Network's upcoming Vancouver Island seminars - which are scheduled to take place April 14 and 18 at the Harbour Towers Hotel. Those seminars include a session offering Responsible Ability Pathways training for attendees, providing "essential strength-based strategies for all who deal with young persons in family, school, or community." And understanding those strategies - whatever they are - could be important. Because Ms. du Toit is the co-author of Response Ability Pathways training and a former Reclaiming Youth International board member.

Earlier, we reported former New Democrat candidate Jennifer Burgis had abandoned Saanich-Gulf Islands to run in Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca. The reason: in an interview on Public Eye Radio, she explained, "I find I relate better, perhaps, to a different demographic than there is in Saanich-Gulf Islands" - which has "a much higher per capita income riding than Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca." That statement doesn't bode well for the New Democrat's chances in Saanich-Gulf Islands. Nevertheless, on April 21, four hopefuls will be competing for the party nomination in that riding. They include former provincial New Democrat leadership candidate Mehdi Najari, Hanny Pannekoek, Victoria school trustee Wark Walsh and former provincial Green candidate Julian West.

Former Ignatieff campaign British Columbia communications chair Gerry Lenoski is bowing out of the Burnaby-New Westminster nomination race, Public Eye has learned. In an email sent to supporters, Mr. Lenoski writes "the current pre-election situation has become complicated for me" - in part, "because the prospect of a candidacy and an election campaign also conflicts with my current responsibilities more than had been apparent previously, and especially insofar as my consulting firm and our clients are concerned." So he'll instead be endorsing fellow nomination candidate and former New Democrat Steve McClurg, whom he describes in a separate statement as "a like-minded political activist." Mr. Lenoski goes onto write Mr. McClurg "will reveal this development to the local media in a timely way. Please keep this news to yourself until it is made official." Ooops. Did we spoil the surprise? The following is a complete copy of that email.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former provincial New Democrat aboriginal affairs minister John Cashore shares his thoughts on the Campbell administration's New Relationship with British Columbia's First Nations. Former Manitoba New Democrat legislator Don Scott discusses how much we should be paying our politicians. And Exxpose Exxon campaign director Shawnee Hoover tells us what political tactics we can expect the oil and gas giant to use if they want access to the province's offshore oil and gas reserves. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Ariel Lade, Bob Russell, Alex Tsakumis and Allan Warnke - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 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.

Is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police out of control? British Columbians could be forgiven for thinking so. After all, anyone who has ever had to report to more than one boss knows that when accountability lines get duplicated, you quickly become an authority unto yourself. In the case of the Mounties, if it were only a matter of mere duplication! Outside Ontario and Quebec, where the Mounties only handle federal policing, the force reports to provincial solicitors general for provincial policing and municipal authorities where a policing contract is in place. But it also continues to report to the federal government for all management and organizational issues. This is not a recipe for accountability.

There will be no incumbents running for the federal Liberal British Columbia executive at the party's upcoming biennial general meeting, Public Eye has learned. In fact, there's only going to be one contested seat - organization chair - where the race is between Sussex Solutions president Chuck Wootten and former Dion leadership campaign British Columbia Interior youth chair Adam Miron. That means, as expected, Heenan Blaikie LLP partner Craig Munroe will become the party's provincial president. Also being acclaimed: Bahadur Vinning (vice-president), former Rae leadership campaign British Columbia whip Ian Baillie (communications chair), Burnaby-Douglas constituency association president Peter Yung (finance chair), Victoria constituency association policy chair Nancy Singh (policy chair), Pushor Mitchell LLP partner Alfred Kempf (membership chair), former Cariboo-Prince George candidate Gurbux Saini (nominations chair) and National Public Relations Inc. manager John Fraser (secretary).

It seems Living Oceans Society executive director Jennifer Lash isn't the only one critical of Exxon Mobil Corp.'s offer to help the Campbell administration lift the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas development. In a news release distributed earlier this afternoon, the provincial New Democrats also raised concerns about Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Rich Neufeld's meeting with Exxon Mobil executives back in February. Said Mr. Neufeld's critic, John Horgan, "British Columbians won't be swayed by a public relations exercised sponsored by (Premier) Gordon Campbell and Exxon Mobil. It will only add to the mistrust people feel about the Premier's commitment to the environment." Exxon Mobil's offer was noted in a government report obtained exclusively by Public Eye via a freedom of information request. Minister Neufeld hasn't responded repeated requests for comment.

