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."

Indeed, in an interview with Public Eye, Parnterships British Columbia communications and government relations director Jennifer Davies confirmed staff have been speaking with officials in the Golden State about such models over the past few months. But she said it's too early to tell whether the provincial government-owned company will actually assist the Schwarzenegger administration in setting up a similar organization to negotiate public-private partnerships in California.

"If the government of California was interested in chatting with us further, we'd absolutely be welcome to that relationship," added Ms. Davies. "We've got memorandum of understanding with a couple other provinces here in Canada where we're involved in information sharing and talking about lessons learned and best practices going forward. I would think some similar model with California might be feasible." But she cautioned Partnerships British Columbia isn't "really trying to sell our business to others."

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.

Said Minister Penner, "We expect all members to conduct themselves ethically. And, certainly, if you take a look at the track record of the individuals selected" - who included everyone from businessmen to academics - "I think they're all outstanding citizens. And I'm pleased at the calibre of the people that have stepped forward."

"These are people from the real world who are doing real work," he continued. "And they're expected to provide us with advice - and it's just advice - that comes to government. At the end of the day, government will be responsible for the decisions that we make. The climate action team will be one of the very important sources of information. But we also have other sources of information or conduits into government."

But, despite all that, New Democrat environment critic Shane Simpson says team members should be required to let British Columbia know if they could stand to benefit from any of the measures they recommend. "I agree that this is a high-quality group of people. And I'm sure that they're all very upstanding and have integrity and ethics. But, just for sake of the process, I would expect at a minimum that any member of that team would be expected to at least declare a potential conflict - even if that may not preclude them from participating" in team discussions.

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."

"But I think his comments about it being bureaucratic, I would totally disagree," continued Minister Falcon. "One of the things that we're trying to change - and actually will change, I guarantee you with some pretty sharp business people sitting on the board - is they will really ring out a lot of inefficiencies and make sure it actually exists and delivers on the transit vision of the mayors that I think will really benefit the public."

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.

In the April-June 2007 edition of McCarthy Tetrault Co-Counsel: Technology Law Quarterly, she states, "It’s difficult to underestimate the impact and potential of clean tech. Venture capitalists are increasingly investing in this area, which is significant because these investments are leading indicators of future economic growth."

In fact, "Current data indicates that clean tech is emerging as a defined investment category at twice the pace of biotech’s rise in the 1980s and early 1990s. With the combination of rising energy costs, overall natural resource scarcity, growing demand for environmentally superior products and greatly improved clean tech alternatives, clean tech may capture up to 10 per cent of overall venture capital flows by 2009. It may also capture an increasingly large portion of both M&A and IPO activity."

But other companies will also be able to take advantage of the opporunities created by global warming. In a separate article, Ms. Slusarchuk acknowledges "business leaders across industries" may intitially be "challenged by new laws and public demands related to climate change, sustainability and clean technology, but ultimately, these changes present a tremendous opportunity to 'do good business,' which includes making money."

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."

"Either that or face it, you'll no longer be able to talk to the Conflict-of-Interest Commissioner, be it Mr. (Paul) Fraser or whoever succeeds him, in the fullness of time with that confidentiality which you've always been able to be assured of when you've come and talked to my office."

"We pride ourselves to this day, as we always have, on running the only leak-proof operation in government," he continued. "Help us keep it leak-proof. You've seen yesterday what can happen with a hole the size of a fist in the hull of ship. A fine Canadian ship was left lost in Antarctic waters. My job has been as a pilot to assist you in the navigation of the ship of state, in the avoidance of shoal waters, in assisting those charged with the navigation to arrive safely at the port at which they wish to arrive. Please, don't let's have this fist-sized hole in our hull."

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.

Dear friends and supporters:
We're back to work in our great city. Here's some of what's going on.

