Editorial pages across the province hissed and pissed earlier this month when TransLink's new directors voted themselves a 500 percent pay increase. That increase was recommended by a screening panel chaired by former premier Mike Harcourt. Which makes us wonder how much that panel earned for their trouble. So here's the answer: according to TransLink communications director Ken Hardie, under legislation passed by the government last year, Mr. Harcourt "received a $10,000 honorarium for his services and the other members each received a $5,000 honorarium, plus they were compensated for any reasonable expenses."

Earlier, we reported Marisa Adair has been appointed the public affairs bureau's resource sector executive director. But who's going to be replacing her as the ministry of health's communications director, you may wonder? Well, the answer is Michelle Stewart departed the same post back in December 2005. All of which has some wondering whether the talent pool at the bureau is a bit shallow these days. Ms. Stewart has been serving as the children and youth representative's communications director.The following is a complete copy of the email announcing her appointment.

----- Original Message -----
From: Morris, Linda PAB:EX
Sent: Thu Feb 21 20:56:42 2008
Subject: New PAB MoH Communications Director!

She's back!

I am very pleased to announce that Michelle Stewart has accepted the position of Communications Director (PAB), Ministry of Health. We're very happy that she has decided to come back to our "health" team.

Michelle will be finishing up her current duties over the next few weeks and assuming her new responsibilities on March 17th. Marisa will stay on for a few weeks after Michelle's arrival to ensure a smooth transition.

Welcome back Michelle!!!!

Earlier, we reported the liquor distribution branch missed its target to increases sales of British Columbia Vintners Quality Alliance wines by 20 percent in fiscal 2006/07. But it wasn't for lack of trying, according to the British Columbia Wine Institute. In an interview with Public Eye, communications manager Lisa Cameron explained, "Because there was a short crop in British Columbia in 2005, there was significantly less product available to sell," in government-owned liquor stores. "It effected the 2006 whites and then effected the 2007 release reds. And we're still just finishing that cycle now."

Sales of homegrown wines by government-owned liquor stores seem to have hit a bit of a slump. In 2007, the liquor distribution branch's service plan committed to increasing sales of British Columbia Vintners Quality Alliance wines by 20 percent in fiscal 2006/07 - after having achieved a 18.5 percent increase in fiscal 2005/06. That performance measure was removed in this year's plan. But, following an inquiry by Public Eye, the branch has confirmed those sales increased by just 3.9 percent in fiscal 2006/07.

Yesterday, child and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond released a monitoring brief identifying a number of key concerns with the service delivery system for children with special needs. But, what wasn't mentioned in the coverage of that brief, is that Ms. Turpel-Lafond also suggested during her news conference the need for a wider review of services for the developmentally disabled in British Columbia. "I know there's been an internal review of CLBC adult services inside the government," she said. "But it may very well be it may very well be that there needs to be a full-blow external evaluation of this area. The challenge for me is I only have the children's piece."

Earlier, we reported Premier Gordon Campbell's former constituency campaign manager has been promoting Olympic business opportunities south of the border. But, according to the lobbyist registry, that's not Mark Jiles only line of work. Since December, Mr. Jiles has registered to represent the interests of a number of clients including the British Columbia Chiropractic Association, the British Columbia Motion Picture Industry Association, New Media BC, the Burnaby Mountain Sport and Medical Centre, Likebank Corp. and Excel PLC.

Earlier, we noted the British Columbia Lottery Corp. would no longer be reporting out on its level of public support. This, following the release of a damning report by ombudsman Kim Carter that found the corporation's "validation and prize payout proceedures" for lottery winnings "were unreasonable." Asked about the matter, Solicitor General John Les said "I'm not sure" the removal of that performance measure "has anything to do with" Ms. Carter's report. "Obviously, what my interest is, is to make sure they are not only well-regarded by the public but, in fact, respected by the public in terms of the public's ability to have confidence in fair and impeccable lottery practices." So if that's the case, why not continue to report on the corporation's level of public support? "I'm not sure," Solicitor General Les responded. "For me it's important we maintain the public's confidence in a fair and completely above board lottery system."

In years past, the British Columbia Lottery Corp. has referred to its level of public support as an "important" performance measure because "it serves as the foundation for BCLC to offer responsible gaming to public in British Columbia." But it seems the corporation has since had a change of heart. Because the measure has been quietly removed from its latest service plan. The reason: according to the plan, "what matters is whether or not the public has trust and confidence in the gaming activities BCLC oversees, not whether the public supports BCLC as an organization." Of course, this has nothing to do with the fact the corporation took a drumming last year when ombudsman Kim Carter released a damning report that found its "validation and prize payout proceedures" for lottery winnings "were unreasonable." Will coincidences never cease!

Remember the Campbell administration's much-ballyhooed rental supplement initiative? Announced back in October 2006, BC Housing predicted that initiative - one of Housing Minister Rich Coleman pet projects - would increase the number of households taking advantage of its rental assistance programs by 14,390 in fiscal 2007/08. But things don't seem to have gone according to that plan. BC Housing now reports, in fiscal 2007/08, just 4,394 households were added to its rental assistance programs - a failure first mentioned by Strategic Thought's David Schreck. Moreover, the corporation claims "by the end of 2010/11, it is expected that rent assistance will be provided to more than 22,700 households." But, last year, the corporation said "by the end of 2007/08, it is expected that rent assistance will be provided to more than 33,000 households." Fancy that! The following is a complete copy of BC Housing's rental assistance targets as stated in its 2007 and 2008 service plans.

Number of new households assisted through rent assistance programs

2007/08-2009/10 Service Plan

2009/10 Target 2,700
2008/09 Target 3,000
2007/08 Target 14,390
2006/07 Forecast New measure introduced in 2006/07

2008/09-2010/11 Service Plan

2010/11 Target 2,400
2009/10 Target 2,700
2008/09 Target 3,000
2007/08 Forecast 7,000
2006/07 Actuals 4,394

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, British Columbia's new conflict of interest commissioner Paul Fraser discusses the future of his office. The Tyee's Monte Paulsen and Carnegie Community Action Plan organizer Wendy Pedersen share their thoughts about the Campbell administration's housing endowment fund. And 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.

