The premier's office is refusing to answer detailed questions about their new top climate change bureaucrat's background. Graham Whitmarsh, who briefly served as the premier's chief carbon trading advisor before being named head of the premier's climate action secretariat earlier this week, has an extensive background in the airline information technology and aerospace industries. But Internet and newspaper database searches (LexisNexis and CanWest Global Communications Corp. archives) show no reference to him being involved in any carbon trading or climate change work.

Public Eye has placed repeated requests for further information about Mr. Whitmarsh since the first week of May - both with the premier's office and Mr. Whitmarsh himself. On Monday, Public Eye received this response from the premier's communications director Dale Steeves in relation to the climate change bureaucrat's past post as chief carbon trading advisor: "Mr. Whitmarsh brings to this position 17 years of diverse international business experience, including five years as a chief executive officer and 12 years in senior management positions in a variety of businesses.”

“He understands the key actions taken by other jurisdictions with respect to cap and trade and carbon offsets. This includes the problems encountered and the issues raised while designing and implementing cap and trade schemes. He has completed research into the market for carbon offsets and the opportunity that they present to BC. This could lead to BC being the recipient of inward offset investment from other provinces/states."

Mr. Steeves refused to say what qualifications Mr. Whitmarsh has to "understand" cap and trade systems. Nor would he say whether Mr. Whitmarsh's research into those systems was done as part of his present work with government or a past post. Although Mr. Steeves did stress Mr. Whitmarsh was named head of the climate action secretariat after a "competitive process which was advertised extensively in major newspapers." That process involved 31 accepted applicants.

According to trade publications and news releases, between 1998 and 2003 Mr. Whitmarsh was an executive at airline management software manufacturer Mercury Scheduling Systems Inc. - first as vice-president and then as its president and chief executive officer. Prior to that, he served with British Aerospace PLC for eight years - finishing his tenure there as the sales and marketing vice-president for its turboprops asset management division in Washington.

It seems British Columbia’s aboriginal people aren’t the only ones with a rich oral history. Back in March, Public Eye requested access under the province’s freedom of information legislation to the "meeting minutes and agendas" of deputy ministers’ council since September 1, 2006. But, according to a letter sent by the ministry of finance's information planning and services branch on April 17, "the office of the premier has no records that fall within the scope of your request." So does this mean the council doesn't keep a record of its deliberations? Well, the premier’s communications director Dale Steeves has repeatedly refused to answer that question, instead suggesting we take the issue up with information and privacy commissioner David Loukidelis. But New Democrat leader Carole James was more than happy to comment, saying, “If the government is really keeping absolutely no records (of deputy ministers' council), it really shows the lengths that government will go to to avoid answering questions.”

One of British Columbia's leading tourism operators picked up Tourism, Sports and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen's bill at a weekend arts festival earlier this month, Public Eye has learned. In an interview, Minister Hagen confirmed the cost of his attendance at Painters at Painter's Celebration of Art - which included overnight accommodations but excluded meals - was picked up by Oak Bay Marine Group Ltd. The company runs the annual celebration out of Painter's Lodge in Campbell River and April Point Resort and Spa on Quadra Island - two of Oak Bay Marine's seven British Columbia-based resorts.

Minister Hagen, who has disclosed the gift in a filing with conflict of interest commissioner H.A.D. Oliver, estimated its value at about $280. He said he didn't have any concerns about accepting the gift, explaining “I can't imagine that (Oak Bay Marine president Bob Wright) would ever ask me for anything." In addition to its resorts, the company owns the Oak Bay, Pender Bay, North Saanich, April Point and Ladysmith Marinas, four Vancouver Island restaurants and the Pacific Undersea Gardens in Victoria.

The provincial New Democrat's relationship with the United Steelworkers in British Columbia took a bit of a nose dive during the 2005 de-affiliation debacle - which saw some party leaders try to reduce the influence of big labour at their conventions. So some might find it a bit surprising to see the union's international president Leo Gerard headlining the first fundraiser for the New Democrat's Building for the Future Fund - which has been established to bankroll rennovations to the party's new headquarters. As some of our astute readers may know, the party moved into that headquarters - dubbed the Dave and Shirley Barrett Centre - on March 15.

The UBC Properties Trust is a private company, owned by the University of British Columbia, “with a mission to acquire, develop and manage real estate assets" on behalf of the post-secondary institution. But it seems the company's activities aren't just benefiting the university and, by extension, its students. They're also benefiting some of the province's politicians.

According to a review of Elections British Columbia filings, the property trust has contributed $3,883 to the provincial Liberals since 2001. In an interview with Public Eye, New Democrat advanced education critic Rob Fleming slammed those donations saying, “I think any post-secondary institution contributing to the Liberal Party is objectionable. And those monies should be returned by that party to the institution. It all speaks to the need to have a better system in British Columbia around campaign financing."

But Liberal communications director Chad Pederson says, in 2005, his party stopped accepting donations from the properties trust. “They operate independently from UBC and they do not receive funding from UBC. But we decided we would not accept donations from them from that point forward."

And, for his part, University of British Columbia public affairs director Scott McRae clarified the older donations “were for the premier's dinners. And, similarly, under the previous government, (the trust) had purchased tickets to their dinners as well as a part of normal business networking."

Last year, the Kitamaat Port Development Society was established to develop a plan for the construction of a break bulk port in the northern community - receiving $200,000 in funding from the provincial government. But is the society, which has additional private sector backing, also involved in it’s president’s campaign to be re-elected chief councillor of the local Haisla First Nation? The reason we ask: a notice on his campaign Website states it was "funded and developed solely by the friends and supporters of Steve Wilson, including the Kitamaat Port Development Society…" Speaking with Public Eye, society executive director Roger Harris said he is a Wilson supporter. "But we don’t fund that kind of stuff. And I write the cheques. And I haven’t written any."

