March 2008 Archives

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.

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.

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 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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Earlier, we reported Attorney General Wally Oppal didn't know whether everyone on the lobbyist registry had signed-up properly and on time. So maybe he should have a talk to the premier's former special advisor Ken Dobell. After all, in an essay Mr. Dobell wrote to avoid being charged with a violation of federal lobbyist registration laws, he states, "Over the course of my work in government and since leaving it, I now recognize that I have encountered a number of individuals doing work that would likely fall under the ambit of the legislation who may not be registered." This, according to The Vancouver Sun. Last month, Public Eye also revealed the number of government relations consultants signing-up with the lobbyist registry increased markedly after Mr. Dobell's misdeed became the subject of public debate. At the time, Attorney General Oppal conceded that "might indicate people are aware of the consequences of not registering."

Prominent environmentalist Louise Comeau - one of the premier's key climate action advisors - has been fired by the provincial government, Public Eye has learned. Her firing comes just eight months after she was hired as the climate action secretariat's public outreach and strategic engagement executive director. Reached for comment, Ms. Comeau - who was awarded a four-month severance package - gave this brief statement: "It seems the fit wasn't right. And I wish everybody luck. And the issue is very important. And I hope the government succeeds in what it's trying to do."

Last year, Public Eye exclusively told you the ministry of children and family development made $560,120 in renovations the fourth floor of its Victoria headquarters. And now we've learned the ministry has spent $13,339.53 on food and catering expenses for leadership team meetings held between May 1, 2006 and November 8, 2007. This, according to a document obtained via a freedom of information request.

Vision Vancouver executive hasn't yet scheduled their nomination meeting. But, last night, they referred the matter to the civic association's governance committee chaired by Carolyn Askew. In addition, the executive also approved a stringent set of nomination campaign financial disclosure rules, a candidate agreement and questionaire and conflict of interest guidelines.

Earlier, we reported the premier's former special advisor Ken Dobell would be remaining as a director with 2010 LegaciesNow and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Organizing Committee. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Law Society of British Columbia public affairs manager Brad Daisley said Mr. Dobell has "offered to step down" from his post as a lay bencher with the society "until the current proceedings have run their course. And the law society has accepted that offer. And that's where matters stand right now." Mr. Daisley confirmed that offer was made on Monday - the same day it was announced Mr. Dobell would be pleading guilty to violating the province's Lobbyists Registration Act.

Vision Vancouver council candidate and former British Columbia Federation of Labour executive director Geoff Meggs is launching his campaign with a comparatively pricey fundraiser featuring former provincial New Democrat interim leader Joy MacPhail. According to an email promoting the launch, tickets to the event - which is scheduled for March 27 - will cost $125. The following is a complete copy.

Today, the premier's former special advisor Ken Dobell will plead guilty to violating the province's Lobbyists Registration Act. But is it reasonable to think Mr. Dobell is the only government relations consultant who has failed to follow the letter of that law since it was introduced back in 2001? So, yesterday, we asked Attorney General Wally Oppal whether he was confident everyone on the lobbyist registry had signed-up properly and on time. But Attorney General Oppal didn't know. And he didn't seem to much care. The following is a complete transcript of that scrum.

Stephen Harper made a whistelstop visit to Vancouver today - getting together with Premier Gordon Campbell just prior to delivering a luncheon speech to the Business Council of British Columbia. But some members of the chattering classes were a bit surprised the prime minister didn't take the opportunity to do any campaign events with Vancouver-Quadra by-election candidate Deborah Meredith. Although, it's our understanding Ms. Meredith was on hand for the speech. And she attended two meetings with the prime minister after the luncheon.

Is councillor Raymond Louie about to announce he's running for Vision Vancouver's mayoral nomination? Well, it certainly looks that way. Because Public Eye has learned Mr. Louie has booked Chinatown's Jade Dynasty Restaurant for an event this coming Sunday at 2:30. Earlier, The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula reported Mr. Louie had registered the domain name www.raymondlouieformayor.ca. And his supporters have setup a Facebook group backing the councillor's prospective bid.

