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 Messers. Stone - who recently hired Cindy Burton to lobby the provincial government on behalf of his firm - and Jepsen aren't isn't the only ones concerned about the ban.

In a letter addressed to Premier Gordon Campbell, former British Columbia Geological Survey member B. Neil Church writes, "We feel that the government has been ill-informed in deciding to return to the uranium moratorium. The global investment community will remember the government freeze on development of the Windy-Craggy deposit in the 70’s and many other major and minor projects that resulted in the ‘ABC’ mantra (Anywhere but British Columbia). As an active member of the of the local mining-exploration community, I urge you and your government not to damage or seriously alter the mineral investment climate in British Colombia, especially at this time when metal commodity prices are high and there is much attraction elsewhere for development funding." The following is a complete copy of his letter.

***

April 28th, 2008
Honourable Gordon Campbell
Premier
PO Box 9041 Stn Prov Govt
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, B.C., V8W 9E1

Dear Premier Campbell

I am writing to convey my concern with the recent remarks by your Minister of State for Mining, Mr. Kevin Kruger, who has proclaimed a prohibition against exploration and development of uranium (reported by the Globe and Mail, April 26th/08).

Since expiry of the uranium moratorium in 1987, imposed by the previous Social Credit Government, there has been new research prompting more uranium exploration in British Columbia. Much progress has been made in the science of extraction and handling uranium. Indeed, many uranium deposits in British Columbia appear to be amenable to the widely used low environmental impact in situ solution leach ‘ISL’ recovery process. Solution mining is a relatively new method whereby ore is treated in situ. The ISL process reverses the ore genesis in a very short time frame. Most operating ISL mines are small and less than 10 years old yet they supply 85% of the current US uranium production. There is little surface disturbance and no tailings or waste rock generated. Techniques for ISL have evolved to the point where the procedures work within strict environmental controls and considerable cost savings compared to traditional mining methods.

The combined production of uranium in Canada from six provinces and three territories amounts to 25-30 % of the total annual world production. Uranium mining and development in Canada is highly regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Nuclear power using uranium fuel is seen as a major solution towards the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in the greening of global energy production.

We feel that the government has been ill-informed in deciding to return to the uranium moratorium. The global investment community will remember the government freeze on development of the Windy-Craggy deposit in the 70’s and many other major and minor projects that resulted in the ‘ABC’ mantra (Anywhere but British Columbia).

As an active member of the of the local mining-exploration community, I urge you and your government not to damage or seriously alter the mineral investment climate in British Colombia, especially at this time when metal commodity prices are high and there is much attraction elsewhere for development funding.

Yours Sincerely,

B. Neil Church Ph.D., P.Eng.
600 Parkridge St.
Victoria, B.C., V8Z 6N7

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.

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

CUPE LOCAL 15 PRESIDENT ENDORSES ROBERTSON FOR MAYOR

VANCOUVER - Paul Faoro, President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees’ Local 15 today endorsed Gregor Robertson for Mayor. CUPE 15 represents 5500 members working for seventeen employers in our city including the City of Vancouver, Langara College, Vancouver School Board, Emily Carr Institute, Vancouver Park Board, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the Vancouver Art Gallery.

“Living in Vancouver Fairview I have had the privilege of having Gregor represent my community as our MLA and I have seen first hand his ability to represent his constituents. I am convinced that he is exactly what we need to get our city back on track.”

Faoro says our city has been severely damaged by the current administration at City Hall and change must occur.

“With Gregor as the Vision Vancouver mayoralty candidate our city has the best opportunity to move forward to becoming a city that is caring, with strong public services, vibrant parks, sustainable and safe for everyone”

- 30 -

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.

In an interview with Public Eye, Dawn Hemingway stated, "I would actually prefer to go back and look at the comments in context before I respond. It just has not been possible for me to do that at this point. So I would really prefer to be able to do that before I responded just to see what she was saying around that and maybe actually give her a call myself. So, at this point, I would prefer to actually get back to you at a later date." And when will that later date be? "It could be next week. As I say, I'm in the middle of two days of hiring now. And then I'm heading to Toronto. But I will try to do that and see if I can get to that and connect with her myself."

Public Eye had placed a message with Ms. Hemingway on Monday, notifying her we would be seeking a response to Ms. Turpel-Lafond's 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."

