January 2009 Archives

The provincial New Democrats are demanding the government delay implementing its controversial decision to allow the construction of five and six storey wood-frame buildings. The New Democrats made the demand following an exclusive Public Eye investigation that raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of those buildings to fire and earthquakes - as well as the process by which that decision was made. In an interview this afternoon, New Democrat housing and consumer affairs critic Diane Thorne said, "I think the Liberals are being reckless by rushing it. And anyone who read your article this morning, I don't know how they could not agree that they're being reckless."

An investigation by Public Eye has uncovered serious concerns about the government's controversial decision to allow for the construction of five and six storey wood-frame buildings. Premier Gordon Campbell first announced his intention to allow for such buildings in May. This, after the ailing forest industry lobbied the government to promote provincial wood products by making the BC Building Code "wood-centric" and requiring all new private buildings to use such products in their construction.

Chetwynd mayor Evan Saugstad has confirmed he's considering running for the provincial Liberal nomination in Peace River North. In an interview with Public Eye, "I'm interested. But until the party does their review, I guess a person has got to sit and wait and see." Mr. Saughstad said he wasn't "at liberty to say" whether he's submitted his nomination papers. But he did comment on why he would want to succeed former energy, mines and petroleum resources minister Richard Neufeld as the legislator for that riding: "It's always been one of those things that's been at the bottom of the bucket list - recognizing the sun and the moon has to line up to have the opportunity in your stage of life, your age and your profile. But I also believe I have something too offer - and I have a lot to give up."

Last month, during his year-end interview with The Canadian Press's Dirk Meissner, Premier Gordon Campbell said "all of what I've tried to do in public life is about children." This, in response to questions about his administration's commitment to protecting and improving the lives of the province's most vulnerable children. But his party isn't yet prepared to discuss what it would to meet that commitment if the Liberals win a third term in government. On January 14, the party declined an opportunity to discuss its platform with members of the First Call Coalition, which represents more than 80 organizations concerned with child welfare issues. The reason: the Liberals are "still in the process of formulating their policy platform for the election."

Here's some news you might not have heard about: on November 23, Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union strategic campaigns and communications director Mike Bruce resigned as a Vision Vancouver executive member. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Bruce - who has been on vacation for the past month - explained, "I wanted more time. The election was over. And I had given all my efforts into that. And we have a provincial election coming up now. And I needed the time to focus on that."

On Wednesday, former broadcast journalist Robin Adair was acclaimed as the provincial Liberal candidate in Saanich South. The news release announcing that acclamation highlights Mr. Adair's past role as the chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and his present role as the chair of Camosun College's board of governors. But neither that release nor his Website mention Mr. Adair's recent work as the communications and government relations vice-president of WCG International Consultants Ltd. - one of two companies contracted to provide welfare-to-work services for the province.

The health services ministry's 14-month old effort to develop a home and community care strategic document seems to have produced a voluminous amount of paperwork. According to the ministry's corporate information, privacy and records branch, there are at least 3,000 pages of background records related to that effort. This, in response to a freedom of information request filed by the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union. And the government is charging $1,500 for access to those records. The following is a complete copy of that response.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Saanich South provincial Liberal candidate Robin Adair discusses his bid to win the riding for British Columbia's governing party. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Eleanor Gregory, Bob Russell 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 today, federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff announced a "streamlined roster of critics." But those parsing that list will notice a surprising omition. None of the party's three Vancouver parliamentarians - Ujjal Dosanjh, Hedy Fry and Joyce Murray - are members of that new shadow cabinet. Although Mr. Dosanjh will be co-chairing the party's upcoming biennial convention in Terminal City.

The Structural Engineers Association of British Columbia is developing guidelines for the construction of five and six storey wood-frame buildings. But, in an interview with Public Eye, association interim president David Davey said he would preferred it if those guidelines had been made mandatory by the provincial government. Mr. Davies made those comments following enactment of a Building Code amendment that will allow for the construction of those controversial buildings as early as April 6.

Last month, The Globe and Mail's Mark Hume reported the Campbell administration had opened "high-level" discussions with First Nations leaders concerning the introduction of legislation recognizing aboriginal rights and title. Among those representing the administration: Lorne Brownsey, who had been the government's aboriginal relations and reconciliation deputy minister since June 2005 until he shuffled to tourism, culutre and the arts earlier this week. But reaction to that shuffle among aboriginal leaders seems to be mixed.