Earlier, we reported former federal Liberal British Columbia president Billy Cunningham is working on Allan De Genova's Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination campaign. But he's not the only Grit with a shoulder to the grindstone for the parks board member. In an interview with Public Eye, the party's British Columbia communications chair Ian Baillie confirmed he's also helping manage Mr. De Genova's campaign. "I'm happy to do it and thrilled to be part of the team. But it's a big team approached. And I'm working with Billy."

Yesterday, the premier's former special advisor Ken Dobell got into a spot of trouble for not promptly registering as a lobbyist. But will his brush with the law cost Mr. Dobell his posts as a director with 2010 LegaciesNow and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Organizing Committee and a lay bencher with the Law Society of British Columbia? Speaking with Public Eye, 2010 LegaciesNow communications director Karen Macdonald stated, "The situation that's being reported in the media has no bearing on Ken's involvement with our board." And organizing committee communications vice-president Renee Smith-Valade said yesterday, in an interview yesterday with 24 hours' Bob Mackin, "We are aware of the decision that was rendered today. Mr. Dobell will remain a member of the board of directors for Vancouver 2010, including in his capacity as chairman of the finance committee and member of the strategic communications committee." The law society hasn't yet returned a call seeking comment.

Earlier today, it was announced the premier's former special advisor Ken Dobell would be pleading guilty to "one count of Failing to Register as a Lobbyist contrary to Section 10 of the Lobbyists Registration Act of British Columbia." But Mr. Dobell isn't the only one whose been accused of breaching that section of the act. Former Liberal house leader Graham Bruce is presently the subject of an inquiry by the office of the information and privacy commissioner. The inquiry - which has been underway since October - relates to accusations he didn't register as a lobbyist for the Cowichan Journey of Generations committee. Mr. Bruce has said he didn't have to register because his contract was with an aboriginal agency and devoted less than 20 percent of his time to lobbying work - one of the loopholes in the act.

Earlier today, the premier's former special advisor Ken Dobell was charged with "one count of Failing to Register as a Lobbyist contrary to Section 10 of the Lobbyists Registration Act of British Columbia." According to a media statement distributed by the ministry of attorney general's criminal justice branch, Mr. Dobell will plead guilty to the charge and repay the $7,000 in fees he received for meeting with provincial officials on behalf of the city of Vancouver. Understandably, the New Democrats were curious as to whether the Campbell administration will continue meeting with Mr. Dobell in his new capacity as a lobbyist for Cubic Transportation Systems Inc. The opposition didn't much luck getting a response from government - and neither did the press gallery when Attorney General Wally Oppal was scrummed following question period. The following is an edited transcript of that scrum.

As the leader of British Columbia's two-member unofficial opposition, Joy MacPhail became an inspiration for New Democrat members across the province. So why was the former legislator one of the featured speakers at a recent federal Conservative fundraiser for Vancouver South candidate Wai Young? In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. MacPhail explained she attended the $100 per ticket reception as a favour to Ms. Young's husband whom she's friends with. But that doesn't mean she's switching allegiances. "I made it clear at the function that I was a New Democrat - always going to vote New Democrat," she said. "I got a lot of laughs. And that was what it was all about." The following is a complete copy of the invite to that event, which was held at former Non-Partisan Association mayoral candidate Jennifer Clarke's home.

Allan De Genova may have torn up his Non-Partisan Association membership card. But the parks board member's Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination campaign seems to be looking to the right-leaning civic party for design inspiration. His brochure features reds, whites and blues - similar to those used by the association. And its front includes a text box topped by a distinctive swoosh - another design element used by the right-leaning civic party.

The provincial government's media monitoring service is about to get an upgrade. According to documents posted on BC Bid today, the finance ministry has contracted with Aktiv Software Corp. to build upon Today's News Online's "existing performance measurement and analysis tools, including category assignment, tone designation, report mechanism and graphics package." In practice, that means news collected by the services will soon feature information about how many people might have read, listened to or seen those stories and where they live. So, for example, an article published by The Times Colonist would include the newspaper's readership numbers. The value of the contact isn't expected to exceed $55,400. The following is a complete copy of the notice of intent.

