June 2007 Archives

In October 2005, B.C.'s private liquor store interests tried to directly lobby Premier Gordon Campbell to reduce the price industry players pay for liquor. A little more than a year later, that cut - which will cost government up to $31.1 million in lost revenue - was made. In a letter addressed to the premier (which was obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request) the then president of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees, David Crown, informed "Gordon" his group was concerned "with the direction of government with regard to our industry."

John Fryer was once the very model of a major New Democrat. A former national and provincial union leader, Mr. Fryer ran for the party during the 1988 federal election. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Fryer confirmed, after more than 40 years as a New Democrat, he joined the Greens this past March. "I think the main reason I joined the Greens is that I believe the Greens under Elizabeth May have raised and are raising the national consciousness on the number one issue of the day - which I consider to be the environment. I have six children and 10 grandchildren. And I'm very concerned about the world we're leaving them," Mr. Fryer explained. That's not the only reason for his defection, though.

Last week, Public Eye exclusively reported Marty Zlotnik, a long-time Gordon Campbell associate, has been circulating a petition calling on the premier to "find an alternative method of compensating the Musqueam Indian Band regarding any entitlement they may have" to the University Golf Club. But Mr. Zlotnik isn't the only Liberal supporter with an interest in the issue. Vancouver mogul David Ho, whose companies have donated $125,953 to the party between 2005 and 2006, owns the club's lease - which sees him pay a percentage of its gross revenues to the University of British Columbia.

Peter O'Neil, The Vancouver Sun's Ottawa bureau chief, is taking a two-year leave of absence to become CanWest News Service's European correspondent. Mr. O'Neil will be hopping across the pond in August - although the European bureau isn't scheduled to open until September. The Sun is not presently planning on filling Mr. O'Neil's old job.

The booze business has a longstanding history of hiring former provincial Liberal aides. For example, Premier Gordon Campbell's policy coordination and issues management deputy chief of staff Tom Syer recently became the Western Canada public affairs director for Labatt Breweries of Canada Ltd. Prior to that, former ministerial assistant Cheryl Maitland joined Canada's National Brewers as their public relations manager. And now, we have another example: Kim Haakstad. Ms. Haakstad is leaving Karyon Group, ex-legislator Karn Manhas's company, to become executive director of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees of B.C. The following is a complete copy of that announcement.

Those who follow provincial politics (and we assume that's most of our readers) will be familiar with This Week in BC, a weekly editorial broadcast on Shaw TV - and now the Internet. Starting this week, the segment (which is hosted by CKNW bureau chief Sean Leslie), will be available on YouTube. The editorial is produced and edited by Kristina Verruyt.

It seems public affairs bureau executive director Andy Orr, who departed government back in May, has proven to be irreplaceable. Instead, as we earlier speculated, his job has been divided and expanded. Today, bureau staffers were told children and family development communications director Kelly Gleeson has been appointed "Executive Director, Communications - Resource Sector, responsible for: Agriculture and Lands; Economic Development; Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources; Finance; Forests and Housing; Labour and Citizens' Services; Small Business and Revenue; Tourism, Sports and the Arts; and, Transportation." Meanwhile, education communication director Ron Norman has been named "Executive Director, Communications - Social Sector, responsible for: Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation; Advanced Education; Attorney General; Children and Family Development; Community Services; Education; Employment and Income Assistance; Health; Intergovernmental Relations; and, Public Safety and Solicitor General." The following is a complete copy of that internal announcement.

Earlier, we reported former provincial Green outreach coordinator Ben West might run in the race to succeed Adriane Carr, who stepped as party leader last September. And it looks like Mr. West is getting ready to step up to the startling line. For one thing, according to his Facebook entry, the bearded backroom boy is now clean shaven - a not insignifcant personal grooming decision. After all, facial hair is, in the words of Bill Mackay, "taboo in politics." But, more important, is the fact that Mr. West seems to be putting together some kind of advisory committee for his prospective leadership bid.

If the provincial New Democrat nomination review committee's recommendations are accepted as is, 40 percent of the party's non-incumbent ridings will be designated as "affirmative action" seats in the next elections. This, according to a copy of the committee's updated report, which is presently being circulated for review. The document also recommends affirmative action seats receive enhanced fundraising revenues or grants of up to $10,000 from the party to "encourage this process and local riding engagement and support." A final, comprehensive nomination review committee report will be written over the summer and presented at the party's November convention. The following is a complete copy of the updated report.