City moves on social housing
Province moves on non-market housing
Crime still hurts, but it's down
Vancouver looking smart
Stadium tedium
TransLink scrambling
Granville stroll
Fraser Street haven opens
Regional economic cooperation is now
A solution to middle-income affordability

City Moves on Social Housing
Even though housing isn't supposed to be a municipal responsibility, Vancouver continues to lead the nation in funding non-market housing. On top of having one in 12 housing units in the city already dedicated to non-market housing, we're turning over 12 city-owned sites for social housing ($50 million value) waiving their property taxes ($1 million/year), and putting up $10,000 cash to upgrade 500 single room occupancy hotels ($5 million). That's on top of $99 million cash and foregone revenue to finance social and non-market housing in False Creek.

This will never be enough until other cities in this region and across the country provide homes for housing-starved people in their home towns.

Province moves on non-market housing
The Province and feds have teamed up to fund 77 new units of non-market housing specifically for Aboriginal Housing in Vancouver this year. Aboriginals are 10 times more likely to be homeless as the rest of the population. The City's housing director Cameron Gray tells us that the Province has now funded 1170 units of non-market housing in the City of Vancouver this year: 760 of single-room occupancy hotels or market rental housing, and 410 new units. It's coming.

Crime still hurts, but it's down
Earlier this month I walked along the English Bay seawall after dark with a partner of a West End senior who was pepper-sprayed, beaten (bruised face, broken arm) and robbed of a few dollars he had a week earlier. It happened in the evening outside the Sunset concession building. We could do a lot to make that walk safer. I referred him to the good people at West End Community Action Network who have been working on these issues from a community base.

In spite of these personal tragedies and the current spate of gang shootings, violent crime in the city is down 9% in the first 8 months of this year, total property crime down 11%, robberies down 17%, theft from autos down 16%, vehicle theft down 12%, commercial break and enters 12% and sexual assaults down 10%.

Vancouver is looking smart
Vancouver made the Smart21 semi-finalist in the 2008 Intelligent Community of the Year awards. I was proud to be able to organize the entry and am working with the Vancouver Economic Development Commission on the final application to see if we can make the Top 7 list - to be announced in January.

Stadium tedium
The downtown waterfront Whitecaps stadium proposal is still limping along, moving through legal and financial negotiations between the Whitecaps and the Vancouver Port Authority (VPA).

The Whitecaps want to swap their rail lands for the stadium site on port waterfront property by the heliport, closer to Crab Park. To accomplish this, they have to:

Secure federal and VPA board approval, then
Complete a technical and public review process with the City of Vancouver (expect Downtown Eastside pushback), then
Secure approval from the City Council to rezone the property, then
Complete a 12-month rezoning process, then
Complete a 4-month development permit process and then
Greg Kerfoot could start construction of this great gift to the city.
All members of the NPA Caucus are strong supporters of this initiative and will be working hard to shorten the City's timelines.

TransLink Scrambling
Next month will mark my last meetings with the outgoing TransLink board.

Last month the board passed my motion to fund future growth from transportation demand-related revenue sources (eg fuel taxes, road pricing, tolls, vehicle levies) rather than property tax and fare increases. My motion to push ahead with a large bike-sharing program similar to the ones in Paris, Lyons and numerous European cities also passed. A feasibility study is now underway.

I had less luck with my proposal to extend the time on a transit ticket past 90 minutes to compensate for recent fare increases - too costly and complicated, say staff.

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 the formal relationship with Metro Vancouver, and lead to higher administration costs. Meanwhile, everyone on the TransLink side is scrambling to come up with a 30-year transportation plan by early 2008.

Granville stroll
I wandered up and down Granville Street to check out the recent entertainment zone night-time street closures. The police were excited by the dramatic drop in fighting, assaults and arrests - one reason being that revelers don't have to bump shoulders on the narrow sidewalks.

But I was shocked by the size of the police presence: cars parked down the middle of the street, paddy wagon on the corner, bikes lined up at the end of the blocks, groups of officers everywhere. I was encouraged to hear the VPD are experimenting with scaling back the numbers. Hopefully they can get to a point where smaller numbers, no extra overtime costs, and safe streets intersect. Then, we can start turning the area into a true entertainment zone.

In the meantime, VPD is asking council for $430,000 in next year's budget to cover added costs.