Continued Mr. Harris, the Campbell administration’s former minister of state for forestry operations, "Probably (Mr. Wilson’s) choice of words has been rather poor in terms of explaining what he’s done. But the reality is we haven’t provided financial assistance to him and nor would we."

Indeed, in a subsequent interview, Mr. Wilson said the society, "hasn’t actually put any money into (the Website). They just used the ability to get some of the partners to contribute to it" - adding that the only real cost is registering the domain name, "which is, what, $100 a year." He couldn't say whether those partners actually paid for the domain name, adding "I had nothing to do with it. It was something Concentric Public Affairs put together." A call placed to Concentric Public Affairs Inc. last night hasn't yet been returned.

Last month, British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. chief executive officer David Hahn sent New Democrat critic Gary Coons a temperamental email. This, after the North Coast legislator called the recent refit of the North Adventure a "major embarrassment" for the company. In an interview with Public Eye, ferry services public affairs executive director Mark Stefanson said it was "unprecedented" for Mr. Hahn to personally react to such new releases. But it seems there is at least one precedent.

In November 2005, Mr. Coons accused the company of "raising fares through the back door by ending low-season deals." Following that accusation, the critic received the following message from Mr. Hahn: "I would like to reiterate the suggestion I made to you at BC Ferries' Annual General Meeting in September regarding information on various issues relating to BC Ferries. Either myself, or an appropriate staff member would be more than happy to respond to questions you may have."

Continued Mr. Hahn, "I suggest that, in providing BC Ferries with an opportunity respond before submitting the same inquiries to Mr. Martin Crilly, the BC Ferry Commissioner or public media, you would have all the facts which would provide you with a more balanced view of the issue...Personally, I would rather avoid unnecessary confrontations. I feel that having all the information will help you decide the correct path to choose and avoid any embarrassment to your position or office." Touching, really. The following is a complete copy of that letter.

***

November 21, 2005

Mr. Gary Coons
MLA, North Coast
Room 201
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC
V8V 1X4

Dear Gary:

I hope this letter finds you well.

I would like to reiterate the suggestion I made to you at BC Ferries' Annual General Meeting in September regarding information on various issues relating to BC Ferries. Either myself, or an appropriate staff member would be more than happy to respond to questions you may have. I suggest that, in providing BC Ferries with an opportunity respond before submitting the same inquiries to Mr. Martin Crilly, the BC Ferry Commissioner or public media, you would have all the facts which would provide you with a more balanced view of the issue.

Certainly you may choose to continue to go directly to Mr. Crilly or the public, via the media; however experience has shown that if you check with BC Ferries before hand, we can generally provide you with all the related facts and, in many cases, eliminate the concern.

Personally, I would rather avoid unnecessary confrontations. I feel that having all the information will help you decide the correct path to choose and avoid any embarrassment to your position or office.

Please don't hestitate to call if you have any questions or you would like to discuss further.

Sincerely,

David L. Hahn
President & CEO

Last week, the provincial Liberals launched their pre-election fundraising drive by releasing a video highlighting the Campbell administration's accomplishments in three areas: the economy, the environment and aboriginal relations. But we find it somewhat curious the advertisement doesn't mention healthcare - even though the the Liberal's commitment to "initiate a province-wide conversation" on health was the centrepiece for their February 2006 speech from the throne; and despite the fact the latest Mustel Research Group Ltd. poll shows health as the top issue of concern for 24 percent of British Columbians. By comparison, the environment and the economy are the top issues of concern for just 14 and 10 percent of British Columbians, respectively. Funny that.

2010 LegaciesNow will soon be leaving one behind in Victoria - although not the kind of legacy you may think. The provincial government-bankrolled non-profit society will be shuttering its capital city office over the course of the summer. "It's a consolidation of our operations into one office," explained society communications director Karen McDonald. " It effects seven staff members. One is a contractor. Three are term employees whose terms are up at the end of June. And the other three will remain employeed with us. And we're making arranagements to accomodate them. All of the staff were offered the opportunity to relocate to the Vancouver office."

Mr. McDonald said the Victoria office - which is located at 895 Fort Street - is principally responsible for LegaciesNow's physical activity and healthy living programs. "When the organization originally was formed, the operation of the different divisions was quite separate. But we're finding we've become some much more integrated organization...So we're just finding it's becoming increasingly difficult to coordinate across those divisions from different cities."

The federal Liberal Vancouver-Quadra constituency association seems to have placed a priority of family values. Last Thursday, at the Kerrisdale Community Centre, association members acclaimed a new executive. As expected, Vancouver-Quadra candidate Joyce Murray's campaign chair Eugene Hodgson took over from Craig Munroe as president. Ms. Murray's husband Dirk Brinkman is now the association's policy chair. And husband and wife team Demitri and Jessica Douzenis were named organization chair and secretary, respectively. The following is a list of the senir members of that executive, which includes Catherine Evans. Ms. Evans ran against Ms. Murray during Vancouver-Quadra's recent nomination race.

President Eugene Hodgson

Vice-president Catherine Evans

Communications chair Rikia Saddy

Fundraising chair Dean Crawford

Membership chair Condrad Copeland

Organization chair Demitri Douzenis

Policy chair Dirk Brinkman

Secretary Jessica Douzenis

Treasurer Doug Eakins

As some of our astute readers may know, Ian Bailey, The Province's politics reporter, departed the tabloid on the week of April 16 to join The Globe and Mail's British Columbia bureau. So who's going to replacing Mr. Bailey on that beat, you may wonder? Well, the answer arrived at the press gallery today in the form of John Bermingham, who is best known for his coverage of civic issues for The Province.

