Your humble organ is feeling a bit under the weather. As a result, postings may be somewhat sporadic over the next few days.
Speaking of the provincial government's climate action initiative, it's now been 128 days since Premier Gordon Campbell said he was "surprised" his administration hadn't yet released a list of stakeholders who have met with cabinet's climate action committee. And it's been 45 days since we reminded him of that statement. At the time, Premier Campbell said he "forgot about the list. There's no problem with letting people know who we've met with." But we still haven't see a copy.
Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Allan De Genova seems to be sparing no expense on hiring workers for his campaign. According to a posting on the Vancouver Skateboard Coalition's Website, "Al’s campaign is offering $15/hour to those who work to sign up memberships." By comparison, a craigslist advertisement placed earlier this month states competitor Gregor Robertson is paying $12 per hour to his outreach campaigners. The following is a complete copy of that earlier advertisement.
"Do we continue to have a city government that runs the city using the current top down, divisive style? Or do we find a better way and elect a Mayor and Council who understand that solutions are found by engaging all citizens in meeting the challenges that we all share. A Mayor and Council who understand that government works for the people who elected it."
- Gregor Robertson, www.gregor08.com
Do you want real change for Vancouver in 2008?
If you are outgoing, articulate, and believe that Gregor Robertson will bring real change to the city of Vancouver we want you to be part of our team.
Outreach Campaigners are paid $12 /hour and facilitate Vancouver citizens to join Vision Vancouver and support Gregor Robertson in his bid for the mayoral nomination in 2008.
We work in teams, help coordinate and train any drop-in volunteers, with the goal to sign up as many members for Vision Vancouver as possible.
The schedule is very flexible.
Street Teams work in high foot-traffic areas around the city between 10:30 am and 6:00 pm, 7 days a week. Our Door to Door Teams work from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm week nights.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a paid Outreach Campaigner for Gregor, contact: info@publicengagement.ca
For Volunteers:
If you are interested in being part of the excitement of this campaign but are only available a few hours a week, we would love to have you join us as a volunteer! Simply sign up at www.gregor08.com/volunteer, check the box "door-to-door canvasser" and we'll contact you on how you can get involved for Vision Vancouver and Gregor Robertson.
Together we can make a difference!
* Location: Vancouver
* Compensation: $12 / hour
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
Earlier, we reported the Campbell administration's climate action team will meet just eight times before issuing recommedation on how the Liberals can meet their greenhouse gas emission targets. And what is the pith and substance of those conversation, you may wonder? Well, Public Eye now has a copy of the minutes for the team's first meeting, which was held on December 14, 2007. That two-page document was obtained via a freedom of information request filed on December 16. The government responded to that request on March 20, 2008. The freedom of information and protection of privacy act gives the government 30 working days to respond to such requests - a deadline that expired on January 31. The following is a complete copy of those meeting minutes.
Turner, Julie PREM:EX
From: Turner, Julie PREM:EX
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 2:28 PM
To: Slusarchuk, Cheryl L AVED:EX
Subject: FW: Minutes - CAT Meeting Dec 12
Graham has ok'd these minutes - over to you for review. These are minimal for the purpose of minutes, but if you require more detail just let me know. Thanks Cheryl.
December 12 - Climate Action Team Minutes
1) Remarks - Cheryl Slusarchuk
Housekeeping issues identified which included the schedule of meetings. Last 30 minutes of each meeting will be kept to summarizing key points and action items. Draft document in June will be final document for discussion. Members who receive media calls are to connect with Kirk Smith who will provide key messags.
2) General Discussion:
Warren Bell provided an overview on GHG inventory.
Action Item: Members requested a comprehensive list of programs already underway. Members requested sectoral numbers with business as usual vs what can be achieved, and one more level to pie charts. Mark Jaccard, Warren Bell and Robert Joshi will provide further information for the next meeting.
The cap and trade system was explained and a high level discussion which included economic opportunities.
Action Item: Members are to bring policy ideas to the next meeting. Phone calls will be arranged with Climate Action Secretariat staff before January 24 to assist with gathering information. John Robinson and John Fyfe will review options with a scientific lens and develop options in a form for discussion.
Action Item: Mark Jaccard will provide a briefing on carbon tax at the next meeting - Warren Bell to discuss with Mark Jaccard.
3) Closing Remarks - Cheryl Slusarchuk:
We are in a unique opportunity to use our experience and leadership to work towards solutions for meeting the targets. Next meeting is scheduled for January 24, Premier's Vancouver Office.
Julie Turner | Executive Coordinator
Climate Action Secretariat | Office of the Premier
***
CLIMATE ACTION TEAM
December 12, 2007
Vancouver, BC
10:00 Introductory Remarks
The Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier
11:00 Remarks and Discussion
Cheryl Slusarchuk, Chair, Climate Action Team
11:30 Remarks and Discussion
Graham Whitmarsh, Head, Climate Action Secretariat
12:00 Emission Inventory for BC
Warren Bell, Executive Director, Climate Action Secretariat
12:30 Lunch
1:00 Review of Mitigation Strategies
3:30 Closing Remarks
Cheryl Slusarchuk, Chair, Climate Action Team
Today, The Vancouver Province's editorial board declared, "Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy. It enables newspapers like our to be the watchdogs of government and its spin doctors. Press freedom, however, is not an absolute right. And it is constantly under attack from government agencies, including human-rights commissions and the courts themselves." Those are laudable words, to be sure. But it's also worth noting The Province is owned by CanWest Global Communication Corp. - the same company that recently launched lawsuits against The Tyee (British Columbia independent daily online magazine) and those allegedly connected to the publication and distribution a four-page parody newspaper.
Premier Gordon Campbell says the province's new bioenergy strategy will "stimulate investment and economic diversification while producing clean energy." But that strategy could face opposition from the international environmental movement. The Global Anti-Incinerator Alliance has circulated a draft position statement on biomass power stating, "no combustion technologies should be subsidized with public money or defined as 'clean,' 'renewable,' or 'green' energy. Combustion of organic or other materials damages the soil, intesifies the climate crisis, and causes harmful emissions. Combustions is not the 'highest and best use' of natural resources.' The following is a complete copy of that statement, which was obtained by Public Eye.
GAIA Biomass / Energy Policy Working Group
Draft Position Statement
March 20th, 2003
[Revised March 6, 2008]
1) GAIA recognizes that waste and energy are intimately connected.
2) GAIA opposes the burning of solid “biomass” feedstocks for electricity production or waste disposal.* We accept and understand the burning of crop and tree-based biomass for reasons of survival, cooking and heating at the domestic level, in the absence of the availability of a clean and safe supply of renewable energy.
3) GAIA believes that no combustion technologies should be subsidized with public money or defined as “clean,” “renewable,” or “green” energy. Combustion of organic or other materials damages the soil, intensifies the climate crisis, and causes harmful emissions. Combustion is not the “highest and best use” of natural resources.