Fraser Street haven opens
Having been at the much-publicized neighbourhood meeting at John Oliver High School when fears were running rampant about a proposed housing complex for people coping with addictions and mental illness, it was heartwarming to be at its opening last month. The 39-room building on Fraser at 39th had been open for several months with no problems in the neighbourhood. The provincial/federal-funded complex is drug-free and is staffed around the clock. Places like this, outside the Downtown Eastside, are the solution to homelessness.

Regional economic collaboration is now
A little-heralded memorandum of understanding was signed last month between Surrey, Richmond, Vancouver, and North Van District, signaling the most promising step toward regional economic development in years.

Open to any other municipalities that want to join (lots are interested), it brings user-pay signatories together on specific projects such as a booth at the Beijing Olympics. Many of us who worked with our municipal economic development staffs to get this going are confident that it will grow into a bottom-up regional economic development initiative, eventually attracting private sector partners.

A solution to middle-income affordability
I've been won over to "green granny flats" as an easy Ecodensity project to open up middle-income affordable housing in single family neighbourhoods.

Allowing garage-equivalent spaces to be used for laneway backyard housing (540 sq. ft., $935/month cost at zero-down payment financing) would open up small (potentially rental) spaces without threatening the character or makeup of our single-family neighbourhoods. They'd be ideal for seniors to age in place and for starter families to finance a home. No government funding would be necessary.

Last words
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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.

Asked by The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer whether the media could "get a list of the 170 or so groups that have presented and at least of summary of what they presented to the cabinet?" the premier responded, "I think we can get you the list. I'm surprised the list isn't out. But, in terms of what they have been presenting to cabinet, we have been clear to them that it was going to be a confidential meeting with a cabinet committee. And I think many of them wanted it to be confidential so they could say what they actually thought without worrying about what was taking place outside."

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?

In an interview yesterday with Public Eye, we asked Minister Penner - a former government employees union member - whether the unions being excluded from those discussions for ideological reasons. "I don't think so," he said. "The climate action committee - cabinet - has been very busy. We're continuing to meet and our work is not yet done. So I expect we'll continue to meet with all kinds of groups in British Columbia. And we'll see what future agendas hold. We don't publicly discuss who we're meeting with and who weren't not meeting with. But we've been very busy. And we'll continue to meet with more British Columbians."

And will those meetings include the labour movement? "Like I said, 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. And we want to have those kinds of open and frank discussions. 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," he responded.

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?

"The reality is there are going to be choices that have to be made," he continued. "There are going to be environmental impacts. There are effects on community sectors and industries. And the labour movement has a clear position saying that we have to tackle climate change. We understand there's going to be changes. We would like to be able to contribute in a positive way. But would also be able to represent working people and ensure when there are impacts - and there's going to be some hard choices to be made - that they are equitable and that transitions measures are taken into consideration for both communities and working people. And the premier seems to think that other people can take care of that for us. We don't think so obviously."

Mr. Heyman said he - along with British Columbia Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair - raised those concerns with climate action secretariat head Graham Whitmarsh during last week's Take the Lead BC conference. But, according to the government employees union president, Mr. Whitmarsh "didn't have a satisfactory answer" as to why union representatives didn't have a seat at the climate action table.

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."

In the meantime, does he find it troubling Ms. Greene - who was once one of the Campbell administration's most senior civil servants - will now be lobbying the government on behalf of the business council? "Let me add just one bit to that statement," responded Mr. Horgan "I find it troubling that a former Liberal candidate who then became a senior government official now is lobbying for" the council.

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.

The reason: in an interview with Public Eye, she explained "in practical terms the business council and intergovernmental relations don't have a lot of interactions - one with the other. The relationship has tended to be - and certainly in my year in IGR we had no substantial dealings with one another at all - the dealings tend to be directly with line ministries rather than intergovernmental relations" - the one organization she can't lobby.

But wouldn't she need to speak with intergovernmental relations about deals like the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement? "Well, the lead ministry in the case of TILMA is economic development. So we've tended, as I say, to deal directly with the ministries that have had the lead on various files. And if there were to be a circumstance like that, then I personally would not be involved in it until the one year time was up," responded 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."

