March 2009 Archives

Last year, in an interview with Public Eye, provincial Liberal House Leader Mike de Jong said the Campbell administration intended to fix its broken Lobbyists Registration Act "before the house rises in the spring." But that hasn't happened. The reason: speaking with reporters, Attorney General Wally Oppal said, "It's before the drafters. There are some changes that needed to be made. But I would add that, while I am interested in having this law changed - I've made that quite clear - the fact is the public doesn't really care much about it. You people do. The opposition members do. But, you know, I get no mail on this. I get a lot of mail on health and education and policing - but not much on this. That doesn't mean I'm indifferent to it - because it is something that needs to be done. And it will be done."

Question period is about to get underway. And guess who isn't in the legislature? Why that would be Premier Gordon Campbell for the fourth time in a row. Again, this has nothing to do with the premier's reluctance to answer questions about his former campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella.

Yesterday, CKNW's Sean Leslie quoted provincial Liberal House Leader Mike de Jong as saying the last legislative session before the provincial election will come to an end today. "By the end of tomorrow, the bulk of the legislation has passed, I'm happy about that, a couple of lengthy pieces left that I don't see us getting through with only in only a day or two, so MLA's want to get home, they want to engage with their constituents and get on with the campaign," stated Mr. de Jong. And it seems at least one New Democrat legislator may agree, despite the fact the opposition has had some recent success in question period when asking the Liberals about their former campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella. In a twitter message posted earlier this morning, transportation critic Maurine Karagianis writes she's "getting her wish to get out on the campaign trail. Last day of the session!"

Earlier, we reported on some of the fascinating faces who attended last week's fundraising dinner with federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff. And here's a few more: members of the British Columbia and Yukon Territory Building Trades Construction Council. But, in an interview with Public Eye, executive director Wayne Peppard said that doesn't mean his union is now backing the Grits. "We've got to keep ahead of what's going on in the world. There was a lot of people there from all sectors very interested in hearing what Mr. Ignatieff has to say. He may be the next prime minister. So it was basically out of interest," explained Mr. Peppard. "If it would have been anyone else who was a leader of a party, we'd have probably been there."

Last week, we reported No STV had retained Ipsos-Reid Corp. to do argument testing. But we've since learned Fair Voting BC has also been paying attention to the public's pulse on electoral reform. Last month, Angus Reid Strategies Inc. was in the field testing logos, slogans and messages on behalf of the yes side.

What was former provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella's involvement in the 2003 privatization of BC Hydro Corp.'s back-office services? That's what the New Democrats legislators John Horgan and Mike Farnworth wanted to know in the legislature today. At issue: a resume, obtained by Public Eye last year, in which Mr. Kinsella's firm states it worked with Accenture Business Services to develop "a comprehensive marketing plan" and a "very broad government-relations plan" that helped get the company that $1.45 billion deal.

East Kootenay legislator Bill Bennett may face a tougher re-election campaign thanks to the presence of a soon-to-be-announced provincial Conservative candidate in his riding. But he doesn't seem to be taking the Liberal brand name in with him to the fight. A recent campaign advertisement for the tourism, culture and the arts minister makes no mention of his partisan affiliation. The following is a complete copy of the text of that advertisement, which features a photograph of Minister Bennett, axe in hand, atop of a pile of cut wood. The Conservative candidate is scheduled to be announced tomorrow morning in Cranbrook.

Do provincial Conservative candidates pose a risk to the Liberals in the next election? At least one cabinet minister seems to think so. In a recent twitter, Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Bill Bennett wrote, "A conservative candidate will make it tougher (in East Kootenay), but we will prevail."

Earlier, we reported former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan was among those attending last week's British Columbia federal Liberals' annual leaders' dinner. Asked about that attendance, Mr. Sullivan told Public Eye, "I just have a long-standing friendship with (Michael Ignatieff). I've known him for the last ten years. One of my most pleasant afternoons was spending a whole afternoon in The Groucho Bar with him in London."

There were some fascinating faces in the crowd at the British Columbia federal Liberals' annual leaders' dinner last Thursday. Those who showed up to see Michael Ignatieff included former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan, provincial New Democrat House Leader Mike Farnworth, Vision Vancouver councillor Raymond Louie and former Non-Partisan Association mayoral candidate Peter Ladner.

Premier Gordon Campbell will be missing his third question period in a row today. He's scheduled to speak in Vancouver between 12:15 and 1:45 at the World Conference on Sport and the Environment. Of course, this has nothing to do with his reluctance to answer questions about his former campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella.

Earlier this month, the Salmon Arm Observer's Mike Simmons reported Michel Saab would be running for the provincial Greens in Shuswap during the upcoming election campaign. Dr. Saab has been a school trustee for the past 15 years. But he's also a former provincial Liberal, having run for the party in the 1991 - a fact worth considering. Because, during that election, Dr. Saab came within 1.87 percentage points of beating New Democrat winner Shannon O'Neill. This, despite the fact Dr. Saab spent just $6,267 on that campaign - $27,305 less than Ms. O'Neill. will be running against incumbent Liberal candidate George Abbot and New Democrat hopeful Dale Townsend.