Last month, The Vancouver Sun's Francis Bula reported the city's former mayors "say they can't remember hiring a consultant or lobbyist to help them negotiate with the provincial or federal governments as Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan has. And current representatives of cities from Surrey to Calgary to Toronto say they would never hire a lobbyist." This, in response to news the premier's special advisor Ken Dobell had registered to lobby the provincial and federal governments on behalf of the Sullivan administration. But it seems Mr. Dobell isn't the only one making sure Ottawa is paying attention to Vancouver's concerns. On May 15, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP partner Bruce Sinclair registered to lobby for "amendments to the Income Tax Act to facilitate and encourage private sector participation in the development and construction of supportive housing."

Last week, "the lawyer for Premier Gordon Campbell's special adviser accused the NDP of engaging in 'gutter politics' by filing official complaints that say Ken Dobell has violated the federal Lobbyists Registration Act." This, according to The Globe and Mail's Ian Bailey. But Mr. Dobell isn't Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP partner George Macintosh only political client. The civil litigator recently filed a statement of defence on behalf of Vancouver councillor Peter Ladner, who is alleged to have Downtown Eastside Residents Association director Kim Kerr And he's also representing former Pilothouse Public Affairs Inc. lobbyist Erik Bornman in another case featuring what some might describe as "gutter politics."

Christopher Ian "Wonder Boy" Bennett has been described as "a thought leader in political communications, PR and electoral strategy." But, despite being appointed leader of the provincial Greens on April 21, Mr. Bennett doesn't appear to have been doing much thinking about British Columbian politics. The reason: the New Democrat's decision to accept part of the independent commission to review MLA compensation's controversial recommendations has opened up an opportunity for the Greens to distinguish themselves by opposing the pay-and-pension package in its entirety. But it's been 27 days since that package was first announced. And the Greens have yet to put out a news release commenting on the controversy. Although, last month, they did urge the Campbell administration to "stimulate and support local farming economies throughout BC." Which is nice.

Earlier, we opined the New Democrats abrogated their responsibility as British Columbia's opposition by repeatedly refusing to comment on flaws in the MLA pay-and-pension panel process. But party finance critic Bruce Ralston has taken that hear no evil, see no evil approach even further. During second reading debate of the legislation enacting those recommendations, the Surrey-Whalley legislator referred to the panel as a "reasonable commission." Of course, we're still puzzling over what aspect of the commission Mr. Ralston thinks is reasonable - the fact the panel made its recommendation in the absence of one member? Or perhaps he think it's reasonable the commission's membership was limited to a corporate chief executive officer, a former judge and a business professor? Inquiring minds want to know.

The independent commission to review MLA compensation has been criticized for not being representative of ordinary British Columbians. The reason: the three-person panel include University of British Columbia business professor Sandra Robinson, former British Columbia and Yukon Territory Appeals Court justice Joe Wood and Sue Paish, who has been described by the press as a lawyer. But, come June 1, Ms. Paish - who chaired the panel - will be a whole lot more than a member of the bar. That's when she takes over as the chief executive officer of Pharmasave Drugs (National) Ltd. - the country's third largest pharmacy operator. And how much will she be making, you may wonder? Well, according to Business in Vancouver's Glen Korstrom, Ms. Paish willl "stay in the six-figure income bracket - to the relief of one of her three teenaged daughters, who asked her if the family might have to go on welfare following her Pharmasave decision."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Strategic Communications Inc. president and chief executive officer Bob Penner shares his thoughts on the provincial Liberal's pre-election fundraising drive. Freedom of information advocates Darrell Evans and Stanley Tromp discuss why British Columbians should be demanding more openness from their government. And George Gibault from Sewage Solutions Now tells us why Victoria's sewage treatment problem should have a public-private solution. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, 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 told you former Vancouver board of variance chair Terry Martin was being promoted as a possible Coalition of Progressive Electors executive candidate. And, sure enough, he's a member of the Labour for COPE slate, which will be running against the Group of Seven during tomorrow afternoon's coalition board elections. Other notables on the slate - which was first reported by Vancouver Kid - include former councillor Tim Louis, his partner Penny Parry and Headtax Families of Canada co-chair Sid Tan. The Sullivan administration recently cancelled the funding for Mr. Tan's position as the Downtown Eastside Residents Association's seniors coordinator. The following is a complete copy of that slate.

Dear Friends,

The Friends of COPE are pleased to present a strongly solid, membership-driven slate for the 2007 COPE Executive -- one which proudly stands up for working people, our communities, and the progressive principles our party was founded on.

For a positive and forward thinking Vancouver future, the people to vote for at this Sunday's COPE AGM are:

Rider COOEY
Angelica GUTIERREZ
Paul HOULE
Tim LOUIS
Penny PARRY
Terry MARTIN
Sid TAN
John YANO

Here is a bit about each of them. At the meeting we will have a handout with the names written across the top.

Rider Cooey - strong COPE member, often appears at City Council to speak as a citizen to City Council activities including police issues

Angelica Gutierrez - independent community radio journalist for America Latina al Dia, a bilingual, political program on Vancouver Co-op Radio. Member of Vancouver Internationalist Bolivarian Circle 'Bob Everton'; strong COPE member

Paul Houle - social worker, longtime COPE member, currently treasurer on the executive, heavily involved in school issues

Tim Louis - two term City Councillor, founder of Handidart, longtime COPE member, on current executive

Penny Parry - longtime COPE member, currently membership secretary on the executive, former Child and Youth advocate for the City of Vancouver, current watchdog for the Fed of Child and Family Serving Agencies re the Hughes report

Terry Martin - former Chair Vancouver Board of Variance [the board that was dismissed by the NPA], longtime COPE member who attends many COPE executive meetings as a regular member

Sid Tan - co-chair Headtax Families of Canada; leader community alternative media; DERA worker in Chinese community; longtime COPE member

John Yano - social justice activist; HEU provincial executive subcommittee for support workers member; HEU Lesbian & Gay standing committee; Delegate, VDLC; strong COPE member

Thanks so much again for your support!