4) GAIA supports a zero-emission energy policy that adheres to the principles of a just transition**. This clean energy production policy should rely primarily on conservation, efficiency, wind, solar and ocean-based technologies. In addition to opposing “biomass” incineration, GAIA finds nuclear power, fossil fuels, and large hydroelectric power
inappropriate due to their waste, pollution and other environmental impacts.
5) GAIA believes that organic materials should not be landfilled.*** For such landfills that already exist and which produce landfill gas, GAIA believes – as an interim measure until gas production ends – that the gas ought to be captured to the maximum extent possible, without seeking to increase methane generation. Toxic contaminants in the gas ought to be filtered out into a solid medium without subsequently incinerating those contaminants.
6) GAIA recognizes that anaerobic digestion may be a desirable waste management option for certain organic waste streams (such as sewage sludge, animal waste and food waste), but expresses caution with regard to possible contaminants which may migrate into digester gas, necessitating filtering similar to that needed for landfill gas.
7) GAIA opposes the production of transportation or heating fuels from contaminated waste streams. Where possible, all needed uses of burnable fuels should be replaced with non-burn technologies, such as electric cars powered with clean electricity, or industrial processes powered by concentrated solar power. GAIA especially opposes wastebased fuels, including production of ethanol from trash and sewage sludge, or production of diesel fuel from coal, tires or plastics. Until cleaner fuels are widely available, GAIA accepts the use of methane from anaerobic digesters and from landfill gas that is appropriately filtered.
*Solid biomass feedstocks have been defined by various governmental and non-governmental bodies as including municipal solid waste, tires, sewage sludge, construction/demolition wood wastes, animal wastes, paper and lumber mill wood wastes, other wood wastes (including pallets, crates and dunnage), agricultural crop residue, commercial energy crops (crops and trees grown with the intention of cutting and burning them), trees cut from forests and more. Gas-based biomass fuels include landfill gas and gas from the anaerobic digestion of organic wastes.
** The principles of the Just Transition Alliance can be found at: http://www.jtalliance.org/docs/principles.html
*** In the case of sewage sludge or other organic waste streams which are contaminated with toxic chemicals which cannot be removed, GAIA supports digesting or composting such waste and subsequently monofilling the waste, rather than allowing such waste to be dumped on farm fields as fertilizer or used in some other inappropriate way. We feel that it is a pressing priority to develop healthier strategies to deal with sewage sludge.
Business in Vancouver owner Peter Ladner has served as a local elected official since 2002. But, according to his latest campaign announcement, Mr. Ladner is a lot more than just a city councillor. He's a "respected" city councillor. Of course, that adjective may indeed be true in some quarters. But isn't it a passingly odd for Mr. Ladner's campaign to be describing their candidate in this manner - a task customarily left to third party validators? The following is a complete copy of that media advisory.
LADNER FOR MAYOR CAMPAIGN
MEDIA ADVISORY
Thursday May 27, 2008
NPA Mayoral hopeful Peter Ladner will deliver a keynote address this morning focusing on the political challenges of tackling climate change in the City.
Councillor Ladner will deliver the opening address to delegates attending the:
“GETTING TO CARBON NEUTRAL” WORKSHOP & TRADESHOW
8:30 a.m.
Today (Thursday March 27)
Empire Landmark Hotel & Conference Centre
1400 Robson St., Vancouver
The respected Vancouver City Councillor and owner of Business in Vancouver will comment on the City’s progress in attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and he will outline a number of ideas for stepping up efforts to meet the climate change challenge at the civic and regional level.
One of British Columbia's leading business ethicists says law firm McCarthy Tetrault LLC should construct a so-called Chinese Wall between two of its partners - Cheryl Slusarchuk and Andrew Wilkinson. The reason: Ms. Slusarchuk is presently chairing the Campbell administration's climate action team - which will be making recommendation on how the Liberals can meet their greenhouse gas reduction targets. Meanwhile, Mr. Wilkinson has registered to lobby the government on behalf of Convanta Energy Corp. - an American renewable energy company that could conceivably be affected by those recommendations, which will be submitted to the Campbell administration for approval.
"The answer to your question is yes," said Simon Fraser University's Mark Wexler, when asked if there was a need for a Chinese Wall. "Law firms have to do this all the time. And the reason they have to do this all the time - especially large law firms - is that they're frequently working with clients who are on both sides of a problem or related to a problem with different lawyers. And so it's not uncommon that this problem would present itself. And I would suspect at a firm with as good a reputation as McCarthy-Tetrault that they would and should have some kind of means of making sure" Ms. Slusarchuk and Mr. Wilkinson aren't in conflict.
But Ms. Slusarchuk hasn't returned repeated calls specifically asking about the matter. And the government has declined repeated opportunities to comment. But New Democrat environment critic Shane Simpson didn't. "Now that we have somebody of the stature of Professor Wexler saying there should be some kind of separation in place, I think it's imperative upon the government to make some kind of comment on how they're going to ensure there isn't a perceived conflict," said Mr. Simpson.
Vision Vancouver's mayoral nomination candidates seem to agree spending limits for their campaigns should, at the very least, be discussed. But how much is an appropriate ceiling? Raymond Louie says $50,000. But, during the Non-Partisan Association's 2005 mayoral nomination contest, former provincial cabinet Christy Clark was rumoured to have spent between $100,000 and $150,000.
Earlier, we reported Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination candidates Raymond Louie and Gregor Robertson have both backed a proposal to put spending limits on their campaigns. And what does their competitior Allan De Genova have to say about the matter? "We agree that the issue needs to be looked at," said Mr. De Genova's campaign manager Ian Baillie. "It's not that we're opposed to it. But these sort of things should be sorted out" by a committee composed of Vision Vancouver executives and representatives from the three mayoral nomination campaigns.
Earlier today, Raymond Louie announced his support for a proposal to limit Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination campaign expenditures - suggesting a $50,000 ceiling. Meanwhile, in a subsequent interview with Public Eye, competitor Gregor Robertson also said he thinks "it would be a good step" to introduce such a ceiling - "both as a party and to put pressure on other parties to do the same." But Mr. Robertson declined to say what he thinks that limit should be, stating, "I don't have a number fixed in mind. I would just be speculating. I think it's something the executive should look at in detail and factor in the length of the campaign and the competitiveness. It's going to be a tight race. And that's got to be up to the executive to figure out what the best number is. It isn't what the candidates think. It's what the membership is comnfortable with - represented by the executive."
Mr. Robertson, who said he didn't know how his campaign would be spending on the race, also expressed cautious support to have nomination polling stations setup across the city. "It's an interesting idea worth researching further," he said. "As long as there's systems in place to make it all accountable, the more people enabled to vote the better.