And what about allegations the legislation will result in the dismantlement of British Columbia's back country road infrastructure? Well, according to the ministry, "The government has no mandate to dismantle the backcountry road structure and this act does not empower it to do so." And as for suggestions the legislation "repeals and abolishes" the mining industry's land access rights, the ministry stated, "As the Resource Road Act is an enabling piece of legislation and as the inter-industry and multiple ministry operations are very complex, many of the details required to complete the regulations will need to be addressed through detailed engagement with industrial users regulated under the act."

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.

Invitation
The Province of British Columbia
invites you to attend a special event
at Capilano College.
TIME:
Registration: 10:00am
Event: 10:30am
DATE:
Friday, April 25, 2008
LOCATION:
Capilano College
Multipurpose Room- Sportsplex
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC
Please RSVP to Tara Shirley
Email: EventRSVP@gov.bc.ca
Telephone: 604-775-1677
*This invitation is intended for the original addressee. It is not for third party redistribution

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 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."

Under that law, commercial and industrial road users will now have to pay those companies a fee to maintain those roads, "as well as arbitrarily assessed capital road construction costs - even though these capital costs may have long since been recovered (by forest firms) through stumpage, income, and tax deductions."

Furthermore, the analysis states the legislation "imposes certain future maintenance obligation" on those companies that will result in the closure "of all inactive forest related resource roads...This will make even ATV access nearly impossible. Thus, British Columbia's back country road infrastructure is slated to be systematically dismantled."

The group is convening an emergency meeting tomorrow to discuss the changes. The analysis also alleges the bill "repeals and abolishes" the mining industry's legislated land access rights. The government hasn't yet responded to a request for comment. The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned analysis.

***

Disguised behind a verbal facade of 'road safety', Bill 30 (the Resource Road Act) repeals all statute provisions providing “security of mineral tenure” and invokes conditions detrimental to sustainability of Mineral Exploration and Resource Development in the province of British Columbia. To the detriment of its citizens, Bill 30 privatizes British Columbia’s Back Country Roads.

SUMMARY:

Introduced for first reading on April 16, 2008, Bill 30 (the Resource Road Act) invokes the most fundamental social, economic and political change in the history of British Columbia since joining confederation. The lifestyles enjoyed by most rural British Columbians and First Nations are about to be affected dramatically, if this bill is passed into law, Control and responsibility for British Columbia’s vast network of back country roads are about to be transferred from the provincial Crown to a select group of Forest Sector Companies and unaccountable Crown Corporations. The terms and language used in Bill 30 are carefully designed to disguise this de facto transfer of ownership. In keeping with this theme, these new ‘entitlements’ are labeled ’designated maintainers’.

Future ‘authorizations’ granting access, use, and maintenance payments to the newly ‘designated maintainers’ will be superficially governed by an unaccountable, independent quasi judicial, appointed Board entitled the
Resource Road Authority. The Resource Road Authority will have the powers
of search and seizure and decisions of the Resource Road Authority can not be appealed to the Provincial Courts.

In other words, all commercial and industrial users, as well as non-commercial users alike (as proscribed by future regulation) will require a ‘resource road permit’. These permits specify not only conditions of use but a schedule of payments to be made to these ’designated maintainers’. Fees will not only include road maintenance charges but arbitrarily assessed capital road construction recovery costs – even through these capital costs may have long since been recovered through stumpage, income, and tax deductions. In addition, Bill 30 imposes certain future maintenance obligations on the ‘designated maintainer’ guaranteeing total deactivation of all inactive forest
related resource roads through removal of all bridges and culverts. This will make even ATV access nearly impossible. Thus, British Columbia’s back country road infrastructure is slated to be systematically dismantled.

In addition, Bill 30 repeals and abolishes all legislated rights of access contained within the Mineral Tenure and Coal Acts. This is unprecedented in British Columbia’s mining history. Bill 30 goes far beyond anything attempted by NDP Attorney General Colin Gableman in 1992. Under the guise of consolidation, Bill 30 abolishes security of Mineral Tenure in British Columbia.

Section 11.1 (subtitle - Certainty of access to mineral titles) of the Mineral Tenure Act, Section 10 (subtitle - Certainty of access) of the Coal Act and Section 10 (subtitled Power to use existing roads) of the Mines Right of Way Act are all repealed in their entirety.

Bill 30 also amends the definition of ‘road’ as defined in the Mines Right of Way Act as inapplicable to “resource roads”, thus rendering the Mines Right of Way Act without effect or force on Crown Lands.