Elections for a new COPE Executive will be held at the COPE Annual General Meeting

1:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 27
CAPRI Hall
3925 Fraser Street
Vancouver

It was Public Eye's third birthday on Sunday. So, in celebration, your humble organ is going to be taking it easy over the next few days - catching up on some research, responding to overdue emails, filing freedom of information requests and...most importantly...napping. That means posting will be somewhat sporadic until next week (although we'll do our best to cover the Coalition of Progressive Electors executive elections). In the meantime, here's some recommended reading: former provincial New Democrat ministerial assistant and candidate Richard Tones has dipped his pinky toe into the Internet, starting up a blog commenting on British Columbia politics. So enjoy.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Vancouver Elementary School Teachers' Association president Glen Hansman and former Vancouver school trustee Jane Bouey discuss why the provincial Liberals voted down a legislative amendment that would helped protect students from homophobic bullying. Former Liberal legislator Rod Visser joins us to discuss the New Democrat's controversial sustainable aquaculture report. And former New Democrat leadership candidate Mehdi Najari will be discussing the MLA pay-and-pension panel debacle. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, 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.

Last week, the New Democrats abrogated their responsibility as British Columbia's opposition by repeatedly refusing to comment on flaws in the MLA pay-and-pension panel process. But it seems panel chair Sue Paish doesn't feel any reluctance whatsoever when it comes commenting on the New Democrat's response to the commission's recommendations. In an interview with The Globe and Mail's Ian Bailey, Ms. Paish "'decried the political 'gamesmanship' that has prompted New Democrats to protest against the plan by donating their raises to charity." Continued the chair, "From the perspective of saving the taxpayers dollars, if that's a concern, the members should be contributing to charity the value of their pensions" - rather than participating in the retirement package.

Last week, we reported a "group of seven" candidates would be running for the Coalition of Progressive Electors executive. As expected, some see supporting that slate as a "revolt of sorts against the (coalition's) present leadership" - this, according to The Georgia Straight's Carlito Pablo. But who else will be in that race, you may wonder? Well, in an interview with Public Eye, Seve Oaks Magazine founding editor Charles Demers confirmed he's "seriously considering" putting his name forward to be the coalition's membership secretary. And former board of variance chair Terry Martin is also being promoted as a possible executive candidate.

Back in March, The Georgia Straight's Matthew Burrows quoted Hospital Employees' Union president Fred Muzin as saying his union wouldn't fund the Coalition of Progressive Electors or Vision Vancouver, "until they can heal their rift." And, when asked whether the Canadian Union of Public Employees would be endorsing either civic party through funding, British Columbia president Barry O'Neil said, "No." But it seems some unionists are less than pleased with that policy. In an email sent out late last night, select labour leaders called on their brothers and sisters to end the "boycott of COPE and Vision" and, presumably, back the coalition. The following is a complete copy of that email.

Why Punish COPE?

1) Labour's Boycott Is Not Even-Handed -

The labour leaderships' boycott of COPE and Vision is anything but balanced. First, COPE is far more reliant on contributions from the union movement than Vision is. In the 2005 election, 69% of COPE's total contributions were from the labour movement, but only 12% of Vision's donations came from unions. Second, the breakaway faction who left COPE to form Vision skipped out on their share of COPE's 2002 election debt- a debt that got them elected in the first place - leaving COPE to pick up the tab of hundreds of thousands of dollars used to elect Vision councillors. Add to this the fact that Vision spent over three times as much as COPE did in 2005 and it becomes clear that the supposedly even-handed boycott hits COPE far worse than it does Vision.

2) COPE Is Not Responsible For The Split -

Mayor Larry Campbell broke from COPE even before he took office when he threatened to go ahead and obtain an injunction against the Woodwards squat. The Friends of Larry Campbell broke democratically-adopted COPE policy which supports a freeze on transit fares when their rep on Translink voted for a fare increase. They broke COPE election promises to oppose slot machines. They broke with COPE policy opposing P3's when they purged Fred Bass from the Translink board and had his replacement Raymond Louie cast the deciding vote that brought in the P3 RAV line. They tried unsuccessfully to expel Fred Bass, Tim Louis and Anne Roberts from the COPE executive. They started organizing their own fundraisers and setting up their web site months before the incident they used as a pretext for their split. Vision broke away from COPE, not the other way around. Vision Vancouver and its leadership have to bear full responsibility for the split. They were the ones who organized it, after all.

3) Vision Vancouver Does Not Respect Democracy -

After repeated unsuccessful attempts to change COPE policy, Vision simply ignored the repeated votes of the majority of COPE members. They went further, setting up an organization run by an unelected executive committee, fielding hand- picked candidates that had never seen a nominating meeting, and putting forward policies developed in the back rooms that had never come before a membership meeting.

4) Vision Vancouver Runs On Corporate Money -

You dance with them what brung you. In 2005, 69% of COPE's donations were from the union movement. Vision Vancouver's funding shows where their support comes from. 73% of Vision's funds came from corporations. Only 12% came from unions. Nearly half of Vision's total contributions - 46.7%, or $632,622 - came from developers and gambling and liquor interests. Even more telling, Vision Vancouver does not hesitate to accept money from some of the worst lockout artists in town, like Gary Jackson of Royal Diamond Casino fame, and like Telus' $9,100 donation, most of which Vision received in the middle of Telus' 2005 lockout of TWU.

