September 2007 Archives

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former United Church minister Kevin Annett discusses his film Unrepentant. Bruce Hallsor, honouray counsel for Scouts Canada, talks about how the taxman is threatening summer camps across the province. And federal Liberal Vancouver-Quadra candidate Joyce Murray reacts to the results of yesterday's Conservative nomination meeting in that riding. 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 becoming the ministry of children and family development's top bureaucrat, Lesley du Toit was an associate with the International Institute for Child Rights and Development. She also co-wrote a chapter in the Handbook for Working with Children and Youth with the institute's executive director Philip Cook - having previously worked with him to develop a system in South Africa to "maximize the care of young people in communities." And now it looks like Dr. Cook and Ms. du Toit are together again. According to the institute's 2006-07 annual report, its been handed a $408,000, four-year project as part of the ministry of children and family development's transformation process.

The provincial Green's nomination committee will be looking into whether any their leadership candidates have abused the party's membership rules. At issue: the Greens have a $10 membership fee. But members can "request" that fee be "waived on the basis of low income" or financial hardship - a request that's always granted. In an interview with Public Eye, interim party leader Christopher Ian Bennett confirmed that's because the Greens have no means of checking the income levels for incoming members. And now there's concern some leadership candidates may have used that loophole to encourage supporters to sign-up on the cheap.

The provincial New Democrat's political fortunes have taken a turn for the worse, as of late. According to the most recent Mustel Research Group Ltd. poll, if an election were held tomorrow, just 32 percent of British Columbians would vote for the party compared with 50 percent for the Liberals. So you'd think the New Democrats would be pulling out all the stops to prepare for the upcoming legislative session. But you'd be wrong. Because it turns three of the opposition's caucus staffers - including senior communications officer Rich Overgaard - have been granted a leave of absence to work on the New Democrat election campaign in, er, Ontario.

Former VanCity Credit Union chair David Levi has built his company GrowthWorks Ltd. into the second-largest manager of labour-sponsored investment funds in the country. And now "three or four" civic-minded Vancouverites are suggesting he should take his talents to the mayor's office. In an interview Public Eye, Mr. Levi confirmed "folks who would normally be supporters of the NPA and Vision/COPE" have approached him about seeking the post "over the last few weeks." Characterizing the talks as "very preliminary," Mr. Levi said he told his suitors, "'That's interesting. And I'll think about it. I've got a lot of responsibilities where I am today. And I enjoy what I do. So it's something that I'll give some thought to.' But it hasn't gone much further than that."

Stephane Dion's leadership is unquestionably problematic for the federal Liberals. But the real problem is the party, drunk on its own bathwater, has spent the last 13 years winning elections because the opposition couldn't mount a credible united front. To blame the party's dismal showing in the recent Quebec by-elections on Mr. Dion's leadership - or residual bickering from the last leadership race - is only the most recent example of "inebriated" reasoning. The fact is, with the exception of the 2000 election, the Liberals have not been the majority party of Quebec since the 1980 election.

Earlier this month, Fraser Health Board chair Gordon Barefoot was "pleased" to announce the appointment of New Zealand physician and health administrator Nigel Murray as the authority's new chief executive office. But, down under, at least one Kiwi is pleased to see the back of him. Prior to his new appointment, Mr. Murray had been the chief negotiator for New Zealand's 21 district health boards. And, in that capacity, he had been involved in labour talks with the country's senior doctors - talks that have been at a stalemate. Asked for comment on Mr. Murray's departure, Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Ian Powell - who speaks on behalf of those doctors - said "good riddance." This, according to Radio New Zealand, whose health correspondent noted "senior doctors disliked (Mr. Murray) intensely." The following is a complete copy of that article.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, we'll be mixing it up with interim provincial Green leader Christopher Ian Bennett. Merit commissioner Joy Illington discusses the results of her recent annual report. And David Shishcoff, the Canadian correspondent for Friends of Animals, talks about why the promotion of vegetarianism should be government policy. 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.

Carnivorous Canadians may have to be pay more to satisfy their hunger pains if the federal Greens ever form government. In an email responding to suggestions the party should be promoting vegetarianism, agriculture critic Kate Storey stated the Green's shadow cabinet "essentially agree" they should advocate "to remove subsidies, tax breaks and support programs for industrial meat production. This reduces the supply of cheap meat which then influences the consumer to buy less."