The extinguishment of the right to use existing roads on Crown Land (without the need to pay compensation, further licenses and or fees) as previously enjoyed by free miners (prospectors) under Section 10 of the Mines Right of Way Act will lead directly to a cessation of green-fields (or grass roots) mineral exploration within the Province. Hundreds to thousands of kilometers of back country roads need to be traveled each year by a prospector to find one new mineral occurrence.

In anticipation of Bill 30, the Ministry of Forests recently dictated terms to International Forest Products to be used as a template for future “authorizations” by ‘free miners’ (attached). Among other demands, this template calls for cash security of $170,000 to be posted for the simple use of a light truck for a period of six months on one resource road. This template, if used by the new Road Resource Authority, will render tenure maintenance, mineral exploration and development financially enviable to all but the largest corporate entities. Without a legislated right of access, both Mineral and Coal Tenures will be seen as virtually worthless by the financial community as well as in the eyes of the law.

In addition, Bill 30 also repeals the Industrial Roads Act. This Act insured the forest related road building activities did not interfere with a mine or mining related activities. Section 4 the Industrial Road Act read:

"Mines to be protected

4 Unless authorized by the minister, an industrial road administrator must not locate or construct its proposed industrial road so as to obstruct, interfere with, or injuriously affect the working of or the access or entrance to any mine then open, or for the opening of which preparations are being lawfully and openly made."

This and all other legislated protections of mines and mining related activities will be repealed in passage of Bill 30.

Despite comments made during the introduction of Bill 30 by the Minister of Forests, there are no guarantees of public access to Crown Land within the Resource Road Act. To the contrary, the Act contemplates that by force of future regulation, permits, fees and restrictions will be imposed on the general public for all uses, be it for recreation, hunting, fishing or gathering.

The official Summary – as directly quoted from Bill 30 is as follows:
“Explanatory Note This Bill requires that permits be held for all industrial uses, and prescribed Commercial uses, of roads in British Columbia other than highways. It establishes a Resource Road Authority and allows that authority and its delegates to issue, amend and transfer road authorizations. The Bill provides for particular users of resource roads to be tasked with the maintenance and deactivation of those roads, while at the same time allowing the government to remediate and close roads where necessary. It provides that resource roads are only to be constructed, modified, maintained or deactivated under appropriate road authorizations and establishes the ability to set the standards by which that construction, modification, maintenance and deactivation is to be performed. It provides for the manner in which resource roads are to be used, and contemplates that additional directions can be given for roads that have a high level of traffic. It also provides for the authority to enforce the provisions of road authorizations, this Act and the regulations, and establishes an enforcement regime that provides for both reviews and appeals of authority determinations.”

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.

THURSDAY November 15 (Stavanger, Norway)

5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Reception: Hosted by Embassy

Venue: Stavanger Museum
Guest of Honour: Minister Neufeld
Attendees: Teekay Shipping, CHC, plus others from Canadian community in Stavanger including the military oil companies and people met during the day.

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.

BC Politics Quiz

What is the seat count, by party, in the current 79-seat BC Legislature?

77 BC Liberals, 2 NDP
55 BC Liberals, 24 NDP
CORRECT: 46 BC Liberals, 33 NDP
43 BC Liberals, 36 NDP

On May 17, 2005, British Columbians re-elected a BC Premier, Gordon Campbell, for the first time in almost 20-years. The vote resulted in 46 BC Liberals and 33 NDP MLAs being elected.

***

In 1996, what was the name given to the NDP's phantom budget surplus that became a deficit?

Glen Clark Boondoogle
NDP-onomics
CORRECT: Fudge-it Budget
Budget-Gate

Before the 1996 election, NDP Premier Glen Clark predicted that the budget was balanced when in fact they were millions short. This fraud of the public became known as the “fudge-it budget scandal”.

***

Comparatively speaking, how much money is the BC Liberal government investing in shelters and affordable housing compared to the NDP’s last year in office?

Less than half
About the same
Double
CORRECT: Nearly Three Times

***

In 2007, the BC Liberal government invested $328 million in shelters and affordable housing, nearly three times as much as the NDP did in 2001.

While defending the NDP’s ill-fated ‘fast ferries project’ Former Premier Glen Clark stated he had crunched the numbers ''right down to the ______________.”

Ship's Whistle
Kitchen Sink
Paint on the passenger deck
CORRECT: Toilet Paper

Despite Glen Clark’s bathroom stall accounting, the fast ferry project wasted $463-million on ships that were not sea-worthy and could never be used.

***

How many new medical training spaces were created under the NDP in the 1990s?