The "labour boycott of COPE and Vision" is not neutral, is not even-handed, is not constructive, and is not even rooted in reality. We in labour should not be punishing COPE for the disunity that Vision has created.

Signed in personal capacity. Organizations are listed for identification purposes only.

John Ames
Secretary treasurer
B.C. Government and Service Employees Union local 503
Delegate, Vancouver and District Labour Council

Jim Houlahan
Vice-president
Canadian Auto Workers local 111
Delegate, VDLC

Gretchen Dulmage
Vice-chair and chief shop steward
Childrens and Women's Hospital Site
HEU / PSHA Amalgamated local, CUPE 6010
VDLC executive member-at-large

Dick Fahlman
Steward and former treasurer
International Theatre and Stage Employees Union
Local 891
(motion picture production technicians)

Gordon Flett
Shop steward
Communication, Energy and Paparworkers local 2000
Former chair, VDLC strike support committee

John Yano
Conductor and steward, HEU St. Paul's local
HEU / CUPE 6016
Member, HEU provincial executive subcommittee for support workers
Member, HEU LG standing committee
Delegate, VDLC

Will Offley
Member, B.C. Nurses Union
Central Vancouver Region
Delegate, VDLC

Isobel Kiborn
HEU / CUPE (retired)

Mike Palacek
Shop steward
Canadian Union of Postal Workers
Vancouver local

Ken Hiebert
Member, International Longshore and Warehouse Union
Local 500

Christine Arcand
Former executive member
HEU / CUPE Vancouver General Hospital local

Mike O'Neill
Executive member
Vancouver Secondary Teachers Association
Former COPE school board trustee

Cathy Peters
PHSA Amalgamated Local HEU/CUPE 6010
HEU People with Disabilities Equity Standing Committee
CUPE National Disability Rights Working Group
VDLC alternate delegate

Larry Tallman
Member, Canadian Union of Public Employees
Local 15

Frank Barbeau
Retired member
Brewery and Distillery Workers local 300

Gene McGuckin
Executive member, CEP 1129
Delegate, VDLC

Maureen Bourke
Secretary treasurer
Telecommunication Workers Union local 63

Claudio Eckdahl
Component 6 executive member
BCGEU 603
VDLC delegate

Jim Brown
Member, TWU 30

Paul Houle
Shop steward
BCGEU 603
COPE treasurer

Campbell administration fixture Andy Orr - who has been the executive director of the public affairs bureau since 2001 - is leaving the provincial government. He's joining Kimanda Jarzebiak's firm Ascent Public Affairs Inc. as its vice-president, taking over from Rozi Dobreci. Mr. Orr, whose resignation takes effect today, had been the principal communications conduit between the administration and the press gallery. So it's hard to overstate the significance of his departure.

Today, provincial New Democrat leader Carole James announced that, if the Liberals succeed in pushing through the MLA compensation commission's controversial recommendations, her caucus won't be opting-out of the new pay-and-pension package. Instead, they'll "participate" in the pension plan while donating "back the pay increase...to charity, to community organizations that have been hurt by this government." Not exactly a proud moment for Ms. James, who maintains her party will vote against legislation acting on the commission's recommendations. But the Campbell administration - who have, on at least one occassion, appeared almost statesmen-like supporting the commission - seem to have forgetten the old adage that, if the opposition is falling, it's the government's duty to get out of the way (or something like that).

When Ms. James rose to debate the bill this afternoon, Liberal MLAs walked out of the legislature - leaving just two of their number inside. "They're running away again," charged Ms. James "They can’t even face the leader making comments about the bill and the obscene pay increase. They can’t even take listening to it. It just shows once again they don’t listen to their communities. Their not interesting in listening. They just want to take their pay increase and run…It's appalling."

But the Liberals wouldn't say the insult was coordinated. Asked about the matter, Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell said Ms. James's speech simply "wasn't much to listen to, to be perfectly honest." Meanwhile, House Leader Mike de Jong insisted it, "isn't really a walk out. You look at what the position of the leader of the Opposition is - they’re not opting-out. So what you’re seeing there is a whole lot of smoke and mirrors and a whole lot of disingenuous commentary."

Those who follow the goings on a children and family development have often wondered what the relationship is like between deputy minister Lesley du Toit and child and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. Well, there's been lots of idle gossip about that question as of late. But, what we do know for sure is that, last year, "agreement was made between the DM and the Representative that they will meet once very (sic) four months." This, according to confidential leadership team meeting minutes obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request. The following is the relevant portion of that document.

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING MINUTES
Strictly Confidential

Meeting Minutes for December 6, 2006

Attendance: Lesley Du Toit, Craig Wilkinson, Mark Sieben, Chuck Earner, Karen Dellert, Nikki McCallum, Deb Foxcroft, Doug Hughes, Alan Markwart, Pat Doyle, Chuck Eamer, Bev Dicks, Stan Williams
Absent: Kelly Gleeson, Doug Hayman, Donna Knox, Peter Cunningham

15. Marey Ellen Turpel-Lalond - the Deputy- the Deputy Minister gave a brief description of her initial discussion with the new Representative. Agreement was made between the DM and the Representative that they will meet once very four months.

- 30 -

As our astute readers may know, the provincial New Democrats have yet to say whether they oppose the Liberal's Gateway Program. Of course, we shouldn't be so impatient. After all, Premier Gordon Campbell only announced that program back in January, er, 2006. Nevertheless, the party's transportation critic David Chudnovsky recently attended a demonstration against the controversial infrastructure program. And, now, it's been brought to our attention the New Democrats's agriculture committee has joined The Gateway 30 Network, an alliance of "over 40 community groups that are working together to point out the flaws in the Gateway Program and offer alternatives that will keep the Lower Mainland the most liveable region in Canada." Funny that.

