April 2008 Archives

Earlier, The Globe and Mail's Wendy Stueck reported the mining industry was "totally caught off guard" by the provincial government's decision to close the door on uranium mining. This, according to the Association for Mineral Exploration of British Columbia president Dan Jepsen. And Boss Power Inc. president Dan Stone - whose company owns the controversial Blizzard Uranium Claim - also expressed his displeasure. But Mr. Stone - who recently hired Cindy Burton to lobby the provincial government on behalf of his firm - and Mr. Jepsen aren't isn't the only ones concerned about the ban.

Earlier this month, the ministry of children and family development quietly posted copies of its revised good practice action and an accompanying operational framework on its Website. Those documents are the culmination of a consultation effort that got underway last July. But, despite their importance, a spokesperson for the children and youth representative says the ministry hasn't yet given Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond a briefing about that plan. Nevertheless, the spokesperson said Ms. Turpel-Lafond is "looking forward" to that briefing. And would be "happy" to discuss the issue once she has received "more info from the ministry on it."

Vancouver councillor Raymond Louie has been a national representative for the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada. Which has some wondering what aid, if any, the union might be lending to Mr. Louie's bid for the Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination. Asked whether organization work for his campaign was taking place at the labour organization's western region office, Mr. Louie responded, "I don't know where all my different volunteers are. They're all over the place. But there may be some effort coming out of there. I don't know. The best person to talk to in terms of allocation of resources and where they come from is Neil Moncton." So we did. But this is what Mr. Moncton, Mr. Louie's campaign manager, had to say: "I can't talk about our internal workings, Sean. CEP is certainly supporting Raymond. And (the union's administrative vice president) Don Boucher is endorsing Raymond." The union hasn't yet returned a phone call from Public Eye.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former University of Victoria human and social development faculty dean Brian Wharf shares his thoughts on the ministry of children and family development's good practice action plan. Thompson Rivers University assistant journalism professor Alan Bass talks about the need to professionalize journalists. And British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union president George Heyman opines on the Campbell administration's outsourcing initiatives. 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.

Look who's endorsing Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Gregor Robertson. Why it's Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 15 president Paul Faoro. Funny that. Isn't Raymond Louie supposed to be the labour movement's candidate? The following is an advanced copy of the news release announcing that endorsement.

The ministry of children and family development wasn't the only public institution that got a thrashing in child protection watchdog Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond's most recent report - Amanda, Savannah, Rowen and Serena: From Loss to Learning. In that report, Ms. Turpel-Lafond states, "It was strongly hoped that the establishment of a social work program at the University of Northern British Columbia would significantly improve the recruitment and retention of well-trained staff. The results have apparently been mixed, with some new graduates leaving the Ministry after a year or two of employment...If better results are to be achieved in the system of supports and services for vulnerable children, then more careful monitoring and evaluation is required of the placement of graduates, program content, and human resource issues." But the program's chair doesn't seem to be in much of a rush to respond to those concerns.

Yesterday, we reported the Vancouver Island Exploration Group is raising concerns about the Campbell administration's newly-introduce Road Resource Act. But, in an email to Public Eye, the ministry of forests and range seems to be suggesting the group's concerns are unfounded. Responding to complaints that commercial and industrial road users will now have to pay forest companies to use those corridors, the ministry confirmed the act does allow for the establishment of such fees. But "there is no plan to impose new fees for industrial use."

Earlier, we reported on Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP partner David Chesman's involvement with Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Allan De Genova's campaign. And that involvement may be of interest to the civic association's union sympathizing members. In an interview with Public Eye, Compass Group Canada Ltd. vice-president and general counsel Leslie White confirmed Mr. Chesman has "done quite a bit of work for us on the labour union stuff...for several years at least." Of course, Compass is the same company that was awarded controversial housekeeping and food services privatization contracts by the Provincial Health Services Authority and the Vancouver Island Health Authority in 2003 and 2004 respectively. Mr. Chesman didn't return a phone call placed by Public Eye.

The provincial government has already announced the University College of the Fraser Valley, Kwantlen University College and Malaspina University-College will all become universities. At it looks like Capilano College may be next. Because the Campbell administration has invited dignitaries to attend "a special event" at the post-secondary institution tomorrow morning at 10:00. Earlier, The Georgia Straight's Charlie Smith reported the premier's only sister, Catherine Vertesi, has been "involved in the campaign to designate Capilano College a 'regional university.'" The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned invite.

