August 2008 Archives

Provincial New Democrat legislator Sue Hammell won't be re-nominated as the party's candidate in Surrey-Green Timbers without a fight. Responding to a Facebook message sent on August 21, fellow legislator Jagrup Brar's constituency assistant Ruby Bhandal confirmed she'll be running against Ms. Hammell for that nomination.

Tomorrow morning, federal Liberal British Columbia campaign co-chair Bruce Young discusses the pending election and former Grit parliamentarian Blair Wilson's decision to join the Greens. Provincial New Democrat health critic Adrian Dix joins us to talk about the Vancouver Island Health Authority's controversial audit of its communications division. And the New Democrat's Vancouver-Fairview candidate Jenn McGinn will share her thoughts on the upcoming by-election in that riding. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Chris Gainor, Eleanor Gregory, Bob Russell, Alex Tsakumis - will 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 or leave a comment below.

Today, Republican presidential candidate John McCain named Alaska governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. But Canwest News Service is giving readers a skewed view of Ms. Palin. Because the graphic it's using of Senator McCain's vice-presidential pick (under the caption "Vogue Magazine with Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on the cover") is actually a photoshopped fake, created by the blog Kodiak Konfidential.

Earlier, we exclusively told you the Vancouver Island Health Authority - which has commissioned an audit of communications division - conducted a similar such review between March and June, 2003. But that's not what authority executive vice-president and chief operating officer Mike Conroy seemed to suggest in an earlier interview with the Times Colonist's Sandra McCulloch. Ms. McClulloch paraphrased Mr. Conroy as saying, "No similar review has taken place in recent memory." As a result, the vice-president stated, "I think it is timely that we go forward and ensure we're getting information out to all those who need it and also have effective mechanisms for soliciting input."

Earlier this month, the provincial government quietly announced it was looking for up to four communications consultants to write feature stories and backgrounders for the oil and gas commission. Among the requirements: "Working knowledge of CP style." But at least one prospective consultant didn't seem to know what that meant, asking the commission to "Please define CP style as listed on page 8 of the RFQ." The response: "CP style refers to the government-accepted format of Canadian Press Style for all public documents (ie: see Canadian Press Stylebook, 12th edition)." Hmmm...perhaps the commission should have added one more requirement to that request for proposal?

Earlier, we reported the Vancouver Island Health Authority has commissioned an audit to "seek facts as well as perceptions" in assessing its communications division's "current activity and capacity in the areas of public relations, international and external communications, community engagement and government relations." But this isn't the first time such an audit has been conducted. Between March and June, 2003, Public Eye has learned former public affairs bureau communication services assistant deputy minister Claudia Wilimovsky also reviewed the division.

This week, the Island Corridor Foundation announced volunteers will be distributing over 75,000 postcards as part of an effort to convince the Campbell administration to contribute one-third of the $103.8 million needed to upgrade the rail line. But the company operating that line isn't just counting on grassroots activism to convince the provincial governments to pony up that cash. According to British Columbia's lobbyist registry, StewartGossage Group Inc. co-founder Lecia Stewart and Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP public policy advisor Brian Smith have both registered to lobby the Liberals on behalf of Southern Railway of British Columbia Ltd.

Guess who Bear Mountain Resort staff will be supporting in Juan de Fuca during the upcoming provincial election campaign? The answer: Liberal candidate and outgoing Colwood mayor Jody Twa if the owners of that resort have anything to say about it. In an email, Amanda Robb, the executive assistant to resort president and chief executive officer Len Barrie, invites the "Bear Mountain Team" to "Jody Twa's 1st official Juan de Fuca BC Liberal campaign event" at 899 Goldstream Avenue. "Your support on September 4th would be greatly appreciated and we hope to see as many of you there as possible," she continues. Earlier, Public Eye exclusively reported Mr. Barrie had a $10,000 per plate fundraiser for the Liberals at his residence. At the time, Mr. Twa - who attended that fundraiser - declined to speak about reports he would be running for the party. The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned email.

Last week, your humble organ finished teaching a course in investigative journalism at the University of Victoria. So we're going to take the next few days off to do some marking and enjoy the last week of August. Which means postings may be somewhat sporadic until Friday.

