August 2007 Archives

Yesterday, in an internal email sent to staff, Black Press Ltd. British Columbia chief operating officer Rick O'Connor acknowledged executives spoke with Victoria News reporter Brennan Clarke and editor Keith Norbury about "the impact a potential loss of advertising from the automotive sector" would have on the company. This, after the newspaper published a story about a cross-border car shopper. But Mr. O'Connor has assured staff Mr. Norbury's firing wasn't based on the "writing of this article." Nor was Mr. Clarke asked to resign. And, in an subsequent interview with Public Eye, Mr. O'Connor stressed Black Press's editorial staff don't need to consider the impact their articles can have on advertising.

Earlier, we reported the firing of Victoria News editor Keith Norbury was connected, in part, to an advertiser complaint concerning a story about a cross-border car shopper. This, according to Vancouver Island News Group publisher Mark Warner. But, in a subsequent email interview with Public Eye over the weekend, Dave Wheaton Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd. dealer principal Dave Wheaton added, "I never did complain about the article until I was asked (about it by a news group representative) and it was several days after it had run. My opinion was solicited and I gave it to them in an honest, straight-forward manner, in a meeting, at their request, in my office. They phoned me. I never called them.” Asked for comment, news group vice-president Kirk Freeman said Mr. Norbury's firing "is an internal personnel issue. And what has transpired had nothing to do with Dave Wheaton." In an earlier interview, Mr. Wheaton also stated he hadn't and wouldn't pull any advertising with the news group as a result of the story.

Last week, newly-appointed provincial New Democrat transportation critic Marine Karagianis told us the fact she isn't from Vancouver will actually help her hold Lower Mainland transportation initiatives to account. And Society Promoting Environmental Conservation campaigner David Fields seems to agree. Speaking with Public Eye, he said, "I haven't had a chance to speak with her directly. But her comment that being an outsider gives her a certain freedom in dealing with issues in a new way makes me optimistic. And I think that - give what I know of her record - she seems to be on the greener side of the NDP. So there's a good opportunity here that the NDP will come out on the side of right" and oppose the Campbell administration's controversial Gateway Program.

Earlier, we reported the provincial government had issued 25 permits to Fred. Olsen Marine Renewables Ltd. allowing the company "to investigate the development" of tidal power projects at locations across British Columbia. In an interview with Public Eye, Natural Power Consultants Ltd. business manager Mark Rogers explained his company - which advises on wind energy projects - has been hired by the Fred. Olsen Group "to put together a porfolio of wave and tidal power sites in B.C."

Yesterday, the British Columbia Lottery Corp. announced it had reached a $603,362 severance agreement with its former president and chief executive officer Vic Poleschuk - who was fired three days after ombudsman Kim Carter revealed a significant "lack of scrutiny for the 99 per cent of the winning (lottery) tickets and 80 per cent of the prize money paid out for wins under $10,000." But Mr. Poleschuk isn't the first senior civil servant to hit the jackpot following a scandal. In the wake of the Doug Walls affair, children and family development deputy minister Chris Haynes was sacked and received $289,000 in severance and $233,000 in accumulated vacation pay. This, after an investigation by Public Eye revealed Mr. Walls had been put in charge of Community Living British Columbia even though senior staff were aware serious allegations of fraud had been made against the former Prince George car dealer. The investigation also revealed government wrote off a $484,939 bill owed by a consulting group run by Mr. Walls, Premier Gordon Campbell's cousin-in-law.

The ministry of labour and citizens' service has established a carbon neutral working group as part of the government's throne speech commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Orest Maslany, the green buildings manager for the ministry's accommodation and real estate services division, has been appointed the working group's corporate initiatives director. The following is a complete of the email announcing that appointment - and two others connected to the group.

Reclusive Norwegian shipping magnate Fredrik Olsen appears to have taken an interest in the province's ocean energy potential. Earlier this year, the government issued 25 permits to Fred. Olsen Marine Renewables Ltd. allowing the company "to investigate the development" of tidal power projects at locations across British Columbia.

