January 2008 Archives

Today, Premier Gordon Campbell announced his government is getting into bioenergy in a big way. And, as part of that initiative, the "biomass created out of the mountain pine beetle outbreak" is being promoted as a resource that could be used to "stimulate investment and economic diversification while producing clean energy." But what Mr. Campbell didn't mention is that "from an air contaminant point of view, wood combustion can lead to releases of significant amounts of particulate matter" - which can pose "health risks" to British Columbians. And the environment ministry is only just now getting around to hiring a consultant to study the "expected (contaminant and greenhouse gas) emissions from all biomass combustion/gasification systems" - as well as their "emissions reduction potential." All this, according to a request for proposal posted on BC Bid just six days ago. Fancy that! The following is a complete copy of the relevant portion of that bid.

Contrary to columnist belief, Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan must be more popular than ever. After all, according to an email sent out by his community relations manager Anna Lucarino, "over the past several weeks, our office has received many inquiries as to how to purchase memberships, financially contribute or become a volunteer to help support Mayor Sam Sullivan in this year's civic election. As noted in a recent memo from the City Clerk to all of Council, City resources are only to be used for matters directly related to civic business. Therefore, should you wish to learn more about Mayor Sullivan's election campaign or how to become involved, please direct your inquiries to his campaign via www.samsullivan.ca" - a re-election Website which was launched just last Thursday.

The Campbell administration has hired Princeton University Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs diplomat in residence Jeremy Kinsman to "identify labour market development opportunities" on behalf of the ministry of economic development. This, according to a notice of intent quietly posted today on BC Bid. The document states Mr. Kinsman, who was Canada's ambassador to the European Union between 2002 until 2007, will also "lead consultations" related to the ministry's labour market development initiatives. The following is a complete copy of the notice.

Is Coalition of Progressive Electors recording secretary Tim Louis considering another bid for civic office? That's the question being asked by a number of party members. And here's the answer: "I haven't made up mind," said Mr. Louis in an interview with Public Eye. But he probably will "over the next three or four months. I'm going to talk to a number of people that I respect: previously presidents of COPE; people who I've sat on elected bodies with" such as Fred Bass, Dermot Foley, Donna Morgan and Anne Roberts "and seek their advice." And, if he runs for a coalition council nomination, what impact does Mr. Louis think that will have on the civic party? "I don't know. I haven't really thought about that question before," he answered. "That's a good question for me to put to the people I'm going to be seeking advice from."

Here at Public Eye, we haven't heard much about newcomers for Non-Partisan Association council nominations. But there's been some talk association parks board member Korina Houghton might be interested in a bid for higher civic office. Asked about the matter, Ms. Houghton told Public Eye, "I haven't decided yet. I would like to run in some capacity to be sure. But I haven't made that decision completely yet" - something she expects to do in "another three months."

Thanks to the premier's former special advisor Ken Dobell, more British Columbians than ever know about the province's Lobbyists Registration Act. This, after Mr. Dobell failed to promptly register as a lobbyist for the city of Vancouver. So is it a coincidence then that the number of consultant lobbyist registrations increased dramatically in April - the same month Mr. Dobell was accused of non-compliance with that law by the provincial New Democrats? And there was another increase in June. This, following the release a May 28 report by information and privacy commissioner David Loukidelis which alleged Mr. Dobell breached the act. Mr. Dobell - who didn't, according to Mr. Loukidelis, intend to hide his consulting work with the city - has denied any wrongdoing. The following is a complete list the number of consultant lobbyist registration per month in 2007, as provided by the office of the information and privacy commissioner.

Last year, the provincial government announced it had appointed a nine-member pharmaceutical task force to "engage in an exploration of pharamceutical policy to provide advice to government on how best to maximize value for patients and value for money as well as examine ways to continuously improve the pharmaceutical approval process." But it seems British Columbians will have wait a little longer for the task force's recommendations. In an interview with Public Eye, chair Don Avison confirmed he met with Health Minister George Abbott yesterday to extend the taskforce's deadline from January 31 to sometime "into the later part of February." Earlier, The Tyee's Andrew Macleod reported on the taskforce's "strong drug industry flavour."

The date and place for the British Columbia Liberal's next convention - the last before the 2009 provincial election - has been set: October 30 in Whistler. Party conventioneers also visited the ski resort in 2004 - encamping at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. So bets are that hotel will host the Liberals again in 2008.

Earlier, we reported former provincial Liberal house leader Graham Bruce was refusing to discussing details of his lobbying work - even refusing to name the president of the company he's working for. And that irritates New Democrat house leader Mike Farnworth. Noting Mr. Bruce was formerly part of an administration that promised to be the most open and accountable government in Canada, Mr. Farnworth stated, "I would have thought that, in keeping with that spirit of openness, Graham would want to talk about his lobbying contracts." Thankfully though, Calvin Darrell Helin - who Public Eye has since learned is the president of the Eagle Group of Companies LLC, does seem to believe in openness and accountability.

Michael Butterfield is best known to Victorians as the name behind Butterfield Law Corp. and a regular CFAX 1070 guest. But some have also been promoting him as a potential Victoria council candidate in the upcoming November civic elections. So what does Mr. Butterfield have to say about such talk? Speaking with Public Eye, the former Saanich council candidate said he might "at some point" consider running. "But I've got a young family right now. And I like having my evenings with my family."