Former Canadian Film and Television Production Association British Columbia Producers' Branch external relations and operations vice-president Leanore Copeland is being talked up as a possible Non-Partisan Association council candidate. But, when asked by Public Eye whether she was considering a run, Ms. Copeland said, "I can't comment on that right now. I hate giving no comments. But I can't comment." Nor would she comment on those promoting her as a possible provincial Liberal candidate in Vancouver-Fairview. Although she did say she would be "happy to comment" in the next "couple weeks." Ms. Copeland is presently a partner with mc2 Strategic Consulting. She ran for the federal Liberals in New Westminster-Burnaby during the 1993 election, losing to Reform parliamentarian Paul Forseth
Yesterday, Vision Vancouver council hopeful Geoff Meggs called on the civic association to put a spending limit on its mayoral nomination candidates. And one of those candidates now says he has "no issues with that." Speaking with Public Eye this morning, Raymond Louie stated, "If the other candidates would agree to a limit, I'd be okay with that. I haven't put enough thought into it to know exactly what the amount would be. Certainly, $50,000 ought to do it. I don't think anything beyond that is really necessary. I don't expect to exceed that." Indeed, Mr. Louie says he expects to raise and spend between $20,000 to $30,000 for his campaign. Mr. Louie added he's also supportive of Mr. Meggs proposal to have allow Vision Vancouver members to vote in polling stations across the city. "Certainly it would increase access to voting. Logistically, it would be a bit more complicated. But it would be an advantage to give our members an opportunity to vote closer to where they live."
Vision Vancouver doesn't presently have a spending limit for its mayoral nomination campaign. But council nomination candidate Geoff Meggs thinks there should be. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Meggs said, "I think it's logical for Vision to have spending limits. We've advocated that for the city-at-large. And I think it makes sense in this case too because there's only so many dollars available for the democratic process. And if they get consumed in an all-out battle at one level, they may not be available for the election - which is where we would like to see it. And I'm worried as well about the capacity for people to participate when the costs get too high. So I think spending limits would be good. And it's not too late to have them."
"I think it's too late to say who you can take money from because people have already been accepting contributions based on the system we have in the city - which is not what Vision wanted," he continued. "But I think it's certainly not too late to (have limits) for the council race. Because, as far as I know, the only formally declared people are myself and Kerry Jang. And I don't think Kerry would have any problem with it. I can't speak for him. But I wouldn't have any problem with a reasonable limit."
Leaving aside such mechanical questions, Mr. Meggs then added the larger and "critical question for the membership is who's best to be able to lead the entire organization forward into the main election. And there's going to be two chances to put the Vision team together - one is the mayoralty nomination and the second is the council one. But there's a lot of questions in front of the whole organization which is growing by the day. And the more opportunity the members have to see and hear from all the candidates the better I think. Because we do want to make sure the organization stays as united as possible going forward.
Earlier today, Mr. Meggs also suggested the civic party "should allow its members to vote in polling stations across the city when they select Vision’s mayoralty candidate."
The Province's Michael Smyth seems to be having a bit of fun with federal Liberal national campaign co-chair Mark Marissen. Last Tuesday, while commenting on the Grit's marginal victory in Vancouver-Quadra, Mr. Smyth told CKNW's Philip Till, "Bottom line, the Liberals are very, very lucky they lost only one seat last night. Christy Clark's boy toy there Mark Marissen nearly crapped the bed last night and lost a safe seat to the Liberals." And then yesterday, while guest hosting the Bill Good Show, Mr. Smyth again mentioned how the Liberals almost lost the riding despite the fact the party has "got this wunderkin, the mastermind Mark Marissen running the show there....He couldn't get his wife elected mayor. Now he almost blows a safe Liberal seat." Ms. Clark hosts an afternoon talk show on CKNW.
Here's another addition to the list of provincial Liberal hopefuls: Canadian International Pharmacy Association president Dawn Polley, owner of Granville Pharmacy Ltd., is being talked up as a Lower Mainland nomination candidate. Asked about the matter, Ms. Polley said, "That's something I'm considering. Yes." And where is she considering running? "I probably shouldn't say because I don't want to breach any confidential discussions," she responded (although Vancouver-Fairview, presently held by New Democrat Gregor Robertson, is a rumoured possibility).
Last year, we reported on Campbell administration attempts to stifle political debate by suggesting New Democrat accusations against senior Liberals may be defamatory. And that trend has continued in the most recent legislative session. According to a reading of Hansard, the Liberals have made such suggestions at least five times. And that's not even including the heckles Hansard doesn't record. The following is a list of examples.
Hon. M. de Jong: I predict that we have just heard commentary in this House that won't be repeated outside.
- March 12, 2008
Hon. W. Oppal: If the opposition is so preoccupied by Ms. McDonald and is making the allegations against her, why don't they step outside and make them?
- March 11, 2008
Hon. M. de Jong: This is pretty straightforward, Mr. Speaker. If the members opposite want to allege bad faith on the part of the deputy to the Premier, they should go out in the hallway and do so. If the members opposite want to allege some kind of improper conduct on the part of the deputy to the Premier, they should go outside and allege it, free from the kind of immunity that exists out here. I have never seen such a despicable attack as what I see from this opposition today.
- March 11, 2008
Hon. M. de Jong: Again, blanketed in the security that the immunity of this chamber grants all members, the opposition continues to cast aspersions on individuals.
- March 11, 2008
Hon. R. Neufeld: You know what? It's easy to say words in here where there's immunity. When you have to go out in a hallway and actually accuse a chief from the northwest that he was actually going to do something illegal...I would challenge that member to go out there and do that right now, right after question period. Go out there and actually accuse that chief of maybe doing something illegal.
- March 5, 2008
The provincial government is hiring another trade and investment representative as part of its Asia Pacific Initiative. Last week, the ministry of economic development quietly announced on BC Bid it was looking for a consultant to "further ehance and develop the economic ties between Britisth Columbia and India" by summer 2008. The successful applicant will have a "minimum of 7 years working experience in commerce, trade, and/or investment in the private or public sector in Bengaluru." Earlier this year, the Campbell administration made a similar hire in Korea, with the successful applicant requiring a "minimum of 10 years working experience in commerce, trade, investment and/or intergovernmental organizations." The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned request for proposal.
4 Background
Building on the success of the Asia Pacific Trade Council (India Market Advisory Group Report) and the Asia Pacific Initiative, the Province of British Columbia will continue to move forward with establishing representative services in the Asia Pacific by expanding British Columbia’s trade and investment representative services to the India market.
The Province’s Ministry of Economic Development will look to establish a trade and investment representative in Bengaluru by summer 2008 to further enhance and develop the economic ties between British Columbia and India. The representative will report to the Asia Pacific Unit of the Ministry of Economic Development and assist in the development of market strategies and business plans.