Yesterday, we reported the federal Greens are "building a team of volunteers to help write letters to the editor, make calls to phone-in radio shows, email comments to TV news programs and write comments on websites and blogs." But it seems work is already underway to correct the "twisted facts" and "untruths" told by the nation's headline writers and, er, anyone else who takes a swipe at party leader Elizabeth May. Last week, press secretary Camille Labchuk encouraged party members to send letters to the editor responding to columns written by The Toronto Sun's Michael Coren and the Edmonton Journal's Lorne Gunter. Of course, we're confident those letter writers self-identified themselves as Green members. The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned emails.

From: clabchuk@greenparty.ca
Subject: Attention Greens in the Toronto area
Date: Mon, 7 May 2007 17:07:35 -0400

****This email has been sent to all CEOs and Communication Chairs of all EDAs. It is only intended for those in the Toronto area (but our new CRM system does not yet have a function to sort by region), so please disregard if this if it does not apply to you. Apologies if this email does not apply to you.****

Attention CEOs and Communication Chairs in the Greater Toronto Area:

An appalling piece by Michael Coren appeared in Saturday’s Toronto Sun. We are really hoping to flood the Sun with letters to set the record straight. I have pasted the piece below, along with responses Elizabeth has already written to various other papers over the course of the last week. If you could take a few moments to forward this message on to your EDA exec and members and/or fire off a letter to the Toronto Sun yourself, it would go a long way toward countering untruths that are being propagated. Letters can be sent to torsun.editor@sunmedia.ca. Please read the article and consider the points made below.

Elizabeth did not cry during the speech she gave in London and Coren makes no mention of the fact that Elizabeth was merely referencing a statement by George Monbiot, a very well-respected British journalist with The Guardian (UK) and author of the recent best-seller “Heat” - a book on climate change. Elizabeth did not compare Stephen Harper, climate change or Nazis to anything - the quote from Monbiot was merely meant to illustrate the damage that Harper’s government has done to our country’s international reputation. Also, Coren attempts to paint Elizabeth as a fundamentalist. He clearly fails to recognize climate change as a legitimate threat to all life on this planet and refers to the current thinking on climate change (i.e., that it is a real and very threatening phenomenon) as “fashionable”. This article merely reflects desperation on the part of those who are unwilling to act on climate change (such as the government), and represents an attempt to divert attention from the real issues. It is crucial that we correct this.

Please contact me if you need any help with this. It would be extraordinarily helpful if you can find the time to write a letter.

Many thanks,
Camille Labchuk

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From: clabchuk@greenparty.ca
Subject: Attention Greens in Alberta
Date: Mon, 7 May 2007 17:05:19 -0400

****This email has been sent to all CEOs and Communication Chairs of all EDAs. It is only intended for those in Alberta (but our new CRM system does not yet have a function to sort by region), so please disregard if this if it does not apply to you. Apologies if this email does not apply to you.****

Hello Alberta Communication Chairs and CEOs,

A rather unpleasant piece by Lorne Gunter appeared in the Edmonton Journal on Friday, attacking Elizabeth May. We urgently needs Greens in the area to flood the Edmonton Journal with supportive letters to the editor. This will go a long way to help set the record straight. I’m hoping that each of you can send this to your members and EDA Exec, encouraging them to write to the Edmonton Journal, and that you can write a letter yourself. I have pasted the article below, along with several responses that Elizabeth has written over the past week to help give you something to go on. The address is letters@thejournal.canwest.com.

Please contact me if you need any help with this. It is extremely important that we don’t let this piece go unanswered by Alberta Greens. Thank you in advance for your help!

Camille Labchuk
Press Secretary
Green Party of Canada

This Friday, former independent council candidate Jamie Lee Hamilton will be hosting an "informal get-together" for Tim Louis at the Pendera Building on West Pender Street. And what's the reason for this get-together, you may wonder? Well, in an email sent to friends and associates, Ms. Hamilton writes the former Coalition of Progressive Electors councillor "is wanting to bring a special message about his future plans." Whatever could that mean? The following is a complete copy of that email.

-----Original Message-----
From: tricia foxx
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 2:47 PM
Subject: Request of You to Meet Someone

Dear Friends,

This Friday May 18, 2007 at 8pm, I'm hosting an informal get-together for former City Councillor, Tim Louis. This event will be in the main floor common room at the Pendera, which is located at 133 West Pender Street.

Tim and his partner, Penny Parry have done amazing work for Vancouver's cultural diverse communities. Tim is a practising lawyer and is a founder of the Handi-Dart transit system. He served for six years as a Vancouver Park board Commissioner before being elected to City Council in 1999 where he remained until 2005. Penny Parry, his longtime partner, is a former Child and Youth Advocate for the City of Vancouver and was instrumental in bringing attention to the plight of homelessness back in the mid 1990's. Most recently, she was instrumental in ensuring Vancouver adopted the ethical purchasing policy for the City.

Tim is wanting to bring a special message about his future plans. I have had a long respect for Tim Louis, who helped me out enormously in 1988 when I was facing discrimination at Vancouver Community College. Tim was successful in bringing my situation to a satisfactory conclusion. So without question, I have always had immense respect for Tim and Penny too. I encourage my friends to stop by and say hello to Tim and Penny. And whatever Tim's request are, I am hopeful that you can assist him.

Please RSVP if possible. I will see you on Friday, May
18 at 8pm at 133 West Pender Street.

Cheers

Jamie Lee

Pity poor Elizabeth May! According to her party's most recent newsletter, "from time to time, Greens are unfairly attacked in the media. Facts can be misunderstood or twisted, statements may be taken out of context and untruths may be spoken. Whatever the case may be, it’s important that we set the record straight by responding right away. Some recent examples were the May-Dion accord, Elizabeth’s decision to run in Central Nova and the abortion controversy." As a result, the Greens are "building a team of volunteers to help write letters to the editor, make calls to phone-in radio shows, email comments to TV news programs and write comments on websites and blogs." Of course, Ms. May bears no responsibility whatsoever for any of the recent controversies that have dogged the Greens. It's all the fault of headline writers, right?