CORRECT: 0
17
55
112

While the NDP didn’t create one new medical training space, the BC Liberals have doubled the number of doctor training spaces from 128 to 256.

***

How many new post secondary spaces are being created under the BC Liberal government by 2010?

500
3,500
CORRECT: 25,000
27,500

The BC Liberals are adding 25,000 new student spaces at colleges, university-colleges, universities and institutes across the province, the largest expansion of post-secondary education in B.C. in 40 years.

***

The NDP discussed turning Burns Bog in Delta, the largest raised peat bog on the west coast of North America and a significant contributor to improving air quality in the Lower Mainland, into a _______________.

Environmentally Protected Area
Provincial Park
Bird Sanctuary
CORRECT: Theme Park

***

Believe it or not, the NDP actually gave a $25 million loan to a private company for the development of a theme park in Burns Bog. In comparison, the BC Liberal government acquired the bog through a $73-million agreement in 2004 to preserve it for all times.

To address the issue of Climate Change, the BC Liberal government set a target of reducing current greenhouse gas emissions by _____% by 2020.

5 %
10 %
CORRECT: 33 %
35 %

***

The Province will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 33 per cent below current levels by 2020. That target will place emissions 10 per cent under 1990 levels.

How many different leaders did the NDP have during their term in government in the 1990s?

2
3
CORRECT: 4
5

The instability of the NDP government was exemplified by their instability in the Premier’s Office. From 1991 to 2001, no less than four people served as NDP Premiers. (Michael Harcourt, Glen Clark, Dan Miller, and Ujjal Dosanjh).

***

The BC Liberal government increased the Rental Assistance Program threshold in 2007 so more families can qualify for financial assistance. Based on that change, how many families now qualify for rental assistance?

5,000 Families
10,000 Families
15,000 Families
CORRECT: More than 20,000 Families

By increasing the income threshold for the Rental Assistance Program to $28,000 in 2007, the number of potentially eligible families expanded by 5,800 to more than 20,000 families.

***

In 1996, the NDP introduced a “Jobs & Timber Accord” projected to create 21,000 direct forest jobs. How many new jobs did it create between 1996 and 1999?

CORRECT: None
2,750 Jobs
12,200 Jobs
All 21,000 jobs were created

In 1996, the NDP implemented the Jobs & Timber Accord to much fanfare, but the results were nothing but hardship for forestry communities with 8,500 lost jobs between 1996 and 1999

***

To support literacy programs, the BC Liberal government has been matching funds raised through CanWest’s ________________ campaign since 2004.

CORRECT: Raise -a- Reader
ReadNow BC
Take a Break, Read a Book
Make Reading Fun

The BC Liberal government has been matching funds raised through CanWest’s Raise-a-Reader campaign since 2004, and to date has contributed over $2.4 million. The government has also taken further action by introducing ReadNow BC, a literacy action plan to improve reading skills among British Columbians.

***

In the year 2000, which NDP Health Minister said the following with respect to their never funded $125-million mental health program? “While it was announced, it was never in a budget. There wasn’t budget approval.”

Andrew Petter
Corky Evans
Paul Ramsey
CORRECT: Penny Priddy

NDP Health Minister Penny Priddy (Source: Vancouver Sun, 1 Apr 2000)

***

What is the date of the next provincial election?

May 17th, 2008
April 16th, 2009
CORRECT: May 12th, 2009
INCORRECT: May 17th, 2009

The BC Liberal government was the first in Canadian history to implement a set election date. Since that time, a number of other provinces have followed suit. The date of the last election was May 17, 2005, and the next election date is set for May 12, 2009.

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.

FRIDAY November 16 (Oslo, Norway)

12:30 PM Luncheon: Fred Olsen Renewables

Meeting: Fred Olsen Renewables
Venue: Fred Olsen Gt. 2
Fred Olsen, Annette Olsen, Katherine Stovring, CEO.
David Kusnierczyk, Managing Director, Fred Olsen Canada
Accompanied by: Ambassador Stirk, Senior Trade Commissioner Georges Lemieux
Contact: Katherine Stovring, CEO + 47 22 34 11 22, +47 48 40 11 37

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.

On December 12, filed similar requests for notes taken during Minister of State for Mining Kevin Krueger's recent 2007 Asia Pacific Investment Mission and Minister Neufeld's two-week trade mission to Rome, Sweden, Norway and Germany. And guess what? According to responses received on February 26, none were taken. Boy, government sure must have a good memory.

