November 2007 Archives

Back in April, Public Eye was the first to question whether Carole Taylor would be running for re-election. At the time, the finance minister said, "I have not made any comment about whether I'll be running again...I just honestly haven't put my mind to it." But perhaps Minister Taylor has now had to time to do that? Maybe she's even told her caucus mates she won't be seeking another term in office? And could it be there will soon be an announcement to that effect?

Last week, Public Eye was the first to report on the labour movement's exclusion from the Campbell administration's global warming discussions. At the time, Environment Minister Barry Penner refused to say whether the unionists would be invited to make a presentation to the government's climate action cabinet committee. The reason: "We don't publicly discuss who comes to meet with us because we want them to have an ability to feel confident that they can say whatever they want we they get behind those closed doors." But yesterday Minister Penner revealed he's "invited the B.C. Federation of Labour to come see us sometime and make a presentation to the climate change committee of cabinet." What a difference Premier Gordon Campbell makes!

The Campbell administration's efforts to promote public-private partnerships have been a source of controversy here in British Columbia. But for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger it seems those efforts have also been a source of inspiration. Today, the Los Angeles Times's Michael Rothfeld reports Governor Schwarzenegger has "signaled a controversial push to engage private companies in building and management of state and local public works projects." That push follows a visit to just such a project "in Vancouver, Canada, last summer" where the former Hollywood star "touted it as a model for California."

Climate change isn't just a crisis. It's also an economic opportunity. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Environment Minister Barry Penner says the government won't be imposing any conflict of interest rules on climate action team members - who will be advising government on how to meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Last week, Non-Partisan Association councillor Peter Ladner - a could-be provincial Liberal candidate - dissed the Campbell administration's initiative to restructure TransLink. But it seems that criticism isn't a concern for his may-be caucus mates. In an interview with Public Eye, Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon stated, "The one thing you'll notice about our caucus is we have free votes, we have members who regularly disagree with the government on positions. So free and open speech has never been a problem with the B.C. Liberal caucus, I can assure you of that. So I don't have a problem with that."

Yesterday, children and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond released a scathing report that found "too little evidence" within the ministry of children and family development "of a coordinated effort to implement numerous Hughes recommendations where its leadership has been required." The minister's response: speaking in the legislature, Tom Christensen said, "We have gone a significant way to implementing the Hughes recommendations, by the representative's own measure; 60 percent of the recommendations are complete or, certainly, well in progress." But what Minister Christensen doesn't mention is that, of the 32 implementations he's bragging about, 16 relate to the establishment of a select standing committee on children and youth, the appointment of a child and youth representative or the supporting role of the coroners service in reviewing child deaths. Which means his ministry is responsible for just 50 percent of the recommendations that are "complete or, certainly, well in progress." Fancy that!

Today, Premier Gordon Campbell will embark on his fourth mission to Asia - making stopoffs in the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Guangzhou. A news release announcing the trip explains Premier Campbell will be promoting "B.C.'s expertise in green technology and life sciences, as well as opportunities in trade, education and investment." And it looks he may have his educational work cut out for him. According to documents posted yesterday on BC Bid, some of our province's "lesser known attributes" in China include "our cosmpolitan culture, our wealth of business opportunities, our unique geographical positioning and our wide array of tourism experiences." So what are British Columbia's better known attributes then? The documents are part of an attempt to find a contractor who can provide administrative support planning services for the B.C. Canada Pavilion at the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games.

Last week, the Campbell administration announced who would be sitting on its climate action team - including chair Cheryl Slusarchuk. According to the news release accompanying that announcement, Ms. Slusarchuk "is the president of the Premier's Technology Council" and a prominent member of British Columbia's "business and technology community" - have been recognized by the 2006 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a leading lawyer in the area of computer law. Ms. Slusarchuk is a partner with McCarthy Tetrault and heads the technology practice in B.C. But, in a curious ommission, that release doesn't mention she's also acted for "clean technology companies on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters" as a partner with McCarthy Tetrault. Indeed, Ms. Slusarchuk has written about the growth in that sector on at least two occasions.

Despite their 2001 election promise to run the most open and accountable government in the country, the Liberals have done little to strengthen British Columbia's freedom of information legislation. Indeed, it could be argued the party has done much to weaken the act - restrained only by the locks and manacles of what constitutes acceptable political behaviour in this province. But it seems the Liberal MLAs and staffers aren't not the only officials who would prefer their business not be made public via freedom of information requests. Speaking to members of the select standing committee on government and finance services this morning, outgoing conflict of interest commissioner H.A.D. Oliver argued his office shouldn't be subject to such requests. Said Mr. Oliver, "I am not one who feels that transparency is a bad thing. I'm a great believer in transparency, but I think that as far as my office is concerned, all that is really required is translucency, a slightly different situation."