Earlier, we reported former provincial Liberal legislator Susan Brice presently has no plans to run in Saanich South during the next election. So who will? Well, some are promoting Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP partner Clark Roberts as a possible candidate in that riding. Asked about such talk, Mr. Roberts told Public Eye, "I've been asked a number of times whether I'm interested. But no decision has made." So when does he expect to make a decision? "As I understand it, the party wants to have a nomination secured by September. So sometime between now and then I guess." That being said, Mr. Clark added, "I'm practicing law. I'm enjoying it. I have a young family. I'm enjoying them...So it's not an easy decision to make." Between 1992 and 1997, Mr. Roberts was general counsel for the Liberal caucus when they were in opposition. He also ran as the federal Grit candidate in Saanich-Gulf Islands during the 1997 election.

A Vancouver Island prospecting group is concerned about provincial government legislation which privatizes British Columbia's back country roads "to the detriment of its citizens" - "dramatically" affecting the lifestyles "enjoyed by most rural British Columbians and First Nations." In the past, according to an analysis distributed by the Vancouver Island Exploration Group and obtained by Public Eye, the government had responsibility and control over such roads. But the Resource Road Act will "de facto" transfer their ownership "to a select group of Forest Sector Companies and unaccountable Crown Corporations."

Former Campbell administration finance minister Gary Collins may no longer be a politician. But he's soon going to be up for re-election - this time, as a trustee with Liquor Stores Income Fund. Last year, we reported Mr. Collins had been appointed as a fund trustee - earning him $60,000 annually. But, to keep that cash compensation coming, he'll have to be re-elected as a trustee at the fund's annual general meeting - which will be held on May 8 at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edomton. As a trustee, Mr. Collins also holds 1,000 trust shares, valued at $20,650.

Earlier, we reported the ministry of children and family development's revised good practice action plan would be released before the end of the spring legislative session. So it should come as no surprise to our readers that, last week, the ministry quietly posted the plan - "Strong, Safe, and Supported" - along with an accompanying operational framework on its Website.

During his two-week trade mission to Europe, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Rich Neufeld met with the Norwegian "industry representatives in renewable energy, carbon capture and storage and offshore resources." This, according to a government news release promoting the trip. But those weren't the only businessmen who had an opportunity to hobnob with Minister Neufeld while he was visiting the Scandanavian country. A confidential agenda obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request, shows he was at a reception attended by "military oil companies" and hosted by the Canadian embassy. The ministry hasn't yet responded to a request for comment placed yesterday. Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway and home to the North Atlatnic Treaty Organization's Joint Warfare Centre. The following is an edited copy of the relevant portion of that agenda.

When last we spoke with Lynne Henderson, she was working as then federal Liberal parliamentarian David Anderson's special assistant. But now we hear she may be making her own bid for elected office. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Henderson confirmed she's considering running for Victoria city council. And will she make a decision about the matter? "Probably in the next few weeks. I want to see how much support is out there."

In the last provincial election, incumbent Saanich South Liberal candidate Susan Brice lost the election to New Democrat David Cubberley by just 429 votes. Which makes us wonder whether Ms. Brice may make another bid for provincial office in that riding. But, in an interview with Public Eye, the now Saanich councillor didn't seem interested in the prospect. "I get asked that a lot. And I get people suggesting they would like me to and that sort of thing," said Ms. Brice "But, at this juncture, I'm committed to running for re-election for Saanich" council.

Earlier, we reported the Global Anti-Incinerator Alliance has expressed concern about government support for biomass power development - an industry being promoted by the Campbell administration. But they're not the only ones worried about such developments. In an interview with Public Eye, District of 100 Mile House Mayor Donna Barnett said, "I think the concern I have is we don't know enough about" whether biomass power is clean and carbon neutral. "And another concern I have is to make sure that, if we're going to utilize the pine beetle wood" for fuel such power projects "we have to make sure we don't extract all of the resource out there and leave some (of that waste wood) for the ecosystem." That being said, though, Mayor Barnett - vice-chair of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition - added she was confident the Campbell administration is confident the Campbell administration will soon have research available to allay those concerns.