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."

But, following that meeting, Ms. Turpel-Lafond issued a report stating the ministry had "not yet implemented" many of the recommendations made by Ted Hughes in his independent review of British Columbia's child protection system. And, according to that report, "although a collaborative process - including a joint reporting approach - was initiated" to monitor implementation of those recommendations "there was only modest success in engaging MCFD." In fact, "few supporting documents were provided by MCFD" when Ms. Turpel-Lafond's office requested additional information about Ms. du Toit's plans to reform the ministry. The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned minutes.

***

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING

October 10th, 2007
4th floor Boardroom
765 Brouhgton Street
Victoria, BC

Strictly Confidential

MINUTES

Attendees: Lesley Du Toit, Alan Markwart, Pat Doyle, Barb Wright, Bev Dicks, Karen Dellert, Deb Foxcroft, Stan Williams, Peter Cunningham, Marilyn Hedlund, Les Boon, Doug Hughes, Craig Wilkinson on behalf of Sarf Ahmed, Chuck Earner, Mark Sieben, Jennifer Erickson, Pat Doyle, Victoria Robson

Absent: Sarf Ahmed

October 10, 2007

1. Child and Youth Representative (CYR) - Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, John Greshner and Andrew Robinson and the Leadership Team introduced themselves to each other and described their respective roles. Lesley welcomed the Child and Youth Representative Office to contact the Leadership Team directly.

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond hopes more discussions can continue and stressed that any value that the RCY can bring be ground in collaboration with this and other ministries. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond feels there is a strong relationship with DM in sharing information and completing protocols. She noted that unprecedented work is being done in ministry compared to anywhere in Canada and asked that the Leadership team thinks about their position in direct services and new directions, and how to best to engage with RCY. RCY 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.

"On the surface it seems to be a misuse of that system," said union president Paul Faoro, referring to the fact the message was sent using a taxpayer-funded email address. "That's extremely troubling. And I think Mayor Sullivan needs to be accountable" now that it appears there were no written inquiries about how to get involved with the mayor's re-election campaign.

Asked for comment, the mayor's communication director David Hurford said, "Inquiries come in many forms. They come in a variety of different ways. They come largely from phone calls" - which wouldn't have been captured by the union's request.

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.

* During her news conference, Ms. Turpel-Lafond parlayed when questioned why the ministry is apparently resisting some of her past recommendations - as well as those made by Ted Hughes in his independent review of British Columbia's child protection system. And she gave this careful response when asked how senior bureaucrats have responded to her most recent investigation: "In think that the reaction is an ongoing process...I certainly am of the view that I want to support them to succeed. And they have enormous responsibility. But I also want to support them to pay attention to the front-line of the system." That suggests a continued disagreement between the practical Ms. Turpel-Lafond and deputy minister Lesley du Toit - who seems to favour a more cerebal approach to reforming that system.

* As in past reports, Ms. Turpel-Lafond critized the ministry's quality assurance system. According to the child and youth representative, the ministry "cannot speak with specificity or confidence about the outcomes achieves in relation to children it is serving or in its care. Nor can it provide the public with adequate assurance as to the beneficial impact of the interventions it undertakes directly or funds at the community level." While this is undoubtably the case, it must also be remembered the children and youth representative has an institutional interest in drawing attention to such matters. After all, without such qualitative measures, Ms. Turpel-Lafond's watchdog work is made more difficult.

* Among Ms. Turpel-Lafond's most troubling findings was the fact focus groups with frontline workers have suggested "confusion and uncertainty as to where practice is going, particularly with child safety." Asked to elaborate, the representative said, "The workers have been asked to embrace all these various different shifts. They've also faced very significant human resource challenges - although those appear to be overcome now. But the fundamental concern is they are not sure what the practice model is. The B.C. risk assessment model was adopted after the Gove Report. It has been in place and it has had limited uptake. And there's been real challenges with it. And the workers don't appear to find it very helpful to do their work. And yet that risk assessment model hasn't been evaluated and replaced with another tool."

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."

"Carbon emissions trading is going to become a multi-billion industry over the next decade," he continued. "So you have a very direct financial incentive to write the rules in a certain way" to benefit large greenhouse gas emitters. "And even the appearance of influence by these major polluters over the governing party is something voters don't want."

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.

----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Marissen
Sent: Tue Apr 15 14:15:05 2008
Subject: Burrard is growing

Dear:

I am delighted to announce the formation of a new company, Burrard Executive Search Inc., joining Burrard Communications Inc. in the newly created Burrard Group of Companies.