Earlier, we reported Rick Peterson had dropped out of the federal Conservative nomination race. His campaign has now issued a statement to that effect, citing "business and personal reasons." That means University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business law division lecturer Deborah Meredith is the only candidate presently seeking that nomination. The following is a complete copy of that statement.

Here's a surprise: in interview with Public Eye, Rick Peterson confirmed he's dropped out of the federal Conservative nomination race in Vancouver Quadra. Mr. Peterson has been campaigning for that nomination for the past eight months. The Conservative Council chair declined to say why he was dropping out, referring questions to campaign manager Ray Castelli. Mr. Castelli wasn't reachable at publication time. But some suspect Mr. Peterson could be stepping aside to make room for a star candidate.

Last night, former provincial cabinet minister Joyce Murray won the federal Liberal nomination in Vancouver Quadra last night. And she certainly made sure those attending that nomination meeting knew she was on the ballot. Plastered all over the Hellenic Community Centre were posters of Ms. Murray posing with a number of Grit personalities including: party leader Stephane Dion, Vancouver South parliamentarian Ujjal Dosanjh, retiring Vancouver Quadra parliamentarian Stephen Owen and...wait for it...Mason Loh. Earlier, your humble organ asked Mr. Loh whether he would be supporting Ms. Murray's candidacy. At the time, he said, "Not at this moment."

Our good friend and former provincial economic development deputy minister Andrew Wilkinson has a new job! In addition to lobbying on behalf of the Accredited Home Lenders Canada Inc., Crescent Point Energy Trust, Fidelity National Financial Canada Inc. and Simon Fraser University, the former British Columbia Liberal party president will be serving on the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement's dispute resolution panel. This, according to a government information bulletin distributed on March 31 - a Saturday for those without calendars. Other panel members include Earmme & Associates associate counsel Steven Cope, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority business development regional director Carl Kuhnke, former agriculture, fisheries and food deputy minister Lorne Seitz and Borden Ladner Gervais LLP partner Jeffrey Thomas.

Exxon Mobil Corp. - the largest and one of the most powerful companies in the world - appears to have offered to help the provincial government lift the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas development, Public Eye has exclusively learned. On February 2, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Rich Neufeld met with Exxon Mobil executives while attending a convention in Houston, Texas. During that meeting, the executives told the minister their company "has new (offshore) technologies that are environmentally friendly." And they asked how Exxon Mobil can "help move the moratorium and public opinion." This, according to a government report prepared by the ministry of energy, mines and petroleum resources and obtained via a freedom of information request.

Earlier, we reported Energy, Mines and Petroleum Development Minister Rich Neufeld met with Kinder Morgan Inc. chairman and chief executive officer Rich Kinder while attending the North American Prospect Expo. But incremental pricing for residential electricity customers wasn't the only topic talked about at that meeting. According to a government summary, "Vancouver Terminals" were also discussed. But the specifics of that discussion - which occured on February 2 - appear to have been blacked out using section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Section 21 allows for the severing of information that might be "harmful to the business interests of a third party." As our astute readers may be aware, the government-owned British Columbia Railway Co. announced on Tuesday that it had entered into a "long-term lease" with Kinder-Morgan "to operate Vancouver Wharves."

A provincial government report prepared by the ministry of energy, mines and petroleum resources states Terasen Inc. owner Kinder Morgan Inc. wants to "discourage electricity" use in British Columbia and "replace (it) with natural gas." But a spokesperson for Terasen says "that would be an inaccuracy" - rejecting suggestions Kinder Morgan wants the government to introduce a pricing system that could see some British Columbians who use electricity to heat their homes pay a higher Hydro rate than those who use other sources, such as natural gas.

As some of our astute readers may be aware, the Vancouver Quadra federal Liberal nomination meeting was tonight. The winner has just been announced. And it is...drum roll, please...former provincial cabinet minister Joyce Murray on the first ballot with 449 votes. Former Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission member Cindy Grauer received 251 votes and Ethos Strategy Group partner Catherine Evans got 109.