Chad Pederson is offering Facebook users a lesson in British Columbia politics. The provincial Liberal communications director has put together an online quiz on the subject. But, not suprisingly, all the right answers praise the Campbell administration or put a pox on past New Democrat governments. The following is a complete copy of that quiz.

Last year, we reported the government had issued 25 permits to Fred. Olsen Marine Renewables Ltd. allowing the company "to investigate the development" of tidal power projects at locations across the province. And it seems the Norwegian company continues to remain interested in British Columbia's renewable energy opportunities. According to a confidential agenda obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Rich Neufeld met with Fred. Olsen Group of Companies chairman Fredrik Olsen, chief executive officer Annette Olsen and other company executives during his two-week European trade mission last November. Fred. Olsen is also proposing to develop a wind park project in Peachland.

Last year, Public Eye filed freedom of information requests for notes taken during international trips by Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Rich Neufeld and then minister of state for mining Bill Bennett. Those notes revealed the government's apparent support for a controversial plan to staff a proposed underground coal mine in northeastern British Columbia with workers from China. And they also uncovered an offer by Exxon-Mobil Corp. to help the Campbell administration lift the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas development. But it seems the government is no longer keeping such documents.

Back in November, watchdog Mary Ellen-Turpel Lafond criticized bureaucrats for obstructing her attempts to monitor the ministry of children and family development. But, just one month earlier, meeting minutes obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request describe a dramatically different relationship between Ms. Turpel-Lafond and the ministry's top bureaucrat Lesley du Toit. According to those minutes, which were taken during a children and family development leadership team meeting, the representative told senior civil servants "there is a strong relationship with DM in sharing information and completing protocols." Moreover, the minutes state the children and youth representative's office "doesn't see themselves as monitoring the ministry, but working in collaboration."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, British Columbia Association of Social Workers' child welfare and family committee chair Paul Jenkinson shares his thoughts on the children and youth representative's recent report. Journalists Bob Mackin and Stanley Tromp discuss secrecy at the Vancouver 2010 Olymic Games. And Maquila Solidarity Network advocacy director Kevin Thomas talks about how sportswear companies are treating their overseas workers. 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.

In January, the mayor's community relations manager Anna Lucarino stated Sam Sullivan's office had received so "many inquiries as to how to purchase membership, contribute financially or become a volunteer to help support" the Non-Partisan Association leader, that it was necessary for her to send a mass email directing voters to his recently-launched website. But, according to a freedom of information request filed by Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 15, the mayor's office received no such inquiries via e-mail or snail mail between Jan. 1, 2008, and Jan. 31, 2008.

Surrey-Fleetwood is one of the new constituencies proposed by British Columbia's electoral boundaries commission. But it seems there might already be a frontrunner in the race to become the provincial Liberal candidate in that riding: United Realty RCK & Associates Ltd. sales representative Jagmohan Singh. Asked about such talk, Mr. Singh told Public Eye, "It is very early on, and I don't even think the riding association has been created yet. Right now,| am focused on my business and there is a possibility...but it's very early."

"Wow!" That was the audible and accidental reaction from one journalist listening-in as children and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond raised significant concerns about child welfare practices in northern British Columbia. Speaking at a news conference, Ms. Turpel-Lafond summarized the results of her most recent investigation which found "an inability on the part of the Ministy to learn" lessons from the deaths of children. In fact, according to the representative, recent proposed changes to the way those deaths are reviewed, do "not demonstrate enough detail to serve the interests of public accountability" and are "quite possibly a step backward in terms of defining when to conduct" such inquiries. Her investigation also found work to improve child welfare practices in the north "is not yet in hand." And Ms. Turpel-Lafond told reporters "the standard of practice has not appreciably improved" since 1995. But that wasn't the only news being made as a result of the representative's review.

Earlier, we reported companies owning facilities that emitted 100,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gases in 2006 donated $1.6 million to the provincial Liberals between 2005 and 2007. Asked for comment, Environmental Defence project manager Matt Price said, "For me it underlines the need to do campaign finance reform in B.C. because it creates the perception among voters that the governing party is being bankrolled by major polluters at a time when they're also supposed to be pursuing a climate agenda."