Last week, in an interview with Public Eye, Vision Vancouver nomination candidate Thomas Lockhart complained, "I just did an article with Sandra Thomas from The Vancouver Courier and during the hour-long conversation I never once mentioned guns or firearms. And yet she peppered the entire thing with references to guns and firearms." But that's not how Ms. Thomas remembers their conversation.

Last week, the provincial Conservatives promised to announce their Vancouver-Fairview by-election candidate on Sunday at the New India Buffet and Restaurant. But it seems party leader Wilf Hanni was being a bit of a tease. Because that announcement is now being made today at the Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre. The following is a complete copy of that media advisory.

Tomorrow morning, on Public Eye Radio, lawyer Hassan Fancy and Viva Consulting Family Life Inc. co-founder Sol Boxenbaum discuss the class action lawsuits that have been launched against Loto Quebec and the Ontario Gaming and Lottery Corp. Provincial Conservative leader Wilf Hanni discusses whether he'll be running in the Vancouver-Fairview by-election. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Eleanor Gregory, Bob Russell, Alex Tsakumis - will 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 or leave a comment below.

Here at Public Eye, we know some of our readers may have strong feelings about our reportage from time to time. For example, yesterday, Vision Vancouver parks board nomination candidate Thomas Lockhart said, "What can I say. You don't have to publish it. But, if you're going to be an asshole, you're going to ruin my political career." This, in response to questions about an account of his grenade-throwing experience in Cambodia. So now is your opportunity share those feelings anonymously. Because, today, 24 hours's online poll is asking this question: "Is 24 hours reporter Sean Holman an a--hole?"

Earlier, we reported Vancouver-Burrard provincial New Democrat constituency association president Jenn McGinn - who has been thinking about making a bid to be the party's by-election candidate in Vancouver-Fairview - would be announcing some "exciting news" today at Flying Wedge Pizza. And what will that exciting news be, you may wonder? Well, coincidentally, New Democrat leader Carole James will also be at there at the same time to "introduce the NDP's official candidate for the Vancouver-Fairview by-election." This, according to a media advisory distributed by the party this morning. The following is a complete copy of that advisory.

Back in June, the Campbell administration appointed Sheldon Stoilen to the BC Ferry Commission. According to the board resourcing and development office, Mr. Stoilen has "previously held various senior positions with Canadian Airlines International, including Senior Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Services." But what that biography doesn't mention is the fact he was the marketing and sales vice-president for Harmony Airways - the now defunct airline once run by former Liberal finance minister Gary Collins. Asked for comment, provincial New Democrat ferries and ports critic Gary Coons said, "The minister, on numerous occassions, has expressed how the independence of the commission will drive the Coastal Ferry Act. And I'm sure some may question whether the independence will be effected now that we have someone like Sheldon Stoilen in there."

Earlier, we reported Vancouver-Burrard provincial New Democrat constituency association president Jenn McGinn was considering making a bid to be the party's by-election candidate in Vancouver-Fairview. And now Jamie Lee Hamilton reports Ms. McGinn has invited her to attend an information meeting tomorrow at Flying Wedge Pizza to find out about her "exciting news." Whatever could it be?

This week, tattoo artist Thomas Lockhart - the long-time partner of school trustee Sharon Gregson - announced he would be seeking a Vision Vancouver parks board nomination. But his bid for elected office might not be without controversy. An example: last year, during a visit to Cambodia, Mr. Lockhart visited an army base. And he sent this account of his experience to a friend: "I have to admit, nothing quite makes your asshole pucker like playing around with live hand grenades. I wasn't expecting that snap of the initial fuse (you can see me jump .... it sets of a 5 second delay acid fuse that ignites about a pound of explosives. A lot of those 3rd world Com Block nations (Vietnam, China) will also allow you use their military facilities .... for a price. For two hundred bucks you can fire off a rocket launcher ..... and for another 300 the wankers will even supply a cow.”