So does she believe union support is important if the New Democrats want to win the next election? "Oh, I think it's critical," Ms. James responded. "I think labour support is critical. I think seniors are critical. I think all progressive voters are critical. You know, I know Gordon Campbell isn't going to give up power easily. We're going to have to work very hard in this election. And we're going to be reaching out to every voter - voters who voted Liberal, who voted Green, trade union, youth, seniors. We're going to be reaching out to everyone. They're all critical."

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.

Stated Mr. Sinclair, "Not one of these things - not a single one of these achievements - would be enjoyed today anwhere in this country if we did not have a labour movement and a CCF and a NDP. Every one of these things came as a result of minority governments in Canada where the CCF or the NDP...held the balance of power or the election of a CCF or NDP government provincially. Everyone one of these demands that we have won - or are still fighting for in some cases - was also a political demand going back almost a century of something called the labour movement who mobilized for decades to win them."

Referring specifically to the fight for Medicare, Mr. Sinclair said, "Could the labour movement have done this alone - absolutely not. Could any party of the left have done it without working people? Absolutely not. Let's be clear today - the labour movement is not the NDP. Let's be clearer - the NDP is not the labour movement." Indeed, Mr. Sinclair acknowledged the New Democrats and unions don't always agree. But, he said, "Ask yourself this: how could a party representing the needs of working people not have a relationship to the trade union movement?" - later adding it's "going to take a whole lot of solidarity" to defeat the Campbell administration.

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.

salmon farmers

Growing sustainable and healthy food

SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE

In the resource industries which sustain British Columbia’s coastal communities, environmental sustainability is a day-to-day necessity. Salmon farmers are committed to the environment and take specific measures to ensure the environment where we raise our salmon is protected.

* Salmon farming is the most strictly regulated agricultural industry in the province.

* From learning more about potential interaction between farmed and wild salmon to the study of alternative protein sources for our fish and the continual testing of new animal health products, research is an important part of growing healthy fish.

COASTAL JOBS

Six thousand men and women are supported by salmon farming in British Columbia, contributing $800 million each year to the economy of our Province. These jobs provide good wages and most importantly, full time year round employment. This means a bright future for families in BC’s coastal communities.

* Salmon farming is BC’s largest agricultural export, accounting for approximately $450 million in export sales in 2005.

* Salmon farming provides rewarding career opportunities that make it possible to live and work in coastal British Columbia.

* Career opportunities include fish health technicians, veterinarians, environmental specialists and more, giving young people the choice to work in a rewarding career close to home.

HEALTHY FOOD

Health Canada recommends two to three portions of fish per week, with at least one portion being an oily fish like salmon.Diets that are high in fish have been linked to reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

* The demand for healthy seafood is steadily increasing; the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization predict that within four years U.S. demand for seafood will grow by 30 - 50%.

* Fish farming is a sustainable way to meet that growing demand without endangering our wild salmon populations.

* B.C. farmed-raised salmon is an excellent choice for including beneficial Omega-3 in your diet and is naturally low in saturated fat.

STRONG PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships play an important role in our commitment to producing healthy sustainable food while caring for the environment in which we work. As salmon farmers we embrace the knowledge and expertise that we gain through our many connections with our coastal communities.

* Salmon farmers in British Columbia welcome these partnerships and the management of resources in a way that respects First Nation ‘s traditions and values.

* As a result of being involved in aquaculture development in British Columbia, there are individual First Nation communities that have reduced their unemployment rate by up to 50%.

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.

In an email, Ms. Sherrod questioned why ForestEthics was reportedly "got the biggest nod" from Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell when what she described as the "most anti-environment government ever" rolled out its recovery plan.

And, in another message to the same environmental listserv, activist Ingmar Lee alleged ForestEthics "secretly" negotiated with "Gordon and the logging community" to develop that plan.

But Ms. Berman shrugged off those accusations. "There are no big secrets, no 'back room deals'. There is normal lobbying and what I believe is some good organizing and communications campaigns and some excellent markets interventions," she replied.