Last year, we reported the health services ministry had told the auditor general its home and community care strategic document wouldn't be ready until March 2009. So it seems somewhat curious the government, in response to a freedom of information request received by the ministry on November 3, 2008, has declined to provide a copy because the "information will be released within 60 days" of that receipt date. After all, that means the Campbell administration should be making that information - which will "guide the HCC program over the next decade" - available to British Columbians by next Thursday. The following is a complete copy of the response to that request, which was filed by the British Columbia Government and Service Employees

Attorney General Wally Oppal has told Public Eye he "misstated" himself in an interview with The Vancouver Sun's Tara Carman. At issue: last week, Attorney General Oppal reportedly told the broadsheet the Legal Services Society "has not requested additional funding from the province." This, after the society announced it would be laying off 38 Lower Mainland employees because of an expected decline in non-government revenue.

Thanks to the police raid on the legislature five years ago, tongues wag whenever the boys in blue show up or near the legislative precincts. So when the police were spotted outside the legislature's old armouries - which is now home to The Vancouver Sun and BCTV's offices - questions were asked about what they were doing there. And here's the answer: "There's a big sign outside that says police training exercise," explained The Vancouver Sun's Craig McInnes, who works in the building. "There are many people, heavily-laden with gear and weapons, who ocassionally go into the washroom behind us and dump their stuff on the floor. There's two things I hope out of this: one that it's not live fire and the second is that the building at the end of the exercise doesn't look like a building the fire department has used."

The provincial New Democrats have been begun organzing campaign kickoffs events featuring party leader Carole James. But those events, which are being coordinated by Molly Eichar, don't seem particularly popular with the party's netroots. At publication time, upcoming kickoffs in the Kootenays, Vancouver-North Shore and Burnaby-Fraser Valley have just 11, 55 and 19 scheduled attendees respectively, according to Facebook. And the Vancouver Island North kickoff, which took place on January 17 at Nanaimo's Beban Park Recreation Centre, had 35 Facebook attendees. But, in an interview with Public Eye, New Democrat communications director David Bieber said that was just a fraction of the 190 supporters who actually showed up for the Vancouver Island North event. And "we're thinking the one on Saturday night, in downtown Vancouver, will be reasonably well-attended."

Public Eye is pleased to announce that - because of your contributions - we've now raised $2,073.58 in just ten days. That means we're well on our way to meeting our goal of raising $3,000 to expand Public Eye, adding tools that will allow us to better hold British Columbia's public institutions to account. So, once again, thank you for your support. And, if you haven't contributed yet, please consider doing so by clicking on this link and making a donation.

"Cabinet shuffle moves climate agenda further from Premier's reach," declared one headline. Gordon Campbell "downgrades climate change in shuffle of cabinet bureaucrats," stated another, summarizing the premier's decision to make the environment ministry responsible for the climate action secretariat, rather than his own office. And, according to provincial New Democrat energy, mines and petroleum resources critic John Horgan apppointing now former secretariat head Graham Whitmarsh as the finance ministry's top bureaucrats shows "the premier has lost interest in his latest shiny bauble which was climate change." But that apparent consensus - which Premier Campbell has denied - could be wrong. After all, Mr. Whitmarsh has spent more than a year working on the government's climate action policies, including it's controversial carbon tax. So the effect of his appointment to one of the Campbell administration's most senior bureaucratic posts might reinforce those policies.

Yesterday, the provincial government announced climate action secretariat head Graham Whitmarsh would be appointed finance deputy minister effective April 1. That appointment isn't quite as surprising as when Jessica McDonald - a former ministry of environment, lands and parks manager and land management consultant - was named the premier's deputy minister. Nevertheless, unlike finance's present top bureaucrat Chris Trumpy, Mr. Whitmarsh isn't a career civil servant. So his resume does warrant scrutiny.

Earlier, we reported BC Progress Board member Cindy Chan's company had been accused by the Canadian Revenue Agency of designing and selling software that allowed four restaurants to evade taxes. InfoSpec Systems Inc. has denied those allegations, stating no charges have been laid against the firm or its employees. And, in an interview with Public Eye, Ida Chong, the minister responsible for the progress board, said that accusation won't result in a change to Ms. Chan's appointment status.