Burrard Executive Search Inc. is formed through the recent acquisition of MRG International Inc, a New York-based company with extensive experience in the aggressive executive search markets on Wall Street and around Europe. Its principal, Scott MacPherson, worked with key blue chip companies, executing many board member and executive level appointments. Christy Clark will be moving from Burrard Communications to become Senior Advisor to Burrard Executive Search.

The Burrard Executive Search team provides management solutions by acting as human capital advisors to many sectors. We identify the best talent North America has to offer and match them to clients’ needs in a highly competitive marketplace.

You can learn more about our changes at www.theburrardgroup.com.

If you have any questions, please call me at (604) 697-5050.

Cheers,

Mark Marissen

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.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of the Request for Proposal

1.1.1 The University of British Columbia ("UBC"), hereinafter referred to as the "University", by issuing this Request for Proposals ("RFP") requires a company for its Compensation Market Review for Management & Professional (M&P) positions.

More detailed information is contained within Schedule A and B of this document.

1.1.2 Through this RFP, the University seeks to:

(a) Determine the fee structure

(b) select the successful Proponent, if any

(c) specify the terms and conditions that would govern any resulting contract

1.1.3 This RFP states the instructions for submitting proposals and the procedure by which the successful Proponent(s) if any, will be selected.

1.2 Term of Contract

1.2.1 The contract with the University of British Columbia will be for a period of approximately one year, from June 2008 to May 31, 2009.

1.3 Key Dates

In order to assist Proponents, following are the key target dates and events with respect to this RFP process. Such dates are not guaranteed and may change based upon circumstances.

A. Issue of Request for Proposals April 2, 2008
B. Return Receipt Confirmation Form April 9, 2008
C. Inquiries Up to April 24, 2008
D. Due Date for Submission of Proposals May 1, 2008
E. Evaluation and Clarification of Proposals May 31, 2008
F. Acceptance of successful Proposal (if any) June 6, 2008
G Project Plan finalized and jointly agreed to July 31, 2008
F. Survey Fall 2008
F Presentation of final report and recommendations January, 2009

SCHEDULE A

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Compensation Market Review

4.0 Purpose

The University of British Columbia ("University, UBC") by issuing this Request for Proposals, is intending to establish a contract with a consulting firm to conduct a Compensation Market Review for its Management and Professional positions.

There are over 2,500 Management and Professional positions at UBC. These positions represent roles of a varied nature at UBC. Those holding positions of management are responsible for the leadership of departments/units that have a high degree of complexity and autonomy in a highly decentralized environment. Those holding roles of a professional nature are fundamental to supporting research and teaching activities that are vital to UBC.

The contract will be established in order to provide a final report and recommendations to the Human Resources Department by January 2009.

4.1 Background

Since its opening in 1915, the University of British Columbia has developed a reputation for innovation and excellence in both teaching and research, and has become a leader in higher education in Canada. It has earned an international reputation due to the efforts and accomplishments of its people -- its faculty, staff and students. The university recognizes that people are its most important resource, and places the highest value on all its members.
The University’s Human Resource Department’s aim is to provide services that ensure the University's strategic direction is aligned with the goals and objectives of its people, and to advise and counsel the University executive and department managers in building community, and facilitating an excellent working climate at UBC.
About the Management and Professional Group

The vast majority of Management and Professional (M&P) positions at UBC are governed by the Association of Administrative and Professional Staff (AAPS). Other than a few positions (e.g., Excluded Management and Professional positions (XMP) that are excluded from AAPS based on organizational and conflict of interest considerations, the terms and conditions of employment for all Management and Professional positions are outlined in the Framework Agreement between UBC and AAPS. While AAPS is considered a bargaining unit, it is not a trade union.

In addition to the Excluded Management and Professional (XMP) positions that are excluded from AAPS, the Service Unit Director (SUDs) employee group consists of senior employees, most of whom have direct reporting relationships to the University Vice Presidents or Associate Vice Presidents. There are currently 75 XMP and SUDs employees whose compensation is guided by the same job families and compensation matrix as the AAPS group.

Job Evaluation at UBC

UBC must be competitive to attract and retain talent, taking into consideration market factors, and applied within the context of UBC’s ability to pay. One of the strategies outlined in the "Focus on People: Workplace Practices at UBC" pertains to "Attracting Outstanding Faculty and Staff", and indicates that it is UBC’s priority to "collect and analyze data at appropriate intervals on compensation …. to ensure that UBC is not falling behind the relevant markets."