Earlier this month, Vision Vancouver gave the city clerk's office a financial report detailing all the organization's contributions since it was founded. As expected, those contributions include donations from the elected officials such as George Chow, Heather Deal and Tim Stevenson. But why isn't Raymond Louie - another card-carrying Vision Vancouverite - not on that list. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Louie explained, "Apparently, I signed a (pre-approved contribution) form way back in April of 2006. And the office was in the process of implementing it. But my credit card (number) changed. So they put it on hold internally until they got a new number off of me. And I guess nobody phoned me."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Gateway 40 Citizens Network coordinator Donna Passmore discusses her part in Gordon Campbell first attempt to meet the climate change challenge. And The Tyee's Andrew Macleod talks about his report into abuse of the developmentally disabled in British Columbia. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Alex Tsakumis 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 Saturday, Public Eye exclusively reported provincial New Democrat legislators John Horgan and Harry Lali wouldn't be supporting a resolution that will see 40 percent of the party's non-incumbent ridings reserved for affirmative action candidates. But they weren't the MLAs who had concerns about that initiative. In an interview, Delta North MLA Guy Gentner told us he abstained from voting on the resolution - which passed during this past weekend's New Democrat convention. Mr. Gentner added some members of his constituency association executive are "upset relative to some of the changes. And some will tell you the only major difficulty they had was the, shall we say, the pressure they felt they were under regarding this issue." And he confirmed "a good chunk" of his executive have choosen not to run for re-election when the association has its annual general meeting in January. But he said, "I don't think so" when asked whether that development had anything to do with the affirmative action resolution.

Back in April, Retail BC president and chief executive officer Mark Startup took exception to provincial New Democrat calls for a minimum wage increase. Said Startup in a news release, "A 25% hike to the minimum wage rate is completely unnecessary in a competitive labour market where retailers are already paying staff over and above the $8 minimum wage. Better to support working British Columbia through continued tax relief and a robust economy that pushes incomes upward." But it seems at least some of the association's members disagree. A survey posted on Retail BC's Website asks visitors whether "the Provincial Government should increase the minimum wage?" The result: 68 percent say yes, compared with 24 percent who say no and 8 percent who either don't know or don't care. Fancy that!

In September, The Vancouver Courier's Allen Garr reported Non-Partisan Association councillor Peter Ladner "is being pressured to bail out of Mayor Sam Sullivan's city hall circus and take a run at provincial politics" as a Liberal candidate. Which makes us wonder what his would-be seatmates will make of Mr. Ladner's recent diatribe against the Campbell administration's initiative to remake Greater Vancouver's transit authority. In an email sent to friends and supporters, the councillor writes, "Whether TransLink will be improved with the new governance structure remains to be seen, but we do know it will add two extra layers of bureaucracy, provide less accountability and transparency, severe (sic) the formal relationship with Metro Vancouver, and lead to higher administration costs." The following is a complete copy of that email.

On Monday, Environment Minister Barry Penner declined to say whether the climate action cabinet committee would be meeting with representatives from the labour movement, stating, "We don't publicly discuss who comes to meet with us because we want them to have an ability to feel confident that they can say whatever they want we they get behind those closed doors...If they want to talk about where they've been and who they've seen, that's up to them. But we have said to people we will respect their privacy when they come to see us." But, just a day later, Premier Gordon Campbell contradicted that statement.

Earlier, we reported climate action secretariat head Graham Whitmarsh didn't have "a satisfactory answer" as to why the labour movement hasn't been invited to participate in the Campbell administration's discussions on global warming. This, according to British Columbia Government and Service Employees Union president George Heyman. So does Environment Minister Barry Penner have a better response?

British Columbia Government and Service Employees Union president George Heyman says the Campbell administration's climate action cabinet committee hasn't yet met with any representatives from the labour movement - this, despite having already heard at least "177 presentations from scientists, public servants, environmental organizations, academics and industry sectors." In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Heyman compained, "I have to ask myself are (the Liberals) so ideologicaly blind" that they won't include unions in its discussions on global warming?