Last week, we reported the Knowledge Network will soon be repositioning itself with a possible new name, logo, on-air slogan and look. So does the mean the Campbell administration has approved the Crown corporation's new strategic plan - which was submitted to the government this past fall? Not so, says advanced education communications director Gordon Williams. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Williams explained the repositioning intiative "isn't tied to their strategic plan." Instead, the broadcaster is simply "going through the process of adapting to the changing communications environment. Because much of their visual identity, as you can see, is somewhat dated." Meanwhile, said Mr. Williams, the network's strategic plan remains under review.

Earlier, we reported lobbyist and former provincial Liberal house leader Graham Bruce refused to say why he was contacting the Campbell administration about a Viscon - a fuel additive. But here's one posssibility: according to the manufacturer's Website, when mixed with diesel or gasoline, Viscon will "improve air quality" and "reduce harmful emissions." All of which might appeal to an admistration interested in a greener British Columbia.

Yet another former senior Campbell administration official is lobbying the provincial government on behalf of the private sector. Last month, former house leader Graham Bruce registered to represent the interests of The Eagle Group of Companies. According to the lobbyist registry, Mr. Bruce declared his intent to contact Premier Gordon Campbell and a number of cabinet minister about Viscon - a fuel additive. Asked by Public Eye whether he could elaborate on his activities, Mr. Bruce said, "No" - refusing to even name the president of the company he's working for.

Earlier, we reported Kelly Gleeson had resigned as the public affairs bureau's resource sector executive director, returning to the ministry of children and family development. So who will be fill that post, you may wonder? Well, as expected, the answer is Marisa Adair. Although she won't actually be assuming those responsibilities until the Campbell administration finds someone to replace her as the health ministry's communications director.

With the throne speech just two weeks away, British Columbia's chattering classes are anxiously awaiting its contents - which will outline the government's upcoming legislative agenda. Most agree the speech will focus on the Campbell administration's climate action initiatives, as well as bringing forward ideas inspired by the recent conversation on health. But what will those ideas be? Is the government, for example, going to be giving British Columbians greater flexibility in managing their healthcare choices? Does the government intend to invest more money in e-health projects? And will the throne speech include any proposals concerning the retention and recruitment of healthcare professionals? Inquiring minds want to know!

Last week, the Campbell administration quietly announced it was looking for 300,000 square feet of new leased office space in the provincial capital. That's almost eight times the amount of functional space offered by the Victoria Conference Centre. And it's comparable to the 335,000 square feet of functional space being built by the the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project. In an interview with Public Eye, labour and citizens' services communications director Rob Duffus explained, "This is an approach to the private sector to explore building new leased office space in downtown Victoria. Government space has become fragmented over the years throughout Victoria." So the government is looking to consolidate that space in an effort to "improve efficiency and provide better service to taxpayers. It'll help keep costs down as well."

Earlier, we reported the premier's innovation and excellence awards would be "undergoing a significant expansion in 2008/08" - with the cost of its video production component alone almost tripling over last year's ceremonies. But it seems some bureaucrats don't put much stock in those awards. When civil servants were asked "what was the most valuable recognition for a job well done" - 26 percent of respondents choose a personal note from their supervisor, with performance-based pay being the second most popular choice at 24 percent. By comparison, the least popular choice was the premier's awards at two percent. Fancy that! The following is a complete copy of that survey, which was posted on the public service's intranet site and obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request.

Provincial Green leader Jane Sterk has had a tete-a-tete with Premier Gordon Campbell. In an interview, Ms. Sterk said she met with the premier last Friday in his Vancouver office for about 20 minutes. "He's a consumate politician. And he made us feel welcome," she said. "We talked about some of the things that are of interest to the Green Party and may or may not be of interest to the Liberal Party." As for New Democrat leader Carole James, Ms. Sterk said she has met her "casually. But I have not had a formal meeting with her. I think I might do that once we have some sense of what's happening with the electoral boundaries commission."

Last March, Premier Gordon Campbell launched "an aggressive new (public service) recruitment campaign under the brand 'Where ideas work' that promotes the public service as an innovative and dynamic career choice." But, eight months after that campaign was rolled out, many bureaucrats didn't seem to know about that, er, innovative and dynamic new catchphrase. In November, the government's intranet Website posed the following question: "Did you know that Where Ideas Work is the new corporate 'brand' for the BC Public Service." And it turns out fifty-seven percent of survey respondents didn't. Fancy that! The following is a complete copy of that survey, which was obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial New Democrat children and family development critic Nicholas Simons shares his thoughts on the state of his portfolio. Save Our Rivers Society board member Tom Rankin discusses Plutonic Power Corporation Inc.'s recent hiring practices. And Moira Stilwell, the head of nuclear medicine at Saint Paul's and Surrey Memorial Hospitals, talks about her bid to become a provincial Liberal candidate. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Bob Russell, 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.