This morning, Mustel Research Group Ltd. released a poll showing the provincial Liberals at 47 percent - 14 percentage points higher than the New Democrats. That's a bigger lead than the one reported by Ipsos-Reid Corp.'s November 18 poll, which put the Liberals at 44 percent - nine percentage points higher than the New Democrats. So does Mustel's most recent numbers represent a trend? Well, to find out, British Columbians will likely have to wait till mid-February. That's the earliest Ipsos-Reid could come out with their next provincial politics poll - although mid-March is also a possibility. Meanwhile, Angus Reid Strategies Inc. is considering releasing such a poll sometime in the third week of February.

The Element Agency, the Vancouver-based advertising firm that worked on Gregor Robertson's successful mayoral campaign, has been acquired by an international communications consultancy. Element did direct mail, print and radio advertisements for the Robertson campaign. In an email sent to friends and colleagues, chief exective officer Don Millar and president Grant Draper advised that Element will remain "intact," despite being bought out by Financial Dynamics Ltd.. In fact, according to Messers. Millar and Draper, that buy out will allow Element to "take our services to the next level and greatly extend our reach," expanding its services to include public relations and research. The following is a complete copy of that email, which was distributed last Thursday.

The BC Recreation and Parks Association is looking to put its issues on the ballot during the upcoming provincial election. According to bid documents released last week, the association sees the election as an opportunity to "make the case for increased long-term support and funding" for the recreation, parks, physical activity and culture sectors. And it's interested in hiring a consultant to create a "comprehensive strategy" that will allow the sector to "engage candidates and political parties." The following is an edited copy of that request for expressions of interest.

Last night, provincial New Democrats and Liberals made a lot of points in the house while debating legislation to give Vancouver the borrowing power it needs to complete the Olympic village project. But the point they most frequently made was a point of order - accusing one another of violating the legislature's rules. According to a review of the transcript of that debate, points of order were raised at least 14 times - most often by Liberal MLAs who accused the New Democrats of making statements that were "irrelevant" to the debate. Such statements are forbidden under section 40 of the legislature's standing orders. The following is a complete list of each of those points of order.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial Liberal northern caucus chair John Rustad will discuss the Campbell administration's forestry and mining policies in advance of next week's northern economic development summit. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Eleanor Gregory, Bob Russell 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 reported Infospec Holdings Corp. and New Asia Capital Investment Corp. paid an estimated $5,000 for provincial Liberal caucus chair John Yap to be part of a "delegation of business representatives to promote trade and goodwill" between British Columbia and China. This, despite the fact, Premier Gordon Campbell criticized the New Democrats for letting the Chinese International Cooperation Association pay at least $12,441 for Opposition Leader Carole James, three legislators and two staffer to go on a trade mission to Taiwan in 2006. So why did Mr. Yap think it was appropriate for him to travel to China on the private sector's dime?

Earlier, we reported there wouldn't be a question period during today's sitting of the provincial legislature. The reason: the legislature's standing orders make no provisions for such an opportunity on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Asked whether the Campbell administration had called a weekend sitting to avoid question period, Government House Leader Mike de Jong quipped, "I don't know. I recall the last week of question period. I rather enjoyed it" - a reference to the New Democrat's poor performance during November's one week legislative sitting. "You should have a look at the tape."

Earlier today, Vancouver Magazine's Frances Bula reported on an email, authored by Vision Vancouver interim external co-chair Marcella Munro, questioning the Robertson administration's handling of Olympic village fiasco. So that should give the civic association's senior members something to chat about during their upcoming Sunday retreat - which is taking place between 10:15 and 4:30 at the West End Community Centre. Those invited to the retreat include the party's elected officials, nomination candidates, election staff, consultants and executive members.

Thanks to your donations, Public Eye has now raised $1,283.79 in just seven days. It's been really gratifying to see just how many people support independent investigative journalism in British Columbia. So thank you, once again, for your contributions. We're now that much closer to the $3,000 we need to expand the Website, allowing us to add a calendar tracking political events, podcasts of our radio show and raw video of legislative scrums. And, if you haven't contributed yet, please consider doing so by clicking on this link and making a donation.