The representative will be responsible for advancing and defending British Columbia’s commercial interests in Bengaluru and enhancing the ability of companies to compete and prosper in India through outreach to other locations as necessary to advance and support sectoral interests.
The representative will also be responsible for following up on key recommendations laid out in the India Market Advisory Group Report, the Asia Pacific Initiative, and the Ministry of Economic Development’s India market strategy and business plan.
The representative will work to promote and market British Columbia as a:
* source of world-class services, goods, and commodities in the global marketplace;
* highly competitive location for investment;
* strategic partner for education, research, science and innovation collaboration; and
* destination for highly skilled and talented workers, students, researchers and business leaders.
In advancing British Columbia’s long term interests, the development of government and corporate networks, relationships with industry leaders and gatekeepers, and partnerships with Canadian and Indian stakeholders will be integral to the role of the Bengaluru representative.
5 Services
5.1 Service Areas
The following sub-sections list the details of the type of services that the Province may require from Qualified Suppliers:
5.1.1 BC Trade and Investment Representative Services in Bengaluru, India
The Consultant in Bengaluru, India will be required to provide representative services on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Development focussed but not limited to the following:
* Investment Attraction
* Trade Promotion
* Incoming and Outgoing Visit / Delegation Support
* Public Affairs
* Relationship Building
* Identification of business opportunities in key sectors
For the areas of investment promotion, trade promotion, and business opportunity identification, the industry sectors include, but are not limited to:
* Advanced Technologies
* Advanced Energy and Power Technologies
* Information Communications Technologies
* Biotechnology and Life Sciences
* Education
* K-12 to Advanced Education
* Research and Science and Technology Collaboration
* Academic and Commercial
The Consultant will be an industry expert, with sector specific knowledge and an established network. The Consultant lives in Bengaluru and provides instant access to the market on behalf of the Province and British Columbian companies, institutions, and other clients identified by the Province. The Consultant will be expected to:
* Contribute to the delivery of investment deals into British Columbia over the term of the contract;
* Contribute to the entrance of British Columbia companies into Bengaluru markets by way of good or service export over the term of the contract, and into other Indian markets as necessary to advance and support sectoral interests;
* Assist on program development and delivery for official British Columbia government visits to India during the term of the contract;
* To support business delegation missions to Bengaluru and other Indian locations as necessary to advance and support sectoral interests;
* To support and organise business delegation missions from Bengaluru and other Indian locations as relevant to sectoral interests to British Columbia; and
* To conduct market research on priority sectors highlighted by the Province in its India business plans.
The Consultant will perform the following to ensure delivery of the above items:
* Conduct corporate calls with key decision makers or decision influencers in the market to generate investment leads and present the business case for locating in British Columbia;
* Generate qualified investment leads on an annual basis;
* Generate executive visits to British Columbia annually;
* Deliver seminars and presentations to targeted audiences on the merits of establishing a presence in British Columbia to expand business in North America;
* Participate and represent British Columbia and its companies in select trade and investment events as relevant to sectoral interests including industry shows, conferences and seminars;
* Monitor and report on key marketplace intelligence including trends, mergers, acquisitions, and industry issues;
* Identify and confirm prospective sales partnering opportunities for British Columbian companies;
* Plan and deliver on ground support for in-bound and out-bound trade and investment initiatives and government delegations; and
* Work with the Canadian Government in-market representatives and other partners to integrate and effectively executive marketing and business plan activities.
It is expected that trade and investment promotion and related activities will consume 80 percent of the Consultant’s time, and inbound / outbound mission support and relationship building activities will consume the balance.
5.1.1.1 Term
The Ministry anticipates that representative services will be required from 2008 to 2011, renewable annually, with potential for extension beyond 2011.
5.1.1.2 Mandates and Skills
Specific mandates and skills include the following:
a) Masters degree in commerce, business or trade, and/or international relations;
b) Minimum of 7 years working experience in commerce, trade, and/or investment in the private or public sector in Bengaluru, and successful track record of attracting investment and business development/expansion.
c) Ability to utilize established networks: of commercial and government contacts in Bengaluru; industry sector contacts relevant to British Columbia’s strengths; contacts in government departments with mandates for trade and investment; and contacts in sector-specific industry associations, as well as organizations who can assist in sector-specific trade and investment outcomes as defined in section 5.1.1.
d) Knowledge of business practices in Bengaluru and India.
e) Knowledge of Canada and especially British Columbia’s commercial and economic interests.
f) Fluent oral and written communication skills in English, Hindi, and Kannada, and ability to maintain contact in these languages with all identified stakeholders in the market.
g) Ability to operate MS Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and most internet applications.
h) Ability to provide written summary reports to project manager in British Columbia on a monthly basis including tele-conference calls.
i) Resident in Bengaluru and legal entitlement to work in Bengaluru, perform the services outlined in the RFQ, and an ability to incorporate in Bengaluru to hire staff and perform other necessary business functions associated with an incorporated entity in order to deliver services outlined in the RFQ.
j) Capacity to fulfil the requirements as outlined in this RFQ to deliver trade and investment representative services in Bengaluru.
5.1.1.3 Ministry Provided Services
The Ministry will provide the following:
a) A comprehensive briefing on British Columbia’s economy and priority sectors for Bengaluru and India.
b) A comprehensive overview of British Columbia’s Government priorities and strategic objectives in Bengaluru and India.
c) Updates on proposed / confirmed delegations from British Columbia to India.
The provincial government likes to promote its public-private partnership accomplishments which, according to Premier Gordon Campbell, "tap directly into the intiative and innovative of the private sector while providing critical public infrastructure in the most cost-effective manner." But it seems one of the Liberal's biggest backers isn't quite as enthusiastic. Speaking with a Calgary news magazine, Independent Contractors and Businesses Association president Philip Hochstein said the construction industry continues to support public-private partnerships. But "the small companies are worried that, if the government...wants everything to be bigger and packages the projects so that they're big, they'll be excluded from the process." The association donated $17,381 to the Liberals in 2005 and 2006, according to Elections British Columbia.
This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Nelson city councillor Gord McAdams discusses his effort to reduce local government freedom of information request fees. Pivot Legal Society co-founder Ann Livingston shares with us her thoughts on how the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics will impact civil liberties. 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.
Yesterday, New Democrat legislator Michael Sather was close-lipped when asked if he was considering running to be Maple Ridge's mayor. But, according to local councillor Craig Speirs, Mr. Sather is, at the very least, planning on leaving provincial politics. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Speirs - the MLA's constituency association president - said, "I had a brief discussion with him the other day and he's not going to run in the next provincial election - I know that. But, as far as the rest of it goes, it's all speculation."
"The present mayor told me that that was going happen," Mr. Speirs continued - referring to Mr. Sather's mayoral ambitions. "But I don't believe it yet." That being said, "It would great. I think he would be a great mayor."