Back in June, Attorney General Wally Oppal's ministerial assistant Michael Harrison departed the precincts to join Ascent Public Affairs Inc. But it seems his stint as a lobbyist didn't last that long. Because he's returned to the Rockpile as a senior aide to Finance Minister Colin Hansen. Fancy that!

More information has surfaced suggesting the premier's former constituency campaign manager may have lobbied government without registering as a lobbyist. On March 8, 2007, Mark Jiles sent a letter "regarding the provincial film tax credit" to then finance minister Carole Taylor, Public Eye has exclusively learned.

The provincial government has hired an independent consultant to review Community Living British Columbia's service delivery model, Public Eye has exclusively learned. The review, which was requested by Treasury Board, was "set to commence in mid-May, with a final report anticipated by the end of September" - although the housing and social development ministry is now expecting that report by the end of October. But don't expect Queenswood Consulting Ltd.'s review to comment on the government's recent decision to give the authority the right to deny services to developmentally disabled adults with IQs over 70. According to the ministry, the company hasn't been tasked to investigate the government agency's eligibility criteria or mandate. The following is a complete copy of the project summary for that review.

Earlier, we reported provincial Conservative leader Wilf Hanni was considering running in the Vancouver-Fairview by-election. But is he actually going to put his name on the ballot? Well, we'll find out this coming Sunday at the New India Buffet and Restaurant. Because that's where his party will be kicing off their by-election campaign and introducing their candidate. This, according to an advertisment placed in 24 hours. The following is a complete copy of that ad.

The provincial government has promised the yes and no sides in British Columbia's upcoming referendum on electoral reform will each receive $500,000. And, according to proposed regulations released earlier this month, the money could be split among up to five groups on either side. But neither the pro- nor anti-single transferable vote forces are pleased with that arrangement. In a joint letter sent to the ministry of attorney general, Fair Voting BC and Know STV representatives Bruce Hallsor and David Schreck write, "We believe that it is essential that the government recognize, through its funding formula, one clear leadership group on each side which can become a focus for media coverage."

Last month, Vision Vancouver announced its nomination meeting for council, park and school board candidates would be held on September 20. But civic association members will also have an opportunity to cast their nomination ballots during an advanced poll scheduled for September 15. At least, that's what candidates were told last Friday.

Looking for a euphemism to describe the provincial Liberal party? Well, it seems the Canadian Federation of Independent Business has come up with one. Because their new British Columbia affairs director Brian Bonney isn't described as the Liberal's former operations director. He's described as having recently been "Director of Operations with a large membership based organization." Er, okay.

Gregor Robertson may no longer be a provincial New Democrat legislator. But that's hasn't stopped the Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate from asking his supporters to donate money to the New Democrats. In a thank-you letter to those supporters, Mr. Robertson writes, "A Vancouver-Fairview by-election could be called any day and I hope you will join with me to work toward victory in that race." Specifically, Mr. Robertson states, "There are several ways that you can help immediately" - including a "one-time contribution towards the by-election campaign." So here's a question for our readers: how will Mr. Robertson's federal Liberal backers - some of whom might not support the New Democrats - feel about that fundraising pitch?

Last week, the Campbell administration revealed would be planting four million trees in urban areas as part of a $10 million initiative to "provide opportunities for every community in BC to help sequester carbon." But the planting of those trees might not have as much impact on the province's greenhouse gas emissions as you would think. According to the government's own climate action plan, "a single large, mature tree can absorb more than 20 kilograms of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year." That means, by the time the government's Trees for Tomorrow seeds growup, they'll be absorbing 80,000 tonnes of carbon annually. By comparison, according to Environment Canada, Duke Energy Corp.'s Fort Nelson Gas Plant emmitted 1,895,602 tonnes of that greenhouse gas in 2004.

Last month, former provincial Liberal backbencher Richard Stewart announced he would be running against incumbent Maxine Wilson to be mayor of Coqutilam. And, according to Mr. Stewart's Facebook profile, that campaign has an unlikely endorser - former New Democrat legislator Tim Stevenson. Writing on his wall, Mr. Stevenson stated, "I'll be right there for you. No problem. I'm rooting for you. You're the man. You're the one. Etc., etc..........Go get her tiger." Asked about that comment, the Vancouver councillor explained, "It's a bit of joke....I haven't ever ventured into other people's municipalities. So I'm sort of reticent to do that. But he and I have joked for quite a long time about him running to beat Maxime. And I have always said, 'Just send me a cheque. And I'll fill it out for you.' But I didn't mean literally on the cheque part either."