On Monday, Public Eye was the first to tell you the New Democrat's provincial council resolved to "oppose the Campbell government's 'Gateway Program'." But some of the party's constituency associations would have preferred a more nuanced position. In advance of the same council meeting, Surrey-Newton introduced a resolution that would seen the party "support the building of rapid transit and the twinning of the Port Mann Bridge, in such a manner as to encourage the preservation of farm lands and the promotion of high density residential land use." And another resolution, sponsored by Surrey-Whalley and Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, called on the New Democrats to "not oppose the twinning of the Port Mann Bridge." But those two resolutions never made it to the floor because the council decided to oppose Gateway. The following is a complete copy of both resolutions.

Last month, Michael Ignatieff made national headlines after suggesting the federal Liberals should adopt the puffin as their symbol. Said the former party leadership candidate, "They lay one egg (each year). They put their excrement in one place. They hide their excrement...They flap their wings very hard and they work like hell.” Not exactly the best choice of words. But rather than hiding this particular piece of excrement, Mr. Ignatieff's supporters seem determined to remind party members of his gaffe. The evidence: last week, local Liberals received invitations to attend an Ignatieff fundraiser at the Vancouver Public Aquarium - invitations that featured two puffin photographs. The following is a complete copy of the text of that invitation, which also misspells Mr. Ignatieff's last name.

Earlier, we exclusively reported the New Democrat's provincial council endorsed a resolution calling on the party to "oppose the Campbell government's ‘Gateway Program.'" But does that represent caucus's position on the matter? In an interview with Public Eye, New Democrat transportation critic Maurine Karagianis said, "I think that certainly the party has made it clear what their stand is. And I think that's going to be certainly one of the resources that we look at as we go forward with a transportation strategy. But I think it only forms part of that. We've already been quite clear that there are a number of things within the Gateway plan that we do support and some things we don't support. And, certainly, (party leader) Carole (James) is going to have something to say about that very soon - as will I. But, at this point, there was nothing in the resolution that we felt constrained us moving forward with a more comprehensive transportation strategy."

Earlier this month, provincial New Democrat legislator Michael Sather was temporarily suspended from caucus "as a result of his decision to vote against the Tsawwassen Treaty when it comes to the Legislature this fall." But it seems opposition legislators aren't encouraged to take have an independent voice outside the legislature either. In an email sent to MLAs in advance of this weekend's provincial council meeting, caucus whip Katrine Conroy tells them "we will not be speaking to the motions on Gateway" - which had been introduced to both support and oppose the highway expansion project (in whole or in part). "The last thing we need right now is a debate on the floor of proicncial (sic) council between MLA's. Everyone on both sides please respect this."

The New Democrat's provincial council has endorsed a resolution calling on the party to "oppose the Campbell government's ‘Gateway Program'," Public Eye has exclusively learned. The resolution, which was passed at a closed door meeting on Saturday at the Empire Landmark Hotel, also calls on the party to propose an alternative to the government's highway expansion initiative. That alternative plan would see a "major expansion of public transit, including the long delayed rapid transit Evergreen Line and very significant improvements to bus service south of the Fraser River." And it would commit the New Democrats to "maintain the integrity of ALR lands, protect Burns Bog, and respect the spirit and letter of the Livable Region Strategic Plan." Party transportation critic Maurine Karagianis hasn't yet returned a call placed late yesterday. The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned resolution.

Three New Democrat constituency associations will be setting a cat among the pigeons at this weekend's provincial council meeting. In this case, the cat is an emergency resolution requesting party leader Carole James "and the BC NDP Official Opposition Caucus hold a free vote in the BC Legislature on the issue of the Tsawwassen Treaty." Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows legislator Michael Sather was recently temporarily suspended from caucus "as a result of his decision to vote against the Tsawwassen Treaty when it comes to the Legislature this fall for a ratification vote." Ms. James has said the treaty will not be the subject of a free vote. Not surprisingly, Mr. Sather's constituency association is among those sponsoring the resolution. The following is a complete copy of that document.

British Columbia Magazine's editor says her publication likely won't run a story about the controversial Flathead Valley because a competitor beat them to the punch. In an interview with Public Eye, Anita Willis explained the award-winning magazine (which is owned by Tourism British Columbia, a Crown corporation) doesn't "like to run things where there's already been significant coverage" - referring to a similar article that appeared in the Summer 2007 edition of Westworld Magazine.

The provincial New Democrat's decision to temporarily suspend MLA Michael Sather from caucus is raising larger concerns about the state of democracy in British Columbia. In an email to Public Eye, former cabinet minister Tom Perry said, "I think the NDP harms itself and its credibility with voters by insiting on uniformity. This is one reason why the Eastern European regimes failed. After all, they started out with largely good intentions."

Earlier, we noted the University of British Columbia Golf Course would be hosting the provincial Liberal's annual Leader's Open Golf Tournament. This being the same venue the provincial government is expected to cede to the Musqueam First Nation. Asked for comment, Save the UBC Golf Course organizer Bob Hindmarch said, "I think it's ironic that they want to take away golf course and now they're going to use it. And it's the very thing we've been telling an awful lot of people. That golf course is used a great deal by charities to raise money for not just this side of the city but the whole city."