Housing consumer advocates are criticizing the government for enacting a Building Code amendment earlier this month that will allow for the construction of five and six storey wood-frame buildings. Public Eye was the first to report on the earthquake and fire-safety concerns related to such buildings - which Premier Gordon Campbell first promised to allow in May. But, despite those concerns, the government has pressed ahead with that promise, introducing an amendment on January 8 that could see five and six storey wood-frame houses begin construction as early as April 6.

Attorney General Wally Oppal acknowledged today the Lobbyists Registration Act has "obvious shortcomings." But he said there's nothing the government can do about the situation involving the provincial Liberal's powerful former campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella and his business partner Mark Jiles. At issue: the New Democrats have alleged Messers. Kinsella and Jiles lobbied the government without registering. But, by law, proceedings could only be brought against them within six months of their alleged offences - which happened in or before 2007 - taking place. As a result, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police won't be investigating those allegations - which both men deny.

The provincial legislature will reconvene this weekend to consider legislation that would allow Vancouver to borrow the money it needs to complete the controversial Olympic village project. But just because the legislature is sitting, doesn't mean the New Democrats will have much of an opportunity to hold government to account. The legislature's standing orders state there will be a question period "at the opening of each afternoon sitting on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday." But there's no provision for a question period on Saturday or Sunday.

Earlier, we exclusively reported the Royal Canadian Mounted Police wouldn't be investigating allegations the provincial Liberals' powerful former campaign co-chair violated the Lobbyists Registration Act. The reason: by law, proceedings could only be brought against Mr. Kinsella within six months of his alleged offences - which happened in or before 2007 - taking place. But three months ago - following news that Mr. Kinsella had declined to consent to a review of his interactions with the government by the lobbyists registrar, Attorney General Wally Oppal told reporters, "If someone is contravening the act, there is a remedy - in spite of the fact it's not within the act. The fact is the police could investigate that person." Mr. Kinsella has denied the allegations against him.

Here's a thought: last month, Peace River North legislator Richard Neufeld announced he wouldn't be running for re-election, having been appointed to the Senate. So who would should replace him as the provincial Liberal candidate in that riding? Well, how about his ministerial assistant Natalie Poole-Moffatt? After all, before becoming the energy, mines and petroleum resource minister's aide, Ms. Poole-Moffatt was the District of Taylor's community services director. And, prior to that, she was managing editor of the Alaska Highway News.

A longtime political aide to newly-elected Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson has been scooped up by the private sector. Yesterday, in an email sent to friends, Mira Oreck announced she's been hired as a senior account manager with communications firm Hoggan and Associates Inc. The firm's president, Jim Hoggan, recently - according to Vancouver Magazine's Frances Bula - "helped plan the roll-out of the Villegate media briefing."

Allegations the provincial Liberals' powerful former campaign co-chair violated the Lobbyists Registration Act will go un-investigated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Public Eye has exclusively learned. New Democrat attorney general critic Leonard Krog asked the Mounties on October 3 to investigate if Patrick Kinsella and his business partner Mark Jiles have been lobbying the government without registering - allegations both men deny. And, in an interview, police spokesperson Annie Linteau confirmed the force won't be looking into those alleged offences - which took place in or before 2007.

Earlier today, The Vancouver Sun's Gordon Hamilton reported Premier Gordon Campbell will "reconvene the legislature as soon as possible to pass an amendment needed to finance Vancouver's Olympic village." So when is as soon as possible, you may wonder? Well, it could be Tuesday next week - the same day as Barack Obama is sworn-in as America's forty-fourth president. But if the session last until Thursday, there may not be many government ministers left in the precincts. Because that's the first day of Opportunities North: The Northern Economic Summit - which is scheduled to be attended by at least ten executive council members.

Provincial New Democrat caucus communications officer Jamie Matten will be leaving the legislative precincts tomorrow. But Ms. Matten, who has been working for caucus since 2004, won't be going far. Because on Friday, she'll be working as the executive assistant to newly-elected Victoria mayor Dean Fortin.

Matt Stickney, who was a federal Liberal British Columbia regional organizer during the last election, has jumped a couple rungs up the political ladder. Our understanding is Mr. Stickney has been tapped to head up the Opposition leader Michael Ignatieff's British Columbia desk. That appointment is expected to become effective within the next few weeks.