Earlier, we reported on former deputy minister Virginia Greene's appointment as the Business Council of British Columbia's new president and chief executive officer - and why that doesn't violate existing restrictions on post-employment lobbying by top bureaucrats. But provincial New Democrat legislator John Horgan thinks those restrictions should be changed. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Horgan said, "My view is that deputy ministers should be prohibited from interacting with agents of government for a two year period - just as cabinet ministers should be. That's the intent of the legislation I'm putting forward. And a New Democrat government would institute that."

Earlier this month, the British Columbia Business Council appointed former provincial Liberal candidate and deputy minister Virginia Greene as its president and chief executive. But wait a minute. Ms. Greene resigned as the province's deputy minister of intergovernmental relations on June 29. So won't it be difficult to fulfill her duties at the council when she is prohibited from lobbying "or otherwise make representations for any outside entity to any ministry or organization of the government in which you were employed at any time during the year immediately preceding the termination of your employment?" Not all, says Ms. Greene.

Like his colleagues, provincial New Democrat legislator John Horgan wasn't just wearing a button supporting the agricultural land reserve. On Sunday, the Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca MLA's lapel sported another pin that read, “Neufeld is a Dick” - a reference to Energy, Mines and Petroleum Minister Rich "Dick” Neufeld.

Provincial New Democrat legislators end up often look like pin cushions at convention. And this time was no different, with MLAs wearing buttons showing their support for a range of causes including the agricultural land reserve. Which is surprising since just two New Democrat legislators (Guy Genter and Michael Sather) voted against the controversial transfer of 207 hectares of reserve land to the Tsawwassen First Nation. Asked whether he thought the wearing of such buttons by his colleagues was hypocritical, Mr. Sather - who has been temporarily suspended from caucus for opposing the settlement agreement that will result in that transfer - responded, "I try to look at it from a positive lens and progress anywhere is a good thing."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, select standing committee on finance and government services chair Bill Bennett discusses government's recent round of budget consultations. British Columbia Government and Service Employees Union president George Heyman tells us why the labour movement should be involved in the Campbell administration's climate action plans. And Raincoast Conservation Society biologist Michael Price shares his thoughts on the British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association's latest advertising campaign. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Alex Tsakumis 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.

As expected, provincial New Democrat conventioneers have passed a resolution that will see 40 percent of party's non-incumbent seats set aside for affirmative action candidates. Legislators who lined-up to speak in favour of the resolution included Robin Austin, Carole James, Jenny Kwan, Doug Routley and Claire Trevena. No legislators line-up to speak against the resolution.

Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union Local 378 strategic campaigns and communications director Lori Winstanley appears to be doing some floor management for those supporting the provincial New Democrat's proposed affirmative action resolution. Ms. Winstanley has spotted coordinating speakers for the pro-side - including asking youth delegate Andrew Fergusson to switch his position in-line with former caucus whip Gerard Jansen. Speaking with Public Eye, Ms. Winstanley denied she was in charge of floor management. She also refused to say whether she was still employed by the union, except to state that she was no longer the local's communications director.

Provincial New Democrats are now debating a controversial resolution that would see 40 percent of the party's non-incumbent seats set aside for affirmative action candidates. At the time the debate got underway, 31 delegates had lined up at pro-resolution microphones, with 20 of them being women. Meanwhile, 16 delegates had lined up at con-resolution microphones, with three of them being women.

British Columbia Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair may think the New Democrats and the labour movement have a lot in common. But, today, party leader Carole James seemed to suggest those shared interests are no different than those the New Democrats have with seniors and youth. Asked for her opinion on the party's connection with labour movement, Ms. James said, " "I've seen it as I've always seen it - which is we share common common values. We are partners in this just as we share common values with seniors, with youth. Working people have always been part of our party and will always be part of our party."

Earlier, in exclusive interviews with Public Eye, provincial New Democrat legislators John Horgan and Harry Lali confirmed they didn't sign a form supporting a controversial affirmative action resolution being debated at this weekend's party convention. Asked about the matter, caucus whip Katrine Conroy said she's talk with both legislators about their decision "and any issues that arise like that stay within the caucus whip's office." But what about suggestions the party has used pressure tactics to get MLAs to sign onto that resolution? "That's Harry's choice of words. That wouldn't be mine."