The Tsawwassen Final Agreement will see 207 hectares removed from the agricultural land reserve and, possibly, developed - something that should be a significant concern for environmentalists. After all, just last year, the David Suzuki Foundation released a report declaring, "The best, most productive agricultural lands have intrinsic values that should be protected into perpetuity - once developed they can never be adequately recovered or restored." But many of British Columbia's major environmental groups - including the foundation - haven't come out swinging against the treaty.

Interim provincial Green leader Christopher Ian Bennett seems to have come down with a case of foot-in-mouth disease. Earlier this year, he suggested the party should reverse its policy against accepting corporate donations. And, just last week, he sang the praises of Premier Gordon Campbell to The Georgia Straight's Carlito Pablo. All of which doesn't sit well with leadership crandidate Ben West.

Back in June, Christian Coalition of Canada British Columbia executive director Len Remple organized a forum in Abbotsford to "help make parents and others aware of the implications of the Corren Settlement Agreement." That agreement has been a source of controversy amongst social conservatives, who are concerned the resulting social justice course could be used by some teachers to train "a small cadre of students...to exert a great influence in the school, for example in the area of the acceptance of homosexual behaviour as normal." But what was Minister of State for Intergovernmental Affairs John Van Dongen doing at that forum, you may wonder? In a statement emailed to Public Eye, Minister Van Dongen explained, "In my constituency there was a lot of misinformation circulating about the implications of the Correns Agreement. I attended the July 5 meeting to set the record straight on what it is and what it is not."

The Tsawwassen First Nation's decision to ratify their treaty settlement means there will be a fall legislative sitting. But when will that sitting get underway? Well, most members of the chattering classes are betting the answer to that question will be later rather than soon. And our understanding is those bets will be settled sometime this week - possibly as early as tomorrow following the conclusion of the provincial Liberal's caucus retreat at Harrison Hot Springs.

In 2005, 660 votes meant the difference between a win for provincial New Democrat legislator Claire Trevena and a loss for incumbent legislator Rod Visser. And that marginal victory has some wondering who will run for the Liberals in North Island during the next election. One suggestion: constituency association president Barb Walker, who helped found the First Dollar Alliance. Asked whether she was interested in the nomination, Ms. Walker said, "I think it's awfully early for anybody to be entertaining the question myself. And what I would say about it is I hope a lot of people are considering it."

Michael Sather says his temporary suspension from the New Democrat caucus will "factor in" when he thinks about running for re-election. In an interview with Public Eye over the weekend, the first-term MLA - who was suspended after refusing support the Tsawassen First Nation Treaty in the legislature - also questioned New Democrat leader Carole James's decision to not allow a free vote on the issue.

Last week, provincial New Democrat leader Carole James announced Maple-Ridge Pitt Meadows MLA Michael Sather had been suspended from caucus until "the conclusion of this year's fall sitting of the Legislature." But, despite the temporary nature of that suspension, it seems Mr. Sather's name has been stricken from the New Democrat's Website. The legislator is no longer listed on being a member of the "NDP team."

The provincial government's expected decision to cede the University of British Columbia Golf Course to the Musqueam First Nation has been a source of much controversy in the premier's riding. And Gordon Campbell will have an ideal opportunity to think about that controversy this coming Friday. After all, that's when the course will be playing host to the Liberal's annual Leader's Open Golf Tournament, which raised $262,520.62 for the Liberals last year.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former provincial mental health advocate Nancy Hall joins us to discuss plans to upgrade British Columbia's mental health plan. And 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.

In 2002, the Campbell administration announced it would be allocating $138 million over six years to fund the New Democrat-authored 1998 mental health plan - which is about to be updated. But an investigation by Public Eye suggests the Liberals have done little to publicly report on the progress of that plan or the state of mental health care in British Columbia.

Here's another dialogue-generating poll, courtesy of the government's intranet. Back in December, civil servants were asked about the next step they would be taking in their career. And, for most of them, it was out of government. Among the 436 bureaucrats who responded to the survey, 150 said they were looking for "career change outside of the BC Public Service" - the most frequent response. "Say it ain't so!!" read the commentary accompanying the poll results. "I suppose we could do the math differently and add up the responses to say that more of you are looking for promotional opportunities either within or outside of your ministry but we can't hide from the results."

Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon is getting hot under the collar about New Democrat critic Maurine Karagianis's proposed "cold-blooded" approach to Lower Mainland transportation issues. Last month, Ms. Karagianis told Public Eye the fact she represents a Vancouver Island riding, gives her "a better opportunity to look at "the government's controversial highway expansion project "in a cold-blooded way and to look at it in a practical and political sense without a lot of background in the community affecting my thinking one way or another."

Last year, the premier's council on aging and seniors' issues recommended the provincial government take a "leadership role" in "making it easier for older people to continue to work if they want." But it appears the Campbell administration may be having some trouble filling that part. When bureaucrats were asked back in July what actions they've noticed the administration taking to improve conditions in the service, just 69 selected "opportunities for retired employees." By comparison, 132 noticed "more jr. employees" in government. This, according to an online poll posted on the public service's intranet site. Even more problematic, though, was the fact 141 said they hadn't noticed any of the government's promised improvements - the most frequent response. But, in an email to Public Eye, community services communications manager Marc Black cautioned, "these polls aren't meant to be scientific - they're just meant to provide a pulse on what people think and to generate some dialogue about what's happening in the public service." The following is a complete copy of that survey.

Back in May, Ombudsman Kim Carter slapped the provincial government's gaming policy and enforcement branch around for failing to "adequately monitor, investigate or otherwise regulate" the British Columbia Lottery Corp.'s prize payout system. No firings, resignations or retirements have happened as a result of that criticism. But there are going to be some hirings. The enforcement branch recently posted want ads for four new managers responsible for forensic, horse racing, lottery and casino investigations. In an interview with Public Eye, public safety and solicitor general communications manager Brett Lowther confirmed those posts are in response to Ms. Carter's report into the prize payout process.

The former senior advisor to Canada's natural gas delivery lobby has been hired as a member of the provincial government's climate action secretariat, Public Eye has learned. Late last month, secretariat head Graham Whitmarsh quietly announced Robert Joshi - who was recently employed by the Canadian Gas Association - has been named one of the Campbell administration's two climate policy executive directors. And he'll have specific responsibility for leading the government's consultations with the oil and gas industry, as well as "carrying out economic and analytical analysis" of its "targets and policies." But, before environmentalists raise their eyebrows about Mr. Joshi's appointment, they might want to take a read of a column he wrote for the National Post this past January.

The Campbell administration will be developing and working toward implementing a new "overall mental health plan" for the province over the next 11 months, Public Eye has learned. And the government is looking for contractor to manage this "time sensitive project." This, according to a request for proposal posted on BC Bid this past Friday. In an interview, Health Minister George Abbott explained the government is writing "a new ten year plan for mental health" - updating one released in 1998, when the New Democrats were still in office. "We're going to be working with the advocacy organizations, with the professional in the area" as part of an effort to "incorporate any changes around how best to manage issues in the mental health area."

Last month, Monday Magazine's Russ Francis reported members of the Victoria Civic Electors - the New Democrat's capital city municipal wing - will soon be presented with two different "visions of the future." The first would see the revitalization of the civic electors by "recruiting a new executive to track down enough good candidates so that the New Democrats will control the council." The second, on the other hand, would "dissolve the current organization and establish a committed and experienced investigative team" as part of a possible effort to "create a new organization to elect a majority of 'progressive individuals' to the city council" - an option favoured by the party's former mayoral candidate Ben Isitt.

Former provincial New Democrat leadership candidate Craig Keating is urging Carole James to develop a vision for what it means to be a centrist social democratic in British Columbia - before it's too late. Speaking on Public Eye Radio this weekend, Mr. Keating remarked, "There is no guiding principle that defines what social democratic centrism might look like in British Columbia - what ideas we might support whether we're in government in or in opposition. And I think there's a lot of hard work that needs to be done about that."

Back in July, 24 hours' Alex Tsakumis reported Mayor Sam Sullivan's "henchmen have hatched a plot, at his 'quiet' behest to protect him from an NPA mayoral nomination meeting in 2008." But it seems the association's park board members aren't as enthusiastic about that proposal - which would ensure incumbent candidates won't have to compete for a spot on the civic party's slate. In an email sent to association president Matthew Taylor, Heather Holden, Korina Houghton, Ian Robertson and Marty Zlotnik write, "we the elected NPA Park Board caucus strongly oppose any type of incumbency protection. It is our view that the strength of the NPA has been and will continue to be its ability to attract the very best and brightest candidates that Vancouver has to offer. This cannot be accomplished with incumbency protection."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former provincial New Democrat leadership candidate Craig Keating gives Carole James some advice. The party's environmental critic Shane Simpson tell us why the government isn't answering his question about top climate action bureaucrat Graham Whitmarsh. And former Victoria Civic Electors mayoral candidate Ben Isitt weighs in on the municipal party's proposal to disband. 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.