Thanks to your help, Public Eye has now raised $808.86 - almost one-third of the way towards reaching our $3,000 goal. Your contributions mean we'll soon be able to offer a host of new features - including a calendar tracking political events in British Columbia, podcasts of our radio show and raw video of legislative scrums. At a time when the mainstream media is downsizing, we believe it's important to support independent media outlets that can ensure the province's public institutions are held to account. So thank you, once again, for your support. And, if you haven't contributed yet, please consider doing so by clicking on this link and making a donation.

Earlier, we reported former WCG International Consultants Ltd. communications and government relations vice-president Robin Adair had clinched the Saanich South provincial Liberal nomination. This, after Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce policy development and communications manager Shannon Renault was disqualified from the race for that nomination. But we may have spoken too soon. Because Public Eye has now learned Ms. Renault is appealing that disqualification.

Vancouver-False Creek provincial Liberal candidate Mary McNeil's campaign will be fundraising in-style next month at the recently-opened Shangri-La Hotel. Tickets to the February 2 dinner - which is believed to the hotel's first major event - are $700 or $6,000 for a table of ten. The fundraiser will feature Premier Gordon Campbell, who also attended Ms. McNeil's campaign launch. Kay Ackles, former BC Lions' president and chief executive officer Bob Ackles widow, is chairing the event.

Those following the controversy surrounding the Olympic village will be interested to know Vision Vancouver's executive will be meeting tonight at the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada's western region office - their first gathering since Mayor Gregor Robertson announced "city taxpayers are on the hook" for the project's billion-dollar price tag.

Earlier, we reported on organizer Peter Hebb's reluctance to discuss the Sir John A. MacDonald Society's annual birthday dinner for the former prime minister. But this isn't the first time the society has tried to keep details of that dinner quiet. In 2002, The Hill Times's Arthur Milnes - while surveying how Canadians were marking that birthday - described the annual Vancouver gathering as being "very secret," adding the society "won't even say who their speaker is to ensure a free-flowing evening."

A recent Dominion Institute survey found four in ten Canadians could not identify John A. Macdonald's birthday. So you'd think the former prime minister's admirers would be anxious to talk about how they're marking that date. But you'd be wrong. This coming Friday, the Sir John A. MacDonald Society is hosting a dinner at The Vancouver Club to celebrate the occasion. But, when asked about the annual dinner, organizer Peter Hebb said, "Where did you get any information about that?...It's a private society. There's no press. It's just a private dinner." And who else, other than Innovative Research Group Inc. managing director Greg Lyle, is speaking at the event? "I'm sorry it's a private society," responded Mr. Hebb. "We don't discuss it with the press."

Tomorrow, the Coast Canadian Inn in Kamloops will host the provincial New Democrats' first caucus meeting of the New Year. And the Campbell administration will also be getting back to business the same day. Cabinet is scheduled to meeting at 10:00 tomorrow morning in the premier's Vancouver office.

Former Association for Mineral Exploration of British Columbia president Dan Jepsen was approached about running for the provincial Liberals, Public Eye has learned. But it looks like his name won't be on a ballot during the next election. In an interview, Mr. Jepsen - who lives in West Vancouver-Capilano legislator Ralph Sultan's riding, said, "A few people that I respected talked to me about when I was looking at what my next challenge would be. I don't know how serious they were. Ralph Sultan is a good friend of mine. And I went and had breakfast with him on his seventy-fifth birthday and realized his goal and objective is to run again. And I live in West Van. And I was thinking, I would never try to undermine Ralph cause I've got huge respect for the man. So I thought, maybe the stars don't align this time. And my wife didn't seem to be too enthralled with the idea either." Mr. Jepsen is presently the chairman and chief executive officer of C3 Alliance Corp.

Because of your contributions over the past three days, Public Eye has now raised $447.89. That means we're well on our way to raising the $3,000 we need to expand the Website - helping us hold British Columbia's public institutions to account at a time when media outlets are slashing their workforces. So we want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have already contributed - and send our appreciation to Rob Cottingham, The Gazetteer and BC Election 2009's Sacha Peter for spreading the word about our fundraising campaign. And, if you haven't contributed yet, please do so by clicking on this link and making a donation.

Federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff cross-country "economic listening" tour is coming to British Columbia this week. And Mr. Ignatieff already has at least three events on his itinerary. The Young Liberals have organized a scratch and sniff session with the Liberal leader at The Irish Heather on Wednesday. British Columbia caucus chair Hedy Fry and party provincial president Craig Munroe will be hosting a reception for Mr. Ignatieff earlier that same evening at Heenan Blaikie LLP's Vancouver office. And the Federal Liberal Action Group has organized an open town hall for the leader at Kwantlen Polytechnic University on Thursday. The following is a complete copy of the invite to Mr. Munroe's reception.

On Friday, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson announced, "The Olympic village is a billion-dollar project, and the city taxpayers are on the hook for all of it." That controversial announcement was made following a one-hour, not-for-attribution technical briefing with someone The Globe and Mail's Frances Bula referred to as a "senior city hall manager" - who was outed yesterday by CityCaucus.com's Mike Klassen as city manager Penny Ballem. But this isn't the first time an easily-identifiable bureaucrat has delivered such a briefing, barring cameras and recording devices from the room.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Mining Association of British Columbia policy and communications vice-president Byng Giraud will discuss the recent layoffs at Teck Cominco Ltd. We'll continue our discussion about the state of the province's mining industry with New Democrat critic John Horgan. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Sheila Orr, Bob Russell 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.

Public Eye is looking to expand - and we need your help. Between now and the middle of February, we're hoping to add a number of features we think you'll find useful - including a calendar tracking political events in British Columbia, podcasts of our radio show and raw video of legislative scrums. But those features won't come without a price. And we're hoping you'll contribute to this initiative. Think of it this way: many of you make political donations to little effect. But, since 2004, Public Eye has uncovered numerous provincial and federal scandals on a shoestring budget. So you'll be guaranteed to get something for your money. We're hoping to raise at least $3,000 over the next month. And we hope you'll be one of our contributors by clicking on this link and making a donation to our PayPal account.

Earlier, we argued the differences between former Justice Ted Hughes and deputy minister Lesley du Toit's visions of the ministry of children and family development might not have become apparent if the Campbell administration hadn't appointed an a children and youth representative to oversee that ministry. But what you might not know is the representative's oversight function may not exist after November 2011.

Attempts to move the development of offshore oil and gas development resources from the back to the frontburner of the provincial government's political agenda continue. Next Tuesday, the Fraser Institute is organizing a policy briefing at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce with geologist and exploration consultant Henry Lyatsky, who will argue the moratorium on such development "should be lifted and that bother Canada and BC have much to gain from the oil prospects believed to exist in the Queen Charlotte Sound."

In April 2006, an independent review judged the Campbell administration of having mismanaged the ministry of children and family development - which some said contributed to the deaths of two toddlers. "I don't think there's any doubt" government cutbacks "took the knife too far," said former Justice Ted Hughes, the man appointed by the administration to make sure such a scandal didn't happen again. But 33 months later, the status of the 62 recommendations included in Hughes's independent review of British Columbia's child protection system is in the doubt. And Premier Gordon Campbell is again to blame.

The co-founder of a Richmond company that has been linked to an alleged tax-evasion scheme is also a member of the provincial government's BC Progress Board. Cindy Chan was appointed to the board - which is responsible for tracking changes in the economic performance and social wellbeing of British Columbia - on September 25. Last month, the Canada Revenue Agency accused her company of designing and selling software that allowed four restaurants to evade taxes - allegations InfoSpec Systems Inc. has denied, stating no charges have been laid against the company or its employees.

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce policy development and communications manager Shannon Renault has been disqualified from the provincial Liberal Saanich South nomination race. Our understanding is Ms. Renault was disqualified because of a miscommunication relating to nomination deadlines. Dodd's Furniture Ltd. owner Gordie Dodd - who is presently in Cuba - is also no longer in the race. Which means former WCG International Consultants Ltd. communications and government relations vice-president Robin Adair has clinched the nomination.

North East Aboriginal Trappers Society director Susan Anderson-Behn was hired yesterday to manage Fair Voting BC's pro-single transferable vote campaign, Public Eye has learned. Ms. Anderson-Behn, a First Nations consultant, was the British Columbia Federation of Labour's treaty negotiations, resource management and environment director from 1990 to 1998. She also worked for BC Aboriginal Fisheries Commission between 1998 to 2005, first as the agency's selective fishing file manager and then later as its offshore oil and gas file manager.