Earlier, we reported a number of provincial New Democrat legislators had refused to sign a form supporting a contentious resolution that would see 40 percent of the party's non-incumbent seats set aside for affirmative action candidates. Specifically, John Horgan and Harry Lali are the only MLAs whose names are missing from a list of party members endorsing the resolution. Asked why that was, Mr. Lali laughed and told Public Eye, "It's probably because both of us didn't sign the paper. And it doesn't mean we're voting no. It's nice to be able to (sign the paper). But it's just pressure tactics." Meanwhile, for his part, Mr. Horgan stated, "My delegates (from Malahat-Juan de Fuca) are not supporting the resolution. I will not vote against the resolution because I believe a lot of work has gone into this by a lot of earnest people with a commitment to advancing women's rights in the NDP and in the province. And I support that. But the people that I came here with - the people that work in my constituency - are not supporting it. So I wouldn't sign any documentation to that effect. But I won't vote against" the resolution.

This weekend's provincial New Democrat biennial convention is the last the party will have until after the next election. But it doesn't seem cardholders are clamoring to attend the proceedings. Officials are expecting 600 to 650 members to come to convention. By comparison, in 2005, a total of 803 New Democrats showed up. Asked about the matter, party leader Carole James said, "The delegates are about the same number as we see between elections. You always see a bump up when you're looking at election time. And it's the same with membership. You always see a bump up at nomination time when it gets close to the election. So this is about comparable to what we've seen in other years between elections."

This afternoon, provincial New Democrat conventioneers will debate a contentious resolution that would see 40 percent of the party's non-incumbent seats set aside for affirmative action candidates. Party leader Carole James has already announced her support for that resolution. And, during a caucus meeting just prior to convention, New Democrat legislators were urged to sign a form doing the same. But we're told a number of MLAs may have refused to do so at the time that form was presented.

Yesterday, The Globe and Mail's Justine Hunter reported, "When B.C. New Democrats gather in Vancouver this weekend for their biennial convention, things will look a little different: This will be the first time in the party's history that its union affiliates have been discouraged from sitting, working and voting as a bloc." Indeed, the labour movement is occupying just three tables on the convention floor. But, in his speech to party members, British Columbia Federation of Labour president stressed the interests that unite New Democrats and union members - from old age security to Medicare.

Provincial New Democrat legislator Michael Sather may have been suspended from caucus "until the conclusion of this year's fall sitting of the Legislature." But when the party's MLAs are introduced to New Democrat conventioneers at 10:20 today, we're told Mr. Sather will be among those on invited on stage.

Earlier, we reported the British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association would soon be making some media buys in support of the salmon aquaculture industry. And it looks like those buys will happen sooner rather than later. Tomorrow, the association is rolling out just such a newspaper advertisement, which promotes the economic and health benefits of farmed salmon. The following is a complete advanced copy of the text of that ad.

Over the summer, Canadian activist Tzeporah Berman made headlines for participating in actor Leonardo DiCaprio's new environmental documentary The 11th Hour. But now the group she co-founded is being accused of selling-out by some fellow tree huggers - although not to Hollywood. Last month, ForestEthics along with nine other environmental groups announced its support for the Campbell administration's mountain caribou recovery plan, which protects more than 2.2 million hectares of old-growth cedar, pine and spruce forests. That endorsement, though, wasn't welcomed by Valhalla Wilderness Committee chairperson Anne Sherrod.

Back in September, the provincial New Democrats took a stand against blacktop expansion in the Lower Mainland. And now the party's standing committee on the environment is proposing measures that would place restrictions on the province's marine highways. A resolution submitted for debate at the New Democrat's upcoming convention notes, "ocean-going ships are the sole remaining point source of pollution in BC that is not regulated" - this, despite the fact they "produce more than a million tons of pollutants in a year, and in 2007 ship traffic is the second-largest source of greenhouse gases and other toxic emissions." As a result, the committee is calling on New Democrats to promote the "mandatory procurement of low sulphur fuels for all marine shipping sectors" and require ocean-going ships visiting provincial ports to "reduce emissions within BC waters...or receive a significant port levy."

Earlier, we reported parks board member Spencer Herbert and Save St. Paul's Hospital Coalition chair Aaron Jasper are both considering running for the provincial New Democrat nomination in the proposed riding of Vancouver-West End. And Sharon Costellio, who ran for the Vancouver-Burrard nomination prior to the last election, says she isn't ruling out making a bid to be on the ballot. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Costello said, "It is early days I think because we've still got another year or so before (the next election). But I think there's going to be a lot of interest (in the nomination). And certainly I'm not saying that I'm not going to be considering it. I'm still quite involved in terms of the local. And certainly see that it's a good opportunity for the community to get a MLA who's actually going to be speaking out - unlike the current MLA (Lorne Mayencourt)." Ms. Costello, a campaigns officer with the British Columbia Nurses' Union, say she'll make a decision on whether to throw her hat in the ring this coming spring.