UBC uses a "whole job" classification system for its Management and Professional positions. The classification matrix consists of 36 job families and over 200 levels in total within these families. The current pay structure consists of 15 salary ranges with a minimum, midpoint, and maximum.

An extensive Total Compensation market survey was conducted in 2004, and formed the basis for adjustments to the salary ranges effective July 01, 2005. At the current time, UBC is approaching the survey from a "total cash" perspective.

4.2 Objective:

UBC’s objective at this time is to assess the market competitiveness of Management and Professional Positions at UBC. This will be accomplished by the following tasks:

Market Survey:

Review and assess the market competitiveness of AAPS and non-AAPS M&P salary ranges.

* The survey will cover only 32 job families (4 job families are not required).
* You will provide input about the number of positions (i.e., levels) from each job family to survey.
* The survey will include approximately 25 private sector and public/university sector comparator organizations.
* The survey will be based on "Total Cash Compensation", with the addition of one or two high level questions pertaining to benefits (e.g., the approximate percentage of base compensation that the employer-paid portion of benefits and pension constitute).
* You will prepare a final report/recommendations for UBC, a report summary for survey participants, as well as a presentation of the results for UBC. A separate reporting of the AAPS and non-AAPS survey results is required.
* You will provide recommendations about changes to the compensation matrix based on the survey results, for implementation on or after April 1, 2009.

The survey may be conducted as a single, large survey. An alternative is to split it into three smaller surveys, distributed over a longer period of time, such as a two year period. Your proposal should cover both alternatives.

Additional information about the AAPS M&P job families and related guidelines can be found on the UBC web site at the following location: http://www.hr.ubc.ca/comp/job_evaluation/families/mp.html.

Note that four job families will not be part of the survey:
* Co-operative Education,
* Drug and Poison Information,
* Development Office, and
* Genetic Counselling.

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."

In one case, Ms. Crombie said, "One of our staff wanted to go to a presentation by (Finance Minister) Carole Taylor on the future economy of British Columbia. And he made a mistake and put it on our VISA. And I told him that was not acceptable. So the money was returned." In the other case, the contribution was actually "a purchase of a picture from us" by the Liberals.

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.

From: Rachel Marcuse
Sent: March 29, 2008 11:13 AM
To: COPE Exec and Staff
Subject: thanks....

...for the great night last night, everyone! We had over 300 people throughout the night.

We'll be reconciling all the money on Monday, so please let me know if you have any expenses before then. (If you can't get me the physical receipts by Monday, that's cool, please just email me the amounts so I can account for everything.)

Good job, us!

Rachel

Rachel Marcuse

***

From: Donalda
Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2008 11:38 AM
To: 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

You all did great – it was wonderful.

Thanks for all your work on this,

Donalda

***

From: loretta is always
Sent: March 30, 2008 10:00 AM
To: 'Donalda'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Just to let U know that Heather Deal called me to let me know she was out of town and unable to attend this event. She appreciated my invite.

Loretta

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Donalda
Sent: March 30, 2008 10:41 AM
To: 'loretta is always'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Oh – great – too bad we didn’t hear ahead of time and could have announced that.

George Chow did show up, which was really nice, as did Gregor.

***

From: Tim Louis
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 8:04 PM
To: 'Donalda'; 'loretta is always'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Hello folks,

Let's not forget that Heather Deal and George Chow represent the party that stole money from COPE and to this day have refused to repay it. Let's not be too effervescent in our effusive gushing at their willingness to attend our events.

Tim

Tim Louis
Tim Louis and Company

***

-----Original Message-----
From: loretta is always
Sent: April 1, 2008 8:18 PM
To: 'Tim Louis'; 'Donalda'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Yes there is the sad history that took place at the Council level, and I have my own history in working well with both of these electeds from my position at park board.

Loretta

***

From: Tim Louis
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 8:35 PM
To: 'loretta is always'; 'Donalda'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Loretta,

They did not steal the money from the Council caucus. They stole the money from OUR party. That's the party called COPE which belongs just as much to you as a Park Board Commissioner as it does to all of the COPE membership. The money was taken from COPE.

'The sad history that took place at the Council level' is not the point I was making. However, if you do want to discuss the history at Council, I would expect that even Ellen would confirm that on issue after issue they voted in a coalition with the NPA to block COPE policy.