Last week, Community Living British Columbia rolled out a "multi-media campaign" to "raise general awareness" about the developmentally disabled, as well as "provide a positive message regarding community inclusion." This, according to an email distributed to authority employees by communications director Sally Greenwood. Ms. Greenwood goes onto write that Community Living's media buy for the television commercial component of that campaign "consists of airtime on most provincial television stations including the TV listings channel and will run for 11 weeks paid air time beginning June 18th." But, as laudable as those commercials are, some might wonder whether the campaign's $180,000 budget might have been better spent reducing the authority's waitlist, which includes "3,150 adults with varying degrees of need…requiring some form of new or enhanced CLBC services between April 1, 2006 and March 31, 2009."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Richmond councillor Harold Steves discusses his opposition to the Tsawwassen First Nation treaty settlement. Esquimalt councillor Jane Sterk talks about her future bid to lead the provincial Greens. And former party candidate Stuart Hertzog shares his concerns about the present state of the Greens. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Bob Russell 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.

Vancouver park commissioner Marty Zlotnik, one of Gordon Campbell's long-time associates, is circulating a petition calling on the premier to "find an alternative method of compensating the Musqueam Indian Band regarding any entitlement they may have to the UBC golf Course." The petition, which is also being coordinated by University of British Columbia athletics and recreation professor emeritus Bob Hindmarch, goes on to state "We believe that this golf course has been a vital recreation resource and an important part of the social fabric of Vancouver since 1929, particularly those of us who are lucky enough to live in Point Grey." And, "with the recreational needs of seniors clearly on the increase in our community, it would be a terrible mistake to convert this precious resource into housing either for the private sector or the Musqueam Indian Band." The following is an edited copy of that petition and Mr. Zlotnik's accompanying email.

Earlier this month, Paralympian Ian Gregson announced he would be running for the leadership of the provincial Greens. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Gregson says he's pulling out of that race - principally because the party is requiring contestants to make a $1,000 nomination deposit. Instead, he'll be supporting Esquimalt councillor Jane Sterk in her leadership bid. "I talked to Jane via email and certainly endorsed her and will support her in whatever way I can," Mr. Gregson added.

What has been described as a $20 million Christmas present for the province's private liquor stores was discussed in the government's backrooms as early as late September, Public Eye has learned. Before the holidays, the Campbell administration quietly made it cheaper for those stores to purchase booze from the government - increasing their discount rate from 13 to 16 percent. And the public would have been none the wiser were it not for The Times Colonist's Paul Willcocks, who broke the news in January. Now, documents obtained via a freedom of information request show a briefing note "re: increasing LRS (liquor retail store) discount to 16%" was distributed to senior civil servants on September 26, 2006.

On Tuesday, Premier Gordon Campbell told members of the Vancouver Board of Trade his administration would be working with the business community, the non-profit sector and local governments to reach its environmental goals. But, more than four months after the Liberals made climate change their most important policy priority, some members of those communities are wishing the government would do a better job communicating what exactly that work will entail.

The New Democrats have long suspected some of the province's media outlets are biased against them. But senior party members don't often put those suspicions in print - principally because, in the words of Mark Twain, it's not advisable to "pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel." Nevertheless, that's exactly what New Democrat caucus policy director Ian Reid appears to have done on his personal blog. Under the headline The Tale of Two Stories, for example, Mr. Reid complains The Vancouver Sun didn't give the New Democrats enough credit when they released a leak copy of the Fraser Health Authority's service plan.

Last week, the British Columbia Lottery Corp. announced "the appointment of Dana Hayden as Interim President and CEO, effective immediately. Ms. Hayden joins BCLC on secondment from her position of Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy, Office of the Premier." Of course, Ms. Hayden isn't the premier's only strategic policy deputy minister. Phil Steenkamp also holds the same title. But Mr. Steenkamp was seconded to the Ontario civil service early last year.

British Columbia's decision to join the Western Regional Climate Action initiative is a principal part of the Campbell administration's environmental agenda. But this isn't the first time the province has proposed developing a carbon trading system. Back in November 1997, then New Democrat Employment and Investment Minister Dan Miller and Environment, Lands and Parks Minister Cathy McGregor launched "an innovative emission reduction trading pilot project to encourage industry participation in lowering greenhouse gas emissions." That project didn't proceed past the pilot phase. But the man responsible - Warren Bell - is now working as a special advisor with the premier's climate action secretariat.

It's been four weeks since British Columbia public affairs bureau executive director Andy Orr resigned to join Ascent Public Affairs Inc. So bureau staffers are, understandably, wondering when government will be appointing a replacement. Meanwhile, others are speculating the post could be expanded or divided into two or more separate jobs.