The next provincial election is still 14 months away. But the Liberals will likely be prepared for that campaign sooner rather than later. At least some (and possibly all) of the party's constituency association presidents have been told to have their candidates nominated by the end of September - before local elections take place in November.
Earlier, we reported former Non-Partisan Association supporter D.J. Lawrence would be backing Allan De Genova's Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination bid - but not the civic association itself. Asked what he thought about those who are taking out party memberships simply to support his candidacy, Mr. De Genova said, "I guess my other opponents are doing the same thing. They're out to get memberships to get themselves in first. I have to say though the people I am signing-up right now Sean - all the people I'm signing-up - not only are they just signing-up to come out to support me but they are also participating in the party and following me lead. I've always done that with the NPA for 15 years and I will continue to do this for Vision for all the people I sign-up."
Mr. De Genova also added he didn't know Mr. Lawrence. And "I guess he doesn't know the rest of the party yet. But, by the time I'm in, and this guy is working with me he'll know their cousins, uncles, mothers and sisters. But the time I'm finished, they'll all be over at my house having pasta."
Former Non-Partisan Association supporter and federal Conservative constituency association president D.J. Lawrence is urging his friends to take out Vision Vancouver memberships in support of Allan De Genova mayoral nomination bid. In an email sent yesterday, Mr. Lawrence writes, "rest assured, I DO NOT SUPPORT THE VISION SLATE, just Al, and a select couple of NPA and Vision candidates...I know Al reasonably well, I have associates that have worked with him over the long term both in and outside of politics (and still think well of him!), and I know he has the support of many people whose opinion I respect including many in senior positions with Vancouver Police." The following is an edited copy of that email.
From: "DJ Lawrence"
Date: March 17, 2008 11:39:23 PM PDT (CA)
To: "DJ Lawrence"
Subject: Allan De Genova campaign launch
Dear Friends,
I know, nobody does politics, but before you delete this, consider:
how the mayor decided against his own experts’ advice to hire 63 Police Officers, hired 17, and expected us to believe the letter from the federal government saying they couldn’t fund his request for the remainder somehow sat on his fax machine from 9 AM until the council meeting that night!
how the NPA lowered their membership cost from $25 to $20 (big spenders!) while all other parties manage to get by on $10 or less, but this isn’t really to keep out the “east side” vote…
Yes, that thumping sound is the sound of anyone who knows me realizing I’m supporting a “left of center” candidate for once in my life! Al doesn’t really fit any profile, he is honest, hard working, compassionate, pragmatic, not dogmatic, and has a variety of great ideas from across the political spectrum. He can work with anyone, for the good of our city. I don’t know about you, but I’m fed up with the likes of Sam, and with parties that wouldn’t know the common person if we kicked them in the head! But rest assured, I DO NOT SUPPORT THE VISION SLATE, just Al, and a select couple of NPA and Vision candidates which will give us the balance we need to solve the major issues that face us, and provide real leadership going into 2010 instead of the laughing stock Sam or Gregor would provide us.
You have the opportunity to help choose who will run for the parties competing in this November’s city elections. I hope you will consider joining whatever of the civic parties you may support, and exercising your right to help choose good candidates. My regrets to Peter Ladner, a fine man who would also make a fine mayor, I just can’t get behind his party right now…
I am supporting Al De Genova in his bid to be nominated at the mayoralty candidate for the Vision Vancouver party. I know Al reasonably well, I have associates that have worked with him over the long term both in and outside of politics (and still think well of him!), and I know he has the support of many people whose opinion I respect including many in senior positions with Vancouver Police.
I hope you will come out to Al’s campaign launch, and that you will consider taking out a membership in order to vote for Al as the Vision Vancouver mayoralty candidate. The deadline to become a member has not been announced yet, but is expected to be the end of April.
Yours truly,
DJ Lawrence
Last year, provincial New Democrat legislator Michael Sather told us his temporary suspension from caucus will "factor in" when he thinks about running for re-election. And now we're hearing talk Mr. Sather is considering leaving provincial politics to make a bid to be Maple Ridge's mayor. Asked about such talk, Mr. Sather said, "I have no comment on anything like that Sean. I'm focusing on completing my duties - not completing my duties but dealing with the legislative agenda. And that's what I'm focusing on." And what about rumours he was asked to wait until the end of the spring legislative session to make that announcement? "Same answer Sean." So would he rule out running to be mayor? "Same answer Sean," he again responded. Last month, incumbent candidate Gordy Robson told the Maple Ridge News's Phil Melnychuk "he doesn't plan on running for mayor for a second term."
Yesterday, the provincial New Democrats proposed "a two year lobbying ban on former ministers, senior political aides, and deputy ministers" as part of the opposition's effort to strengthen rules governing the activity of government relations consultants. So let's give an example of how that ban might work if the legislation - which has yet to be introduced - applies to opposition aides. Last August, David Perry resigned as New Democrat leader Carole James's chief of staff. Six months later, Mr. Perry signed-up to lobby legislators like Adrian Dix, Katrine Conroy and Leonard Krog. Under the New Democrat's proposed law, such activity presumably wouldn't be allowed. Fancy that!
Earlier, we reported Andrew Wilkinson had registered to represent Covanta Energy Corp. on the same day the government told the media it would be rolling out its new bioenergy strategy. But he's not the only former Campbell administration insider lobbying on behalf of a company that might be interested in that strategy. The lobbyist registry indicates former attorney general Geoff Plant has signed-up to assist Plasco Energy Group Inc. in "developing facilities in BC." Plasco, "a private Canadian waste conversion and energy generation company based in Ottawa, Canada" owns and operates facilities that use a proprietary "world-leading technology to convert municipal household, commercial or industrial waste into green power and other valuable products." This, according to the company's Website.
Last week, we exclusively told you about the firing of Louise Comeau, the climate action secretariat's public outreach and strategic engagement executive director. And now the Campbell administration is looking for a replacement. A job posting has appeared on the government's employment opportunities Website. And it includes substantially more detail than the posting that resulted in Ms. Comeau's hiring. Meanwhile, on Thursday, public affairs bureau priority files communications director Kirk Smith issued the following statement in response to a request for comment on Ms. Comeau's firing: "Louise Comeau made a constructive contribution and is committed to climate action. The Secretariat thanks her and wishes her well." The following is a complete copy of both postings.
Executive Director, Public Outreach and Strategic Engagement, Climate Action Secretariat, Officer of the Premier
Full-Time
Strategic Leadership
Victoria
Opportunity:
Encourage all British Columbians to understand the actions they can take regarding climate change
The BC Climate Action Secretariat was created as the central government agency responsible for meeting the province's greenhouse gas reduction targets by coordinating climate action activities across government and with stakeholders. Our mandate is to ensure an innovative and effective approach to climate action in British Columbia.