Earlier, we wondered whether Jessica McDonald could become the highest paid provincial civil service head in Canada. But it turns out Alberta's executive council deputy minister Ron Hicks beats her out. Under the Campbell administration's new compensation framework, Ms. McDonald may make up to $313,740 - receiving additional $34,860 for a total of $348,600 if all her executives achieve their performance measures. By contrast, Alberta corporate human resources director Annette Bidniak stated in an email sent last Friday that Mr. Hicks has a base salary of $317,085. And he can receive a performance bonus of up to 35 percent for a total of $428,064.75. Meanwhile, Ontario coroporate issues management analyst Alan Cairns confirmed McGuinty administration cabinet secretary Shelly Jamieson makes $288,400, receiving a performance bonus of up to 20 percent for a total of $346,080.

Last week, Vancouver-Fairview provincial Liberal nomination candidate Margaret MacDiarmid told us she does "believe in a strong publicly funded healthcare system. I do. Absolutely. And I can't imagine a scenario where that would change." This, in reaction to an earlier report that she told August 2005 Canadian Medical Association annual general meeting delegates that rejecting private healthcare would be "closing the door to exploring new options for meeting some of those many shocking unmet needs." Nevertheless, chances are some public healthcare advocates will be raising their eyebrows when they find out controversial Canadian Medical Association president and Cambie Surgical Centre founder Brian Day attended Dr. MacDiarmid's campaign launch reception.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority's communications division will soon be getting some solicited advice. According to documents posted last week on BC Bid, the "over the past number of years, demands on the Division have increased." So the authority is commissioning a communications audit to "seek facts as well as perceptions" in assessing the division's "current activity and capacity in the areas of public relations, international and external communications, community engagement and government relations." No word on whether the audit will also assess the division's capacity for circumventing freedom of information requests. The following is a complete copy of the relevant portion of that request for proposal.

Tomorrow morning, on Public Eye Radio, The Tyee's Monte Paulsen and Vancouver Magazine's Frances Bula discuss the provincial significance of Vision Vancouver. Work Less Party founder Conrad Schmidt shares his thoughts on a proposed four-day work week for Nova Scotia government employees. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Bob Russell, Alex Tsakumis and Allan Warnke - will 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 or leave a comment below.

Chances are, most provincial civil servants aren't too enthusiastic about the Campbell administration's decision to dramatically increase the maximum payable salaries for deputy ministers. After all, according to the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union, "with the increase, a deputy minister makes more than six times as much as the average government employee." But, in a briefing note posted on the public service intranet, the administration offered this explanation to bureaucrats wondering why they aren't getting similar salary increases: "Well, non-executive pay levels are linked to the collective agreement and the current agreement is in place until 2010. Executive compensation is determined by cabinet, so it's a different process."

Former deputy transportation minister Dan Doyle must be a busy man these days. In addition to being charged with implementing the pharamceutical task force's recommendations, he's also "responsible for the $580 million development and construction of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues." This, as the Olympic organizing committee's venue construction executive vice-president. According to Mr. Doyle's biography, "Whenever possible" the trained civil engineer "indulges in his longtime woodworking hobby. Travel is also a passion." But he likely won't have much time for those distractions over the coming months.

David Morel and Dan Doyle's responsibility for implementing the pharamceutical task force's controversial recommendations made seem curious to some. After all, Mr. Morel is the tenure and revenue executive director at the forests and range ministry. And Mr. Doyle is the former deputy transportation ministry. But, in an email to Public Eye, health communications director Michelle Stewart begged to differ. "With respect, it is not uncommon to see public servants moving across ministries to assist with significant public policy issues. David and Dan are part of a broader team of individuals involved with the implementation of the Task Force recommendations including individuals with direct health care/PharmaCare experience including Craig Knight, Assistant Deputy Minister of Corporate Policy, Legislation and Intergovernmental Affairs, Gordon Cross, Executive Director of Finance, and Paul Gudaitis, Executive Director of Stakeholder and Partner Relations with the PharmaCare division. In addition, a broad range of stakeholders well-versed in the field are informing the process."