Federal Green leader Elizabeth May has suffered a relapse of keyboard-in-mouth disease. Earlier this week, she rejected a call to extend Canada's military mission in southern Afghanistan beyond February 2008, stating, "The Manley Report fails to consider that the recommendation of more (International Security Association Force) forces from a Christian/Crusader heritage will continue to fuel an insurgency that has been framed as a ‘Jihad'." Asked about that controversial comment, former party deputy leader David Chernushenko told Public Eye, "My advice (to Ms. May) would be, get more people to read over press releases before they actually go public...If you don't want people to misinterpret or re-interpret what you have to say, you have to be really clear about what you're trying to say."

Last year, Ian Reid replaced David Perry as provincial New Democrat leader Carole James's chief of staff, leaving the post of caucus policy director vacant. But, next month, Public Eye has learned British Columbia Government and Service Employees Union staff representative Vanessa Geary will be filling the vacancy. Ms. Geary, who has been an executive assistant to union president George Heyman and Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell, was recently elected to Vision Vancouver's board of directors.

On October 22, the western climate initiative asked the public for comments on its workplan. More than 80 organizations and individuals responded to that request by the initiative's November 30 deadline. But, according to a Public Eye analysis, only one of those responses came exclusively from Canada - a submission by Calgary-based power generation company TransAlta Corp.

The provincial employment and income assistance ministry has budgeted around $100,000 to improve the telephone communication skills of its 800 frontline staff. In an interview with Public Eye, communications director Richard Chambers, explained the training program is meant to improve the staff's ability to deliver ministry services over the phone. "We're committed to this service delivery model. We think we can make it work. And we think there will be two winners if we can deliver our services well by phone," said Mr. Chambers.

Earlier, we reported BC Hydro Corp. chair Mossadiq Umedaly is remaining chair of Xantrex Technology Inc. - a somewhat controversial decision according to provincial New Democrat energy and mines critic John Horgan. But he's not the only power player on Xantrex's board of directors. GrowthWorks Capital Ltd. president and chief executive officer David Levi, who recently ruminated about running to be mayor of Vancouver, also sits on the board.

Kelly Gleeson has resigned as the provincial public affair bureau's resource sector executive director. Mr. Gleeson was appointed to that post in June. But he's returning, under his own power, to children family development where he'll once again be leading that ministry's communications shop. The following is a complete copy of the email announcing that move.

Earlier, we reported senior provincial Liberal political aide David Cyr would be leaving the legislature at the end of the month for Plutonic Power Corporation Inc. Asked for comment on that depature, New Democrat energy and mines critic John Horgan quipped, "So it's just a division of B.C. Liberal Inc. is it? Certainly, these travellers who come out of the public sector and into the private sector after expanding their rolodexes and making connections with regulators and decision-makers is troubling from a public perspective. But certainly I give Plutonic full marks for recruiting people who can swing doors with Liberals."

A unionized constituency assistant has filed two grievances against her employer provincial New Democrat legislator Sue Hammell, Public Eye has exclusively learned. British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union communications director Mary Rowles says the union notified the employer on January 9 that one of those grievances - which was filed in December and concerns an overtime dispute - would be going to arbitration. According to Ms. Rowles, the other grievance was filed against the assistant deputy speaker of the legislature on Tuesday - this one alleging a denial of short-term sick leave.

Earlier, we reported senior provincial Liberal aide David Cyr would be leaving the legislature to become Plutonic Power Corporation Inc.'s First Nations and corporate affairs manager. But he's not the only politico getting a new job. Environment Minister Barry Penner's ministerial assistant Jerry Muir is also departing the precincts. But he'll still be getting a paycheque from the taxpayers of British Columbia as a communications advisor for BC Hydro Corp.

Looky who got a Queen's counsel appointment today! Why it's none other than McCarthy Tetrault LLP partner Andrew Wilkinson. The news release announcing that appointment describes Mr. Wilkinson as having a practice that "focuses on government-related litigation, professional negligence, class actions, corporate commercial disputes and contractual claims. An M.D., he teaches with the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia." But our readers will better know him as a lobbyist - as well as being a former provincial Liberal president and Campbell administration deputy minister.

Earlier, we reported just two major provincial companies attended the recent western climate initiative meeting in Portland - a number dwarfed by corporate delegations from some of the American states. Asked about the matter, Business Council of British Columbia executive policy vice-president Jock Finlayson said, "Those who weren't present in Portland did have an opportunity to patch in by phone and be part of the deliberations. And we did that. We had staff people who were plugged into the major sessions that took place in Portland. And I know of a couple other industry representatives from B.C. who were plugged-in as well."

When western climate initiative members met in Portland earlier this month, the public was invited to attend and give their views on options for a regional carbon trading system. But just two major companies from British Columbia appear to have shown up - Terasen Gas Inc. and Plutonic Power Corporation Inc. And that's not much compared with the corporate delegations from some of the American states. Asked about their attendance at the event, Plutonic corporate communications director Elisha Moreno said the independent power producer's corporate development director Marc Stachiw was in Portland "marketing and networking with people and trying to find out if there's anything we aren't doing that we could be doing or anything that someone else is doing that we could be doing. There's a whole bunch of different opportunities we look at when we go down there."