As Executive Director you will oversee the establishment of the Public Outreach, communications and Strategic Engagement Plan framework. Utilizing your sound and proven communications expertise you will establish programs to reach out to all British Columbians allowing them to understand climate change and feel encouraged to take action. A seasoned collaborator, you are able to engage a diverse host of organisations and individuals that can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A proven leader with sharp instincts, you can anticipate needs and generate creative ideas, solutions and recommendations ensuring a coordinated and integrated approach in responding to climate change issues.
You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment always remaining results-focused but with the capacity to adapt to changing priorities, motivating others to try new approaches to outreach and engagement while managing the challenges and complexities of a political environment.
There will be extensive travel opportunities with this position.
Your skill set likely begins with your Bachelor's or Master's degree in environmental education, environmental psychology, communication, journalism or related discipline.
Your additional experience includes:
- Working in the areas of outreach and communication with experience in the area of climate action, preferred
- Leading, establishing and meeting goals, accomplishing change, developing teams, promoting innovation and ensuring accountability
- Giving presentations and being an effective public speaker
- Setting up infrastructure for councils
Prior to applying on this competition please view the job description attached below for a complete list of duties and qualifications.
Position is excluded from Union membership.
Competition: EXEC DIR, PO & SE Climate Action Secretariat
Closing Date: 2007-05-07
PROGRAM
The BC Climate Action Secretariat was created as the central government agency responsible for meeting the province’s greenhouse gas reduction targets by coordinating climate action activities across government and with stakeholders. The Secretariat has a mandate to ensure an innovative, coordinated and effective approach to climate action in British Columbia.
The Head of the Secretariat and the staff at the Secretariat provide leadership to government and ensure the implementation of strategies that are in alignment with government priorities. Inherent to these responsibilities is the role of responding to inquiries, questions and concerns of numerous stakeholders, First Nations and the public.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Executive Director oversees the establishment of the Public Outreach, communications and Strategic Engagement Plan framework for the Province’s action on climate change initiative. Through integrated and consistent messaging, this position promotes understanding and encourages the active engagement of citizens, local governments, the BC Government and the broader public sector (Schools, Colleges, Universities, Health and crown Corporations) to take steps to reducing B.C.’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
NATURE OF WORK AND POSITION LINKS
The Executive Director, Public Outreach and Strategic Engagement plays a key role in engaging and collaborating with all organisations and individuals that can help reduce B.C.’s greenhouse gas emissions. This position will establish programs to reach out to all British Columbians so they clearly understand climate change and feel encouraged to take action.
Responding to the Head, Climate Action Secretariat, the Executive Director uses creativity and initiative to anticipate needs and generate ideas, solutions and recommendations; consults and collaborates with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to facilitate or coordinate the delivery of initiatives that support the Public Outreach, communications and Strategic Engagement Plan; ensures a coordinated and integrated approach in responding to climate change issues; and conducts research to develop and test the effectiveness of messaging.
Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, the Executive Director is Director is results focused, adapts to changing priorities, has exceptional communication skills, is able to motivate others to try new approaches to outreach and engagement, and can manage the challenges and complexities of the issues and political environment. The incumbent also possesses a record of success as a leader who has established goals, accomplished change, developed teams and promoted innovation and has a deep understanding of business and strategic planning practices and processes. Weekly travel is requirement of the job.
Position links include:
Head, Climate Action Secretariat – to receive general direction; to provide recommendations and expert advice on public outreach and engagement issues.
Climate Action Secretariat Team, Ministry green teams and colleagues in other departments – to consult and provide information/research results; to provide outreach component for specific projects; to receive expert advice and information.
Public Affairs Bureau – to work with in developing messaging for internal and external communications, together with the news media; to coordinate print, electronic and other materials and to direct earned media and advertising campaigns.
Public Service Stakeholders (e.g. Ministries, green teams) – to oversee and provide guidance in the implementation of Ministry led programs in support of the Public Outreach and Strategic Engagement Plan; to recommend improvements and ensure communications and messaging is consistent and meets objectives of the Climate action secretariat; External Stakeholders (e.g. industry, non-governmental organizations, any group delivering outreach and education programming at the community level) – to consult; to provide information and guidance; to build and facilitate partnerships and to collaborate on projects.
Consultants/Contractors – to contract services for research and other services as required.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES / DELIVERABLES
A. Coordinates development and oversees implementation of a Public Outreach, Communications and Strategic Engagement Plan, to mobilize citizens, organizations, stakeholders and partners
1. Presents plan and related proposals, and secures CCCA approval for initial Outreach and Strategic Engagement Plan and budget.
2. Oversees and provides guidance in the implementation of Ministry driven programs in support of the Plan and ensures coordination and communication on a government wide basis so there is coherence in outreach approaches e.g. facilitates, coordinates, or collaborates with Ministry and external stakeholders in the development and delivery of their program/initiatives in support of the Plan; recommends amendments to ensure programs are cohesive and delivery and messaging is consistent and meets objectives of the Plan.
3. Develops and executes Climate Action Secretariat driven components of the Plan as required/directed (e.g. establishing Citizens Conservation Council) ensuring programs/components are delivered within budget and according to agreed timelines and managing staff as appropriate.
4. Develops citizen, public sector and local government strategies within overall Plan.
B. Citizens Conservation Council (CCC)
5. Establishes effective operations/coordinates logistics to facilitate CCC’s delivery of its mandate and contribution to the ongoing development of the Outreach and Strategic Engagement Plan.
C. Stakeholder relations
6. Engages and collaborates with all sectors, individual and organizations that can help reduce B.C.’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
7. Reaches out, through execution of the plan to all British Columbians so they clearly understand both the problem and how to address it, and feel encouraged to make inspired suggestions and changes in their own lives.
8. Ensures meaningful and effective communication and consultation on climate action with, stakeholders, local government, BC Government and the public sector; maintain open door to engagement with stakeholders; support timely two-way communication and input into ongoing development of the climate action agenda.
9. Facilitate consultation and communication with key stakeholders coordinating with ministries and the Climate Action Secretariat.
10. Provides expertise and guidance to external organizations in developing programs and initiatives in support of climate action.
11. Shares learning from research with Climate Action Secretariat team, ministries and other interested public service stakeholders i.e. green teams.
D. Outreach research and messaging
12. Manages external consultants, negotiates contracts, and converts research results into program execution.
13. Manages budget and ensures consultants perform as per agreed contract deliverables.
14. Establishes research baseline and tracking metrics for general population and public sector understanding of global warming and the actions needed to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions in BC; completes focus groups and research to establish baseline from which progress can be tracked, tracks metrics, incorporate research results into Outreach and Strategic Engagement Plan.
15. Converts results of research into testable communication messages and approaches and ensures they are consistently executed in outreach approaches, materials and activities.