The Campbell administration has been wrangling with Ottawa for at least the past four years to open up development in the Dominion Coal Blocks - a 20,235 hectare chunk of federally-owned, resource-rich land in the East Kootenays. But good luck finding out what's on the negotiating table from the provincial government. In response to a freedom of information request, Public Eye has received 50-pages of correspondence between Victoria and the federal governments detailing those discussions. But most of the information on those pages has been severed because their release could be "harmful to intergovernmental relations or negotiations."

Transportation is a headlining issue in the Lower Mainland right now. The Campbell administration is in the process of restructuring TransLink. And it's laying down up to $3 billion worth of road and bridge improvements as part of its controversial Gateway Program. But the provincial New Democrat's new transportation critic, Esquimalt-Metchosin legislator Maurine Karagianis, says she thinks the fact she's not from Vancouver will actually help her hold those initiatives to account.

Earlier, we reported on the controversial firing of Victoria News editor Keith Norbury. And now, Public Eye has learned Black Press Ltd. - which owns the newspaper - is looking for a Greater Victoria editorial director. This, according to an internal job posting distributed yesterday. Brian Lepine is presently the company's Vancouver Island editorial director. Publisher Penny Sakamoto hasn't yet responded to an email requesting comment nor has Mr. Lepine returned repeated calls from Public Eye.

The Vancouver Island News Group has declined further comment on Victoria News editor Keith Norbury's controversial firing. Earlier today, we provided publisher Penny Sakamoto an opportunity to respond to criticism levelled against the group by Canadian Association of Journalists president Mary Agnes Welch. Her response: I "understand you were able to reach (president) Mark Warner (last week), so I (think) that should do it from our company's point of view."

Earlier today, Canadian Association of Journalists president Mary Agnes Welch questioned the controversial firing of Victoria News editor Keith Norbury - which was, in part, connected to an advertiser complaint. But she's not the only one raising a red flag. In an interview with Public Eye, associate professor Klaus Pohle, a specialist in media ethics and newspaper management at Carleton University's school of journalism, said, "You'd like to think that these things don't happen. But, obviously, they do. But, when they do happen, it comes as kind of a shock...If you start caving-in to advertisers complaints or anybody's complaints, based on the kind of discussion that went on - that this was one person's opinion and so-on and so-forth - then you're going to be publishing nothing but fluff and PR pieces that don't serve the public but serve the advertiser. And that's not what journalism is supposed to be all about."

The starting pistol has yet to be fired for the Vancouver-Quadra federal Conservative nomination race. But some party members are wondering whether University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business law division lecturer Deborah Meredith will actually make it to the finish line - suggesting she could drop out in favour of former BC Cancer Foundation president and chief executive officer Mary McNeil. But, when asked today if she'd given any thought to dropping out, Ms. Meredith said, "No." And she also said no one had approached her about taking her name off the ballot. Meanwhile, on Friday, former Richmond nomination candidate Howard Jampolsky announced he has decided against putting his name on that ballot. The following is a complete copy of that announcement.

The president of the Canadian Association of Journalists is weighing-in on the controversial firing of Victoria News editor Keith Norbury, who was forced out after publishing a story about a cross-border used car shopper. In an interview this morning with Public Eye, Mary Agnes Welch said, "We don't know all the details of the relationship between the editor and the newspaper. There could have been exacerbating circumstances. But, if in fact, it was this story - and one angry advertiser - that led to the departure of the editor and possibly one of the senior reporters I think this really calls into question the credibility of the paper. And, if I were a reader, I would wonder how many stories got either spiked because of an advertiser complaint or downplayed or soften because somebody complained or because the paper was fearful of offending an advertiser. As a reader, I would really start to question the independence of the paper."