Earlier, in an exclusive interview with Public Eye, independent commission to review MLA compensation member Sandra Robinson stated the three-person pay-and-pension panel changed its recommendations while she was in Europe - many of which she "doesn't agree with." Asked whether he had any concerns about those revelations, Premier Gordon Campbell - who picked the panel - told Public Eye yesterday, "I’m not going to talk about the processes the committee went through. They're all good quality individuals who did their best to present a report in the public’s interest. That’s what we asked them to do. And that’s what they did.”

And what about commission chair Sue Paish's suggestion that Prof. Robinson, a faculty member at the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business, didn't have a lot of "experience" with pension plans or the more general issue of "compensation." Does that concern him?

"I think that Ms. Robinson had some experience with regard to human resources, as was laid out in the resume she had," Premier Campbell responded. "She was recommended by a number of people who felt she had something to offer to the panel. And I think Ms. Paish has said, ‘Yup, she had something to offer to the panel.' And so the panel has made their report and now government will act on it.”

The independent commission to review MLA compensation has been a source of much controversy since its recommendations were made public. But that controversy might have been avoided if members of the legislature had acted on C.J. Connaghan's suggestion in his 1992 report that they "make provision for the appointment of an independent body as a part of the process of determining appropriate levels of remuneration for Members." Specifically, he called for the naming of "an independent, neutral and knowledgeable person from private life" who could, among other tasks, conduct a "period review" of the Connaghan formula "and the underlying structure to ensure both remain relevant." The Connaghan formula, an annual cost-of-living adjustment to MLA salaries, was implemented following release of the 1997 citizens' panel report on MLA compensation. But a commissioner on MLA remuneration wasn't appointed.

Earlier, we reported the BC Trucking Association has been encouraging industry members to support Get Moving BC, a "non-profit, grassroots organization" advocating on behalf of the Gateway Program. And, according to an email from the association's communications coordinator Sandra Azanchi, Canada Wide Magazines and Publications Ltd. is among the businesses backing that group - which, coincidentally, is being organized by a number of prominent provincial Liberal members. Of course, this isn't the first time Canada Wide has come to the assistance of the Campbell administration. As our astute readers may remember, president and publisher Peter Legg put the premier's picture on the cover of BC Business Magazine just before the last election. Canada Wide Magazines and Publications hasn't yet responded to a request for comment placed earlier this afternoon.

Provincial Liberals have once again tried to turn down the temperature in the legislature by suggesting the New Democrats are at risk of legal action - this time, by asking questions about the Basi-Virk trial. "Go say it oustide," heckled House Leader Mike de Jong during today's question period. "Say it in the hallway," demanded Solicitor General John Les. So what does New Democrat leader Carole James make of those threats? Speaking with reporters, Ms James said, "I think it shows this government will do absolutely anything to avoid answering questions. They're trying to threaten people. They're trying to raise concerns that if you say things something might happen. Well, we're going to raising these issues on behalf of the public. These are serious allegations. The public deserves answers. And they certainly deserve better than they're getting from this government."

Earlier this month, provincial Liberal legislators accepted the independent commission to review MLA compensation's controversial recommendations. But have cabinet ministers Rich Neufeld and Rick Thorpe always been in favour of a generous pay and pension package for elected representatives? After all, before the Liberals won government, Ministers Neufeld and Thorpe made written submission to the 1997 citizens' panel on MLA remuneration. But the clerk of the committees won't release those submissions, "holding them in confidence." Minister Thorpe is refusing to answer questions about the issue. And, in an interview today with Public Eye, Minister Neufeld, he couldn't say what advice he gave to the panel. "I don't know. Go back and read it. I don't have it. And I don't know what it was. I can't remember back to 1997."

On Saturday, The Globe and Mail's Jane Taber reported former Liberal leadership candidates Martha Hall Findlay "stopped collecting their secret Liberal salaries" at the end of April. "The two were paid paid by the party for election readiness and outreach work." But Ms. Taber continued. "A party official explained they are no longer being paid since most of their work is completed." And, really, why pay for work Mr. Kennedy is willing to do for free? In an email, party communications director Elizabeth Whiting confirmed "Mr. Kennedy is continuing his role as National Election Readiness Advisor for the Party on a volunteer basis" as indicated on a national campaign organization chart dated May 15. The following is a complete copy of the text of that chart, which was obtained by Public Eye.

Hon. Stephane Dion
Leader

LPC President
Sen. Marie Poulin

Election Readiness Advisor
Gerard Kennedy

National co-Chairs
Nancy Girard
Mark Marissen

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National Campaign Director
Gordon Ashworth

Deputy Campaign Director
Jamie Carroll, National Director, LPC

Secretariat
Brian Klunder

Women's Canadidate Search and Support
Linda Julien and Isabel Metcalfe

Nominations
Herb Metcalfe and Brian Klunder

Tour
Melissa MacInnis and Nathalie Page

Commissions
Monique Trottier

Admin and Finance
John Arnold and Harry Mortimer

Advertising/Red Leaf
Kevin Shea and Luc Perrault

Candidate Services
Ian Smedley

Fundraising
Sen. Day

***

Platform
Co-Chairs
Bob Rae and Scott Brison

National Platform Vice-Chair
Dominic LeBlanc

Platform Secretariat Coordinator
Gene Lang

***

PTA
co-Chairs and NERC members

***

Communications Coordinator
Nick Ruszkowski

Rapid Response
Written Material
New Media
Ethnic Media
Andrew Bevan and Derek Ferguson

When last we reported on on our good friend Brian Bonney, he had abruptly resigned as the operations director for the provincial Liberals. But just because he isn't on the party payroll anymore, doesn't mean Mr. Bonney isn't still toiling away in the backrooms on behalf of the Campbell administration. For example, yesterday, in an email sent to industry members, BC Trucking Association communications coordinator Sandra Azanchi encouraged them to support Get Moving BC, "a non-profit, grassroots organization composed of individuals, businesses and organizations in the Greater Vancouver area advocating a balanced, efficient, and sustainable transportation infrastructure." And who should they contact for more information about this pro-Gateway Program group? Well, if you guessed Mr. Bonney, you'd be right!