"If you think you could protect more forest faster or that you have a better smarter strategy than I hope you are right. More power to you," Ms. Berman continued. "I wake up every morning wondering if there is something I am missing, some way to make change faster, smarter more effective strategy. In the end we can only do our best and support others to do the same." The following is a complete copy of that reply.

***

On 22/10/2007, Tzeporah Berman wrote:

Candace and our allies in the mountain caribou project have sent out an update which addresses many of your concerns. However since you addressed me personally I thought I would respond personally.

There are no big secrets, no 'back room deals'. There is normal lobbying and what I believe is some good organizing and communications campaigns and some excellent markets interventions. I suppose I would have said to Colleen the same thing that I am saying to you: We are trying as hard as we can to protect old growth forests. When a government or company stands up and makes a solid commitment to protect a significant amount of forests we are going to congratulate them and celebrate. Especially if we think that our public support will mean the difference in whether those forests are destroyed or not or whether more will be protected in the future. I suppose you can argue that we should wait until its all protected to call it a victory but I think that is unrealistic and I for one need moments of celebration, inspiration and hope in order to keep on keepin' on.

We at ForestEthics are just working as hard as we can to protect endangered species and some of the most important forests that we have left. On the way we are trying to change some of the habits of major corporations that buy wood and paper products. Would it be better if we could protect more? Absolutely. Should all of the inland temperate rainforest be protected? No question. Would I support a ban on all old growth logging in BC? You bet I would. If I had a magic wand I would do it tomorrow. If you think you could protect more forest faster or that you have a better, smarter strategy than I hope you are right. More power to you. We live in challenging times. I am only too aware that every moment counts and that we are responsible in the climate era not only for what we do but for what we don't do. I wake up every morning wondering if there is something I am missing, some way to make change faster, some smarter more effective strategy. In the end we can only do our best and support others to do the same.

-Tzeporah

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."

So what does the industry think about that proposal? In an interview with Public Eye, British Columbia Chamber of Shipping president Rick Bryant said his association has actually been lobbying for similar measures to be adopted by the International Maritime Organization - the United Nations agency that regulates shipping.

But he cautions against the provincial government introducing legislation that would put it out of step with existing and less environmentally-friendly worldwide regulations. "We have to keep in mind that ships don't have to come here," he explained. "They can go to other parts of the world. They can abide by the international conventions and continue to operate."

Instead, Mr. Bryant suggest the government "create incentives so that shipping will try and take the lead and introduce cleaner fuels and shore power and things like that." The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned resolution.

***

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND POLLUTION FROM OCEAN-GOING SHIPS AND FERRIES

WHEREAS ocean-going ships are the sole remaining point source of pollution in BC that is not regulated, and CO2 emissions from shipping are double those of aviation and increasing at an alarming rate which will have a serious impact on global warming; and

WHEREAS marine vessels in BC produced 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; and

WHEREAS these emissions cause and contribute to severe onshore human health and environmental impacts;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Party will do all in its power to promote and advocate:

1. Mandatory procurement of low sulphur fuels for all marine shipping sectors and the elimination of provincial marine bunker oil and diesel fuel subsidies (2000 and 2003 budgets respectively) to drastically reduce cross-sectoral shipping contributions to global climate change;

2. Ocean-going ships visiting BC ports must reduce emissions within BC waters from their auxiliary engines by using marine fuel with a 0.5% sulphur limit by 2008 and a 0.1 % sulphur limit by 2010 and main engines by 2013, or receive a significant port levy.

3. BC co-fund port electrical hook-up of all vessels in excess of 400 tonnes (including BC Ferries), idling for longer than one hour;

4. Zero discharge zoning in all ecologically sensitive inland seas;

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."

"I've got a lot of interest in some of the provincial issues," continued Mr. Herbert, citing arts funding, as well as the environment and homelessness. "But it's too early to say. I think I'm going to talk to a number of people out in the community and see what they have to say" before making a decision about running "sometime in the next couple months."

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.

PARTY PURPOSE

WHEREAS the BC NDP Constitution does not explicitly state the Purpose of the BC NDP;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that a new clause be added to the Constitution under Article 1 - NAME AND PURPOSE, which would be called Section 1.06, and which would read: "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."

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 specifi