16. Develops proposed messaging and work with the Public Affairs Bureau (PAB) in accordance with research results and Outreach and Strategic Engagement Plan (e.g. expanding Climate Action Secretariat website, creating template for presentations, developing website tools); coordinates pre-tests in focus groups and polling; secures approval for execution in template print and electronic materials; coordinates PAB deliverables e.g. creative development, print and electronic materials, advertising campaigns.
17. Establishes effective relationships for productive communication with PAB, internal communications officials, green teams and other government officials responsible for communicating internally and externally and that can help leverage behaviour change activities.
18. Partners with ministries to deliver global warming messaging, behaviour change programming to citizens, public sector and local government.
E. Maintain strategic orientation
19. Links long-range climate objectives to near-term planning and program execution.
20. Aligns Outreach Plan with government/Climate Action Secretariat priorities.
21. Supports Climate Action Secretariat team objectives for outreach and engagement and engages team in providing input to outreach and engagement planning.
22. Contributes to achievement of Climate Action Secretariat mandate, communicates climate action vision to internal and external stakeholders, work to resolve obstacles to forward momentum.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Annual Public Outreach budget of $3.8 million, plus $5 million for advertising.
Develops and finalizes terms of contracts, reviews work performance, and confirms that work met contractual requirements.
DIRECT SUPERVISION (i.e., responsibility for signing the employee appraisal form)
Role
Directly supervises staff
# of Regular FTE’s 2
# of Auxiliary FTE’s
Supervises staff through subordinate supervisors
# of Regular FTE’s
# of Auxiliary FTE’s
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
None.
TOOLS / EQUIPMENT
Standard office equipment. Computer and standard software.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Standard office environment.
Travel required within the province, including travel to Vancouver at least once per week.
Overnight travel required, for as long as two weeks at a time to work with focus groups and accomplish public sector outreach in other regions of the province.
COMMENTS
This position may assign and monitor the work of an administrative assistant, but not directly supervise.
Also, at the time of writing, it is anticipated this position will directly supervise the work of two Public Outreach assistants.
This position may lead project teams for those projects initiated within the Climate Action Secretariat. For projects initiated and executed outside of the Climate Action Secretariat (e.g. within the Ministries), this position will facilitate, coordinate or provide guidance to stakeholders.
PREPARED BY
NAME:
Brenda Young, BC Public Service Agency
DATE:
March 5, 2008
***
Executive Director Public Outreach and Strategic Engagement
Full-Time
Climate Action Secretariat
Victoria
Opportunity:
The Province is taking action on climate change. We have established an ambitious agenda to meet or beat the best practices in North America for reducing carbon and other greenhouse gases.
You can share your passion for climate action and your innovative ideas by being part of a team that will ensure BC is at the forefront of environmental and economic leadership for years to come.
Reporting to the Head of the Climate Action Secretariat, the Executive Director, Public Outreach and Strategic Engagement will support ministry efforts to:
* Engage and collaborate with all sectors that can help reduce BC's total greenhouse gas emissions
* Reach out to all British Columbians so they clearly understand both the problem and how to address it, and feel encouraged to make inspired suggestions and changes in their own lives.
You will be able to demonstrate extensive experience engaging industries, First Nations, environmental groups, the scientific community, and others; an ability to encourage constructive and solutions-oriented discussion, and an ability to communicate complex ideas to many audiences in easily understandable terms.
This role demands a results focus, strategic orientation and thinking to ensure an aggressive pursuit of the Secretariat's goals and objectives. You must maintain an understanding of the challenges and complexities of the issues and possess a record of success as a leader who has established goals, accomplished change, developed teams, promoted innovation, built relationships, solved problems, and ensured accountability. A deep understanding of business and strategic planning practices and processes, project management, and exceptional communication skills are all essential.
You are an energetic, committed professional who generates ideas and solutions and enjoys a fast-paced, complex environment where consensus building across diverse stakeholders is essential.
You will possess related post-secondary education and have demonstrated strategic leadership and strong relationship building competencies.
To express your interest in this opportunity, send your resume to LC@gov.bc.ca by May 7, 2007. Please identify salary expectations. Proposals for temporary or part-time positions will be considered.
Ever wonder how much money TransLink forks over to find out what you're thinking? Well, according to bid documents posted last Thursday, the transportation authority spends "over $1 million annually on qualitative and quantiative marketing research and public opinion polling." And all that cash could be yours if you make a successful bid to do that work on behalf of TransLink. The following is a complete copy of the relevant portion of that request for proposal.
3.0 SCOPE OF WORK
3.1 TransLink spends over $1 million annually on qualitative and quantitative marketing research and public opinion polling, some examples include:
Qualitative Research
Focus groups
One-on-one or paired interviews
Quantitative Research
On-Line or Web panel Research
Telephone Surveys
On-Board or On-Site Interviewing
3.2 The following tasks to be performed by the successful Respondent may include, but are not limited to, the following:
* questionnaire design;
* telephone and in-person interviewing;
* coding;
* weighting of data;
* data processing;
* production of databases;
* production of computer tables;
* reporting;
* on-line data collection; and
* focus group recruitment, moderating and reporting.
3.3 The following reports to be provided by the successful Respondent may include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Conjoint, Tradeoff and Discrete Choice Studies;
* Usage and Attitude Studies;
* Public Affairs and Public Opinion Research;
* Customer Satisfaction Research;
* Advertising Pretests; and
* Advertising Tracking.
This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Vancouver-False Creek provincial Liberal nomination candidate Mary McNeil discusses why she wants to sit in the legislature. Lawyer David Sutherland shares his thoughts on the need to reform the country's defamation laws. 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.
Earlier, former BC Cancer Foundation president and chief executive officer Mary McNeil declined to say whether she would be running for the provincial Liberals in Vancouver-False Creek. Although she will be making a "very special announcement" concerning her future tomorrow with Premier Gordon Campbell. Which has some wondering whether corporate commercial lawyer Chris Farber is still going to seek the party nomination in that riding. And it turns out the answer is "No." Although, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Farber added, "I think Mary McNeil is an excellent candidate." The following is a complete copy of Mr. Farber's campaign biography.
CHRIS FARBER FOR BC LIBERALS
The present MLA for Vancouver-Burrard, Lorne Mayencourt, has chosen not to run in the 2009 Provincial Election. Chris Farber is seeking the BC Liberal nomination because he wants to contribute to BC's development as a green, business-friendly, and compassionate province.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
* CD Farber Law Corp.