Last month, The Georgia Straight's Matthew Burrows also reported on Fort Langley-Aldergrove Liberal constituency association vice-president Jordan Bateman and former Port Moody-Burke Mountain election candidate Greg Moore's involvement with Get Moving BC. As our astute readers know, Mr. Moore is a regional organizer for the party. The following is an edited copy of the aforementioned email.

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Hello:

The Gateway Program stands to finally alleviate the over $500 million that congestion is costing our industry each year and bring relief for all Lower Mainland residents from the ever-increasing traffic that is slowly grinding our region to a halt. Despite this, various groups are vocally protesting the Gateway Program. Some of these groups oppose new road and bridge infrastructure because of environmental concerns, notwithstanding the environmental harm caused by stop-and-go traffic. Others are simply opposed to growth in the region, opposing, for instance, the expansion of Deltaport. These groups have received significant attention in the media as their voices are disproportionately loud vis-à-vis their public base of support.

The opposition to the Gateway Program is well organized and, thus far, a countervailing group supporting the Gateway Project and economic development had been absent. Attached is information about "Get Moving BC," a newly established group, which is attempting to fill this void and counteract the negative publicity generated by the opponents of the Gateway Program. Get Moving BC is a non-profit, grassroots organization composed of individuals, businesses and organizations in the Greater Vancouver area advocating a balanced, efficient, and sustainable transportation infrastructure. To date, Get Moving BC has the support of the BC Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, the Independent Construction Business Association, Canada Wide Magazines and others.

Our industry’s efficiency and, ultimately, profitability depend on adequate and effective road infrastructure and the need for vocal, organized support of the Gateway Program is greater than ever. Your contribution is vital. Please show your support by supporting Get Moving BC. To find out how your company can help, please contact Brian Bonney at Get Moving BC.

Regards,

Sandra Azanchi
Communications Coordinator
BC Trucking Association

Earlier, we reported a slate of seven candidates, including former Vancouver councillor Ellen Woodsworth, would be running for the Coalition of Progressive Electors executive on May 27. And there's been suggestions that Vancouver-Kensington provincial New Democrat legislator David Chudnovsky is backing that slate. So what does the transportation critic have to say about such talk? Well, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Chudnovsky said, "I know some of those folks (on the slate) and they're good folks - and so are some of the other folks on the executive. And I'm sure we'll have a great executive at the end of the election." So does that mean he's supporting the slate? "I support some people who are in that group and some who aren't," Mr. Chudnovsky responded.

Like C.J. Connaghan's 1992 review of MLA remuneration, recent independent pay-and-pension commision surveyed members of the public to find out how much they thought elected officials should be compensated. A detailed summary of the poll results was provided. But, unlike Mr. Connagahn's review, the commission's final report didn't included the tables for that survey. And you're not going to see them either. In response to a request for those tables, commission chair Sue Paish informed Public Eye, "All material submitted to the Commission other than presentations at the public hearings were provided in confidence. As a result, unfortunately it would not be appropriate to provide the detailed information you requested as there may be a breach of the confidentiality."

Man in motion Rick Hansen may not been running for the federal Tory nomination in Vancouver-Quadra. But our understanding is that some party members are hopeful BC Cancer Foundation president and chief executive officer Mary McNeil, who is also a member of the Vancouver Police Board, will be stepping up to the starting line. In 2003, BC Business Magazine recognized Ms. McNeil as one of the top six chief executive officers in British Columbia. University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business law division lecturer Deborah Meredith is presently the only declared candidate in the nomination race.

Last week, former BC Nurses Union president Ivory Warner criticized the composition of the controversial independent MLA pay-and-pension commission - which included a lawyer, a former judge and a business professor. But Ms. Warner isn't the only member of the 1997 citizens panel on MLA compensation who believes the commission should have been more populist. In an interview with Public Eye, former BC Coalition of People with Disabilities president Margo Massie said, "What really struck me this time was those three folks really weren't representative of average British Columbians. And the citizens panel I was on was really quite fair. But these folks (on the commission) don't really seem to be in touch with who the average British Columbians is and how much they make."

Back in February, Children and Family Development Minister Tom Christensen said that timelines for establishing non-aboriginal and aboriginal authorities had been discarded because "government will not force the process by putting a time frame in place." But a confidential action plan, dated 2007, states "accountability for sustained progress towards goals and timeframes is a fundamental component" of the ministry's transformation process - which, presumably, includes establishing those authorities. Or perhaps an exception was made? Earlier, Public Eye reported the Vancouver Island Aboriginal Transformation Team notified stakeholders their authority would begin service by 2008 - having been "recognized in provincial legislation."

The provincial New Democrats, inexplicably, aren't commenting on revelations the three-person MLA pay-and-pension panel changed its recommendations while one of their number was in Europe. But former premier Bill Vander Zalm, 24 hours' columnist Bill Tieleman and the Times Colonist's editorial board are. "It's the process that ought to concern people. Because the process is very flawed," said Mr. Vander Zalm, in an interview this morning on Public Eye