Compared with some former provincial politicians, Christy Clark hasn't had much trouble finding employment outside the legislature - hosting her own talk show on CKNW. And now she's going to be adding another bullet to her resume. Yesterday, in an email to clients, her husband, Burrard Communications Inc. founder Mark Marissen, announced Ms. Clark is moving from the government and media relations firm to become a senior advisor with newly-formed Burrard Executive Search Inc. The following is a complete copy of that email.

Managers and professionals working at the University of British Columbia could be getting a raise in 2009. Earlier this month, the university quietly announced it was looking for a "consulting firm to conduct a Compensation Market Review" for those positions - which number over 2,500. According to the request for proposal, the University of British Columbia will implement the recommendations resulting from that review "on or after April 1, 2009." The following is a complete copy of the relevant portion of that proposal.

In their most recent filing with Elections British Columbia, the provincial Liberals disclosed they received two prohibited contributions totalling $530 from the British Columbia Paraplegic Association - which, as a charitable organization, is barred from donating money to political parties. We found those contributions curious given that their marketing and development director is considering running for the party in the next election. But, in an interview with Public Eye, association executive director Melanie Crombie explained the donations were the result of a "clerical error that (the Liberals) said they would take care of."

Last month, Coalition of Progressive Electors members celebrated the fortieth anniversary of their party - along with Vision Vancouverites such as George Chow and Gregor Robertson. But opinion was split as to whether Messrs. Chow and Robertson's attendance at that anniversary was a cause for celebration. Responding to one such enthusiastic email, party secretary Tim Louis wrote, "Let's not forget that Heather Deal" - who was invited but couldn't make the event "and George Chow represent the party that stole money from COPE and to this day have refused to repay it." That accusation is a reference to the fact the coalition accumulated a substantial debt during the 2002 campaign - which resulted in the election of the four politicians who would go on to establish Vision Vancouver. As a result, Mr. Louis warned, "Let's not be too effervescent in our effusive gushing at their willingness to attend our events." The following is an edited copy of the aforementioned email.

It hasn't been announced yet by BC Hydro Corp. But last week, according to the board resourcing and development office, Tsawwassen First Nation chief Kim Baird was quietly appointed to the power authority's board of directors along with Busby, Perkins + Will Architects Co. founder Peter Busby. Under Ms. Baird's leadership, the Tsawwassen people ratified Canada's first modern, urban treaty.

May we draw your attention to one of the more curious advertisements we've ever seen in the The Vancouver Sun: yesterday, on page B5 of the broadsheet's Westcoast News section, veteran reporter Glenn Bohn took out space to announce he's leaving the paper on "April 30, but not to retire. He's looking for work as a communications specialist or freelance writer."

Lockheed Martin Corp.'s Skunk Works program has been responsible for some of the company's most secretive aircraft designs - including the U-2, the SR-71, the F-117 and the F-22. So it should come as no surprise the provincial government has appropriated that monicker as part of its secretive climate action initiative. Writing in last month's edition of Canadian Government Executive magazine, the premier's deputy minister Jessica McDonald states, "A series of so-called 'skunk works' sessions" was organized for government employees "to encourage open brainstorming of ideas" on how the Campbell administration can meet its ambitious environmental agenda.

The Liberals may claim to be the party of fiscal prudence in this province. But at least some of the events organized by their youth members don't seem to have been run on a cost-recovery basis. According to the party's 2007 Elections British Columbia filings, their BC Lions Night on October 10 had a net loss of $216. And a soccer game on November 2007, cost the party $236.25.

Back in 2006, Monday Magazine's Russ Francis reported between 2002 and 2004, the Great Century Fund gave the provincial Liberals $24,750 in prohibited donations. At the time, party communications Chad Pederson said the party was unable to discover any information about the fund, which does not appear in the Canada Revenue Agency's list of charities. But the party "refunded it out of an abundance of caution." Nevertheless, that doesn't seem to have deterred the fund from making another prohibited donation - this time for the amount of $7,500 - to the Liberals in 2007, according to Elections British Columbia. Persistent aren't they?