California State Senator Joe Simitian has great hopes the Canadian government will start taking a closer look at the cruise ship industry. Last month, Simitian introduced legislation that would require cruise ships steaming through the Golden State's waters to have a so-called ocean ranger on board to "monitor matters of public safety and environmental compliance." The reason: according to his bill, "the cruise ship industry has a poor record of self-policing environmental practices" and has "failed to adopt adequate measures to protect passengers from theft, rape, assaults, and suspected homocides." And, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Simitian said "the ideal situation would be a seamless network of protection from one end of the Pacific coast to another" - with Canada adopting similar legislation.

Last night, provincial New Democrat legislator Gregor Robertson flew across the Georgia Strait to attend an event in support of his bid to become Vision Vancouver's mayoral candidate. But taxpayers didn't pick up the tab for that flight, says Mr. Robertson. "I'm paying for my own travel. My campaign will cover travel costs when it's specifically for" the nomination bid - as was the case on Tuesday. Mr. Robertson went onto add he "made the dash" for Vancouver "right when the house adjoured" at 6:30 "and caught the last flight back. So I didn't get to my event till 7:30 or so. It was a bit of a scramble. But I'm committed to representing Vancouver-Fairview here in the house and maintaining my solid attendance record."

Former federal Liberal British Columbia president Bill Cunningham could soon be working for Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination candidate Allan De Genova. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Cunningham confirmed he has been "talking with Al and his campaign. And, although the parameters haven't necessarily been hammered out, I have agreed to help out the campaign in whatever capacity makes the most sense for them. Al's a great guy. And he's got a lot of great people and energetic supporters. And it seems like something I want to be a part of." Asked about rumours he might be paid up to $10,000 for his trouble, the Burnaby-Douglas Grit candidate chuckled and said, "It certainly would not be anything at that level."

The outgoing president of the British Columbia Government and Service Employees Union may soon be helping out former American vice-president Al Gore. In an interview with Public Eye, George Heyman confirmed he's been invited to be one of The Climate Project's presenters - receiving training to deliver a version of Mr. Gore's Academy Award-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Explained Mr. Heyman, "I've been invited to take the training and I'm very much interested in doing it. I'm just trying to see if I can make it work with my schedule. I think the issue of climate change and global warming is a very important one. It's obviously got increasing public profile thanks, in no small measure, to the efforts of the former vice-president of the U.S. I understand the focus has shifted a bit in the presentations. Now that people understand the problem, the focus is shifting a bit more to the solutions. And I'm very interested in that."

New York Senator William Learned Marcy once said, "To the victor belongs the spoils." And that certainly seems to be the case when measuring the amount of donations each provincial political party receives from national lobbying firms with offices in British Columbia. According to an analysis of Elections British Columbia filings by Public Eye, Earnscliffe Strategy Group Inc. contributed the most to the Liberals - donating $10,971 between 2005 and 2006. By comparison, Hill and Knowlton Canada Ltd. contributed $8,180, followed by Fleishman-Hillard Canada Inc. at $7,530 and National Public Relations Ltd. at $6,325. No donations were made to the New Democrats. The following is a complete listing of those donations by firm.

Laura McDiarmid, the Liberal candidate in Vancouver-Hasting during the 2005 election, says she won't be running for the party in 2009. But the former Non-Partisan Association parks board chair is considering making another bid for civic office. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. McDiarmid said she had "given that a thought" when asked if she would be seeking the Liberal's Vancouver-West End nomination. But, instead, she says she's "leaning more toward" getting a spot on the civic association's council slate - with a decision coming sometime in the next two weeks.

Add another line to the list of all-candidate debates being skipped by federal Conservative Vancouver-Quadra by-election candidate Deborah Meredith. In an interview with Public Eye, Voters Taking Action of Climate Change director Kevin Washbrook confirmed Ms. Meredith won't be showing up for their global warming town hall meeting - scheduled to take place this Thursday at the Saint James Community Square. Said Mr. Washbrook, "It looks like, as of now, that Deb has still declined the meeting. It would be better for us if it included all the candidates. But we'll do what we can."

Last month, The Georgia Straight's Carlito Pablo reported Vancouver-Quadra federal Conservative by-election candidate Deborah Meredith "decided not to participate" in a debate being organized by Engineers Without Borders Canada. And now Public Eye has learned she's skipping another chance to face off against her opponents. In an interview, Friends of Canadian Broadcasting spokesperson Jim Thompson said he's been told Ms. Meredith won't be showing up for their all-candidate debate because it's a "busy time." This, despite the fact the debate is being held this coming Friday at the University of British Columbia - where Ms. Meredith works as a law lecturer.

