February 2008 Archives

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.

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.

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.

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 13 to nine. 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."

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"

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."

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.

Back in 2006, the Harper admistration announced a new international transportation policy to "pursue the negotiation of open skies-type agreements when it is in Canada's overall interest." But the British Columbia government is now questioning the success of that policy - which is meant to liberalize the airline industry. According to documents posted on BC Bid, the Campbell administration "feels that progress in securing such agreements has been limited." So it's hiring a contractor to "develop options for, and make a recommendation on, potential strategies for effectively communicating B.C.'s position to Federal authorities." The following is a complete copy of the relevant portions of that document.

Translink says it's "very pleased" with Cubic Transportation Systems Inc.'s past work for the authority. But not everyone has had such a congenial relationship with Cubic - which has hired the premier's former special advisor to talk to the Campbell administration about a government initiative to reduce fare cheating and improve security by installing electronic turnstiles at every SkyTrain and Canada Line station by 2010. According to the Houston Business Journal, in April 2005, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County alleged Cubic breached its contract with the agency by failing "to deliver a working smart card system" - similar to the one being contemplated by the British Columbia government - on time.

Federal Liberal leader Stephane Dion may not seem like much of a party animal. Nevertheless, on Friday, he'll be at speaking at a town hall meeting at the University of British Columbia student union building's party room. That meeting will be followed by weekend roundtable events in Victoria, which have yet to be announced.

Earlier, when asked whether the Coalition of Progressive Electors would have more difficulty working with Vision Vancouver if Allan De Genova becomes the centrist civic party's mayoral candidate, recording secretary Tim Louis stated, "COPE could never ever put forward as its mayoral candidate, an NPA retread developer advocate who is no different then the current mayoral incumbent." And, in an interview with Public Eye, coalition external relations co-chair Ellen Woodsworth echoed that view.

Speaking of Tim Louis, we hear talk he's working with former provincial New Democrat election candidate Alicia Barsallo to sell Coalition of Progressive Electors memberships and increase attendance at the civic party's upcoming annual general meeting. So what does Mr. Louis, the coalition's recording secretary, have to say about such rumours? "I work with everybody," he said in an interview with Public Eye. "COPE is a very broad coalition. I've got a lot of respect for Alicia. She's one of many, many people I'm always working with - people from many different points on the political spectrum - to keep the COPE tent as big as possible."

Earlier, Public Eye exclusively confirmed parks board member Allan De Genova would be seeking Vision Vancouver's mayoral nomination. And that news has some wondering what the Coalition of Progressive Electors thinks about a former Non-Partisan Association member making a bid to lead Vision's slate into the next election. Well, speaking for himself, coalition recording secretary Tim Louis stated, "When you subscribe to the view that I do that he who pays the piper calls the tune, it's always been my belief that Vision is, in fact, nothing other than another version - perhaps a prettier, younger version - of the NPA" - referring to the substantive donations Vision has received from the development industry. "And this is now being demonstrated by a number of the big names that are talking about or are running for the Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination" such as Allan De Genova.

Four days after she was named children and family development's new quality assurance assistant deputy, the ministry has finally gotten around to telling staff about Sandra Griffin. According to an email circulated yesterday morning on behalf of deputy minister Lesley du Toit, Ms. Griffin describes herself as "someone who has worked in the field of children and family development for close to 35 years because 'the health and wellbeing of children and families is the basis of health and wellbeing for a nation.'" And, as an added bonus, her experience - by mysterious happenchance - seems to exactly match the preferred qualifications for that new post - which was filled after a poorly-advertised, Christmas job search. The following is a complete copy of that email.

It hasn't been announced yet. But the ministry of children and family development has a new quality assurance assistant deputy minister. On February 1, the lieutenant governor in council approved the appointment of National Collaborating Centre on Aboriginal Health administrative head Sandra Griffin to that post. Of course, that won't come as much of a surprise to our readers. Last month, Ms. Griffin declined comment when Public Eye asked her whether she had applied for the job - which was posted just before Christmas without any supporting advertising. Fancy that! The following is a complete copy of that order in council.

