October 2007 Archives

Earlier, we exclusively reported on the provincial education ministry's job search for a research analyst with some very particular qualifications - specificially, a "Bachelors degree in a related discipline and two years related experience (Julie does not have 2 yrs yet)." So what does merit commissioner Joy Illington make of the matter? "I did talk to Emery Dosdall - the deputy - about this. And I received his explanation. And I'm pretty satisified (the position description) hasn't been written for one person," Ms. Illington stated. "And I won't be looking into this any further."

Last month, the government revealed the "Cabinet Committee on Climate Action has had 177 presentations from scientists, public servants, environmental organizations, academics and industry sectors." And now it looks like your elected representatives finally want to find out what everyday British Columbians think about the global warming problem. Today, the Campbell administration's secretive climate action secretariat announced it would be undertaking research "better understand how British Columbians think about climate change to support the development and successful implementation of strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in B.C." This, according to document posted on BC Bid looking for a contractor to conduct that research, which must be completed by December 15. The following is a copy of the relevant portions of that document.

Mining Association of British Columbia senior policy and communications director Byng Giraud will soon be resigning as one of the province's two federal Conservative national council members. Speaking with Public Eye, Mr. Giraud said he will be leaving council within the next 30 days, barring an election. "It's just become too time consuming. In the last 60 to 90 days, it's become apparent to me that I just don't have time for my work, my family, my many other volunteer commitments and this. So it's been two-and-a-half years - which is longer than it should have been in in the first place. And we're riding high. So it seemed an appropriate time to go." National council will appoint an interim replacement for Mr. Giraud following consultations with caucus members and constituency association presidents.

In 2001, the provincial Liberals promised to "restore a professional, non-partisan public service founded strictly on merit." But six years later, questions remains as to whether all "staffing decisions are based on fair and equitable treatment of all applicants." To wit, last week, the education ministry announced it was looking for a new research analyst with some very specific qualifications.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, North Vancouver-Seymour provincial Liberal legislator Dan Jarvis joins us to discuss why he voted against the Tsawwassen Final Agreement. Green leader Jane Sterk talks about her future vision for the party. And Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows MLA Michael Sather shares his thoughts on the present legislative session. 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.

Matthew Taylor has told the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors he won't be running for re-election as the civic party's president. The reason: Mr. Taylor recently resigned as an associate with Heenan Blaikie LLP to become corporate counsel for the Quigg Group. And his new responsibilities at the development company won't leave much time for politicking. Mr. Taylor, whose term expires in April, made the announcement at the board's last meeting, on October 10.

Newspaper letters to the editor, web pages and blogs, have all been in receipt of opinions decrying the loss of 207 hectares of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve with the ratification of the Tsawwassen Treaty. And these fora are doing a great service in trying to get some public engagement concerning treaty discussions - the lack of which threatens the very legitimacy of the Tsawwassen Final Agreement and all that follow. Unfortunately, they have also become a soap box of misinformation and partisanship for those who would oppose the treaty process, the port expansion and its related transportation links or the Campbell government in its entirety. And they use the proclaimed sanctity of the agricultural land reserve to do so.

Former federal Liberal national vice-president Mike Hillman says he presently has no plans to reprise his role as the Non-Partisan Association's campaign director during the next civic election. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Hillman said "there has been some discussion with regards to that. But I will be focusing my time on Vancouver-Kingsway." Mr. Hillman is chairing Liberal candidate Wendy Yuan's campaign in that riding.

The Burnaby New Democrat's equity proposal isn't the only controversial resolution submitted for debate at the New Democrat convention, which will take place in Vancouver next month. Back in September, party leader Carole James got a black eye for her position on the twinning of the Port Mann Bridge. Speaking at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention, Ms. James said "Let's put in transit now. Will we need a bridge across the river? Yes, I'm certain we'll need a bridge across the river. But not now."

The provincial New Democrat's affirmative action plan for the next election is getting a negative response from at least one of the party's constituency associations. Back in June, Public Eye was the first to tell you about that plan, which would see 40 percent of the New Democrat's non-incumbent ridings set aside for women or other affirmative action candidates - such as gays, lesbians, persons of colour and the disabled. Party members must still approve that scheme at their upcoming convention. But Burnaby New Democrats have submitted a resolution leaving little doubt as to how they're going to vote.

Earlier this year, the Campbell administration splashed out at least $92,856.33 to throw a flashy party for British Columbia's civil servants. This, according to records obtained by Public Eye via freedom of information request. But documents posted on BC Bid this Monday suggest the premier's innovation and excellence awards ceremony next year is going to be an even bigger to-do.