"I have not been convinced that (public-private partnerships) save money in the long term, I fear loss of public control, and I fret about diminished accountability," wrote CityCaucus.com contributor Eric Mang yesterday. "I voted for elected officials to serve us. I did not elect a corporation, motivated by profit and not the public good, to serve me." That's a strong opinion. But what got tongues wagging was it's source. After all, Mr. Mang was Gordon Campbell's former senior issues management coordinator - the same premier who was recently appointed the honourary chair of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Parnterships. According to his biography, Mr.Mang's political views "drifted leftward" after leaving the legislature.

Provincial New Democrat legislators will be jetting up to Kamloops next Tuesday for their first caucus meeting of the New Year. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Coast Canadian Inn, which Canada Select has rated as city's only four star hotel. Legislators will also be participating in community outreach activities during the one day meeting.

Vision Vancouver's interim external co-chair Marcella Munro has joined one of the Canada's most recognizable lobbying firms. In an email sent to friends and colleagues last week, Ms. Munro - who has been on the civic association's executive since 2006 - announced she's been hired as a senior consultant with Earnscliffe Strategy Group Inc. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Earnscliffe British Columbia principal Bruce Young said, "We didn't hire her to do municipal work. We hired her because of her impeccable media relations and communications skills," citing her experience as a Canada Now reporter.

Ian Ferguson has been replaced as the chief executive officer of WCG International Consultants Ltd., one of two companies contracted to provide welfare-to-work services for the provincial government. In an exclusive interview with Public Eye, Fletcher McCusker, the chairman and chief executive officer of WCG's Tuscon, Arizona owner, explained, "It became clear to us that there were some issues between the historical management there and the ministry (of housing and social development). And we elected to make some changes that we feel better address our relationship with the payer."

More evidence independent power production is the It-industry for former political aides: on December 12, Mark Grant resigned as the federal Liberal's British Columbia executive director to become the government relations and public affairs director for Rupert Peace Power Corp. The company is presently developing two wind power projects - one near Prince Rupert, the other near Tumbler Ridge. Kimball Kastelen, who was a provincial Liberal candidate in the 1991 election, has replaced Mr. Grant as executive director on an acting basis.

Earlier, we reported Terasen Inc. director Harry McWatters once worked for former Vincor International Inc. president and chief executive officer Don Triggs, who is now of BC Hydro Corp. director. But that's not the only board-level connection between the natural gas distributor and the Crown corporation. Last month, Terasen announced fellow BC Hydro director Brenda Eaton would be joining its board. Ms. Eaton, who is also a Powerex Corp. director and chair of the BC Housing Management Commission, was formerly Premier Gordon Campbell's priority projects deputy minister.

Earlier, we reported Harry McWatters, Rick Thorpe's former constituency association president, has been the chair of FortisBC Inc. since 2006. So that could explain why FortisBC is the gold sponsor for a fundraiser celebrating the retiring legislator's "many years of service and generosity to our province." Other sponsors include Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, which was founded by Mr. McWatters, Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery, Allegra Printing and Imaging and the Ramada - Penticton. Tickets are $150 or $1,000 for a table of eight, which proceeds going to the Rick and Yasmin Thorpe and Friends Scholarship fund. The following is a complete copy of the invite to that event.

Earlier, we reported former Vincor International Inc. president and chief executive officer Don Triggs had been appointed a BC Hydro Corp. director. But he's not the only wine industry member with a stake in the energy business. Former Vincor Western Canada government and industry relations vice-president Harry McWatters joined Terasen Inc. board of directors on November 1, 2007. Mr. McWatters, who founded Sumac Ridge Estate Winery and sold it to Vincor in 2000, is also a Fortis Inc. and FortisBC Inc. board member, having been appointed to those posts in May 2007 and September 2005 respectively. Like Mr. Triggs, Mr. McWatters - who has chaired FortisBC since June 1, 2006 - also a relationship with former provincial small business and revenue minister Rick Thorpe, having been his constituency association president. Fortis is Terasen's parent company.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial Green leader Jane Sterk shares her thoughts on our upcoming election. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Eleanor Gregory, Bob Russell 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.