Earlier, we exclusively reported on the controversial firing of Victoria News editor Keith Norbury. The firing - which happened Friday - was, in part, connected to an advertiser complaint about an article written by reporter Brennan Clarke. Mr. Clarke resigned earlier in the week. And those departures are going to leave the Vancouver Island News Group's capital city newspapers a bit short-handed. After all, fellow reporter Thomas Winterhoff also cleaned out his desk last week, having been hired as a communications officer at the University of Victoria. And Messrs. Clarke and Winterhoff's coleague Andrea Lavigne, who is leaving on a trip to Asia, is scheduled to say her goodbyes this week. Meanwhile, former Esquimalt News editor Vern Faulkner - who had been effectively working as an assistant editor for the Oak Bay News, the Saanich News and the Victoria News - departed on July 25 to become managing editor of The Prince Albert Daily Herald. And Victoria News reporter Mark Brown packed his bags on May 1 to teach English overseas.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial Liberal legislators Jeff Bray and Sheila Orr share their thoughts on the electoral boundaries commission's preliminary report. Fair Vote BC president Bruce Hallsor gives his take on that report. And University of Victoria journalism professor Lynne Van Luven weighs in on the recent firing of Victoria News editor Keith Norbury. 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.

Victoria News editor Keith Norbury was fired today, Public Eye has exclusively learned, two days after one of his senior reporters - Brennan Clarke - resigned. The firing follows an advertiser complaint about an article published earlier this month by the newspaper. In an interview, Vancouver Island News Group president Mark Warner confirmed Mr. Norbury's forced departure was, in part, connected to the complaint. "There were a number of issues," he said. "But that was certainly one of them." Mr. Warner declined to say what those other issues may have been. Nor would he elaborate on how the complaint was connected to the firing.

Earlier, we exclusively reported information technology bureaucrats at the ministry of labour and citizens' services got major provincial government contractors to pay for their drinks, meals and gifts at a staff appreciation event this past May. But that wasn't the only controversy created by the event, which was held at Romano's Macaroni Grill in Victoria. Asked for feedback, an employee admitted "that was nice but at taxpayer's expense seems a bit of overkill." And it's easy to see why someone may have been left with that impression. According to records obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request, government money was also used to purchase party favours for the 80 workplace application services staff invited to the event - including brooches, decorative plates, fleece blankets and placques. The total cost: $2,227.63.

Earlier, we broke the news David Perry, the chief of staff to provincial New Democrat leader Carole James, had resigned. And now the party has made it official. In a media advisory, Ms. James states "before I took my holidays, David told me of his decision, advising me then that he intends to pursue other career options. I want to offer my thanks to David for the service he provided me for the last two years and the NDP caucus for the last five years." The following is a complete copy of that advisory.

David Perry, the chief of staff to provincial New Democrat leader Carole James, has resigned, Public Eye has learned. Mr. Perry will be replaced by caucus policy director Ian Reid. Mr. Reid recently made headlines for his controversial musings about The Vancouver Sun.

Mid-level information technology bureaucrats got major provincial government contractors to pay for drinks, meals and gifts at a staff appreciation event this past May, Public Eye has exclusively learned. Records obtained via a freedom of information request show civil servants at the ministry of labour and citizens' services workplace application services branch first proposed getting their contractors to chip-in for the event back in February.

On Saturday, the Kitsilano West 4th Avenue Business Association will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the summer of love during its Hippie Daze celebration. But it seems the Non-Partisan Association won't have much of an opportunity to tap into the flower power at that event. According to an email from the NPA's caucus coordinator George Higgins - which was obtained by Public Eye - the association has been asked by the Hippie Daze organizers "to not have a booth at the event this year. They are concerned about an incident/protest happening with (striking) CUPE members and that it would disrupt their event. They look forward to working with us in the future, and would like us to still have anyone who is interested attend, just not in a formal capacity."

Earlier, we reported federal Green council member Christopher Ian Bennett is introducing a resolution calling on the party to reimburse leader Elizabeth May "up to $1,000 for the costs of maintaining a second residence in Centra Nova." But, in an interview with Public Eye, Green national communications director John Chenery couldn't say if the proposed allowance would be used to make mortgage payments on that residence. "If it's a housing allowance, she can basically use it to do whatever she likes with. If she paid her mortgage with it that would be her business. But I can't really give you any more information than you already have on your blog about it."