Earlier, we reported senior provincial Liberal political aide David Cyr would be leaving the legislature for Plutonic Power Corporation Inc. Specifically, we've learned he'll be working as the independent power producer's First Nations and corporate affairs manager. But, in an interview with Public Eye, the company's corporate communications director Elisha Moreno declined to confirm the hire saying, "I can't reveal anything about personnel until we actually announce it publicly. We're a public company. And we'll put it up on our Website. We don't pre-announce personnel before we put something up on our Website."

Plutonic Power Corporation Inc. may have added another former provincial Liberal aide to its payroll. It's our understanding David Cyr, ministerial assistant to House Leader and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mike de Jong, is leaving the legislature to work for the the independent power producer. Other former Campbell administration staffers presently working for Plutonic include Robert Poore, former executive assistant to Revenue Minister Rick Thorpe, and Tom Syer, former policy co-ordination and issues management deputy chief of staff to Premier Gordon Campbell. Also on Plutonic's staff directory are corporate communications director Elisha Moreno, former BC Hydro Corp. media relations manager, and lands resource management director Bill Irwin, former tourism, sport and art acting assistant deputy minister. Mr. Cyr hasn't yet returned a phone call from Public Eye.

This morning, The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer opined "the public for the most part has been excluded" from discussions about the Campbell administration's climate action plan. And even "the caucus of government MLAs has not yet been granted a proper briefing on emissions trading, carbon taxes and other aspects of the plan." So perhaps Liberal legislators might want to hurry-up and purchase a $1,715 ticket to attend the Conference Board of Canada's Adapting to Climate Change conference, which gets underway today in Ottawa. After all, that's where Premier Gordon Campbell will be delivering a keynote speech tomorrow concerning "what the B.C.'s government's expectations are (regarding climate change) and how it plans to approach this challenge, and what the Premier expects of business and other levels of government." Media who happen to be in the nation's capital are welcome to attend the conference. But it looks like the provincial press won't get an opportunity to listen in on the speech via teleconference. According to conference board senior communications specialist Brent Dowdall, "We're just not doing it. It hasn't been anything that's been requested of us. So it's something that we're not able to do at this point."

Last April, the provincial government introduced legislation making the Knowledge Network a Crown corporation with a mandate to broadcast programming "designed to help British Columbians live their lives, build their careers, and take part in their communities." This, after the Campbell administration made an unsuccessful bid to privatize the channel. And now the network is looking to rebrand itself. According to documents posted yesterday on BC Bid, the broadcaster will be hiring a consultant to "reposition the Network to launch in Fall 2008" with a possible new name, logo, on-air slogan and look. The following is a complete copy of the relevant portion of that document.

The provincial government may soon be asking businesses for some extra money to help clean up their own environmental messes. According to documents posted today on BC Bid, the environment ministry is looking for a consultant to prepare a report "on the creation of a sustainable funding mechanism to support the province's ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and remediate spills of petroleum hydrocarbons, hazardous materials or other products that if released to the environment would cause pollution as defined in the BC Environmental Management Act." The documents specifically state that funding mechanism must be something "other than government general revenue sources" - such as fines and levies/taxes.

Earlier, we noted BC Hydro Corp. chair Mossadiq Umedaly would be remaining on the board of Xantrex Technology Inc. But this isn't the first time the Crown corporation's leadership has has worn two hats. Back in 2004, the Georgia Straight's Charlie Smith reported BC Hydro Corp. then generation executive vice-president Dawn Farrell was also sitting on the corporate board of Calgary-based coal company Fording Inc. Fancy that! Ms. Farrell is now TransAlta Corp.'s commercial operations and development executive vice-president.

Last month, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld announced Mossadiq Umedaly had been appointed chair of BC Hydro Corp.'s board of directors. But what the Crown corporation's news release didn't mention is that, despite that appointment, Mr. Umedaly would continue as chair of Xantrex Technology Inc. - which, among other businesses, manufactures "inverters, chargers, and accessories" for use by commercial solar and wind energy systems. But couldn't that lead some to question whether the former Ballard Power Systems Inc. executive is opening himself up to a future potential conflict of interest. After all, BC Hydro is presently "promoting green energy development by acquiring energy from independent power producers" - such as wind farms? Well, New Democrat energy and mines critic John Horgan seems to think so.

The provincial government, to put it mildly, has been less than forthcoming in sharing its climate action consultations with British Columbians. This, coming from an administration that bills itself as the most open and accountable government in the country. That's questionable assertion at best. But it's even more incredulous when you consider the western climate initiative - which British Columbia belongs to - posted comments from more than 80 organizations regardings its draft workplan.

Earlier, we reported the provincial government hadn't yet publicly announced when it will be holding "sectoral symposiums...to discuss (greenhouse gas) emission reduction strategies with forestry (Prince George), mining (Terrace) energy (Fort St. John) waste and landfills (Nanaimo) and agriculture (Kamloops)." But it turns out one of those meetings has already taken place, with Premier Gordon Campbell and Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell speaking to agriculture sector representatives on November 2. But the Campbell administration didn't issue a news release regarding that meeting. Nor did a government spokesperson mention the agriculture symposium had happened when Public Eye asked requested a schedule for the administration's climate action consultation process last month. Meanwhile, it's out understanding the government will be meeting with mining representatives for sometime in late January.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial New Democrat transportation critic Maurine Karagianis shares her thoughts on the recent controversy surrounding the premier's former special advisor Ken Dobell. Saanich-Gulf Islands federal Liberal candidate Briony Penn talks about her bid to unseat Conservative incumbent Gary Lunn. And Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia president and chief executive officer Dan Jepsen discusses the present state of the mining industry in British Columbia. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Bob Russell, 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.