This past weekend's Dream Vancouver conference at the Jewish Community Centre brought together some of the region's most prominent citizens for "a discussion designed to bring them to a collective vision of what the city could be." But two of the conference's attendees talked about a somewhat more divisive topic. In an interview with Public Eye, provincial New Democrat legislator Gregor Robertson confirmed Coalition of Progressive Electors city councillor David Cadman spoke with him "about a range of issues" including Mr. Cadman's "interest in running for mayor."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Whistler mayor and provincial Green supporter Ken Melamed discusses the party's future. Environmental researcher Howard Breen shares his thoughts on greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry. And Peace River Environmental Association member Bob Cameron talks about how development is threatening his favourite waterway. 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.

On Monday, aboriginal leaders assembled in Victoria to protest a treaty process they say will extinguish their land-title and self-government rights. But they weren't the only ones on the front lawn of the legislature. Spotted amongst signs reading "We Demand Fairness," "We Need Justice" and "No to Genocide," was Saanich-Gulf Islands federal Liberal candidate and prominent environmentalist Briony Penn.

Corky Evans, one of the provincial New Democrat's most prominent members, is giving thought to not running in the next election. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Evans said an old friend of his in Slocan recently reminded him that "the next generation of leadership is now the same age that we were when our generation took over this party." And that he should "leave early enough that the next generation fills the vacuum - even if we were to lose the constituency."

Former provincial New Democrat chief of staff David Perry is getting into the government relations business. Mr. Perry, who resigned back in August, will soon be doing contract work for Kimanda Jarzebiak's firm Ascent Public Affairs Inc. As our astute readers may remember, Ascent is the same company that recently hired former public affairs bureau executive director Andy Orr as its vice-president.

Provincial New Democrat leader Carole James has taken a drumming in the newspapers for her decision to oppose the Gateway Program. For example, take this recent letter to the editor, published in Tuesday's edition of the Vancouver Sun : "Intriguing, isn't it? For years there has been a public clamour about how long it takes to commute in Metro Vancouver. The New Democratic Party provincial government didn't look after the situation 15 years ago when the population began to increase. Everyone else was aware of it. Builders provided housing; city councils provided infrastructure; community groups provided support. It must have caught the NDP off-guard because no one realized that these same people would need to get around. So, now the current Liberal government is addressing the problem, but NDP leader Carole James opposes the Gateway Project. Does she not understand that without roads and bridges there is no public transit?" Of course, what's also intriguing is the fact the letter writer is Ann Mayo, who wasn't identified as Burnaby-Willingdon Liberal legislator John Nuraney's former constituency assistant.

Saskatchewan organic farmer and anti-free trade activist David Orchard says he's been approached about running for a federal Liberal nomination in British Columbia. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Orchard, who twice ran for the leadership of the Progressive Conservatives, explained, "I've given all the various different invitations consideration. And that's probably about as far as I can go at this moment."

The provincial government authority responsible for providing services to the developmentally disabled has been getting guidance from what some may consider an eyebrow-raising source. Back in January, Laurie Geschke, the national president of REAL Women of Canada, was made a member of the 10-person committee charged with advising Community Living British Columbia's board of directors.

Steve Simpson, the Non-Partisan Association's ad man during the last civic election, isn't sure whether he'll be packing his bags for the next campaign trial. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Simpson - the chairman and chief strategist for Vancouver-based Identity Mangement Inc. - explained, "I'm on the horns of a dilemma because I'm on the board of the Vancouver Port Authority. And, as a federal entity, it would be frowned upon for me to take an active role in any political activities." But the amalgamation of that board with the Fraser River and North Fraser port authorities means Mr. Simpson may loose his appointment. As a result, he says, "If I'm able to (campaign) as a result of the unfortunate event of not making it back onto the board, I probably will get involved. If I do stay on the board, I know I can't. And my foot is twitching because I love elections. But I'm also loving what I'm doing on the ports at the same time."

Last April, the Campbell administration rolled out its Asia Pacific Initiative - "a long-term strategy to diversify B.C.'s economic ties" with the region. And now the provincial government is quietly erecting a monument of sorts to that initiative. Last week, on BC Bid, the government quietly announced it would be soliciting proposals from four firms to plan and design an Asia Pacific Business Centre, located at Robson Square in Vancouver. According to that announcement, the objective of the centre "is to support government initiatives with the Asia Pacific, house the Ministry's Asia Pacific Unit, receive foreign delegations, promote BC in Asia (and Asia in BC), with the overall intention of creating new long term trade and investment opportunities for the Province in the Asia Pacific." The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned notice of intent.

Mark Jiles, Premier Gordon Campbell's long-time constituency campaign manager, is telling American companies the Campbell administration doesn't have a big problem awarding 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic contracts to businesses south of the border. Speaking to Washington State entrepreneurs earlier this month, Mr. Jiles - a partner with The Progressive Group - said, "At first there was a big push for having just Canadian companies, but there has been a change in philosophy by the government." Instead, according to a report by The Bellingham Herald's Dave Gallagher, "there is more of a focus on whether a company can handle the project, get it done on time and offer sustainable solutions." The Progressive Group was founded by Patrick Kinsella - arguably one of British Columbia's most powerful provincial Liberal backroom boys.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Simon Fraser University political science professor Patrick Smith discusses the lack of openness and accountability in local government. Chris Vallee, past president of British Columbia's Qualified Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, talks about the Campbell administration's decision to cover acupuncture treatments for low-income British Columbians. And British Columbia Chiropractic Association executive director Don Nixdorf shares his thoughts on what other proceedures the government should be paying for. 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.