Last week, we exclusively told you former British Columbia Medical Association president Margaret MacDiarmid would be running for the provincial Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Fairview. But why has she chosen to make a bid for public office? Well, in an interview with Public Eye, Dr. MacDiarmid explained, when she became an association board member in 1996, much of what she did "was government relations with respect to patient care, health promotion, health policy. And I got more and more involved with that and I ended up as president. It was sometime during that year that I started thinking about what I had learned how to do. So I had learned how to, I guess, be a leader. I learned how to do public speaking and be a much more powerful advocate I think. I learned a lot more about health policy. And I had gotten to the point where, instead of being somewhat of a critic and sometimes a harsh critic of government, I actually respected what they were doing and thought, 'You know what, with the skills I have and the interests I have I would actually like to go and be part of government.'"

Earlier, we reported the forests and range ministry's tenure and revenue executive director David Morel - along with former deputy transportation minister Dan Doyle had been appointed to implement the pharmaceutical task force's recommendations. Some might consider Mr. Morel's appointment to be curious, since forest and drug policies have little relation to one another. Although he has stickhandled at least one other controversial issue for the provincial government. According to a biography posted by the Coast Forest Products Association, prior to joining the British Columbia civil service as the forest service's international relations and trade manager, "he worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Ontario government. This has left David with the somewhat dubious distinction of "resolving" the softwood lumber dispute for three different governments."

The provincial government is contracting out its high-profile Trees for Tomorrow initiative. The intiative - an urban reforestation program that was announced in the Campbell administration's recent throne speech - will see four million trees "planted in schoolyards, hospital grounds, parks, campuses, parking lots, paths and walkways and other public spaces in BC communities." And, today, the government quietly announced on BC Bid it's looking for a contractor to "undertake communication, educational components, as well as the coordination of administration of the application and grant process of the Trees for Tomorrow for the entire province of BC."

Remember the provincial government's controversial pharmaceutical task force? Well, the Campbell administration has appointed the forests and range ministry's tenure and revenue executive director David Morel and former deputy transportation minister Dan Doyle to implement its recommendations. Those appointments were announced at a stakeholder engagement session on July 17. It's expected that implementation process will take place over the next six months.

Urban Development Institute executive director Maureen Enser says, "There's some very real questions that need to be answered" if the government wants all new houses and buildings in the province to have net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. That proposal was part of the non-binding recommendations made by the Campbell administration's climate action team last week. But Ms. Enser, who's organization represents the real estate development industry in British Columbia said, "quite frankly, we don't know if it's achievable."

The Campbell administration's recent decision to increase the maximum payable salaries for its deputy ministers has given the labour movement an excuse to remind British Columbians the provincial minimum wage "has been frozen at $8 an hour since 2001." For his part, Labour and Citizens' Services Minister Iain Black says there's no "compelling need" to thaw out that wage "when you're seeing such a small percentage of the population in the minimum wage bracket." This, according to the Daily News's Kris Schumacher. But British Columbian business leaders don't seem so adamantly opposed to such a raise. According to an advertisement promoting Business in Vancouver's business advisory board, 53 percent of those leaders "support the provincial government implementing a raise in the minimum wage to $10." And here's another surprise: just 46 percent "believe that public-private partnerships tend to decrease the overall cost to the public." Fancy that! The following is a complete copy of the text of that advertisement.

Surrey-Green Timbers legislator Sue Hammell and former Kwantlen Faculty Association president Nancy Clegg will be sweating off their pounds to raise money for female provincial New Democrat hopefuls. In an email sent to their "sisters," Mises. Hammell and Clegg wrote, "We need 30 women who will commit to losing 20 pounds between Labour Day and Remembrance Day, and who will commit to collecting $25 or more per pound in pledges from their families, friends and supporters. Sue already has pledges totalling $107 per pound, and Nancy has pledges totaling $82 per pound." Money raised by the so-called Weightlifters will go towards Joy's List, a campaign to raise funds for women candidates. The following is a complete copy of the letter promoting the project.