In the BC Liberal Party it seems you're never too young to have a message box. In response to reports that universities will receive substantially less provincial funding then they were told to expect, youth communications director Zach Poturica sent an email to fellow travellers with "some facts and information about what's really taking place." We'll let you read that email for yourself. But pay particular attention to Mr. Poturcia's rather curious complimentary close - "Reaching Higher" - which, presumably, was inspired by the title of Premier Gordon Campbell's address to the party's 2006 convention. The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned email and its follow-up.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former provincial deputy minister Jon O'Riordan shares his thoughts on adapting to climate change. Grassland ecologist Don Gayton tells us how global warming is impacting the Interior of British Columbia. 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.

Italian social service agency director Rocco DiTrolio is signing-up Vision Vancouver members on behalf of mayoral nomination candidate Allan De Genova. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. DiTrolio, who made an failed bid in 2006 to be the first Canadian elected to the Italian Parliament as the representative for North and Central America, confirmed his involvement with the De Genova campaign. "He's a very pleasant man," he explained. "I admire his positivity, how much he's done for the parks and across Vancouver. And he's a very inspiring man - full of energy. He speaks sincerely - not to mention that he has an Italian background." But, he added with a laugh, "that's not the reason why I support him." In 1997, Mr. DiTrolio also unsuccessfully ran for the New Democrat nomination in Vancouver East against Libby Davies.

Companies owning facilities that emitted 100,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gases in 2006, donated $1.6 million to the provincial Liberals between 2005 and 2007. This, according to a Public Eye analysis of Elections British Columbia filings and data compiled by Environment Canada. Duke Energy Corp. - whose facilities emitted the most greenhouse gases at more than 4.1 million tonnes - donated $49,520 to the Liberals. But Fording Inc. and Teck Cominco Ltd. - which jointly own Elk Valley Coal Corp. - were the second biggest emitters at more than 1.1 million tonnes. And they donated substantially more to the Liberals: $666,690. The following is a complete copy of our analysis.

Janine Bandcroft, the publisher of Left Coast News and Events, received a rather blunt response from Corus Entertainment Inc.'s national program director Ross Winters after distributing an email criticizing the mainstream media's coverage of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In a message sent on Tuesday afternoon, Ms. Bandcroft links to a video that she says includes information about the Olympics that is "censored daily by our own 'state' or 'corporate' media! let's make this the last olympics !!!" But that plea didn't seem to sit too well with Mr. Winters. "what a bunch of crap," he replied "bring on the olympics and many more." The following is a copy of that email exchange.

Last month, the provincial government announced it had "appointed a Power (sic) River business owner to sit on the board of the Island Coastal Economic Trust." According to the announcement, David Formosa "currently serves as president of the Powell River Chamber of Commerce. He is also active with a number of community groups and serves as a director on the boards of the Powell River Hospital Foundation and the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society." But that's not all. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Formosa confirmed he's the past president of the provincial Liberal Powell River-Sunshine Coast constituency association. And, in 2002, the riding's then legislator Harold Long introduced him as a "good friend." Asked whether he thought his political involvement influenced his appointment, Mr. Formosa responded, "The fact that they know me is through my association with the riding association. But I would think the reason I was appointed is because of my vast business experience." The following is a complete copy of the aformentioned announcement.

Four years ago, freelancer Ann Rees revealed provincial freedom of information requests filed by the "media, anyone working for the Opposition, lobby groups, and others, who might use records to embarrass government" are automatically flagged as sensitive on a government-wide database. And "troublesome requesters are often identified by name and brought to the attention of the minister responsible, a breach of privacy protections in the Act." At the time, the office of the privacy and information and commissioner launched an investigation into the matter. And it's our understanding the office will finally be reporting out on that investigation before the end of the month.

Earlier, we reported on provincial Liberal campaign manager and business executive Chris Gardner's appointment to B.C. Ferry Authority. Asked about that appointment, House Leader Mike de Jong said, "I don't think the fact that people are active in supporting political parties of their choice should preclude them from serving public functions." But that statement didn't seem to satisfy New Democrat transportation critic Maurine Karagianis. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Karagianis stated, "It's always just fascinating to me just how tight the circle is between the Liberals, their supporters and donors and their cronies. It's no surprise that as we see some of their friends exiting Crown corporations, we're now seeing others entering. So, as always, the government likes to keep their friends in high places so they have some control.”