Don't change horses in midstream. That might as well be the Liberals' motto in the upcoming provincial election. They believe their party is the best four-legged beast to carry our burdens through the churning waters of the Great Recession. Indeed, according to a recent Angus Reid Strategies Inc. poll, 43 percent of British Columbians believe Liberal leader Gordon Campbell is best suited to deal with economic issues while just 19 percent think the same of New Democrat leader Carole James.

Next month will mark the second anniversary of the release of Campus 2020: Thinking Ahead - an ambitious plan that was supposed to "help shape the future of post-secondary education" in British Columbia. But many of the 52 recommendation in that plan, which was authored by former attorney general Geoff Plant, are languishing. And, yesterday, in an interview on Public Eye, we spoke to Advanced Education and Labour Development Minister Murray Coell about some of them.

Tomorrow morning, on Public Eye Radio, Advanced Education and Labour Market Development Minister Murray Coell discusses the upcoming election and the future of post-secondary education in British Columbia. New Democrat transportation critic Maurine Karagianis also weighs in from the head of the campaign trail. 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 8:00 and 10:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us or leave a comment below.

On Thursday, legislature raid trial defense lawyer Kevin McCullough read out in court an undated briefing note from the files of Pilothouse Public Affairs Inc. That note stated Canadian National Railway Co. complaints were "communicated to the Premier in a face to face meeting, in Victoria, with CN Chair, and long-time Liberal supporter, David McLean a chief fund raiser for Campbell when he ran for the Liberal leadership and CN's BC political adviser, Patrick Kinsella." This, according to a report by The Globe and Mail's Mark Hume and Justine Hunter.

Yesterday, provincial Liberal Vancouver-Mount Pleasant candidate Sherry Wiebe said she would answer our questions about being a spokesperson for the controversial False Creek Surgical Centre "at another time" - although she wouldn't say when that would be. In the meantime, though, New Democrat incumbent Jenny Kwan has something to say about Ms. Wiebe's background.

Yesterday, we reported Attorney General Wally Oppal wasn't in the legislature to answer questions about former provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella. Nor was Premier Gordon Campbell. And that story repeats itself today. The premier won't be in question period. And our understanding is the attorney general is away for personal reasons.

Those paying attention to former provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella's dealings with the British Columbia Railway Co. will be interested in this squib: it's our understand an email detailing his work for the Crown corporation has now been read in court. Details should soon be available.

Earlier, we reported 52 percent of provincial civil servant responding to an internal online poll voted against the idea of voluntarily reducing their work hours to prevent public service layoffs. So it seems somewhat passingly odd the government is conducting a second poll on the voluntary reduced work week proposal to "provide further insight before we make a final decision on whether or not to proceeding." This, according to an email authored by the premier's deputy minister Jessica McDonald. The following is a complete copy of that email.

No STV has retained Ipsos-Reid Corp. to do argument testing, asking British Columbian polling questions that electoral reform supporters says are "based on simply untruths." But a spokesperson for No STV has rejected that charge, noting the reformers simply "don't like a lot of the things that we say about STV based on what we believe are the facts."

Yesterday, the provincial New Democrat reminded reporters "the contents of a 2004 e-mail exchange between B.C. Rail executives asking about payments made to Patrick Kinsella and his company Progressive Group are expected to be revealed in open court tomorrow." So when exactly will that take place, you may wonder? Well, according to the Vancouver Supreme Court chamber list, proceedings are scheduled to get underway at 10:00.

This morning, businessman and former federal Conservative political aide Wayne Hunter announced he would be running for the provincial Liberal nomination in North Vancouver-Seymour. This, following news incumbent legislator Dan Jarvis wouldn't be seeking re-election. But former West Vancouver chief constable Kash Heed has been touted as a possible candidate in that riding. So would Mr. Hunter bow out if Mr. Heed were to throw his hat in the race?

Over the weekend, we reported Vancouver Olympic organizing committee venue construction executive vice-president Dan Doyle was the keynote speaker at a fundraiser for provincial Liberal Skeena candidate Donny van Dyk. The reason: Public Eye has learned Mr. Doyle, who spent many years raising his family in Terrace, was invited to participate in the event by friend. And our understanding is he informed the committee prior to attending, paying for all of his expenses personally.

Last Sunday, Attorney General Wally Oppal told Public Eye Radio the Campbell administration would be introducing amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act "this spring. We've indicated that, in any event, depending on what the time schedule will be." But those amendments haven't been forthcoming. So, today, New Democrat legislator John Horgan re-introduced his own Government Integrity Act - which would fix that long-broken piece of legislation.