Earlier, we reported provincial New Democrat transportation critic David Chudnovsky spoke to a mass rally organized by the Gateway 30 Network. This, despite the fact the party neither supports nor opposes that $3 billion highway expansion project. So does Mr. Chudnovsky's attendance at that rally indicate a change in New Democrat policy? In an interview with Public Eye, the former British Columbia Teachers' Federation president answered, "We certainly need to know the answers to the questions that I have asked for a year and a half now and the minister hasn't responded to. But there are some elements of this that have become clearer. One of them is that the route of the South Fraser Perimeter Road - as it's been put forward by (Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon) and Gateway comprise the agricultural land reserve and Burns Bog. And that's unacceptable. And I said that very clearly on Saturday."

The federal Liberal constituency association in Saanich-Gulf Islands has a colourful past. So naturally one must always keep an eye out on this riding - even if only for amusement value. The recent acclamation of Briony Penn, is a case in point. Ms. Penn, a prominent environmentalist on the right side of the gender divide, is the kind of candidate the Grits are desperate to recruit. So, when she decided to run, the usual "nomination" machine started up in support of her candidacy.

Yesterday, we reported Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan would soon be naming a new communications director. And who's the lucky spin doctor-to-be, you may wonder? Well, the answer is David Hurford - who was most recently the Western Canada campaign director for federal Liberal leadership candidate Michael Ignatieff. This, according to a news release from the mayor's office. As our astute readers know, Mr. Hurford was previously a special advisor to then cabinet minister Allan Rock.

Would-be parliamentarian Peter Krahn has been courting pro-life activists as part of his campaign to win the federal Conservative nomination in North Vancouver. Speaking first with Public Eye, Mr. Krahn confirmed he addressed the North Shore Pro Life Society's annual general meeting - which was held last month at Cheers Restaurant. "Personally, I don't support abortions." But rather than banning them outright, Mr. Krahn said "current discussion (amongst pro-lifers) is really starting to focus on how do we minimize the number of abortions that are being done and how do you get people out of a position where they feel compelled to make that choice."

As our astute readers know, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan's office has been communication director-less since Anna Lilly departed on February 23. But our understanding is that the interviews for that position - which was first advertised on February 12 - have wrapped up. And a replacement for the Ms. Lilly will soon be announced.

Last year, we reported provincial Liberal caucus executive director Jeff Bray abruptly resigned to, in the words of caucus chair John Yap, seek "other employment opportunities." And what might those opportunities be, you may wonder? Self-employment it turns out. Mr. Bray is now the proud founder of Capital Public Affairs Inc., "a government relations and public affairs firm helping clients effectively and successfully interact with provincial, federal and municipal governments." According to the firm's Website, Capital Public Affairs provides "real-time access to government decisions as they're being made" through its " extensive network of contacts."

Last year, provincial New Democrat supporters Doug McArthur and Bill Tieleman questioned the party's performance in the legislature. And, speaking on Public Eye Radio yesterday morning, former New Democrat government caucus communications director Brad Zubyk also raised concerns about the future of the party. Said Mr. Zubyk, "This is what you get when you have - for the first time in history - an Opposition party whose strategic direction is entirely based on 'let's be nice.' They remind me sometimes of a kid trying to be on his best behaviour so his parents buy him a bike then they do a political party trying to solicit votes. And there's a lack of vision and leadership in there. And it creates a culture where you don't want to make a decision."

Former federal Green deputy leader Andrew Lewis will once again be running for his party's nomination in Saanich-Gulf Islands. Speaking with Public Eye Radio this morning, Mr. Lewis said, "I'll be throwing my hat in the ring. I want to win the nomination. And it would be great if some others threw their hats in as well and we had a real contest. It would be great if people with great community experience in Saanich would step forward and run for the nomination. But, if not, I'll be the candidate on April 21" - the date of the constituency association's nomination meeting.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former parliamentarian John Nunziata joins us to discuss the issue of caucus solidarity. Victoria federal Conservative candidate Jack McClintock will be in studio discussing why he wants to represent the capital city in Ottawa. And former Saanich-Gulf Islands Green candidate Andrew Lewis shares his thoughts on the current state of his party. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Bob Russell, Alex Tsakumis, 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.