Here's a question being asked by those paying attention to the Campbell administration's environmental agenda: back in September, the provincial government announced "sectoral symposiums will take place to discuss (greenhouse gas) emission reduction strategies with forestry (Prince George), mining (Terrace) energy (Fort St. John) waste and landfills (Nanaimo) and agriculture (Kamloops)." As yet, the Campbell administration hasn't publicly said when those symposiums will happen. But one wonders whether the government will have enough time to incorporate the results of that consultation process when drafting its climate action legislation? After all, that bill - which will make British Columbia the "first province in Canada to legally require 'hard caps' on GHG emissions" - is set to be introduced in the spring legislative session that gets underway next month.

On Tuesday, the Vancouver Sun's Scott Simpson reported "A new voice will emerge today in the public debate about carbon taxes as a group of 80 B.C. businesses calls on Finance Minister Carole Taylor to adopt a revenue-neutral tax as a means of confronting climate change." The report quotes Xantrex Technology Inc. business development vice-president Nazir Mulji and Mountain Equipment Co-op sustainability director Esther Speck as being supportive of that proposal. Which is all well and good. But it should be mentioned former Mountain Equipment Co-op chief executive officer Peter Robinson was recently appointed to the Campbell administration's ActNow BC Leadership Council. Meanwhile, Xantrex Technology's chairman Mossadiq Umedaly was named BC Hydro Corp.'s chair last month.

Last month, The Times Colonist's Les Leyne noted parliamentarian Keith Martin is now "diametrically opposed to (federal Liberal leader Stephane) Dion's fervent view that Victoria has to start treating its sewage simply because it's the right thing to do." But Mr. Martin's sewage treatment skepticism also seems to be odds with a commitment he made during the last election as a member of the Liberal's British Columbia election team. According to the Grit's Made-in-BC Agenda, its representatives would "help the City of Victoria to identify funds to allow them to stop dumping raw sewage into the Straight of Juan de Fuca." Fancy that!

Four years ago, BC Hydro Corp. signed a $1.45 billion outsourcing dealwith Accenture Business Services of British Columbia. And now the Crown corporation is planning to ask its employees how that ten year arrangement is working out. The corporation has asked Angus Reid Strategies Inc to conduct any online survey asking for feedback on the human resource, information technology, purchasing, financial, customer care and building and office services provided by Accenture. The following is a complete copy of the internal announcement of that survey.

Earlier, we exclusively reported the premier's former special advisor Ken Dobell had registered as a lobbyist for Cubic Transportation Systems Inc. And now the provincial New Democrats are raising concerns about those activites. In an news release issued earlier today, the opposition called on "the Campbell government to refrain from meeting with Dobell while he is under investigation by a special prosecutor" for an alleged technical violation of the Lobbyists Registration Act.

Last June, Wayne Strelioff six-year term as the provincial government's auditor general expired. So what has he been doing since then, you may wonder? Well, according to the provincial and federal government lobbyist registries, Mr. Strelioff is now representing the interests of the Quality Worklife - Quality Healthcare Collaborative. The collaborative, a "national interprofessional coalition of healthcare leaders who are working together to develop an integrated action-oriented strategy to transform the quality of worklife for Canada's healthcare providers in order to improve patient care and system outcomes." Mr. Strelioff - who is styling himself as a "professional adviser" - registered as a federal lobbyist for the organization on January 10. He's been doing the same work in British Columbia since August 13.

Last May, we told you about Finance Minister Carole Taylor ministerial assistant Max Logan, who resigned to become a lobbyist for the Retail Council of Canada. At the time, Minister Taylor said neither she nor her office would have any contact with Mr. Logan for one year. But, according to the provincial government's lobbyist registry, the former political aide has declared his intent to contract every government legislator but his former boss. And he's also registered to contact finance ministry bureaucrats. Fancy that!

Earlier, we reported the premier's former special advisor and top bureaucrat Ken Dobell has been talking to the Campbell administration about "transit system gates and smart cards" on behalf of Cubic Transportation Systems Inc.. But he's not the only consultant working for Cubic, an American company that "designs, manufactures and integrates automatic fare collection systems for public transit projects throughout the world." Lecia Stewart also registered to lobby the government for Cubic on November 23, with that work terminating on December 4. Ms. Stewart, Bombardier Transportation's former North American high-speed rail vice-president, also served as director of the Clark administration's $1.167 billion Millennium SkyTrain Line expansion project.

The premier's former special advisor and top bureaucrat has been talking to the Campbell administration on behalf of Cubic Transportation Systems Inc., an American company that "designs, manufactures and integrates automatic fare collection systems for public transit projects throughout the world." This, according to the provincial government's lobbyist registry. Ken Dobell registered as a lobbyist for the San Diego firm on November 23, declaring an intent to contact transportation minister Kevin Falcon and Partnerships British Columbia regarding "transit system gates and smart cards."