The Campbell administration's climate action secretariat has convened a hasty meeting with environmental groups this coming Thursday to discuss the government's proposed carbon offset regulations. The government expects to to be annually purchasing between 600,000 to 900,000 tonnes of offsets each year to compensate for its greenhouse gas emissions. But those purchases - investments in projects that reduce such emissions - could be controversial if the administration insists on including reforestation activities like the "incremental tree planting intiatives" mentioned its recent throne speech

Last week, former Prince Edward Island cabinet minister Robert Morrisey and former Balfour Moss LLP partner Garry Oledzki stepped down as federal Liberal election candidates. But they're not the only Grit hopefuls who have tendered their resignations. In British Columbia, Skeena-Bulkely Valley and Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission candidates Corinna Morhart and Rani Bellwood resigned last year. While Okanagan-Shuswap and Langley candidates Buffy Baumbrough and Jake Gray resigned on June 13 and July 14, 2008 respectively.

Commenting on his decision to increase the maximum payable salaries for deputy and assistant deputy minister, Premier Gordon Campbell told reporters in Beijing, "We've always said we wanted to be about third in the country in terms of remuneration. That's exactly where we are." And later, during the same scrum, he again said, "We've always set the mark of trying to be about third in the marketplace in Canada. That's where we are." But, just last month, the provincial public service made this statement in a report detailing its executive compensation philosophy: "The province's target position for executive compensation in the public sector market is to be from 3rd to 5th nationally amongst the provincial and federal governments." Fancy that!

In October, The Globe and Mail's Justine Hunter reported on Ross Curtis's abrupt departure as British Columbia's oil and gas commissioner. At the time, the government refused to say why Mr. Curtis was terminated. Nor would the government say whether he received severance. But the commission's executive compensation statement, which was released last month, is blabbing. According to that report, "As part of his severance agreement, Mr. Curtis received salary continuance until March 31, 2008 and received a lump sum settlement payment on March 31, 2008." The total value of that agreement: $154,170.

Earlier, we reported on how Decima Research Ltd.'s polling appears to have been influential in laying one of the cornerstones for the Campbell administration's climate action initiative. But how much did the Liberals splash out for that polling, you may wonder? Well, documents obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information state the government agreed to pay a maximum of $130,500 in fees and $20,000 in expenses. Those documents also reveal the company was supposed to have submitted a "final report on qualitative findings" by the "end of week 6" - or the week of January 7, 2008. But, according to that report, Decima only got around to finishing its focus group testing "during the last 2 weeks of January, 2008." Moreover, report's .pdf is dated February 5, 2008 - just seven days before the speech from the throne announcing the government's climate action agenda.

Former provincial New Democrat cabinet minister Ian Waddell may once again be running for public office. But he doesn't want to be a MLA. Nor does the former Vancouver Kingsway and Port Moody-Coquitlam parliamentarian want to be a MP. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Waddell confirmed he's considering seeking a Vision Vancouver parks board nomination. "I'm thinking about it. I haven't made a final decision" - something that will happen in two weeks time. On October 10, 2006 Mr. Waddell, announced he would be "retiring from electoral politics." The following is a complete copy of that two-year-old news release.

Last week, the Campbell administration said it was increasing the maximum payable salaries for its top bureaucrats to "maintain B.C.'s competitiveness in recruiting and retaining the talent necessary to lead the public service." After all, according to the government, British Columbia's deputy minister wages weren't "keeping pace" with civic service paycheques across the country. And keeping pace is important because within the next 10 years "51 per cent of deputy ministers will retire" - necessitating a 34.93 percent increase to their maximum salaries. But we fail to see how any of this justifies giving their boss Jessica McDonland a 42.91 percent increase.