The ministry of children and family development's recent service plan has once again demonstrated just how little progress has been made on the government's plan to enhance "the capacity of the Aboriginal community to deliver child and family development services." Five years ago, the government promised that, by fiscal 2005/06, 50 percent of the aboriginal children in care served by delegated aboriginal agencies. But, according to the latest plan, just 30.4 percent of aboriginal children in care are served by those agencies. The following is a complete list of those targets since 2003.

Percentage of Aboriginal children in care served by delegated Aboriginal agencies

2003/04-2005/06 Service Plan

Baseline 20% (2002/03 projection)
2002/03 Base 20% (2002/03 projection)
2003/04 Target 46%
2004/05 Target 47%
2005/06 Target 50%

2004/05-2006/07 Service Plan

2003/04 Base 29% (as of Dec. 2003) 46% (Target from 2003/04 Service Plan)
2004/05 Target 40%
2005/06 Target 45%
2006/07 Target TBD

2005/06-2007/08 Service Plan

2004/05 Target/Baseline 20% (revised baseline, 2004/05. Note: 2003/04 baseline was stated in error as 26%; published target was "increase by 20% over baseline)
2005/06 Target 25%
2006/07 Target 30%
2007/08 Target 35%

2005/06-2007/08 Service Plan Update

2004/05 Baseline 30.7%
2005/06 Target 33%
2006/07 Target 36%
2007/08 Target 39%

2006/07-2008/09 Service Plan

2004/05 Baseline 30.7%
2005/06 Target 33%
2006/07 Target 36%
2007/08 Target 39%
2008/09 Target 42%

2007/08-2009/10 Service Plan

2005/06 Actual 30.6%
2006/07 Target 36%
2007/08 Target 36%
2008/09 Target To be determined
2009/10 Target To be determined

2008/09-2010/11 Service Plan

2006/07 Actual 30.4%
2007/08 Target 36.0%
2008/09 Target 32.0%
2009/10 Target 33.0%
2010/11 Target 33.0%

Earlier, we reported child and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond has a number of unanswered questions about British Columbia's increasing "rate of recurrence" of maltreatment by abusive families. But that's not her only concern following the release of the ministry's latest service plan which includes another reduction in the number of performance measures - dropping them from nine to six. Speaking with Public Eye, Ms. Turpel-Lafond stated, "I am very concerned that the government has said every ministry is only allowed six. And that's probably not appropriate in a children's ministry where we really need performance measures to address a range of issues around the safety and well-being of children."

"I can understand why the government says limit our performance measures," she continued. "But, when it comes to kids, there are some key nationally and internationally accepted performance measures that they are not embracing. And that's not what Hughes said. Hughes said get them, monitor them, report regularly, know the impact of what you're doing and strengthen it...These are fundamental issues. How do we know if service transformation - and whatever that is - is going to take us toward these things. And this is why I'm going to be pushing for an annualized report on the state of the child."

Minister Tom Christensen says he is "extraordinarily proud" of efforts by his staff over the past year to create "stronger, more responsive child and child and family development services in the province." But the fact that, according to the ministry's own performance measures, the "rate of recurrence of child neglect and/or abuse" by abusive families is actually increasing, has some wondering whether those efforts have been successful. Three years ago, when the ministry first included that performance measure in its service plan, the rate of recurrence for fiscal 2004/05 was 16.9 percent. The ministry had repeatedly committed to reducing that rate. But, according to the latest service plan, it has actually gone up to 20.9 percent.

Asked for comment, child and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond said she has a number of unanswered questions about how the ministry is calculating and setting targets for this "very important" measure. And "given the fact that they haven't made that target consistently in annual reports, what are they going to do differently to make it?"

"This issue doesn't appear in the transformation or good practice action plan," she continued. "It's in the service plan only. And this is, from my side monitoring the system, a very significant point. How do they arrive at it? How do they calculate it? How do they commit to it? And what is an appropriate target? And is recurrence of maltreatment recurrence of neglect? Or are children remaining in positions of significant neglect and maltreatment under the guise of 'we have a new prevention strategy?' And these are matters that I can say from my office that we take with great interest."

"Now do we have clarity from the ministry with respect to how they arrived at that - no we don't. Will we be seeking clarity? Yes, we will be. This is a core part of Hughes - to have meaningful indicators. They should be reporting regularly, broken down by region, on recurrence of maltreatment. And they should know what are the strategies they are going to use to keep kids safe."

But the government says there's an easy expanation for the higher recurrence of abuse. "The fact is that there are fewer children are in care" - 5,287 in fiscal 2005/06 compared to 4,615 in 2006/07, explained a spokesperson. "As less vulnerable children and youth move out of care, a higher concentration of more complex cases remain and there is typically a higher rate of recurrence among this group. As a result, what you will find is that the percentage of recurrence involving a smaller number of children in care is therefore going to be higher."

Today, the Winnipeg Free Press's Frances Russell accused the federals Liberals of having "repudiated virtually all of" legendary party strategist Keith Davey's's "maxims." Of course, that's going to be disappointing news for the party's national co-chair Mark Marissen. After all, in a January 2007 profile, the Vancouver Sun's Miro Cernetig reported Mr. Davey's was his "mentor." And, indeed, in December 2003 report, The Globe and Mail's Jane Taber quoted a long-time British Columbia Liberals as saying Mr. Marissen "fancies himself as a young Keith Davey."

Last year, Public Eye was the first to report staff at Partnerships British Columbia had been speaking to California government officials about public-private partnership models. And now it looks like they're going to get paid to share the same advice with the Nova Scotia government. The Chronicle-Herald's David Jackson reported today the Maritime province's "Infrastructure Renewal Minister Murray Scott signed an agreement with Partnerships BC on Tuesday to take advantage of its expertise in partnering arrangements."

Sixteen months ago, children and family development top bureaucrat Lesley du Toit identified "Quality Assurance" as a "a key part" of reforming her ministry. This, according to a transcript obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request. Of course, that shouldn't come as much a surprise. After all, in his April 2006 independent review of British Columbia's child protection system, Ted Hughes, stated the ministry "needs a strong quality assurance function to ensure compliance with its standards and practices." But what is surprising is the ministry has only just now gotten around to hiring an assistant deputy minister who will be responsible for leading "the design, development and implementation of an integrated quality assurance framework."