Remember the ministry of children and family development good practice action plan? You know, the one that child and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond criticized for only "superficially" referring to recommendations made in Ted Hughes's independent review of British Columbia child protection system. Well, we hear that action plan could be released before the end of the spring legislative session. Although it may look much different than the one Public Eye first revealed last July.

Surrey-Newton provincial Liberal constituency association president Sonia Virk is looking for someone to run against incumbent New Democrat legislator Harry Bains during the next election. But some think she should be looking no further than herself. After all, Ms. Virk is past president of the Indo-Canadian Business Association and co-founder of Joomratty and Virk Barristers and Solicitors. But, in an interview with Public Eye, she declined to say whether she had been approached about putting her name forward for public office. "I'm not comfortable discussing this," said Ms. Virk. "I'm the president of the Surrey-Newton riding. And I'm involved in finding a candidate. We don't have a candidate yet. That's something I can tell you" - adding she wasn't personally interested in the nomination.

Representatives from Vision Vancouver's three mayoral nomination campaigns met for the first time this morning with members of the civic association's executive, Public Eye has learned. Those in attendance included Allan De Genova's legal agent David Chesman, Gregor Robertson's spokesman Brad Zubyk and former provincial New Democrat deputy minister Douglas MacArthur - a member of Raymond Louie's campaign administration committee. Executive members at the meeting included Carolyn Askew, Mike Magee and Denise Taschereau.

Earlier, we reported on the curious case of Sara Pearson: the fine arts student and spa receptionist who was recently appointed to the board of the private career training institutions agency. Asked whether he had ever met Ms. Pearson - whose spa is located across the street from the legislature - Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell stated, "I don't believe I've ever met her no." Although Minister Coel added, "Over the last ten years I've probably been there" - referring to the Spa at the Grand.

Let us, for a moment, contemplate the the Campbell administration's latest appointment to the B.C. Ferry Authority. According to a biography posted by the Campbell administration's board resourcing and development office, Chris Gardner is the strategic planning and corporate development vice-president for The Britco Group of Companies. And his "experience includes work in the Asia Pacific as a Director of Corporate Finance for Paion Co. Ltd. in Seoul, South Korea, a Director of Corporate Finance for ING Investment Bank in Seoul, South Korea and as a Manager in the International Finance Department of Samsung Electronics in Seoul, South Korea." But Mr. Gardner, who spent 11 years in Asia, also happens to be one of Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon's university friends, having managed the provincial Liberal campaign in Surrey-Panorama Ridge during the 2004 by-election.

Earlier, 24 hours' Irwin Loy reported Vancouver taxpayers would be spending $2,260 to send Non-Partisan Association city councillor Elizabeth Ball to the 2008 Juno Awards in Calgary. And what did she learned from that trip, you may wonder? In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Ball stated, "It was a tremendous opportunity to see the effects the Junos have on the city. And, obviously, from being there you could see that it is a wonderful opportunity for a city from every aspect that you could possibly imagine. It engaged the city at every level you can imagine - from little children all the way through every business was engaged. The taxi drivers were passionate about it - the people we met in the street. It was absolutely wonderful. And, of course, it was a weekend of work as we took in the backstage tours to examine all the venues which, for me, was the very interesting part of it."

Earlier, we reported a fine arts student who works as a receptionist at a luxury spa near the legislature has been appointed to the board of the private career training institutions agency. This, as part of a government commitment to enhance quality and strengthen accountability at British Columbia's private-post-secondary institutions. Asked for comment on that appointment, Federation of Post Secondary Educators president Cindy Oliver stated, "The minister really needs to take this situation seriously. I mean, we have heard over the past couple years that there have been too many (private-post-secondary) students ripped-off."

Back in June, Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell announced new measures to "protect students, enhance quality, and strengthen accountability at B.C.'s private-post-secondary institutions." Among them - "appointing two new members to the board of the Private Career Training Institutions Agency, one of whom will be a student." And it seems the government didn't have to look very far to find that new student representative. The Campbell administration's board resourcing and development office announced today the receptionist and former manager of the Hotel Grand Pacific's spa has been appointed to that post. This being the same luxury hotel that's across the street from the legislature.