Last month, The Canadian Press reported federal Green leader Elizabeth May "recently bought a house in New Glasgow, which sits in the riding of Central Nova where she plans to run in the next federal election." But she could soon be getting some help with her accommodation expenses from the party. Christopher Ian Bennett, who served as the national communication director for Ms. May's leadership campaign, is introducing a motion at the Green's upcoming federal council meeting calling on the party to "reimburse the Leader for up to $300 per month for health and dental insurance costs and up to $1,000 for the costs of maintaining a second residence in Centra Nova."

Last week, Shared Vision put Vancouver-Fairview provincial New Democrat legislator Gregor Robertson on its cover, asking whether Vancouverites "need a former organic farmer in City Hall?" But, according to polling information distributed to Non-Partisan Association caucus members, the electorate might have other priorities. The poll shows, when asked to choose among a field of left-leaning mayoral candidates, just 10 percent of non-NPA voters said they would likely vote for Mr. Robertson. Coalition of Progressive Electors councillor David Cadman also polled at 10 percent, with Vision Vancouver councillor Raymond Louie coming in fourth place at six percent. But Vancouver East federal New Democrat parliamentarian Libby Davies smoked them all at 31 percent. The poll, which was completed before the strike (between late June and early July), surveyed close to 150 Terminal City dwellers - with 43 percent of them expressing a voting preference for the association. That small sample size means the poll is less accurate than those conducted by major public opinion research firms. The following is a complete copy of that research.

Earlier, we reported Save St. Paul's Hospital Coalition chair Aaron Jasper is considering running for the provincial New Democrat nomination in Vancouver-Burrard or one of its successor ridings. But there's some who think Vision Vancouver councillor Heather Deal should also make a bid for that nomination. And what does Ms. Deal have to say about such talk? Well, in an interview with Public Eye, the councillor said readers shouldn't expect her to be lacing up her running shoes anytime soon. "During this phase of my life, I'm totally focused on staying on council, on building Vision and getting a majority back at city hall in Vancouver."

The chattering classes gave Carole James a big, wet tongue-lashing last month. This, after the provincial New Democrat leader botched a news conference announcing her party's support for the controversial Tsawwassen First Nation treaty. But will that bungling have any impact on Ms. James's standing with the electorate? Well, we'll likely find out the answer next week when Mustel Research Ltd. is scehduled to release its latest public opinion numbers. The last such poll - conducted by Ipsos-Reid Corp. between June 8 and 13 - showed 54 percent of British Columbians approve of Ms. James's performance.

TransLink is looking for a consultant who will update its existing security plans to "deal with identified threat scenarios related to terrorist activities and attacks." As part of that update, the contract will define security responsible for transportation authority employees and recommend future "security related reviews, training, exercises and drills." The request for proposal, which was quietly rolled out on BC Bid yesterday, organizes TransLink's infrastructure into two "tiers of criticality in relations to the threat of terrorist attack" - with SkyTrain and the West Coast Express being slotted into the top tier and the Coast Mountain Bus Company and West Vancouver Transit into the bottom. The contract - which is budget at $175,000 - is scheduled to produce a final report by November 28.

Last week, Business in Vancouver's Richard Chu reported Angus Reid Strategies Inc. is opening its "first U.S. office in San Francisco in September, and has plans to open in New York and London by the end of the year." But some are wondering whether those expansion plans may also include acquiring or merging with Mustel Research Group Ltd. So we put the question to company owner Evi Mustel, who told us she hasn't "even spoken to Angus (Reid) since he opened shop." That being said though, Ms. Mustel added, "I never close any doors" - noting the polling industry, being relatively young has "gone through a lot of mergers - with smaller companies joining together to become a national firm because they just feel they're in a stronger position nationally. And a lot of the first generation are starting to retire now and selling-off and things like that. So there's certainly a lot of change in the industry. But, certainly, there's no offers on the table that we're looking at right now."

The federal Conservatives in Vancouver Quadra may soon have a third nomination candidate. In an interview with Public Eye, Howard Jampolsky - who recently lost the Tory nomination race in Richmond to Alice Wong - confirmed he's thinking about putting his name on the ballot. "It's something we're exploring. After the Richmond nomination, I got a number of calls from some people who wanted me to take a look over there. And my initial reaction was, 'Hey, look, I just came off a year long campaign and I just want to sit back and just relax for a little bit - spend a little bit of time with the family.And I don't really want to go into another long-winded campaign that could drag on forever.' Then, after (Liberal incumbent) Stephen Owen announced his resignation, the by-election aspect came up and they phoned me back again and I said, 'It does change things. It's certainly something I'd consider.'"