Asked about the matter, Children and Family Development Minister Tom Christensen responded, "I don't think anybody shouldn't take the fact that there hasn't been a specific ADM for quality assurance to suggest quality assurance hasn't been a focus of the ministry since it was established in the mid-1990s. We have a number of processes and structures in place around quality assurance."

"I think there's no question though that, coming out of the Hughes review and in bringing Lesley here as DM, that we wanted to have some additional look at quality assurance and what the most appropriate structures are to ensure we're providing quality services across the board - whether that's in child protection or in the other areas the ministry is involved with. And, in putting together the leadership team over the last 18 months to two years, we've sort of been working toward this point. So it was timely, at this point, to go ahead with finding an ADM for quality assurance. And we're very pleased with the person who has been hired to take that job on. And we're looking forward to her starting in the beginning of March."

So this hiring has nothing to do with child and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond recent criticism that the ministry hasn't acted on Mr. Hughes's quality assurance recommendations? "No. This is a hiring that has been planned for sometime," said Minister Christensen. "Certainly, having a specific ADM responsible for quality assurance, I think, is going to help in moving that work ahead. It's not as if there's been nothing that's been done around quality assurance over the last number of months or 18 months since the Hughes report came out. But this is, I think, a critical part of the work going forward."

Minister Christensen also rejected suggestions the appointment of Sandra Griffin to that post was pre-determined. "As I understand - and obviously ministers aren't involved in hiring decisions, certainly at the ADM level - that all the requirements of the public service generally have been followed in terms of this hiring," he said. "I do know that Ms. Griffin comes eminently qualified. I'm thrilled that she's prepared to take on this position and be involved in public life here in British Columbia. And I think she'll be a real asset to the ministry moving forward."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, First Call coordinator Adrienne Montani comments on a Campbell administration proposal to expand kindergarten. Former New Democrat cabinet minister Paul Ramsey shares his thoughts on what party leader Carole James needs to do to win the next election. And Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell discusses the Campbell administration's new agricultural plan. 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.

Councillor Peter Ladner's putsch continues. As reported earlier by The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula, Mr. Ladner is looking to open up the Non-Partisan Association's mayoral nomination process, in part, so he can run against Sam Sullivan for that job. And now his campaign has launched a membership drive to "support Peter." This, according to an email sent by his membership coordinator Lisa Newby. The following is a complete copy.

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:44:34 -0800
From: NPA Democracy
Subject: support for Peter Ladner needed
To: NPA Democracy

Peter Ladner's team needs your help. As you may know, the NPA board has changed its traditional practice of allowing the members to pick the best candidates in an open and democratic forum. The board has decided to protect all incumbent elected officials, including the Mayor, locking up their positions as NPA candidates in the next election, whereby those currently elected will automatically be on the ballot without having to go through a traditional nomination process against other interested candidates. This has been referred to by some as "the green light process". This is not fair nor democratic Peter is opposed to this essentially 'closed' process, and is appealing to the NPA Board to open up the nomination process for all interested candidates, be they currently elected or not.

To support Peter, he will need your vote at the NPA annual general meeting and at any subsequent nomination meeting. To vote, you will need to be a member of the NPA. To become a member of the NPA, you will need to:

* download a membership form from www.npavancouver.ca/pdf/npa-membership-form.pdf. , or we can have a form delivered to you via email, and if necessary, directly to your address;

* complete the form, including your signature and payment by cheque or credit card (cost is $20 for a one year membership, and $15 for youth and seniors) -- cash is not accepted and the referral information is not required; and

* fax the form to 604-661-9368 or scan the form and email it to peterladnercampaign@gmail.com .

Don’t forget to mark your calendars now for the NPA annual general meeting (to vote for an open nomination process):

NPA Annual General Meeting

Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Venue: Heritage Hall (located at Main and 15th)
Time: TBA

To support Peter, it is critical that you attend the AGM and vote. In addition, you can support Peter by encouraging more people to join the NPA to vote for an open and democratic nomination meeting, Peter’s most immediate goal . I know Peter is extremely grateful for your support.

To be able to vote at the AGM and at any subsequent nomination meeting, all supports need to be signed and delivered to the addresses above no later than March 20th. For further information on the membership drive, you can reply to this email address (npademocracy@shaw.ca) or call me at 604-619-6951.

To subscribe to Peter’s newsletter or view information and opinions on current issues, visit his website at http://www.peterladner.ca/ .

Lisa Newby
Membership Coordinator
Peter Ladner Campaign

The Campbell administration's recent throne speech has been variously described by the provincial commentariat as being as reversal of the premier's past "smaller government" commitments, representative of his "current visionary and activist frame of mind" or an indication government will be focusing "on the role of the individual." But, in our opinion, it's yet another example of how Gordon Campbell lacks any kind of strong ideological underpinning for his actions.

That's why "with the explosion of new programs announced this week" The Vancouver Sun's editorial board finds it "hard to see where Campbell's real priorities lie." Because, while the premier is a great policy connoisseur, his thoughts about the role government should play in society seem to be less cultivated - endorsing, for example, the principle of subsidiarity in one breathe, while making decisions which contradict that principle in the next.

And, until that changes, his administration will continue to suffer from an apparent case of political "attention deficit disorder" - developing programs for the province in the absence of a larger vision of the world.

Earlier, we reported senior provincial Liberal political aide David Cyr's would be leaving the aboriginal affairs and reconciliation minister's office to become Plutonic Power Corporation Inc.'s First Nations and corporate affairs manager. So will Mike de Jong commit to not having any contact with Mr. Cyr for one year, as Finance Minister Carole Taylor did when her assistant joined the Retail Council of Canada? In an interview with Public Eye, Minister de Jong said when he found out Mr. Cyr was leaving government in the second week of January, his office sent a letter to his deputy instructing the ministry to have an "arms-length" relationship with the aide. And he's "in discussions with the conflict commissioner (Paul Fraser) to ascertain whether there's anything more that can be done" and how long that arms-length relationship should last.