This past Friday, a group of British Columbian businesses took out a full-page advertisement in The Globe and Mail urging the provincial government to "remove fish farms from Broughton and Discovery Island wild salmon migration routes and halt their spread to the north coast." And it looks like the aquaculture industry will be responding that advertisements in kind. In an interview with Public Eye, British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association acting executive director Odd Grydeland, "We had a meeting yesterday morning about the (advertisement) and discussing what we should be doing if anything. And there we will basically be taking a multi-pronged approach to it. What we have decided to do is try to make contact with some of the people who were signatories to that ad. They're obviously concerned about potential interaction between ouir farms and the water resources they rely on. So we obviously just want to establish better communications with them. In addition to that, we will also be doing some (paid) media work as well both with radio - which we have had going for a while - and also with some newspaper information that we will be providing over the next few months."

Provincial New Democrat leader Carole James's executive assistant Heather Gropp has tendered her resignation. In an interview with Public Eye, caucus communications director Glen Sanford explained Ms. Gropp has "stepped down for personal reasons. She has a family and so on. And so she made that decision with difficulty." Ms. Gropp will continue on as Ms. James's aide - a post she's occupied since 2005 - until Christmas.

The proposed riding of Vancouver-West End should be a sure win for the provincial New Democrats. And that means there's already much discussion about who's going to run for that party nomination in that constituency. Earlier we reported, Save St. Paul's Hospital Coalition chair Aaron Jasper is considering making a bid. And, now, in an interview with Public Eye, parks board member Spencer Herbert has said he may also put his name on the ballot. Said Mr. Herbert, "It's certainly a possibility. Right now we're, I guess, a year away from the next civic election and a little more away from the next provincial. So there's some time. I have had people approach me with the idea. You know, I've also been approached about running for council or whether I continue at park board."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Canadian Women Voters Congress board member Janet Wiegand discusses her group's upcoming women's campaign school. Media Union of British Columbia president Mike Bocking shares his thoughts on recent staff cutbacks at The Vancouver Sun and The Province. And Dogwood Initiative executive director Will Horter explains why we should care about a recent controversy surrounding tree farm licenses. 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.

Civil city commissioner Geoff Plant has reportedly turned down an invitation to attend a Coalition of Progressive Electors fundraiser. This, after Mr. Plant showed up at the Non-Partisan Association's annual dinner. In an email to Public Eye, coalition parks board member Loretta Woodcock stated Mr. Plant's staff had called to say the commissioner “wouldn't be attending the Nov.8 COPE fundraiser.” The reason: criticism of Mr. Plant's earlier dining experience. But Ms. Woodcock says her view “is that if Plant were to attend the fundraisers of all three governing parties, then that would take away perceptions of partisanship.” The commissioner hasn't yet returned a phone call requesting comment.

Notwithstanding the provincial New Democrat recent performance in the legislature, the party hasn't had much success convincing British Columbians to give them the reigns of government. After all, the latest Mustel Research Group Ltd. poll puts them 18 percentage points behind the Liberals at 32 percent. But perhaps the New Democrats constitution and party affairs committee has stumbled across one reason why. In a resolution submitted for debate at the party's upcoming convention, the committee notes the BC NDP Constitution does not explicitly state the Purpose of the BC NDP." So it calls on delegates to add a new clause to the New Democrat's constitution stating, "The purpose of the Party shall be to act on behalf of its members to apply the principles of social democracy to government and the administration of public affairs, and to influence decision-makers to improve the quality of life for all citizens." Gadzooks! Now British Columbians are sure to think the New Democrats are ready to govern! The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned resolution.

Premier Gordon Campbell has already missed at least one his climate action deadlines. Back in September, while speaking at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention, the provincial Liberal leader said, "A Climate Action Team will also be announced next month, consisting of a 'blue ribbon' team of leaders from environmental organizations, private enterprise, the scientific community, First Nations and academia." But it's now November. And that team hasn't yet been announced. Asked about the matter, climate change strategic communications manager David Haslam said those appointments will be happening "soon."