Tomorrow morning, on Public Eye Radio, parks board member Spencer Herbert talks about the need for a tent city in Vancouver if more homeless housing isn't built. Provincial New Democrat critic Nicholas Simons shares his thoughts on our recent report that children and family development is one of the sickiest ministries in the government. And Canadian Taxpayers Federation spokesperson Maureen Bader and British Columbia Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair take on the Campbell administration's controversial decision to increase the maximum payable salaries for deputy ministers. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Chris Gainor, Alex Tsakumis and Allan Warnke - will 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 or leave a comment below.

Earlier, we wondered whether the premier's deputy minister Jessica McDonald could, if she receives her maximum payable salary of $348,600, become the highest paid provincial civil service head in Canada. After all, Ontario's recently departed cabinet secretary Tony Dean was paid $301,772.17 in 2007, having joined the public service in 1998. Meanwhile, Alberta's executive council deputy minister Ron Hicks had a base salary of $257,496 in fiscal 2006/07. Under an order in council approved on July 30, the salary for that post will increase on April 1, 2009 to $264,576 - seven months after Mr. Hicks retires after a 28-year career in government.

Thanks to the Campbell administration's generosity, the premier's deputy minister Jessica McDonald could now be making $348,600. By comparison, according to the Ontario government's public sector salary disclosure record, Ms. McDonald's counterpart - cabinet secretary Tony Dean - was paid $301,772.17 in 2007. This, prior to his departure from government in January. And, in Alberta, the executive council's most recent annual report states its deputy minister Ron Hicks (who retires on September 5) had a base salary of $257,496 in fiscal 2006/07. So does this mean Ms. McDonald, if she receives her maximum payable salary, could become the highest paid provincial civil service head in Canada?

Earlier, we reported the Campbell administration had dramatically increased the maximum payable salaries for its top bureaucrats - by 34.93 percent for deputy ministers and 42.91 percent for the premier's deputy minister Jessica McDonald. That's significantly more than the 8.97 percent increases they were given in 2006. And it means, over the past two years, their maximum salaries have increased by 47.03 percent and 55.73 percent respectively.

Earlier, we reported the Campbell administration had dramatically increased the maximum payable salaries for its deputy ministers. This, depite the fact the government had said that compensation review wouldn't take place for another two years. Asked for comment, government spokesperson Richard Chambers said, "There were salary increases in 2006. Since then, a comparison with public servant leader wages across the country shows B.C.'s people have fallen behind. And, to remain competitive, action has been taken." Of course, what the government isn't saying is that falling behind merely means moving from having the fifth highest paid deputy ministers in the country to the sixth. Fancy that!

In June 2006, following a "careful examination of the senior public service labour market across the country," the Campbell concluded "changes are needed to maintain B.C.'s competitiveness in recruiting and retaining the talent necessary to lead the public service." Which is why the government increased the maximum payable salary for deputy ministers "from $203,500 to $221,760 and from $223,850 to $243,936 for the deputy minister to the Premier." At the time, the government promised those salaries would be reviewed again in four years. So we find it somewhat surprising to see the government announce another such increase - just two years later!

Earlier, we broke the news former British Columbia Medical Association president Margaret MacDiarmid would be seeking the provincial Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Fairview. So what does Rick Peterson - who's also running for that nomination - have to say about her entrance into that race? Well, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Peterson responded, "I think it's great, Sean. Competition is going to make whoever wins it stronger. It'll make the riding stronger. And, when one of us ends up being in government, it'll be a stronger person and a stronger representative for the BC Liberal Party."

This year, the Campbell administration spent $587,791.06 on the premier's fourth annual innovation and excellence awards. But what government initiatives, you may wonder, did that money go toward celebrating? Well, among the finalists was the ministry of labour and citizens' services new policy to provide the public with "free access to contract and performance information" about major back-office and information technology outsourcing deals. According to the event program, that policy - which was implemented by the alternative service delivery secretariat - makes British Columbia "the first jurisdiction in Canada to proactively publish signed contracts and report regularly on the performance measures of ASD projects, positioning the Province as the most transparent jurisidiction in Canada and a worldwide transparency leader." Sounds grand! But, unfortunately, the government hasn't distributed any advisories directing media to the Website where that information can be found. The reason: well, according to labour and citizens' services: "As the ASD Transparency Policy is an internal policy, it was not the subject of an external public release."