It's been almost three weeks since Graham Whitmarsh was appointed British Columbia's top climate change bureaucrat. And the government has yet to answer detailed questions about his background. So, in the absence of such answers, we're pleased to continue to fill-in some of those blanks: earlier, we reported Mr. Whitmarsh was the North America vice-president for Sabre Airline Solutions. And, in an interview with Public Eye, a representative from the Texas-based information technology company confirmed he was with the firm between July 26, 2004 and July 12, 2005. That means, when you include his eight years at British Aerospace PLC and his five years at Mercury Scheduling Systems Inc., we've now accounted for around 14 years of Mr. Whitmarsh's "17 years of diverse international business experience."

Earlier this year, the provincial government announced it had "joined with five western U.S. states to partner in the new Western Regional Climate Action Initiative." That initiative will, among other things, "develop a market-based, multi-sector mechanism" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions - a mechanism which is expected to have a significant impact on British Columbia's economy. So how is that development proceeding? Well, last Friday, Public Eye has learned representatives from jurisdictions participating in the initiative - including new members Manitoba and Utah - met in Portland to continue discussing their shared environmental agenda.

That's what we're doing next week. Which means Public Eye will be on hiatus until June 18.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former provincial New Democrat ministerial assistant and candidate Richard Tones talks about why our legislators should have more staff. Party critic David Cubberley discusses recent changes to British Columbia's education system. And lawyer Kathy Parker discusses big labours' big win at the Supreme Court of Canada. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Alex Tsakumis, Bob Russell 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.

Graham Whitmarsh, the province's new top climate action bureaucrat, appears to have had a long-standing business relationship with Harmony Airways - the company once presided over by former finance minister Gary Collins. Earlier, we reported Mr. Whitmarsh, the former president and chief executive officer of Mercury Scheduling Systems Inc., worked at the now defunct full-service airline. And now we've learned, HMY Airways - Harmony's predecessor - purchased software from Mr. Whitmarsh's firm. In March 2003, it was announced HMY had "signed a 3-year agreement to license Mercury's crew tracking system, Magellan." At the time of that deal, Mr. Collins was not president of Harmony. Mercury's airline software business was subsequently sold to AD OPT Technologies Inc. in July 2003.

Given a choice between working in walled office or a cubicle, most people would be pick the office. So, when Community Living British Columbia announced it would be moving many employees out of their offices and into an open space environment, at least three staffers tried to convince their boss to reverse that decision. On March 10, 2006, one employee in Nanaimo emailed community living chief executive officer Rick Mowles to express her concern with that announcement - part of an open space office initiative to make authority workplaces more "welcoming" for the developmentally disabled.

To celebrate the Vancouver Airport Authority's fifteenth anniversary, employees are being given their choice of a leather bag or jacket. But one consumer group thinks the authority should be spending that money on air travellers. In an interview with Public Eye, authority spokeswoman Sue Ross confirmed the bags and jackets are being purchased from Canadian clothing manufacturer Roots Canada Ltd. at below retail price. A final price tag wasn't available - although money isn't exactly an object for the not-for-profit organization. In 2006, it reported $392.9 million in revenue, with $92.6 million coming from airport improvement fees.

More news on the climate change file: Public Eye has learned several provincial cabinet ministers will be meeting with their Washington State counterparts this coming Friday in Seattle. A number of cross-jurisdictional issues are scheduled to be discussed during that meeting. But it's expected the environment wil be the centrepiece of those discussions.

Federal Liberal national campaign co-chair Mark Marissen, who was recently described by BC Business magazine as "good looking in a scrubbed, cheerful way," isn't in need of a facelift. But his government and media relations company Burrard Communications Inc. has gotten one - including a new logo, a new Website and a new associate. Forrest Parlee, who is perhaps best known for his stint as a special advisor to Senator Jack Austin, has joined the firm to provide "strategic counsel to clients based on his extensive background in public affairs, stakeholder relations and issues management."

Former Progressive Democratic Alliance leader Gordon Wilson has been hearing from British Columbians who think the province needs a third party. Although Mr. Wilson, a former New Democrat cabinet minister, certainly isn't volunteering to do the job himself. "There's no question there are a very, very significant number of disaffected voters - people who voted Liberal who simply don't like the way the Campbell government is handling the Basi-Virk trial, the selling off of Crown assets, the things that they said they wouldn't do that they've been doing. And now it seems there's no accountability and no openness."