Finance Minister Carole Taylor has said she's thinking about introducing a carbon tax in next year's budget "as a way of reducing the burning of fossil fuels." But this isn't the first Campbell administration to consider such a measure. Back in 1990, when the premier was mayor of Vancouver, city council established a task force to study "the issues surrounding atmospheric change, gather public input, and recommend specific actions the City can take." Among those actions: urging "the regional air quality management authority and the Provincial Government to introduce before June 30, 1991, a regional vehicular carbon tax." According to the task force's report, entitled Clouds of Change, that tax would have been used to "subsidize infrastructure" for bicycles, public transit and alternative fuel vehicles. But council shied away from implementing that recommendation - which would have doubled the cost of gasoline - deferring the matter for a future discussion between council and task force members. And, ultimately, the tax was never implemented. The following is a complete copy of that recommendation.

Last month, The Province's John Bermingham reported the Campbell administration is "looking at a new carbon tax to combat climate change." In an interview with Mr. Bermingham, Finance Minister Carole Taylor said "she's considering the tax in next year's budget, as a way of reducing the burning of fossil fuels." But that might not be the only financial measure being considered by the provincial government as part of its climate action commitment. For example, could it be the government is considering making fuel efficient vehicles cheaper to licence, while increasing such fees for less fuel efficient vheicles?

"The report that pathological gamblers are almost four times more likely than the average Canadian to try to kill themselves is just the latest piece of evidence that the province has no business in the gaming industry." This, according to the Times Colonist's editorial page, citing a study published in the September issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. But it seems, despite that evidence, that the British Columbia Lotteries Corp. is continuing to promote the industry via its controversial gold card program. The latest initiative: documents posted on BC Bid earlier this month indicate card users will soon be given a chance to win "one-of-a kind experiences that the average person cannot obtain: events that target all of the Prize Winners senses and create a lasting brand memory (i.e. tickets to the Grammy Awards or the Toronto Film Festival with backstage passes to the after party)." Casino goers will be entered into such contests each day they use their gold card. The following is a complete copy of the relevant portion of the request for proposal seeking a provider for such experiences.

Last week, in an interview with Public Eye, civil city commissioner Geoff Plant - who was spotted at the Non-Partisan Association's recent annual dinner - suggested he might also be willing to attend fundraisers hosted by Vision Vancouver or the Coalition of Progressive Electors. So coalition parks commissioner Loretta Woodcock has extended just such an invitation to Mr. Plant. In an email to Public Eye, Ms. Woodcock writes, "After reading your Nov.1 article about Geoff Plant attending a $185 a ticket NPA fundraiser I called Plant's Civil City office today and spoke to his staff. As a result of his fair comments written in your paper about finding a COPE event interesting to attend, and meeting people to get a sense from them about what initiatives the city should be undertaking to ensure Project Civil City gets realized, I invited him to attend a Nov.8 COPE fundraiser hosted by park board commissioners. Tickets are $60."

Earlier, we reported the premier's innovation and excellence awards - which cost at least $92,856.33 this past year - would be "undergoing a significant expansion in 2007/08." At the time, the provincial government couldn't say how much that expansion would cost. But here's a hint. According to a request for proposal amendment posted on BC Bid, the Campbell administration will be budgeting between $100,000 and $150,000 for the video production services component of the event. By comparison, those production service cost $55,030.99 for the last awards ceremony.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs president Stewart Phillip shares with his thoughts about the First Nations treaty process. Provincial New Democrat aboriginal relations and reconciliation critic Scott Fraser also weighs in on the issue. And The Tyee's investigative editor Monte Paulsen talks about the influence of big money on local politics. 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.

The ministry of children and family development made $560,120 in renovations to the fourth floor of its Victoria headquarters, Public Eye has learned. That amount was $300,000 more than the original budget suggested the ministry's executive financial officer Sarf Ahmed. This, according to documents obtained via a freedom of information request. And it included spending $41,500 on a consultant who was to "incorporate design elements that create a warm, welcoming environment" for the First Nations community. Among those elements: an $8,500 seven-foot cedar totem pole and additional art pieces totalling $21,877.51.

On Sunday, The Province's Elaine O'Connor cited federal Liberal parliamentarian Blair Wilson's former campaign manager making a number of undocumented allegations against the MP. But, in two-year-old interview with Public Eye, Elizabeth Wood actually denied the truthfulness of one of those allegations.

Yesterday, the Vancouver Courier's Allen Garr asked, "Am I the only one who thinks it is odd that Vancouver's civil city commissioner Geoff Plant turned up at last week's NPA fundraiser? Plant may not be on staff but he is still on the city payroll." But that's a distinction Mr. Plant seems to believe is important.