Last week, Public Eye exclusively reported the provincial government would be promoting biomass power projects in a big way - despite the fact the environment ministry only just recently commissioned a study into emissions from such developments. Asked if the government should have waited for that study to be completed before rolling out its bioenergy strategy, energy, mines and petroleum resources public affairs officer Jake Jacobs in an email, "It's not an either/or proposition. We will all be working together." But New Democrat environment critic Shane Simpson sees things a bit differently.

Independent parks board commissioner Allan De Genova has told Public Eye he's going to announce he'll be seeking the Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination “in the very near future.” Mr. De Genova attended the civic party's recent annual general meeting. But, until now, the maverick politician has kept his options open - even expressing support for an independent mayoral bid by Finance Minister Carole Taylor. Indeed, in a December interview The Province's John Bermingham, Mr. De Genova stated, "I think somebody like Carole Taylor running as an independent mayor in Vancouver is exactly what we've needed for some time." But his hopes were dashed when Minister Taylor announced last month she wouldn't be making a bid for that office.

As some our readers know, there's been much talk about Non-Partisan Association councillor Peter Ladner's future in civic politics. For example, is he considering leaving the association and running as an independent or on another ticket? So here's the answer: "I don't know what I'm going to do in the next election yet - whether I'm even going to be in municipal politics. And lots of people have suggested lots of different things to do. And that's been suggested to me for sure." And what about a run for the mayoralty? "That's been suggested to me too," Mr. Ladner responded. And when will he be making a decision about all these suggestions? "Pretty soon - within the next couple weeks."

A federal Conservative political aide sent members of the Chinese media a list of questions for Raymond Chan just before the Liberal parliamentarian was scheduled to hold a press conference. Mr. Chan called the Friday afternoon press conference to "set the record straight" concerning accusations he "did not contribute" to a motion calling on the Japanese government to "formally apologize" and compensate "women who were coerced into military sexual slavery during the Second World War." But, four hours before that conference, former Fairchild Radio AM 1470 producer and host Ronald Leung - the special assistant to British Columbia political minister Stockwell Day - sent an email to "five or six" of his friends in the Chinese media, telling them "I think the public should know the role of (sic) Raymond Chan played in the Comfort Women motion issue."

The provincial government spent around $100,000 as part of an effort to "ensure parents have a say in how to improve B.C.'s education system." But one of those who attended the parents congress in Vancouver last week says such opportunities were few and far between at the conference. In an email distributed to members of Moms on the Move, Patti Bacchus summarized the theme of the day as, "Ask not what the Ministry of Education should be doing for children, but what parents should just do for their own kids." And, as an example, Ms. Bacchus says a scheduled 30 minute question and answer session with Minister Shirley Bond was abbreviated to 10 minutes.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Patti Bacchus talks about her experience as a participant at the Campbell administration's recent parent congress. The Grand Forks Gazette's Jason Harshenin discusses his recent investigation into provincial playground funding. And Interntional Play Association board member Valerie Fronczek shares her thoughts on how the government can be encouraging play in our schools. 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 this week, Arizona environmental quality department director Steve Owens invited the Navajo Nation to become the first tribe to join the western climate initiative. So will the Campbell administration - which has committed to developing a new relationship of respect, recognition and reconciliation with British Columbia's aboriginal people - be extending a similar invitation to provincial First Nations leaders? Well, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations regional chief Shawn Atleo, a member of the premier's climate team, thinks the government should.

When last we caught up with Beth James she was toiling away as Small Business and Revenue Minister Rick Thorpe's revenue solutions associate deputy minister. But now Ms. James - who was once Premier Gordon Campbell's corporate planning assistant deputy minister - has been appointed the head of the government's new capital planning secretariat. In that capacity, she'll be responsible for assisting the government with its "short and long term (capital) investment decisions." The following is a complete copy of the email announcing that appointment.