Yesterday, The Georgia Straight's Travis Lupick reported American president George Bush's former deputy chief of staff will be speaking in Vancouver next week as part of the Fraser Institute's Illuminismo dinner series. At the time, institute communications director Dean Pelkey said seats for the event - which have been on sale since at least January 18 - have been selling fast. But not too fast, it seems. Because, as of Tuesday, there were still seven seats left at the event's 16 "intimate" tables. The following is a complete copy of the email announcing the availability of those seats.

We are pleased to let you know that our Illuminismo event featuring Karl Rove on Monday, February 18th has only 7 seats left. In the midst of one of the most hard-fought American Presidential primaries, this is the first Canadian appearance by controversial political strategist and former Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush. His insights and understanding of the politics and policy issues surfacing during this exciting time are certain to enhance your knowledge and stimulate some great conversation.

Held by The Fraser Institute in the spectacular forecourt of the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Illuminismo dinner series is limited to 16 intimate tables, allowing guests the time and opportunity to interact with the speaker throughout the evening. Showcasing the most informed and high-profile speakers the world has to offer, these distinguished evenings engage you in an exclusive forum with your friends and peers to explore, discuss, and challenge your assumptions and beliefs.

Tickets for the evenings are $500 each or $750 per couple. Tax receipts will be issued in accordance with CRA guidelines. To reserve these last tickets now, please call Inu at 604-688-0221 ext. 524 or email inum@fraserinstitute.ca.

Other events included in this series are:

April 28, 2008* - Richard Dawkins on Evolution and Religion
sponsored by Inwest Investments Ltd.

British ethologist, evolutionary biologist and popular science writer - author of The Selfish Gene and the current best-seller The God Delusion.

*new date confirmed

May 26, 2008 - Mark Steyn on the War on Terror
sponsored by Ed Belzberg

One of Canada's most acclaimed and best read political columnists, author of the best-selling America Alone: The End of the World As We Know It.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Warm regards,

Hassan & Nezhat Khosrowshahi
Co-Chairs, Illuminismo

Earlier, we reported Covanta Energy Corp. - a New Jersey-based company represented in British Columbia by former Campbell administration deputy minister provincial Liberal president and Andrew Wilkinson - has expressed an interest in the government's new bioenergy strategy. But it's not the only American company that could take advantage of that strategy. Take the Pacific Gas and Electric Co., for example.

The San Francisco-based company has committed to having at least 20 percent of its power delivered by renewable resources - such as biomass - by 2010. As part of that commitment, the firm sought and received permission from the California Public Utilities Commission "to record up to $14 million in costs to prepare a study to evaluate the feasability of obtaining wind-generated and other renewable electric power from various regions in British Columbia, Canada."

So could it be the company is also looking at obtaining biomass electric power from our province? In an interview with Public Eye, Pacific Gas and Electric news department manager Jon Tremayne said, "It's one of the many (options) that is in the mix." But he couldn't more specific until the company completes the feasability study - which is expected to happen sometime in mid to late March.

South African import Lesley du Toit has received decidedly mixed reviews from the children and family development community since being put in charge of that ministry almost two years ago. And it was Ms. du Toit who seemed to get much of the blame when watchdog Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond blasted the ministry after finding "too little evidence of a coordinated effort to implement" recommendations included in Ted Hughes's independent review of the province's child protection system. But how does Ms. du Toit's executive team see her? Well, according to a transcript obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request, there was concern back in October 2006 about Ms. du Toit's accessability. But, at the same time, some team members appear to see her playing an almost messianic role within the ministry.

In the transcript, then Vancouver Coastal regional executive director Donna Knox - who resigned this past July as children and family development's states she's "never sure when there is a good time to connect with Lesley. Lesley is too busy to have a casual conversation." And regional support assistant deputy minister Doug Hayman - who was "moved out" of the ministry five months later - echoed that opinion, noting he would "like more opportunity to have discussion with Lesley about what is going on not necessarily just for problem solving."

Provincial services assistant deputy minister Alan Markwart also expressed a "concern that things will fall by the wayside because you are overstretched” - a reference to the number of civil servants directly reporting to Ms. du Toit. And senior financial officer Craig Wilkinson said he was worried "with the hours that Lesley is putting in."

Still, according to then child protection director Mark Sieben, Ms. du Toit is much "more accessible to those outside of the ministry than previous DMs." He also described the "current environment" as being "very empowering, trusting." And then transformation operations director Nikki McCallum told Ms. du Toit her role was to be their "teacher. You are going to teach/mentor us through this process." Which makes us wonder how that lesson is going.

***

Leadership Team Retreat Draft Transcript
October 12, 2006

DM Accessability:

Donna - is never sure when is a good time to connect with Lesley. Lesley is too busy to just call to have a casual conversation. Could we set aside time on the days that the REDs are in town for Leadership meetings for the REDs to have one on one time with Lesley? How much contact does Lesley want with the REDs?

Peter - if there is an opportunity for dialogue then this helps with the atmosphere of openness. We need a sense of what Lesley feels is important enough to have contact with them.

Mark - Bringing in additional staff as discussed to provide more time for Lesley. Lesley will be able to be more accessible.

Nikki - Video conferencing will be up and running shortly and this will help with REDs being able to have more contact with Lesley.

Donna - would like to make sure that the timing is right for them to have casual conversations with Lesley. Both our time and Lesley's time are important. Do not want to waste on an unimportant matter.

Peter - ADM connections with Lesley are key as they will connect with REDs keeping them up to date on what is happening.

Doug Houghes - we need to ready the organization for change. We need to have those conversations with staff. Talk about the fear of change. REDs having direct access to the DM is still something new to the REDs and we are still getting used to this. This will help stop rumours and false info from circulating.

Peter - I have a greater sense that the issues and problems in my region dealt with quickly. Sense that we are being heard directly. Solutions more quickly found. Support of business. Although this has created confusion on the roles of the ADMs. We need to clarify the roles to maximize the expertise we now have access to.