Earlier, we exclusively told you Margaret MacDiarmid is seeking the provincial Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Fairview - a bid that will pit her against Rick Peterson. The fact she was formerly president of the British Columbia Medical Association should make her a shoe-in for that nomination. But her candidacy won't be without controversy. The reason: in August 2005, while reporting on the Canadian Medical Association's annual general meeting, the Edmonton Journal's Susan Ruttan quoted Dr. MacDiarmid as telling delegates that rejecting private healthcare would be, "closing the door to exploring new options for meeting some of those many shocking unmet needs." This, in response to a proposed and, ultimately, unsuccessful motion asking association members to reject such options and seek wait time solutions within the public healthcare system.

Mark Jiles, the president of The Progressive Group, arranged a meeting between a Washington State representative and a senior member of the provincial government's BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games secretariat. This, according to emails obtained exclusively by Public Eye via a freedom of information request.

Apparently, the Campbell administration has moved Riverview Hospital to Noblesville, Indiana. After all, can there be any other explanation for why the government's provincial health authority Website directs those wanting information about the hospital to this Internet address, rather than this one?

The former president of the British Columbia Medical Association wants to run for the provincial Liberals in the upcoming Vancouver-Fairview by-election, Public Eye has learned. In an email sent to party members, Vancouver-Fairview riding association president Jesse McLinton writes Margaret MacDiarmid is "inviting people to meet her on Thursday between 5:30 to 8:00" at the home of her friend Alexandra Tchermenska as part of her bid to seek the nomination. Finance minister Colin Hansen will be in attendance. The following is an edited copy of that invitation.

Children and family development employees took $7.3 million of sick leave in fiscal 2007/08 - costing the government more money than any other provincial ministry. This, according to documents exclusively obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request.

From August 25 to 31, British Columbian environmentalists will be attending Wild Earth 2008 - the movement's tenth annual forest action training camp. The invitation to the event boasts that proposed workshops will include "conflict resolution/non-violence training." But at least one of the camp's workshop instructors has been in the news for using more controversial protest techniques.

Earlier, we reported on the appointment of Chris Gardner, one of Kevin Falcon's university friends, to the B.C. Ferry Authority's board of directors. And now we see another one of the transportation minister's associates has been the beneficiary of government patronage. Gordon Schoberg, Minister Falcon's riding association president and former president of the Surrey Electors Team, was named on July 31 to Kwantlen University College's board of governors. Mr. Schoberg also chairs the Liberal's provincial council meetings. And he was one of iTrend Research Group Inc.'s directors.

Earlier, we reported the Campbell administration had moved the Website promoting the premier's innovation and excellence awards from the Internet to the public service intranet. But, in an interview with Public Eye, advanced education and labour market development communications director Richard Chambers assured us the government isn't hiding anything. Instead, it's working on rebuilding the Website to make it "much more prominent."

In 2007, the Campbell administration explained it spent big bucks on the premier's innovation and excellence awards because it would help recruit new civil servants. And the government used the same justification this year. But, if that's the case, why has the provincial government removed the Website promoting those awards been moved from the Internet to the public service's intranet where it can only be viewed by bureaucrats already on the government's payroll? Just askin'!

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Victoria mayoral candidate Simon Nattrass talks about his plans for the capital city. British Columbia Citizens' Assembly Alumni co-chair Shoni Field shares her thoughts on the upcoming referendum on electoral reform. And Canadian Taxpayers Federation British Columbia communications director Maureen Bader elaborates on why she thinks civil servants shouldn't be throwing lavish parties for themselves. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Chris Gainor, Bob Russell, Alex Tsakumis and Allan Warnke - will 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 or leave a comment below.

Yesterday, Attorney General Wally Oppal told us information and privacy commissioner David Loukidelis, during a recent meeting, had given him a report on recommended reforms to the Lobbyists Registration Act. But, in an interview today, the commissioner's executive director Mary Carlson clarified Attorney General Oppal actually asked Mr. Loukidelis to prepare such report - a process that is now underway.