Federal Green Vancouver Quadra candidate Dan Grice is going to "really push" the issue of democratic accountability during the upcoming by-election in that riding, proposing a radical change to the way parliamentarians are compensated. Speaking yesterday morning on Public Eye Radio, Mr. Grice said, "if elected, he's prepard to "take half of my salary and put that aside and let my constituents vote whether I should get the rest of that money" - challenging his opponents to make the same commitment. "I come from the private sector. And you don't get paid a flat salary. You get paid performance bonuses," he explained.

Last month, Vision Vancouver councillor Tim Stevenson announced he pled guilty to a charge of driving under the influence, after keeping the incident secret for more than a year. As a result, many provincial New Democrats suspect he won't run again for the party nomination in Vancouver-Burrard or one of the constituency's successor ridings. Which begs the question, who will. Well, in an interview with Public Eye, Save St. Paul's Hospital Coalition chair Aaron Jasper confirmed he's been approached about stepping up to the starting line. "I have been asked by a few people if it's something I'd consider. But I haven't really sat down and given it a lot of thought."

Provincial Green leadership candidate Jane Sterk is considering hiring Lynne Serpe as her campaign manager, Public Eye has learned. Ms. Serpe managed the 2004 Green presidential campaign in the United States. And she co-managed Audie Bock's successful bid to become the first Green candidate elected to the California state legislature. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Sterk confirmed her interested in Ms. Serpe. But stressed, "I'm in discussion with a couple people and haven't reached any agreements with anybody." Ms. Serpe is presently deputy director of the New America Foundation's political reform program.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial New Democrat Nelson-Creston legislator Corky Evans shares his thoughts on rural access to British Columbia's healthcare system. Federal Green Vancouver Quadra hopeful Dan Grice discusses his candidacy. And former British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union president John Shields gives his take on the Campbell administration's recent reinvestment in the civil service. 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.

Last month, the Campbell administration appointed BC Hydro Corp. corporate affairs senior vice-president Susan Yurkovich to the University of British Columbia's board of governors. According to the biography provided by the government's board resourcing and development office, "prior to joining BC Hydro, she spent nearly 10 years at Canfor Corporation, where she was Vice-President, Corporate Affairs. From 1990 to 1993, Susan served as an advisor to the Federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and the Minister of National Defense. Born and raised in British Columbia, Ms. Yurkovich holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Business Administration from the University of British Columbia, and a Diploma in International Business from Erasmus University, Netherlands. She is a Director of the VGH/UBC Hospital Foundation and the General Insurance OmbudService of Canada." Period. In other words, the fact Ms. Yurkovich was also a member of the provincial Liberal's central campaign committee is not an important part of her biography. Full stop.

Yesterday, the Insurance Corp. of British Columbia announced a "net income of $256 million for the first half of 2007, which compares to $110 million for the same period in 2006." But, as reported by The Province's Andy Ivens and Matthew Little, "our insurance premiums won't be falling anytime soon because, ICBC says, the cost of crashes is escalating even though the number is declining." So we thought now might be an appropriate time to remind our readers that, according to the insurance corporation's statements and schedules of
financial information, president and chief executive officer Paul Taylor's renumeration for 2006 was $421,528 - which includes his taxable benefits and 15 months of performance pay.

The provincial New Democrat caucus will have a new communications director after Labour Day. Former party organizer Glen Sanford, who has been co-chairing the New Democrat's controversial nomination review committee, is replacing Chris Gainor as the opposition's top spin doctor. Mr. Gainor is leaving the Rockpile to complete his doctorate in the history of technology through the University of Alberta.