Here's another word to add to the dictionary of government jargon: disentanglement. According to an email distributed last month, the ministry of children and family development's leadership team made a decision on December 4 to "communicate the definition" of this word "widely" among staff. So here it is: "Disentanglement is the process of identifying resources being used currently by the ministry to provide services and support functions to aboriginal organizations, children and families. It is not necessarily a process to transfer resources to aboriginal authorities, although it could be used, among many others, for decision making purposes at a later point in time." So that's good to know. The following is a complete copy of that email.

Here's more evidence of cooperation between the Coalition of Progressive Electors and Vancouver's Green and Work Less parties: on March 7, the three civic associations will be hosting a joint fundraiser at the Cambrian Hall. Billed as an "interactive evening of live music, comedy, theatre, dance and surprise," revenue earned from Cabarnet Politique ticket sales will be split between the parties. The following is a complete copy of the invite to that event.

Last year, Public Eye reported one of British Columbia's leading tourist operators picked up Tourism, Sports and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen's bill at a weekend arts festival. At the time, Minister Hagen - who disclosed that gift to then conflict of interest commissioner H.A.D. Oliver - estimated its value at about $280. But, according to Minister Hagen's most recent public disclosure statement, the value of that getaway was higher - $558. The following is a complete copy of Minister Hagen's invite to that festival, which was obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request.

In its most recent service plan, the ministry of aboriginal relations and reconciliation committed the government to improving "First Nations' capacity to participate in government engagements." But aboriginals surveyed by the New Relationship Trust don't seem to place as much importance on building that capacity when compared with other priorities. Asked to rank the importance of the trust's four objectives, First Nations peoples put enhancing the economic status of their communities at the top - along with improving cultural, educational, health care, linguistic and professional development services. The improvement of land and resource management was "ranked as the next most critical, nd governance issues ranked last." Although, in fairness, the trust reported "respondents identified all four of the trust Objectives as being important."

The young provincial Liberals have organized a video contest to see who can best promote the Campbell administration's latest throne speech or budget initiatives. But they're not looking to the federal Grits headlining "Hi, I'm a Liberal." campaign for inspiration. Instead, in an email promoting the contest - which closes today - youth president Chris Sandve uses a Conservative advertisement mocking party leader Stephane Dion as an example of the kind of video he's looking for. Fancy that! The following is a complete copy of that email.

The provincial Liberals 2002 treaty negotiations referendum was seen by the late syndicated columnist Hurbert Beyer as "little more than a government seeking voter permission to bash the province's aboriginals." Indeed, at the time, The Times Colonist's editorial board, wrote the referendum has "increased suspicion and mistrust among aboriginal people, encouraged other British Columbians to deny the reality of aboriginal title and emboldened racist groups like that one in Kelowna proclaiming that a 'yes' vote would make B.C. 'a better place for white families.'" So we find it passingly curious that, six years later, the ministry of aboriginal relations and reconciliation has introduced a new performance measure committing the government to increasing British Columbians' "positive awareness of diversity and value of Aboriginal cultures."

Last week, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond - while commenting on the ministry of children and family development's most recent service plan - expressed concern "that the government has said every ministry is only alloweed six" performance measures. Asked for comment, public affairs bureau executive director Ron Norman agreed the number of measures has been reduced across government - although "there is no defined number of six." And the reason for that reduction? According to Mr. Norman, the changes were made in "consultation" and with the "support" of the British Columbia's auditor general "to better reflect the reporting principles agreed in 2003." That's a reference to then auditor general Wayne Strelioff recommendation that "good public performance reporting should focus on the few, critical aspects of performance."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, University of Victoria Harvey Stevenson Southam lecturer Charles Campbell discusses the future of investigative blogging in Canada. Journalist and social activist Murray Dobbin weighs in on former Reform leader Preston Manning's efforts to organize the right. And Alaskan lawyer Joe Geldhof tells us why Canada should be paying closer attention to cruise ship pollution. 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.