More news from Vision Vancouver's annual general meeting: on Monday, party members passed a resolution authorizing their board to appoint one council, parks board and school board candidate "for elecotral or equity reasons by a two-thirds vote of the executive." Which means, the board could concievably allow star candidates to circumvent the party's nomination process.

Earlier, we reported Canadian Office and Professional Employees communications director Mike Bruce, British Columbia Government and Service Employees Union staff representative Vanessa Geary and BC FORUM organizer/executive assistant Monica Ghosh Malcolm would be running for Vision Vancouver's executive. All of them were elected. And, when you add Canadian Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada national representative Joie Warnock to that list, it means four of the civic party's nine new board members come from the labour movement. Asked about the matter, Vision Vancouver director Mike Magee said, "I'm very pleased with the executive because it not only has labour it has business, it has youth, it has Chinese, it has Indo-Canadian, it has representation from across the city. I think it's a really strong executive. So we welcome labour and we welcome busines. And they're both represented."

Once again, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has decided to nickel and dime the public service - claiming an expenditure of $20,000 apiece for quarterly oath ceremonies "shows a disrespect" to British Columbians. The government defends the expenditure, saying the ceremonies are meant to "make the employment oath a more meaningful experience for public service employees." No doubt, they're attempting to shore up morale in a public service that, like elsewhere, has had to endure years of attacks by taxpayers federation staffers who make their living diminishing it.

Earlier, we reported Philip Cook or Brent Parfitt might have the resume necessary to become the ministry of children and family development's new quality assurance assistant deputy minister. But what about former Canadian Child Care federation executive director Sandra Griffin, the administrative head for the University of North British Columbia's National Collaborating Centre on Aboriginal Health? After all, she would also be someone with the "international level" experience necessary to meet the preferred qualifications for that post.

As expected, Monday's Vision Vancouver annual general meeting was attended by a number of former Non-Partisan Association members - including Allan De Genova and his daughter Melissa. But they weren't the only ones with past connections to Vancouver's right-leaning civic party. Also spotted was the Globe and Mail's Trevor Boddy - who was a Non-Partisan Association council nomination candidate in the last civic election. Asked why he was there, the architecture critic said, "I was just curious to see what's up with Vision. I actually at a meeting just down the street with some architecture students and I popped by just to see what the state of play was. I'll probably do the same thing with the NPA and probably will with COPE. My beat is urban development and architecture. And it fades into civic politics."

This morning, the Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula reported "Vision Vancouver, the main opposition party at Vancouver city council, has two federal Liberal organizers putting their names up to be on the Vision board at today's annual general meeting: Greg Wilson, who is running Joyce Murray's campaign in Vancouver-Quadra, and David Eaves." But who else will be running for the civic party's executive, you may wonder? Well, our understanding is the list of hopefuls includes Canadian Office and Professional Employees communications director Mike Bruce, British Columbia Government and Service Employees Union staff representative Vanessa Geary, BC FORUM organizer/executive assistant Monica Ghosh Malcolm, provincial New Democrat legislator Jenny Kwan's constituency assistant Am Johal and Fairware Promotional Products Ltd. co-founder Denise Taschereau.

Last month, Joel Palmer resigned as the provincial Liberal caucus's executive director to become director of education ministry's learning initiatives branch. So who's going to be replacing him, you may wonder? Why that would be none other than the Premier Gordon Campbell's press secretary Mike Morton. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Morton explained, "Having been with Premier Campbell for ten years has been absolutely phenomenal and I believe probably a record in this business - both as director of communications in opposition and press secretary when we formed government in 2001. But when the opportunity availed itself to go over to caucus, I was looking for a new challenge. And going back to caucus is really going back to my roots. And it's going to be great fun between now and the campaign of 09. So I'm really looking forward to it. And it'll be way less travel - which I'm, on one hand, really delighted about. But there's been many fond memories with the premier." A replacement for Mr. Morton hasn't been selected.

Earlier, we reported the provincial government purchased 260 leather portfolios as part of its new oath cermonies. In an interview, community services director Anne McKinnon - who says the cost of those binders is $45, not $75 as noted in documents obtained by Public Eye - explained, "What they wanted to provide are long-term keepsakes. They're meant to be a token - something that's meaningful for people when they come in. They've got long-term use. They're something that can be used for a very long time." But not everyone is happy with the government decision's to purchase animal hide office supplies.

The Campbell administration hasn't said much about its participation in the western climate initiative since last August. That's when the provincial government announced initiative members - which include six western states, as well as British Columbia and Manitoba - had agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. So you could be forgiven if you didn't know representatives from those jurisdictions met in Portland last Thursday to discuss options for the design of a regional, multi-sector, cap-and-trade program. That specifics of that design is a "reall big deal" because it will determine how greenhouse gas emission limits are "distributed, what kinds of 'offsets' or good deeds to compensate for pollution will be allowed" and so on. This, according to Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Lisa Stiffer. But the government hasn't said word boo about that meeting. Still, that shouldn't be a surprise given this administration still hasn't released a list of who's met with the executive council's climate action committee - despite an earlier promise from Premier Gordon Campbell to do just that?