In today's edition of The Vancouver Sun, former top provincial bureaucrat Doug McArthur criticizes the New Democrat caucus for keeping secret its decision to support the Tsawwassen First Nation treaty. But, writes Prof. McArthur "the real source of the trouble and the larger failing was the inability of the NDP caucus, under pressure from a small group of extremist columnists and activists, to understand and accept aboriginal rights and the compromises necessary to achieve treaty settlements. Without this, the political stunt giving rise to the problems now facing the NDP would never have been attempted in the first place." Of course, given that view, it might have been helpful if the Sun had told readers that Prof. McArthur - who was the deputy minister to two New Democrat premiers - has been working as a treaty negotiation advisor for the Tsawassen First Nation. But, curiously, the broadsheet simply identifies him as a "professor of public policy at Simon Fraser University." Er...okay.

Earlier, we reported the province transferred $78.7 million to the Alberta government to pay for British Columbians being cared for by that province's health system - British Columbians like Melanie Folk. According to information supplied by the health ministry, that's a 40 percent increase since 2001/02. By comparison, transfers from the Alberta government to British Columbia for similar expenditures amounted to $24.2 million - a 30 percent increase over the same time period. In an email to Public Eye, health communications manager Sarah Plank wrote, "The primary reason (for the difference) is geography. British Columbians who live in the eastern parts of the province are geographically closer to Edmonton or Calgary than they are to the Lower Mainland. When they require specialized health services, it is part of the normal referral pattern for them to go to Edmonton or Calgary. By contrast, Albertans who live in the Western part of that province, are still closer to Edmonton or Alberta than they are to any tertiary facility in B.C., so they would generally remain in Alberta, unless Alberta were at capacity." But New Democrat health critic Adrian Dix has a different interpretation.

This past fiscal year, the Campbell administration transferred $78.7 million to the Alberta government to pay for British Columbians being cared for by that province's health system. But those payments don't cover the accommodation and travel expenses for families whose relatives who are being treated east of the Rocky Mountains. Which brings us to the story of Kootenay Lake couple Dwayne and Melanie Folk.

Today, members of The Toronto Star's Ottawa bureau reported "Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to make significant changes to his cabinet next week in the lead-up to a major new agenda-setting throne speech in the fall." Which begs the question: will any of those changes effect the Conservative's British Columbia caucus? Well, some party members are wondering whether Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Chuck Strahl will be shuffled out of his portfolio or lose his post as the province's political minister in favour of Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn. Not surprisingly, perennial rumours of a promotion for Port Moody-Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam parliamentarian James Moore are also blossoming. And some say Abbotsford parliamentarian Ed Fast could also be named to cabinet. Meanwhile, we're hearing suggestions Vancouver-Quadra nomination candidate and former BC Cancer Foundation president Mary McNeil should be given a seat at the big table.

Swanky ceremonies and vanity videos aren't the only perks civil servants are getting from the Campbell administration these days. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services quietly announced it was looking for "Fitness Clubs that are willing to offer discounted memberships (to bureaucrats and their immediate family), initially, in approximately 20 to 25 major communities in B.C." According to the request for proposal, the discount membership program - which is meant to encourage civil servants to "become and remain physically fit" - will be in place by the fall. Participating clubs are set to be identified on the public service agency's intranet site "which is accessible by its approximately 30,000 employees." The following is a copy of the relevant portion of that request, which was posted on BC Bid.

After beating up on the bureaucracy during its first term in office, the Campbell administration recently launched a campaign to give British Columbia "a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining" top civil servants But that campaign hasn't come cheap. An example: back in March, the public service agency hosted the premier's third annual innovation and excellence awards ceremony. The price tag: at least $92,856.33 according to contracts obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request.

A strange summer - only a few days after returning to Vancouver from a fantastic trip to Paris, I heard that a friend from my legislative days in Victoria passed away. John Pifer was a member of Victoria's press gallery during the Vander Zalm-Johnston-Harcourt years and we developed a good professional relationship even before I arrived in the legislature in 1991. He was an investigative reporter but also a fair one.