BC Paraplegic Association marketing and public relations director Stephanie Cadieux has confirmed she's considering running for the provincial Liberals in Surrey-Panorama Ridge during the next election. Asked what prompted her interest in running, Ms. Cadieux briefly stated, "I've been interested in politics for quite sometime." And when might she make a decision about the matter? "I don't know. I haven't heard that there's been any big rush yet. With such a new riding, I'm sure there will be quite the interest in it." Last year, the Campbell administration appointed Ms. Cadieux - who was also the accessibility manager for 2010 LegaciesNow - to the ActNow BC Leadership Council. New Democrat legislator Jagrup Brar presently represents Surrey-Panorama Ridge.

Earlier, we reported the premier's former special advisor has been lobbying the Liberals on behalf of Cubic Transportation Systems Inc. - an American firm interested in a Campbell administration proposal to install electronic turnstiles at every SkyTrain and Canada Line station by 2010. So Ken Dobell will surely want to know TransLink quietly announced last Thursday it's now soliciting "information regarding potential smart card and fare gate concepts, solutions, services and systems."

Former public affairs bureau executive director Andy Orr will soon be back on the public payroll - although not as a member of the provincial government. Mr. Orr is leaving Ascent Public Affairs Inc. to become the senior manager of corporate communications at the capital regional district.

Earlier, we reported Earnscliffe Strategy Group Inc. topped the list of national lobbying firms contributing money to the provincial Liberals - donating $3,981 in 2005 and $6,990 in 2006. And that trend continued in 2007. According to recently released Elections British Columbia filings, Earnscliffe contributed $12,690 to the province's governing party last year. By comparison, Hill and Knowlton Canada Ltd. donated $6,730, followed by Fleishman-Hillard Canada Inc. at $2,990. National Public Relations Ltd. didn't contribute to the Liberals last year.

Over the weekend, Canwest News Service's Richard Warnica reported "Allan de Genova, who is running for the left-leaning Vision Vancouver party's mayoral nomination, gave $900" to the provincial Liberals in 2007 - "a move that likely won't sit well with his fellow party member and mayoral rival, NDP MLA Gregor Robertson." But that wasn't the first time Mr. De Genova contributed to the province's governing party since 2005. According to Elections British Columbia filings, he also made a $300 contribution in 2006. By comparison, Mr. Robertson donated $4,184.38 over the same period to the New Democrats. Raymond Louie, who is also running for the Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination, didn't make contributions to either party. The following is a complete list of Mr. Robertson's contributions.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Pembina Institute British Columbia energy solutions acting director Matt Horne discusses the province's new carbon trading legislation. Richmond school trustee Chak Au shares his thoughts on how our school boards are changing. And The Leader's Jeff Nagel talks about increased secrecy at TransLink. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Alex Tsakumis and Brad Zubyk - 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.

Sustainable resource management deputy minister Jon O'Riordan retired from the provincial government four years ago. But that doesn't mean he's done giving the Campbell administration policy advice. In an interview with Public Eye, Simon Fraser University program director Deborah Harford confirmed Mr. O'Riordan will be the author of her Adaptation to Climate Change Team's first policy paper. That paper, which is expected to be released in mid-June, will make recommendation on how government should respond to climate change impacts on plant and animal species. Mr. O'Riordan has been involved with the project since September 2007.

Earlier, we reported the Global 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" - a position that could be at odds with the Campbell administration's new bioenergy strategy. In an interview with Public Eye, the alliance's United States coordinator Dave Ciplet explained, "I think there's a lot of room for concern about biomass incineration in terms of the greenhouse gas impact, the toxic impact and the economics of it." He said a finalized position on biomass power is "less than a year away."

Controversial city clerk Syd Baxter is retiring. But that doesn't mean he won't still be working for Vancouver taxpayers. In an email sent to staff yesterday, Mr. Baxter writes "I had originally thought that I would retire from the City in the usual way with a normal last day of work. In discussion with the City Manager she asked me to instead consider transitioning to retirement by potentially reducing my work week and assisting with some of the many corporate projects that are currently underway or being considered. I have agreed to that opportunity." Mr. Baxter made headlines last year when he accused then British Columbia Federation of Labour executive director Geoff Meggs of "engineering" a strike by civic workers. The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned email.