Tim


Tim Louis
Tim Louis and Company

***

-----Original Message-----
From: loretta is always
Sent: April 1, 2008 8:50 PM
To: 'Tim Louis'; 'Donalda'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

My point is that the unhealthy circumstances that occured at the council level left park board and school board dealing with the fall out. Through all this turmoil, my focus has been to maintain a positive attitude. My experience has been that it takes more energy to be negative and I need all my energy to focus on my work on park board.
Loretta

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Louis
Sent: April 2, 2008 5:55 PM
To: 'loretta is always'; 'Donalda'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Loretta,

The unhealthy circumstances that occurred were solely the result of elected COPE officials forming a coalition with the NPA to defeat key COPE policy - which they did at City Hall. I am just as disappointed about the negative impact this had as you are. The negative impact was on all of us at the Council, School Board and Park Board level. We were all negatively affected.

Tim

Tim Louis
Tim Louis and Company

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.

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about Post Secondary Education in BC. Here are some facts and information about what's really taking place.

Funding

In the 2007 budget, the BC government committed funds to increase the number of seats at various colleges and universities. However, when these institutions ended up with less students than anticipated, the funds ended up going towards seats that weren't being used. The government was essentially funding empty spaces.

Meanwhile, wait lists at Colleges and Universities that offered training for nurses, skilled trades and aboriginals, continued to grow. In the 2008 budget, since there was no demand for the other seats and a high demand for these seats, the government redirected the funds to meet the demand.

This adjustment only affected funds for seat growth - the operating funding for all post-secondary institutions was not affected. In fact, this year, funding to BC's universities, colleges and institutes will increase by more than $61 million. As a result of this increase, every post-secondary institution will see increases in their operating funding from the government.

Post secondary education funding is currently at its highest level ever.

Enrollment / Spaces

Enrollment is increasing dramatically at public institutions; not decreasing. There are currently 433,000 students enrolled in public post-secondary institutions in BC.

Over 25,000 new spaces are being added to BC's post-secondary institutions across the province and more than 15,000 of those spaces have already been funded. In addition, more than $1.2 billion dollars has been spent on capital expansions to post-secondary institutions since 2001.

Since 2001, the government has doubled the number of doctors and nurses being trained in BC.

Tuition

BC has the fourth-lowest tuition in Canada and the governnment has provided over $1.46 billion dollars in financial assistance to students since 2001, to help them pay their tuition costs. By reducing tuition costs through financial assistance instead of across-the-board reductions, the government has been able to help those who need it the most.

Results

More students are graduating – the average number of degrees/diplomas/certificates awarded by BC's post-secondary institutions each year has increased by 16.7% since 2002.

More students are finding work – Between 93.7% - 96.1% of graduates were able to find employment within 9 months of graduating.

Please feel free to forward this information to your friends and contacts. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Reaching Higher,

Zach Poturica
Communications Director
BC Young Liberals

***

Some of you have asked for specific funding information for each post secondary institution. Here it is:

Universities

2007-08 budget ($millions)

2008-2009 budget ($millions)

Increase
(millions)

Royal Roads University

15.2
15.8
0.6

Simon Fraser University

187.4
194.5
7.1

Thompson Rivers University

59.8
60.9
1.1

UBC

477.8
503.6
25.8

UVIC

151.8
157.9
6.1

University of Northern BC

41.3
42.8
1.5

Universities Total

933.3
975.6
42.3

Colleges and Institutes

BCIT

99.7
103.4
3.7

Camosun

45.6
47.4
1.8

Capilano College

35.1
35.6
0.5

College of New Caledonia

26.1
27.4
1.3

College of the Rockies

15.6
16.1
0.5

Douglas College

53.1
53.8
0.6

Emily Carr

12.2
12.4
0.2

Justice Institute

8.2
8.4
0.3

Kwantlen University College

62.2
63.0
0.8

Langara

39.5
41.3
1.8

Malaspina

46.5
47.4
0.9

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

6.8
7.1
0.3

North Island College

20.5
20.7
0.2

Northern Lights College

16.4
16.5
0.1

Northwest Community College

16.6
17.2
0.6

Okanagan College

37.9
40.2
2.3

Selkirk

23.8
23.9
0.1

University College of the Fraser Valley

45.0
47.3
2.3

Vancouver Community College

48.4
49.4
1.0

College & Institute totals

659.2
678.5
19.3

System Totals

1,592.5
1,654.1
61.6

Reaching Higher,
Zach Poturica
Communications Director
BC Young Liberals

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.