Last month, in his annual report, Freedom of Information and Privacy Commissioner David Loukidelis called on "the Premier and Cabinet to show leadership by amending the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to restore the public's access to information rights that were curtailed by a BC Court of Appeal Decision." That decision broadened the interpretation of section 13 of the legislation, which allows government to curtail access to records that "reveal advice or recommendations developed by or for a public body or a minister." Of course, this isn't the first time such an amendement has been suggested. Back in May 2004, the special committee to review the freedom of information and protection of privacy act, said the same thing. So what does that then chair of that committee - parliamentary secretary for rural development Blair Lekstrom - think of Mr. Loukidelis's recent urgings?

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former District of Sechelt planner Hans Penner tells us why watersheds and logging don't mix. South Island Health Coalition co-chair Carole Pickup tell us how American documentary filmmaker Michael Moore is helping protect Canada's public healthcare system. And Pembina Institute British Columbia policy director Karen Campbell shares her thoughts on provincial government subsidies to the oil and gas 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.

Prior to being named the top bureaucrat at the ministry of children and family development, Lesley du Toit earned $23,000 thanks to a three month contract with the West Annex. But that contract - under which Ms. du Toit would "provide advice and assess progress on transforming and regionalization of children and family services in British Columbia and assist in developing a response to the recommendations of the Child and Youth Review Panel" - produced no written deliverables. This, according to records obtained by Public Eye via three separate freedom of information requests filed with the premier's office.

Back in June, Campbell administration - in partnership with the province's private care providers - launched an initiative encouraging students to become residential care aides and home support workers in the Fraser Health Region. One of the incentives: a "solid salary" in an industry where "hourly rates range between $17.68 and $19.33 per hour" according to the BC Cares Website - but not the Hospital Employees' Union. On Tuesday, the union distributed a news release stating, "contracting out has pushed wages much lower than this in many long-term care facilities. In fact, approximately 700 care aides at six of these facilities are currently facing termination after attempting to bring their wages up to levels promised on the website. At Inglewood Care Centre, for example, care aides will be laid off on September 30 after joining a union and achieving a first collective agreement that increased current wages to $16.55." Oops. Which is why the Website's text now reads: "As of July 2007, hourly rates reached a maximum of $19.33 per hour." Explained health communications director Marisa Adair, "There was an error in what was up there. And we corrected it."

Earlier, Public Eye broke the news that Louise Comeau, director of the Sage Centre's climate project, will be joining the provincial government's climate action secretariat where she'll be responsible for public outreach and strategic engagement. But that appointment may raise some eybrows in Ottawa. Earlier last month, Jennifer Ditchburn reported, "Insiders from three federal parties told The Canadian Press they have concerns that some of the activists judging climate-change action have become too cosy with the Liberals" - with Ms. Comeau being "one of the main targets of criticism."

Last week, Public Eye exclusively reported on Montana public service commissioner Ken Toole's concerns about "undue" corporate influence at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region - a public-private partnership that encourages cooperation between provincial and state politicians. And it's easy to find the cause of Mr. Toole's concern. In fiscal 2006/07 corporate largess is only expected to make up 15.8 percent of the economic region's $1.2 million in revenue. But companies that contribute at the diamond ($50,000) or platinum ($35,000) get some extra perks.

Earlier, we reported Burrard Communications Inc. associate Forrest Parlee had registered to lobby the provincial government between June 2007 and June 2011 on behalf of TransLink - identifying contact or possible contact with Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody legislators, as well as Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon and Environment Minister Barry Penner. But, in email to Public Eye, the Lower Mainland transportation authority's chief executive officer Pat Jacobsen writes, "Several months ago Burrard Communications was retained to speak with TriCities leaders, including local elected officials, on their opinions on the Evergreen Line. In order to have those meetings, registration is required by law. This scan has been completed and they are NOT retained to lobby the Provincial Government."

Louise Comeau, director of the Sage Centre's climate project, is joining the provincial government's climate action secretariat, Public Eye has learned. Our understanding is Ms. Comeau will likely be the secretariat's public outreach and strategic engagement executive director. Unlike her new boss Graham Whitmarsh, Ms. Comeau has an impressive documented environmental background, which includes a stint as the policy, advocacy and communications director general of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Centre for Sustainable Community Development. She's also a past associate with the International Institute for Sustainable Development, which counts climate action secretariat special advisor Warren Bell among its members.