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former Youth Employment Project executive director Richard LeBlanc tells us about his plan to help out Victoria's homeless. Ex-provincial Liberal legislator Art Cowie shares his thoughts on what the Campbell administration needs to do to attract around 50 new election candidates. And New Democrat finance critic Bruce Ralston weighs in on the government's controversial new oath ceremonies. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Bob Russell, 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.

Earlier, we reported former British Columbia Ambulance Service chief executive officer Fred Platteel could be paid up to $150,000 to undertake three major projects for the emergency and health services commission. But it doesn't seem that contract work was originally part of his retirement plans. In an email to sevice members, Mr. Platteel wrote that he would instead be "spending more time with my family and friends (and) enjoying my hobbies. They include adventure travel, hiking, climbing, biking, skiing and fishing." The following is a complete copy of that email.

Earlier, provincial New Democrat critic Nicholas Simons noted the preferred qualifications for children and family development's new quality assurance assistant deputy minister includes both experience at "the international level" as well as "several levels of government." And that, combined with the fact the competition for that position opened and closed during the winter holidays, suggests the ministry already has someone in mind for that job. But who might that be, you may wonder? Well, International Institute for Child Rights and Development founder Philip Cook and United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child member Brent Parfitt are both possibilities, according to those familiar with the ministry. After all, both are long-time associates of top bureaucrat Lesley du Toit. And both have been doing work for the ministry, with Mr. Cook leading a province wide assessment of "What's Working for Children and Families."

Earlier, we reported Geoff Meggs is considering running for city council. But he isn't the only ongoing Vision Vancouver executive member who may make a bid for local elected office. In an interview with Public Eye, Kwantlen University College philosophy instructor Heather Harrison confirmed she's stepping down from the board to "direct her attentions to some other things for the short-term. And I feel like it's a really, really important period for the executive. And they need all hands on deck. And I want to make sure we get people who can put in as much time as needed." But is she thinking about making another council bid?

On January 25, Geoff Meggs will leave his job as executive director of the British Columbia Federation of Labour to restart his communication business Tideline Communications Corp. But could he also be considering a run for city council?

Yesterday, representatives from Vancouver's Green and Work Less parties met at Coalition of Progressive Electors recording secretary Tim Louis's home. But, apparently, cooperation between the three parties during the next civic election wasn't a topic of discussion. Indeed, such talk was explicitly verboten. Instead, the representatives discussed organizing a joint, issue-centric event.

Earlier, we reported retired British Columbia Ambulance Service chief executive officer Fred Platteel, who earned $168,167 in fiscal 2006/07, would be doing contract work for the provincial government - just like his boss Emergency and Health Services Commission chief executive officer Lee Doney. In fiscal 2005/06, for example, the government had transferred $279,093 to the former top bureaucrat's company RLD Strategies Inc. And it appears like Mr. Doney's company did even better the following year, with those transfers increasing to $286,952. In his last full fiscal year as a deputy minister, Mr. Doney - who retired in April 2004 - earned $204,627 and registered $49,682 in travel expenses.

Speaking on the Bill Good Show earlier this week, Finance Minister Carole Taylor said, "I don't get it that someone in political office can...raise money and not disclose all the people who are funding your campaign" - a reference to Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan. "I don't get that," she repeated. So one wonders what Minister Taylor thinks about Gordon Campbell? After all, in 1993, the future premier refused to disclose who was funding his provincial Liberal leadership campaign. Fancy that!

Last October, the provincial government spent $73,262 on two oath ceremonies for new civil servants Public Eye has exclusively learned. In the past, civil service employment oaths (which require bureaucrats to swear they'll act with integrity and loyally serve the people of British Columbia) have been quiet affairs - administered individually by local "oath commissioners." But, according to documents obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request, the Campbell administration felt "there was a perception that the way the oath is currently being administered has diminished its symbolic value." So the government will now be holding ceremonies across the province on a quarterly basis to "make the Employment Oath a more meaningful experience for public service employees."

At the end of June, Fred Platteel retired as the British Columbia Ambulance Service's chief executive officer. But that doesn't mean he won't still be drawing a paycheque from the provincial government. Back in October, Mr. Platteel received a directly awarded contract worth as much as $150,000 to undertake three major projects for the emergency and health services commission, which is responsible for the ambulance service.

Earlier, Public Eye told you the ministry of children and family development is hiring a new quality assurance assistant deputy minister. This, after the province's independent child protection watchdog slammed the ministry for not doing enough in the "area of quality assurance." But the government doesn't seem to have made much of an attempt to attract applicants for that job - despite its importance and some steep qualifications. The ministry announced it was looking for applicants on December 21 - the Friday before Christmas. No newspaper advertisements were placed as part of that compeition. And the deadline for applicants closed a little more than two weeks later.

A company headed by former provincial Liberal caucus executive director Judy Kirk, is being hired to facilitate the Vancouver School Board's educational facilities review, Public Eye has exclusively learned. The board is debating what to do about having too few students for too many schools. And the review is meant to find out what residents think about the problem. That public consultation process may lead to school closures. Kirk & Co. Consulting Ltd. bills itself as "one of British Columbia's leading communications firms" and an "acknowledged leader in public consultation, community relations and issues management." An announcement about the review is expected tomorrow.