Chris has run his own practice since 2001 with a focus on corporate commercial law. He has helped to secure financing for green energy projects
* Corporate Commercial Lawyer at two downtown Vancouver firms prior to 2001
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
* Covenant House Vancouver
An active supporter of this charity which offers various programs for homeless youth, including Rites of Passage which provides housing and counseling for life skills and addictions to street youth who commit to full-time work or further education
* Learning Climate Educational Society
One of the three founders of this group, Chris helped raise money to place the film “An Inconvenient Truth” in Canadian high-schools
* Canadian Human Rights Coalition
Worked with this group to lobby for inclusion of sexual orientation into the Canadian Human Rights Code as a prohibited ground of discrimination
* University of Northern British Columbia
One of the early members of the Interior University Society which secured funding for the creation of UNBC, thereby making it easier and more affordable for the youth of Northern BC to pursue higher education
* BC Liberal Party
Has been a supporter since the late 1980s and has served in a variety of roles, including as a member of the Vancouver Burrard Riding Executive in 1996 and as a fundraiser during campaigns
EDUCATION and CREDENTIALS
* LSBC Member of the Law Society of British Columbia
* CBA Member
* MBA University of Toronto (1995)
* LLB University of Toronto (1995)
* BA Economics University of Victoria (1990)
To help with the nomination campaign or to learn more, call Chris’ campaign manager, Jeff Melland.
Earlier this week, The Times Colonist's Lindsay Kines reported information and privacy commissioner David Loukidelis has "heard nothing from government" on his May 2007 recommendation to overhaul the lobbyist registry. Indeed, in a subsequent interview yesterday with Public Eye, Mr. Loukidelis's executive director Mary Carlson confirmed her office hasn't yet received a copy of the position paper about that overhaul which, according to Attorney General Wally Oppal, has been issued by his deputy. "We just asked for it. I just sent an email over," Ms. Carlson told Public Eye. But British Columbians won't likely be reading that paper anytime soon. When we requested our own copy, attorney general communications manager Linda Mueller stated, "It's not publicly available at this time."
Former Non-Partisan Association outreach chair Peter Ormesher has launched a membership drive as part of his to win the civic party's mayoral nomination. In an email sent to friends and supporters, Mr. Ormesher writes he has "left the board of the NPA to run against Sam Sullivan (and now Peter Ladner for the NPA nomination, because I have seen what it is like behind closed doors, behind the scenes. You don't want to know." Nevertheless, a paragraph later, Mr. Ormesher tells them, stating "from behind the scenes, you recognize that (Mayor Sullivan) is not a strong and capable leader." He then goes on to urge his friends to become party members by April 22 so they can vote for him at the association's nomination meeting on June 8. The following is a complete copy of that email.
----- Forwarded message from peter@peterormesher.com -----
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:36:41 -0700
From: peter@peterormesher.com
Reply-To: peter@peterormesher.com
Subject: Help Needed - Mayor's Job - City of Vancouver - Pass it On!
April 22nd is deadline
Dear Friends,
I so very seldom asked for help from my friends. I am happily the one asked to help others. But I hope you allow me this one exception. Besides helping me, I get to help you, even more.
We need a strong and competent Mayor in this City. We deserve one. I have just left the board of the NPA to run against Sam Sullivan (and now Peter Ladner) for the NPA nomination, because I have seen what it is like behind closed doors, behind the scenes. You don't want to know.
The NPA is a great group of dedicated people, but they are leaderless. As Chair of Outreach, I heard too often that Sam Sullivan has been a disappointment to the public that elected him. From behind the scenes, you recognize that he is not a strong and capable leader. He has failed to convince Peter Ladner and he has failed to fool the public. We deserve something better, with more experience at turning our City around. Sam's priorities, his way of doing things, and his lack of understanding of how the real world works, is wasting our time and our money. Traffic and our roads are getting worse, housing is not affordable, taxes are rocketing up, crime is on the rise (while he says it is getting better), and all that focussed effort on giving free drugs to drug addicts, and time wasted explaining EcoDensity, was a waste of time and focus. When is enough, enough?
I have made the difficult decision to place my my capabilities and experience before the members of the NPA, and then, if successful, the people of Vancouver, as its Mayoral candidate,for one of the most important elections of our time. In doing so, I am standing up to Sam, and bucking what some say are overwhelming odds. But Decision Vancouver 2008 is just too important to worry about the job ahead to secure the nomination. That is why I am writing you.
To do this, I need you to take action. It will not take much, but we must act quickly to be able to overcome the overwhelming political machine and financial resources that Sam has built.
I believe that nothing is impossible, if we have courage. We have a plan, and you can see that you are the key part of it:
1) pass this email to your friends, colleagues and family that care about Vancouver and trust your judgement about people. The more the better, so thank you. It hope it feels good.
2) print out the NPA membership form attached, and with your friends and associates, JOIN the NPA before April 22. Then come vote for me at a nomination meeting on June 8th. It is only $20 to join (cheque or credit card only), but it may just be the best investment in your community that you could ever make. Email me or call 604 764 0065 with questions. We must get the forms in by April 22, so let me know if you need help.
3) keep an eye on http://retiresam.com. if you wish to get involved, I have included a small sign that can be printed and posted anywhere you can. We can all subscribe for free, and then keep up to date on where this race is going. Also, if you wish to volunteer, let me know. We will be having a few social gatherings, to connect one another.In the next days I will be putting up my website www.peterormesher.com and I will send you a brief background on me.
Many people have said over the course of years "Why can we not have more capable and competent people in politics?". Already, there are some good people, but the biggest reason is that WE must do something to give them a chance. They are unknown, and to the established politicians, not welcome unless you give them the chance. This is what I seek.
Will you give me that chance?
If so, I will work my hardest and use all my leadership experience and capabilities to not disappoint you. To get this City back on track. Like another has not.
Thank you and welcome to Decision Vancouver 2008.
Warmest regards,
Peter Ormesher
Earlier, we reported former BC Cancer Foundation president and chief executive officer Mary McNeil is making a "very special announcement" tomorrow with Premier Gordon Campbell. So does that mean she's going to be running for the provincial Liberals in the next election? Asked the question, Ms. McNeil simply told us, "Well, our premier will be there with me. And we'll talk to you then."
Earlier, we reported former BC Cancer Foundation president and chief executive officer Mary McNeil was considering running for the provincial Liberals in the next election. But is it possible those deliberations are over? Because, tomorrow, Ms. McNeil will be making a "very special announcement" about her future at the Granville Island Hotel with Premier Gordon Campbell. The hotel is located in the riding of Vancouver-False Creek - one of Vancouver-Burrard's successor ridings. The following is a complete copy of the invitation to the announcement.
From: The McNeils
To: 'Mary McNeil'
Sent: Thu Mar 13 17:10:22 2008
Subject: THIS SATURDAY at 12:30 pm - Granville Island Hotel
Hi there!
If you are available, please join me, along with Premier Gordon Campbell, this Saturday at the Granville Island Hotel at 12:30 pm for a very special announcement about my future. I would really love to see you and would greatly appreciate the support! AND if you think any others would love to come, please invite them along!!
Hope to see you there!
Mary McNeil