The premier's office doesn't seem to want to talk about their new top climate change bureaucrat's background. So let's see what Graham Whitmarsh has to say about his credentials. Back when he was president and chief executive officer of Mercury Scheduling Systems Inc, Mr. Whitmarsh shared his thoughts about teamwork with Document Boss, a company servicing the electronic document, eneterprise content and business process management industries. And, in an article posted on the company's Website, he describes himself as having "20 years of experience as a team member and Leader, in Sporting, Military and Corporate environments." Hmmm...still no mention of him having been involved in any carbon trading or climate change work. Although Document Boss does mention Mr. Whitmarsh's "earlier career included being a specialist submarine warfare officer with the Royal Navy." So he does have experience with things that prefer to remain hidden. One wonders where that might come in handy.

Among provincial New Democrats, June and shadow cabinet announcements seem to go together like green eggs and hams. Party leader Carole James named her starting lineup of government critics on June 21, 2005. Then, on June 29, 2006, she shuffled them. And now we're hearing talk another shuffle could take place later this month.

Earlier, we reported the premier's office was refusing to answer detailed questions about their new top climate action bureaucrat's background, except to say Graham Whitmarsh has "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." But not all governments are so tight-lipped about their environmental advisors. For example, when California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Terry Tamminen secretary of California's Environmental Protection Agency, his administration wasn't shy about detailing Mr. Tamminen's credentials.

Today is the six month anniversary of the federal Liberal leadership election. That means contestants have until midnight to file with Elections Canada their final comprehensive campaign return - which will include the financing and expense totals for each candidate - as well as "a statement of disputed claims before a court" (and) a statement of unpaid claims that are, or may be, the subject of an application to the Chief Electoral Officer or a judge to authorize payment." And when will this fascinating bit of reading be available to the public, you may wonder? Speaking with Public Eye, Elections Canada public relations officer John Enright said those returns will be posted to the agency's Website "over the next few days."

The Western Canada Wilderness Committee is considering asking the province's merit commissioner
to review the recent appointment of British Columbia's top climate action bureaucrat. Last week, we exclusively told you the premier's office was refusing to answer detailed questions about Graham Whitmarsh's background. Mr. Whitmarsh has an extensive background in the airline information technology and aerospace industries. But Internet and newspaper database searchs shows no reference to him being involved in any carbon trading or climate change work.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Western Canada Wilderness Committee policy director Gwen Barlee asks why the Campbell administration is being so tight-lipped about its new top climate action bureaucrat. Federal Young Liberal executive director Scott Pickup discusses his organization's new Tory attack ads. And provinical New Democrat housing critic Diane Thorne shares her thoughts why government should be in the business of regulating the home inspection industry. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Alex Tsakumis, Bob Russell 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.

Earlier this week, the Vancouver Courier's Allen Garr reported Mayor Sam Sullivan has been courting the monied classes as part of his fundraising campaign. Mr. Garr's evidence: in part, luxury cars parked outside a spring cocktail reception at Vancouver Board of Trade member Lorne Segal's "$5.1 million (2006 assessed value), three-acre estate." Quipped the columnist, "This was a not a meeting of the "bike to work week" organizing committee." So is it coincidental that the invitation for Mayor Sullivan's upcoming annual barbeque - which was sent out today - doesn't list where it will be held? The following is a complete copy of that invite.

Earlier, we reported the premier's office has repeatedly refused to answer detailed questions about the background of climate action secretariat head Graham Whitmarsh. Internet and newspaper database searches show no reference to Mr. Whitmarsh being involved in any carbon trading or climate action work. Although, according to news releases and trade publications, Mr. Whitmarsh has extensive experience in the airline information technology and aerospace industries. And now Public Eye has exclusively learned Mr. Whitmarsh's involvement with those industries appears to have included a recent stint at Harmony Airways. The now defunct full-service airline's still operational phone system includes a directory entry for Mr. Whitmarsh, as well as a recorded message from the man himself. As our astute readers know, Harmony's president was once former finance minister Gary Collins.

In an email to Public Eye, the premier's communications director Dale Steeves stressed Graham Whitmarsh was appointed head of the climate action secretariat following a "competitive process which was advertised extensively in major newspapers." But, to qualify for that post, it appears Mr. Whitmarsh didn't need any environmental credentials. According to the job description, applicants were advised they should "understand the challenges, complexities and issues inherent in addressing a broad policy challenge such as climate change." But, you'll notice, not necessarily climate change. Earlier, we reported Internet and newspaper database searches (including LexisNexis) show no reference to Mr. Whitmarsh being involved in any carbon trading or climate change work.The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned job description.