Today, the provincial government announced bureaucrats would be holding their third annual "Cookies for a Cause" contest - which "pits provincial ministry staff against one another in a good-natured battle to sell the most cookies." But this year, there's a difference. According to the media advisory, "public servants have expanded their usual range cookies to include treats for dogs." Which is great. However, given that your humble organ is on the panel of media judges evaluating those cookies, we're a bit concerned bureaucrats are trying to send us a none too subtle message. The contest takes place tomorrow at noon in the courtyard outside the Greater Victoria Public Library. The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned advisory.

Earlier, we reported the provincial government will be spending up to $2 million to hire a contractor "to lead and manage a comprehensive assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of the 2010 Games." But provisions included in the bid document for that contractor open up the assessment process to the possibility of significant interference by the British Columbia Olympic and Paralympic Games secretariat. And that has New Democrat legislator Harry Bains concerned. In an interview with Public Eye, the opposition's Olympic critic noted the document also doesn't guarantee the assessment results will be made public. “This is the trend," he commented. "The trend is to allow the taxpayer information in a very controlled fashion. And the only information that they like people to have is the information they allow to get out.” The Campbell administration hasn't yet responded to a request for comment placed yesterday.

File this story under the category of "Do you really want an answer to this question?" In the September 2007 edition of The Nanaimo New Democratic Party Bulletin, legislator Leonard Krog writes "Liberals friends prosper, the homeless huddle in the doorways of our communities, workers' rights are trampled, the environment gets lip service with no money and yet they are at fifty percent and we are at thirty two percent. Something is decidedly wrong in BC politics! We had a very good spring session in the legislature and I personally was proud of our Caucus and how it held the Libs to account. Clearly we need to do something different and I am asking all of you to deluge me with your thoughts in whatever form you choose." Hmmm...could that something different have anything to do with a certain party leader whose initials are C and J? Inquiring minds want to know!

Members of the provincial government's media shy climate action secretariat will be hobnobbing with the Sierra Club of Canada's British Columbia chapter next week. Public Eye has learned the environmental organization will be hosting a reception for the secretariat on October 11 at the offices of The Pinch Group. The group's namesake, financial advisor Brian Pinch, is a member of the chapter's executive committee.

The capital city's political classes flocked to Saturday's speech by former American vice-president Al Gore. So it wasn't surprising the New Democrat's purchased a ten-seat table for that speech, located in the back-half of the Victoria Conference Centre's Carson Hall. But not all of the party's members were seated there. Malahat-Juan de Fuca legislator John Horgan was at the front of the room at Three Point Properties Ltd.'s table. Asked about that arrangement, Mr. Horgan "I have no responsibility for zoning or rezoning or land-use decisions in my constituency. I'm a provincial elected representative. (Three Point) invited me to hear a topic that I was interested in. I accepted. But, in an abundance of caution, I will be declaring it as a gift as I'm obliged to under the (Members') Conflict of Interest Act. But I have no decision-making powers that effect that company or any other company doing land development in my community." Three Point was one of the event's sponsors.

Federal Liberal leader Stephane Dion once said, “Perception is a word you hear a lot in politics. My word is conviction.” This, according to a new Facebook group created to encourage party members to "respond in a concerted, positive way" to Mr. Dion. And it's good the leader feels that way. Because that means he won't care the group's name - "A United Party, A Unity Canada" - appears to include a typo. After all, the rest of the text on their Facebook page refers to the group as "A United Party, A United Canada." Fancy that!

Federal parliamentarian Dominic LeBlanc, vice-chair of the Liberal's policy and platform committee, says the party's platform will be ready in just over two weeks - coinciding with the Harper administration's Throne Speech. In fact, a version of that document was available for release back in Apri. But when talk of a spring election turned out to be just that - talk - the party spent the summer revising the platform to come up with "a number of coherent, cohesive national themes that reflect concrete policy proposals that can be understood by the vast majority of Canadians."

The provincial government will be spending up to $2 million to hire a contractor "to lead and manage a comprehensive assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of the 2010 Games." But provisions included in the request for proposal for that contractor will open up the assessment process to the possibility of significant interference by the British Columbia Olympic and Paralympic Games secretariat.

A federal election may be just a few weeks away. But the Conservatives, Liberals and New Democrats have yet to hold candidate nomination meetings in a number of British Columbia ridings. The Liberals have the most open tickets on their slate - nine - followed by the Conservatives and New Democrats at six each. The following is a complete list of those ridings, compiled following conversations with senior members of each of those parties.