Donna - worried that being able to go directly to DM will bypass the ADM and those connection will suffer. Clarification on roles. I am still not sure who she needs to connect with of various situations.

Chuck - Glad to hear that others are experiencing the same thing. Confusion on roles and what needs to go to the DM rather than ADM. Worries that DM doesn't have the time for that connection in place.

Les - being at this table is the best access I can think of. Taking part in these meetings provides great access. It is all about relationships and we are building those relationships through these meetings and connections.

Deb - I don't feel I can be open and honest because of rules around confidentiality e.g. TB Sub etc. If I share something and then it is changed or not approved. Doesn't look good to the community. I would like to be able to connect with Lesley at the times set aside at the end of the day. Still struggling with connecting with other ADMs/REDs because so much of her time is spent in community these past few months. Looking for the balance that will allow her to do both connect with ADMs/REDs and being out in community.

Alan - happy to see time has been set aside when Lesley will be in the office. We need to be very open and honest with each other. Need to communicate with each other to ensure respect and that each of us have the information that we need.

Doug Hayman - would like more opportunity to have discussion with Lesley just about what is going on not necessarily just for problem solving. Defining my role needs to get off the ground quicker. I am not doing right now what I want to be doing. Struggling with what and when to bring something to Lesley.

Craig - everyone seems very accessible. Concerned with the hours that Lesley is putting in. This could be a weakeness in the organization that Lesley needs to be putting in so many hours. Is there anything this table can be doing to help alleviate that?

Mark - Is having some of the same struggles that the REDs are experiencing. What does Lesley really need to see/know? We need to use the time wisely that we have with Lesley.

Karen - I am still trying to figure out everyone's role. Still figuring out Lesley's style and expectations. I don't want to get out head of myself.

Mark - need to be aware of the pressures on Lesley's time.

Roles and Responsibilities

Lesley - Clarifying roles is a key for this team. First discussion should be on what my role is and what you see my role as. I think we all understand why we have flattened out the hierarchy. Trust is at the heart of all our relationships. This helps us get through all of the difficult time we face in this Ministry. This helps us make the decisions that will benefit those children and family we service. We need to be able to give up power in order to empower the clients we serve. Shared power, shared decision making. We are in partnership with the clients we serve. We are not in these situations to tell them what they must do. I see myself as being your manager. Supporting you in your personal and professional work. Not looking for you to report back that you are doing your job. That is not my concern. What I would like would be to discuss how you personally handling situations we run into e.g. Child deaths. Not the steps you are taking in dealing with these situations but how you personally are with what is going on. Primary responsibility would be to make sure that the situations don't get out of your control and what can I do to help you deal with these situations so that you are ok. There are decisions that must be made as a team. But there is another level of reporting relationships and this is what supports I can offer you in your work and personal situation. One on ones to develop personal/professional plans. I will work with you to help you achieve these plans. I am working on creating the space in my time so that you all have the access you need to me. I won't ever override a decision that has been made by you unless we have spoken and decided that there is a different way we should be going.

Peter - traditionally we have interacted with ADMs to manage issues so that they didn't go up to the DM until or unless there was no other choice. I think that there should still be a level of that so that the DM doesn't get bogged down managing issues.

Doug - we need to ensure that the DM is aware of the issues that will be hitting the press etc.

Donna - I think that it is less about the issues. But bring to this table a significant contribution.

Doug Hayman - Regional Leadership table is the beginning of working out the roles and what will be going forward to the larger group.

Donna - I believe that this is the first time that anyone is really interested in what we are doing out in the regions. We do some really good things and we need to figure out how we pull that together to be brought forward to the larger group.

Doug Hughes - Regional Leadership Team (RLT) - why do we only meet with Doug why not all the ADMs? If we will be working differently then why wouldn't we meet with all the ADMs?

Mark - I want to meet with the RLT once a month for half an hour. It would be more constructive to meet with that team on a regular basis to deal with ongoing issues.

Peter - RLT what are we trying to accomplish with these meetings? Could we do something differently to maximize our time.

Lesley - defining the roles will help with maximizing our time. We may need to look at the meetings we have in order to ensure we are having the meeting that best suit our needs. Leadership Team needs to defined. What are we here for? If we are working more across the board then we should begin to bring more organizational pieces to the table. Have more strategic discussion at this table. Where are we and where are we going? Need to think corporately. What are we trying to achieve together?

Les - we need to lay the ground work on what the new roles are. We will develop a process together. Need to sort out the tasks and responsibilities.

Chuck - we have managed within our responsibilities what we can and look to other when the issues need to go outside our responsibilities. Some of the issues may benefit from coming to the larger table. Our role is to filter what those issues are that do come to the larger group.

Lesley - What do you see my role as over the next four years? Once we are clear on what my role is then this will spill over to what is the role of the ADms and then on to what the roles of the REDs are.

Defining Lesley's role:

Alan - you were obviously brought in for a purpose and that purpose was Transformation and that should be your major focus. I don't think it is sustainable over the long term to have a DM with so many direct reports. I have a concern that things will fall by the wayside because you are over stretched. Or you do it over the next 4 years and the person that comes in behind you won't be able to keep it up. These relationships are very important in the short term but over the long term you need to free up your time to frocus on the work on Transformation.

Mark - I have noticed a difference in activities as compared to previous Deputies. The focus haws been the Minister's office and the Ministers. DMs were always part of any conversations that ADMs or staff members had with the Ministers and Minister's office staff. You spend a lot of time with groups outside of the Ministry that many not be specifically related to Ministry business. You take time out of day to day activities to devote a significant amount of time outside the Ministry. You are much more accessible to those outside of the Ministry than pervious DMs. This may at time make it harder for us in dealing with the day to day stuff. Activities are broader than the previous concept of MCFD and the day to day functions of the Ministry. Current environment is very empowering, trusting and we have the opportunity to do other functions that maybe we weren't able to do in the past.

Les - four or five years from now we will not be a ministry as we see a ministry now. It is difficult to say what our roles will be two to three years from now. A lot depends on how we go forward. How we go forward will define your role. I see your role is getting us through this Transformation process. The holder of the torch. The holder of hands. You do need some one by your side that understands the traditional ways of government to help guide you within that but that you need to work outside of that. You manage by a micro view of what you see. Manage by exception.