Who's that we hear may be running for the provincial New Democrat nomination in North Vancouver-Lonsdale? Could it be North Vancouver school district trustee Susan Skinner? Well, Ms. Skinner hasn't yet spoken to Public Eye about the matter. But that's the name some party members are talking about, noting Ms. Skinner registered the domain name susanskinner.ca on December 1.

Those concerned about British Columbia's labour shortage may want to pay attention when Human Resources and Social Development Minister Monte Solberg jets into British Columbia on Monday. The reason: speculation Minister Solberg could announce he's expanding the federal government's expedited labour market opinion pilot project.

Earlier, we reported the Campbell administration is looking to set visibility goals for wilderness areas and urban areas in the Fraser Valley. But Society Promoting Environment Conservation transportation campaigner David Fields said the Liberals should be more concerned with what's in the air rather than what it loooks like. "Coming from the B.C. Liberal government it doesn't surprise me that they're concerned about appearances on the air quality file," he said. "But our main criticism of the B.C. Liberal government is they don't seem to be willing to do the hard work when it comes to actually improving air quality. Like everybody, we're looking to the upcoming green budget to see if the Campbell government will meet the test. And we're also, of course, looking to see what they'll do on Gateway because everybody expect for the Gateway Program believes it will worsen air quality."

If North Vancouver-Seymour legislator Dan Jarvis doesn't seek re-election, there's already talk former Retail Council of Canada vice-president and Coalition of British Columbia Businesses chair Kevin Evans could replace him. But is Mr. Jarvis thinking about putting himself out to pasture? In an earlier interview with the North Shore News's Bill Bell, the backbencher reportedly wouldn't give a firm answer. But, speaking with Public Eye, Mr. Jarvis said he'll be making a decision "during or after" the upcoming spring legislative session. That being said, Mr. Jarvis acknowledged "everyone would like my seat" - one of the safest Liberal constituencies in the province - "and there are several individuals who have indicated to me they want to run (in the riding). But they said as long as you're there we won't run against you. Which is good on their part." But he didn't rule out the possibility of someone challenging him for the nomination, should he seek another term.

Last year, British Columbia's child and youth representative released a scathing report released 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." Specifically, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond was concerned many of the recommendation that would provide a foundation for "monitoring MCFD's progress, enhancing accountability for its results, and assisting in the process of its decentralization are among those not yet acted on." Which is why the "area of quality assurance and accountability is one that we will be focusing on as part of the Representative for Children and Youth's monitoring role." So, with that in mind, we draw your attention to a recent job posting from the ministry of children and family development seeking a quality assurance assistant deputy minister.

The BC Cancer Foundation's former president and chief executive officer says Premier Gordon Campbell has approached her about running for the provincial Liberals in the next election. In an exclusive interview with Public Eye, Mary McNeil said Premier Campbell made the approach shortly after she lost her bid to become the federal Conservative candidate in Vancouver-Quadra.

On October 21, provincial Greens elected Jane Sterk as the party's leader. But so far the Esquimalt councillor doesn't seem to have had much to say. Since their leadership convention, the party has issued just two news releases - one condemning recently forestry deals struck by the provincial government and another announcing Ms. Sterk's attendance at the Say Yes Louder! Fall Electoral Reform Conference. In an interview with Public Eye, the councillor explained the party is in the midst of replacing its media and communications chair Andrew Frank - who resigned in November - as well as a hiring a new party press secretary. Australian Jacqui Ooi had been doing the job using a work permit which expired in December. Ms. Sterk also said the party is "busily working on some interesting policy updates that will give us some meaty stuff to release" rather than just reacting to Liberal and New Democrat statements.

Earlier, we reported former federal Liberal national vice-president Mike Hillman wouldn't be reprising his role as the Non-Partisan Association's campaign director during the upcoming civic elections. So who will? Well, our understanding is Mining Association of British Columbia senior policy and communications director Byng Giraud has been approached with an offer to do that job. Mr. Giraud recently resigned as one of the province's two Conservative national council members.

The provincial government initiative to "diversify B.C.'s economic ties with the Asia Pacific" continues. The latest news: over the holidays, the Campbell administration quietly announced it would be hiring a consultant to "provide services as a Trade and Investment Representive (TIR) in the Korea market for the Ministry of Economic Development" by spring 2008. According to documents posted on BC Bid, the representative "will be responsible for advancing and defending BC's commercial interests in that market." The following is a complete copy of the relevant portion of that document.

Back in November, Premier Gordon Campbell told the press gallery he was "surprised" his administration hadn't yet released a list of the stakeholders who have met with the cabinet's climate action committee. But 47 days later, that list still hasn't been made available - which, needless to say, doesn't surprise us.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former federal Liberal nomination candidate John Moonen discusses his party's chances in West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country. New Democrat candidate Dana Larsen will also weigh in on the topic. And American historian and cultural critic Michael Fellman shares his views on the result of the recent Iowa caucuses. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Bob Russell, 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.