Doug Hughes - traditional management structure. You are here to guide us through the goals we need to achieve over the next 4-5 years during Transformation. Help us stay the course. A champion. Monitoring compass. Change agent.

Lesley - everyone around this table has been appointed to do a certain role so I should have to be the monitoring agent. I trust that you will be doing what you were appointed to do. If you feel like I am managing you then you need to tell me this. You need to be able to move on with your jobs with consultation with me but not controlled by me.

Nikki - You are always going to be the final decision making with the Ministry before going to the political arena. That is part of your role that no one else can do or take on. You are directly responsible to the Minister/politicians.

Donna - May make snese to figure out the part of your role that you are required to do as a DM and see how much time does that take up. Then define what we do with the time that is left. Once we see what time you have or don't have we can look at ways to take things off your plate where we can.

Lesley - We have discussed that we want this team to be more involved in the Transformation process and that may mean you need to look at what you do and what you can pass on to others freeing up your time to be able to participate in Transformation. There is an opportunity at this point to challenge some of the traditional rolls as the DM. For example DMC - is it necessary that I attend every meeting? Or could it be something where another DM could pass along the information from these meetings. This works toward freeing up time for me to focus on Transformation. Can't do everything that a DM would regularly do and Transformation on top of that. This is like asking the Ministry to transform with out any additional resources. Set up for failure. We need to examine what can be delegated down and what absolutely must stay with the DM. Shifting power down. Giving away power, Shifting resources to what extent I can shift power. I need to examien that. Once the decisions are made I trust you to manage how you carry out that decision within your area.

Doug - we need to model this right down to the front line.

Nikki - You are our teacher. You are going to teach/mentor us through this process.

Chuck - we need you to bring back to this table those things that you do/learn within the community meetings you have or attend.

Lesley - this is part of the whole change management process. But this comes back to time. You need to share your time with me and I need to share my time with you. We need to be comfortable enough with each other to be able to discuss what I am needed for and what is part of your role. This is where relationship is important.

Donna - The Aboriginal piece is a huge part of Transformation.

Lesley - We need to establish some principles that I will follow when going to these meeting that you are comfortable with. I will never promise something on your behalf.

Deb - the aboriginal process is different than other process. It is about building relationships and trust with these groups. We are building that trust so that they are able to bring forward issues to us to be dealt with.

Doug - you are our Team Leader to direct us and get us motivated.

Alan - BN, out of province travel they could definitely be looked at.

Lesley - If you have something that you are working on and you need to inform me and I am not available please let Nikki know and she will ensure that the message gets to me. But you need to keep informed of what you are doing so that I don't get caught without the information I need. We will be defining the roles of all positions within my office over the next littloe while. Once that is clear we will communicate that to everyone. There needs to be an understanding that there may be things that I am given/told when I am out in meeting within a region that will need to be brought back to you. This isn't a criticism of you.

Lesley - a decision we have made today is that you can be out ahead of me along as you keep me in the loop. You know what you are doing and I trust that you are keeping me informed where needed. You need to always feel free to come to me and ask why you are doing that.

What is the new role of the ADM or the emerging roll of the ADm in the new MCFD?

Peter - the ADMs role is different that it has been in the past. Not the gate keeper to Executive.

Mark - The ADMs are the drive behind getting ideas going. We need to define the role between the various ADMs.

Nikki - ADM team accountability. Move from individual accountability to team accountability.

Les - each ADM would come to this table with a defined role. This is what I contribute to the team to the overall picture. Then everyone would be doing what they made a commitment to do. ADM is both a Team Leader and a Team participant.

Karen - We commit that we will include the right people in what we are doing especially if that is an ADM.

Doug Hughes - ADMS are a temperature gauge of whether a particular piece should be brought forward to the Leadership Team. Is there an interest or capacity to bring this forward at this time or should we do more work before it goes forward.

Peter - Doug and Deb are key in the Provincial Office support to the regions. They are our direct links to the supports we need from th Provincial Office.

Les - if I need the expertise from the various areas I go to the ADM. ADM provides support to the regions province-wide or regional as needed.

Donna - what do we deal with ourselves and what do we bring up to the ADM level of the DM level?

Doug Hughes - We do have some definitions for example Mark has the legislation.

Lesley - Quality Assurance is a key part of Transformation. We need to look at what we are using right now and make sure that it is works and meets our needs as we go forward. We need to define what we want to get out of a quality assurance tool.

Businessman Peter Ormesher has resigned from the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors to make a bid for the party's mayoral nomination. At present, that nomination won't be put to a vote. Instead, like all of the civic party's incumbent candidates, Sam Sullivan will get the nomination if he can prove to the board he has support from the community and the association - as well as a fundraising plan. But, as reported by The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula, councillor Peter Ladner is opposing that so-called greenlight process, in part, because he wants Mayor Sullivan's job. And, speaking first with Public Eye, Mr. Ormesher says that prompted him to put his name forward.

"I think a two-way race could be seen as a war," he said. "But a three-person race is actually a race with new ideas. And it could be quite exciting for people - and beneficial for the people of Vancouver."

Asked whether he has any concerns about Mayor Sullivan's leadership, Mr. Ormesher replied he was in favour of getting some "new ideas and new people" in the association - adding he didn't think it was "a good thing" that Finance Minister Carole Taylor couldn't find a "home" with the party when she was considering running for mayor of Vancouver.

Asked whether he would run for Vision Vancouver's mayoral nomination if the association doesn’t have a race, Mr. Ormesher said, "I think I should wait for what the party says before I speculate what I should do." But he wouldn't "rule it out," stating "I do know people at Vision. And I like what they could potentially be."

Mr. Ormesher told the association's board and caucus members of his decision in an email. The following is a complete copy.

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Ormesher
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 4:27 PM
To: BC Lee; Carol Gibson; Don Lee; Elizabeth Ball; Heather Holden; Ian Robertson; Ken Denike; Kim Capri; Korina Houghton; Marty Zlotnik; Peter Ladner; Sam Sullivan; Shirley Wong; Suzanne Anton; Suzanne Anton 2
Subject: FW: letter to the board feb 12, 2008

Dear Sam and the rest of Caucus

As you know I have been working hard to support all of you in any way I can.

I have been thinking much about what next to do, and how I can best serve the people of this great city. I wish to run for the position of Mayor, as I have unique leadership and problem solving skills, that would mix well with the other experience and capability of this team.

I have written the board and copied the caucus. I have resigned from the board, as to remove the potential for any conflict.

I have enjoyed serving the NPA as a board member, and look forward to seeing what happens next.

With warm regards,

Peter Ormesher

Environmentalist are worried are worried there may be renewed interest in developing the province’s uranium resources. This, after the owner of British Columbia’s controversial Blizzard Uranium Claim hired a consultant to lobby government. On January 8, Cindy Burton declared her intent to lobby the Campbell administration on behalf of Boss Power Corp. The topic of that lobbying is listed as "mining." Company president David Stone hasn't responded to an email requesting comment. Nor has Ms. Burton return a phone call from Public Eye. Although, speaking yesterday with your humble organ, Minister of State for Mining Kevin Krueger said he hasn't been approached by Ms. Burton or Boss Power Corp.

But that isn't much of a reassurance to Uranium Free B.C. Coalition chair Peter Chataway. "If they see an opening, if they think the citizens aren’t being vigilant, then they try to make moves toward developing their claim," he said. "But if one company gets through the gate, then we'd expect there'd be equivalent to carpet bombing uranium exploration throughout the Okanagan Valley and the Kootenays and the Thompson at least."

Development of the Blizzard deposit - located about 49 kilometres southeast of Kelowna - has been opposed by both environmentalists. Previous opposition to such development resulted in a seven-year moratorium on uranium mining in British Columbia, which expired in 1987.

Last year, our good friend Brian Bonney abruptly resigned as the operations director for the provincial Liberals. But what's the talk show and online poll connaisseur been up to since then, you may wonder? Well, in addition to...er...helping out Get Moving BC, Mr. Bonney was welcomed last month as the Canadian Federation of Independent Business's new British Columbia director. According to a federation update, "Brian joins us with an extensive background in business entrepreneurship, having started many small businesses himself."

To many people a job is a just a job. But, to some, it's an important part of their identity. And Sam Sullivan seems to be in the later category. After all, why else would his Facebook entry list his first name as "Mayor." Of course, we're not complaining. It's somewhat amusing to read feed stories such as "Mayor tagged himself in a photo" and "Mayor and Kim Capri are now friends." But what's going to happen if he loses the November election?

Earlier, we reported the number of government relations consultants signing-up with the provincial lobbyist registry increased markedly last April - the same month Ken Dobell was accused of non-compliance with the Lobbyists Registration Act 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. So what does Attorney General Wally Oppal - who is responsible for that law - think of those spikes? In an interview with Public Eye, he stated, "It might indicate people are aware of the consequences of not registering. I don't know. It's anybody interpretation of what that may mean or what it may not mean. Maybe those people who are involved in lobbying realize that, if a proper amount of their time is spent engaged in that exercise, maybe they should register."

By now, our readers will be well-acquainted with the fact government hasn't yet given reporters a list of the stakeholders who have met with cabinet's climate action committee. This, despite the fact that, 83 days ago, Premier Gordon Campbell said he was "surprised" that list hadn't been released yet. So what happened? "Well, I guess I forgot about the list. There's no problem with letting people know who we've met with," Premier Campbell told reporters today. "We've had public forums people, with organizations. So this isn't a secret. Most of the information we've got is on the Website or the (western climate initiative) Website. It's part of building a long-term strategy that includes members of the public." So will he commit to releasing that list tomorrow? "I'll get when I've got time to do it," he responded. "Thanks for asking."

When provincial Liberal MLAs filed into the legislature today, their lapels sported chartreuse chrysanthemums. Understandably, some wags lept to the conclusion those flowers might be a symbol of the government's continued commitment to the environment. But, apparently, that's not the case. Speaking with Public Eye, caucus chair John Yap said they simply represented the fact government was taking a "fresh approach." Uh-huh.

Earlier, we reported New Jersey-based Covanta Energy Corp. had hired lobbyist Andrew Wilkinson to represent the company's interests in British Columbia. But what exactly are those interests? In an interview with Public Eye, Covanta external affairs vice-president Derek Porter explained, "We are a world-leader in gaining renewable energy from waste products - whether it be biomass or municipal solid waste. So certainly anywhere that is looking at increasing biomass - which is right in our core business - is something that we're interested in" - referring to the Campbell administration's new bioenergy strategy.

"It's similar to what we've done in China when the Chinese government committed to increasing the energy from waste significantly," he added. "You see us there exploring opportunities."

So when did Covanta begin looking at opportunities in British Columbia? "I just don't that I have a specific time," Mr. Porter responded. "The company has grown over the last four of five years significantly - if you look at our stockprice and acquisitions. So I would say over that timeframe - in the past five, six years - we've really been looking at all of the opportunities nationally or internationally."

And what about Mr. Wilkinson? How did the company come to hire him as it's lobbyist? "Honestly, I don't have the details on how that started specifically. But, typically, we're looking for someone who has the relationships and has been in the arena. And, just like anything else, it's a process where you talk to a couple people and determine what the best fit is."

What's going at the British Columbia Federation of Labour? On January 25, federation executive director Geoff Meggs departed to restart Tideline Communications Corp. That was the same day legislation and research director Stephen Howard returned to the British Columbia Government and Service Employees Union - having been on leave to coordinate the federation's minimum wage campaign. And now we've learned political action director Glen MacInnes is packing his bags to become a union representative with Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union Local 378.

Earlier, your humble organ noted former Campbell administration deputy minister and provincial Liberal president Andrew Wilkinson had registered to lobby on behalf of Covanta Energy Corp. But this isn't the first time the New Jersey-based company has been mentioned in British Columbia political discourse. When David Hahn was appointed British Columbia Ferry Services Inc.'s president and chief executive officer, The Times Colonist's Jody Patterson reported the New Yorker had been a vice-president with Covanta.

Former Campbell administration deputy minister and provincial Liberal president Andrew Wilkinson has signed-up to lobby the government on behalf of a New Jersey-based biomass power producer. Mr. Wilkinson registered on January 30 as a lobbyist for Convanta Energy Corp. - which bills itself as "a world leader in the development and operation of large scale Energy-from-Waste and renewable energy projects." That's the same day the Campbell administration told the media it would be rolling out its new bioenergy strategy. That strategy - which will establish "one of Canada's most comprehensive provincial biomass inventories that creates waste to energy opportunities" - includes a goal of "developing at least 10 community energy projects that convert local biomass into energy by 2020"

Mr. Wilkinson declined to discuss details of his lobbying work. Nor would he say whether that work was related to the strategy, which was released on January 31. Indeed, when contacted for further comment, Mr. Wilkinson said, "Oh, I think we've had enough to say today don't you...I look forward to whatever you have to say," before hanging up. Covanta hasn't yet responded to an interview request.

The Campbell administration announced its intent to develop a bioenergy strategy on February 27, 2007 as part of its energy plan. According to that plan, that strategy would help "build upon British Columbia’s natural bioenergy resource advantages" including "woody debris, agricultural crop residues, animal manure and organic municipal wastes that can be used to produce heat, electricity, liquid fuels and other forms of energy."

Last month, we noted the provincial government hadn't yet given reporters a list of the stakeholders who have met with the cabinet's climate action committee. This, despite the fact Premier Gordon Campbell said back in November he was "surprised" that list hadn't been released yet. So surely he's going to be even more astonished that, 82 days later, the press gallery is still in the dark. Fancy that! Climate change strategic communications manager David Haslam hasn't yet responded to a request for comment placed last week.

The Manning Centre for Building Democracy's second annual networking conference and exhibition is being billed as an opportunity for right-wing to "learn more about your fellow activists and conservative-oriented organizations from across the country." So some might find it passingly odd Canadian Medical Association president Brian Day is scheduled to join former Ontario premier Mike Harris as part of a issues management panel discussing "strategy for the conservative movement on healthcare."

Asked for comment, Canadian Doctors for Medicare director Margaret McGregor noted the association bills itself as being non-partisan. And "this can be accomplished either through attending no partisan events or all partisan events hosted by all movements and parties. So I now assume the Canadian Medical Association has decided to do the later - that he'll speak at anything and everything."

Dr. McGregor also added, "the appropriateness of" of Dr. Day's participation at the conference "depends on what he says....And I would expect his remarks to reflect" the results of a recent online member consultation survey confirming 60 percent of physicians "believe our current mix of public funding should either be maintained or the public portion expanded."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Consumer Advocacy and Support for Homeowners Society acting president John Grasty and Canadian Association of Home Property Inspectors president Bill Sutherland discusses the Campbell administration's initiative to regulate home inspectors. And Royal British Columbia Museum botany and earth history curator Richard Hebda shares his concerns about biomass power projects. 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.

Tonight, around 160 federal Liberal supporters paid $150 each to attend the party's Vancouver Island Leader's Dinner at the University of Victoria. But more newsworthy was who didn't show up to hear Stephane Dion speak. By our eye, we spotted just three Indo-Canadians at that event: Tek Manhas, Gordy Dodd and his wife. And that doesn't bode well for the Liberal's chances in Saanich-Gulf Islands - which, according to the 2001 census, is home to 2,430 members of that minority group.

Next month, federal Conservatives will be hosting a reception at The Fairmont Waterfront, giving supporters an opportunity to meet the party's caucus of British Columbia candidates. And, as part of that event, the Tories are also organizing five private dinners with parliamentarians Stockwell Day, David Emerson, Jay Hill and Gary Lunn - as well as Senator Gerry St. Germain. Asked why those dinners are being limited to 20 people each, Conservative national council member Ray Leitch explained, "We wanted to keep it smaller groups so it wasn't a massive group" and "they can sit down and talk about the problems they're having and what they want to see the government do." Supporters can attend the reception and a dinner at a cost of $550 or the reception alone at a cost of $200. The following is a complete copy of the invite to one of those dinners.

-----Original Message-----
From: "Lyall D. Knott"
Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 10:41:59
Subject: Hon. David Emerson MP, P.C.

On Wednesday, February 20th, David Emerson and the Conservative Members of Parliament from British Columbia (including Cabinet Ministers) will be meeting in Vancouver at the Fairmont Waterfront Centre Hotel.

That evening the Party is hosting a Reception and Dinner at the Hotel for the B.C. Tory Caucus. This will be a fundraiser with the proceeds being earmarked for the local Electoral District Association/Candidate. Please join us at the Reception and/or the Dinner.

Following the Reception, we are organizing a private Dinner for David Emerson at a cost of $550.00 per person which includes the cost of the Reception. Should you wish to attend the Reception, only, the cost is $200.00 per person.

Please note that the number of guests attending the Dinner will be limited to approximately 20 people.

The new rules relating to the donation of funds to Federal political parties are very different than the rules regarding donations to Provincial parties. Please note the following:

1. Federal political parties may only accept donations from individuals... no corporate donations may be accepted.

2. Please make your personal cheque payable to "Vancouver Centre Conservative E.D.A." in the amount of $200.00 per person (Reception) or $550.00 per person (Reception plus Emerson Dinner).

3. Annually, your contribution to your Electoral District Association/Candidate is limited to $1,100.00 per person... therefore, should you wish to purchase two tickets to the Reception & Dinner ($550.00 per person) you would max out your annual donation to the E.D.A.

4. In addition to your annual donation of $1,100.00 to the E.D.A., you may make an additional $1,100.00 donation to the National Party... again, no corporate donations, only individual.

5. All donations receive very favourable tax treatment.

If you have any questions regarding the rules relating to donations, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I hope you can join David Emerson at the Reception and Dinner. If so, please send me your personal cheque made payable to "Vancouver Centre Conservative E.D.A." in the amount of $550.00 per ticket, to a maximum of two tickets.

I look forward to seeing you on February 20th.