Earlier, we reported SageWise Counsel principal Sherry Wiebe had replaced Stephen Chong as the provincial Liberal's candidate in Vancouver-Mount Pleasant. But Ms. Wiebe, who was acclaimed last night, is perhaps best known as being a spokesperson for the controversial False Creek Surgical Centre. That work will likely become a campaign issue. But, when we spoke to Ms. Wiebe, she wouldn't specifically say when she would address that issue.

On July 3, 2008, Stephen Chong was acclaimed as the provincial Liberal candidate in Vancouver-Mount Pleasant - the riding presently held by New Democrat legislator Jenny Kwan. But, according to the Liberal's Website, Mr. Chong has been replaced with another hopeful: Sherry Wiebe. So why the switch? Did it have anything to do with Mr. Chong's controversial interview with The Georgia Straight's Carlito Pablo, in which the then candidate said Vancouver's drug addicts should be taken away to an island?

Earlier, we asked whether it was editorial judgment or political favoritism that put Premier Gordon Campbell on BCBusiness Magazine's front page. And here's the answer: in an interview with Public Eye, the magazine's publisher Peter Legge explained, because the economy will be major issue in the upcoming, he was of the opinion Premier Gordon Campbell deserved a cover story, written as a Q&A. Mr. Legge did that interview himself. "But, instead of having a reporter sort of possibly not get the questions answered correctly, we'll let him answer them the way he wants to answer them."

If the provincial New Democrats have questions about former Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella today, Attorney General Wally Oppal won't be around to answer them. The reason: the attorney general isn't in the legislative precincts today.

Earlier, we exclusively reported North Vancouver-Seymour provincial Liberal legislator Dan Jarvis hadn't decided whether he'd seek re-election. And now comes news Mr. Jarvis will be taking his name off the ballot. This, according to a Liberal caucus news release. There's been speculation former West Vancouver chief constable Kash Heed may replace Mr. Jarvis as the party candidate in that riding. The following is a complete copy of that release.

The latest edition of BCBusiness Magazine features a softball interview with Gordon Campbell by publisher Peter Legge. But was it editorial judgment or political favoritism that put the premier on the magazine's cover? After all, four months before the last election, Mr. Legge - who has made $7,000 in personal and corporate contributions to the Liberals since 2005 - did the same thing, distributing 400 copies of the magazine at a fundraiser for the party's Burnaby constituency associations.

Provincial New Democrat leader Carole James is headed into the lion's den tomorrow morning. At 7:30, Ms. James will be at The Vancouver Club, speaking to a Business Council of British Columbia member forum. It's anticipated this will be her only opportunity to address council members before the election.

Tony Roy, the former senior special assistant to past federal Liberal leader Stephane Dion, will be organizing for Fair Voting BC during the upcoming referendum on electoral reform. Yesterday, Mr. Roy was hired as the organization's deputy campaign manager. Earlier, we reported North East Aboriginal Trappers Society director Susan Anderson-Behn had been retained as Fair Voting BC's campaign manager.

Attorney General Wally Oppal told reporters today he'd "think about holding a public inquiry" into allegations provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella violated the Lobbyists Registration Act - but only "if someone can show me there's a huge public interest involved."

The provincial Liberals have found a candidate to run against New Democrat legislator Rob Fleming in Victoria-Swan Lake. Our understanding is former Vancouver-Fairview constituency association president Jesse McClinton will be taking up the party's standard in that riding. According to his Linked profile, Mr. McClinton, a former Young Liberal executive, presently run his own marketing company. The following is a complete copy of that profile.

When questions about Patrick Kinsella arise in the legislature, Premier Gordon Campbell is shielded from answering them by Attorney General Wally Oppal. But, scrummed by the media prior to today's caucus meeting, the premier didn't have the attorney general around to deflect those slings and arrows.

Last year, we noted not every provincial New Democrat seemed pleased with the party's decision to designate 15 constituencies as affirmative action ridings. And the controversy over the policy continues: according to the Oliver Chronicle's John Harding, on March 11, Boundary-Similkameen party nomination hopeful Lakvinder Jhaj told an all-candidates meeting that the policy "another form of racism. If I agree with this, then I'm saying racism is okay." A day later, she phoned the Oliver Chronicle to "take the comment back. It probably came out wrong. I don't believe the NDP policy is racist. I do apologize for any misunderstanding or offence that might have been taken by these comments." This, after receiving a call from New Democrat headquarters.

The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer, the dean of the press gallery and the host of Voice of BC, now has a blog. Entitled View from the Ledge, Mr. Palmer first posting addresses Ipsos-Reid Corp.'s latest poll results, which show the provincial Liberals with an 11 percentage point lead over the New Democrats.

Retiring provincial Liberal backbencher Dennis Mackay has courted controversy as a result of his contrarian views on aboriginal issues. And he continued that courtship yesterday, during his last speech in the legislature. The following are the highlights.

Former Reform leader Preston Manning will be breakfasting in Victoria this coming Friday. Mr. Manning, who is president and chief executive officer of the Manning Centre for Building Democracy, is scheduled to speak at the upcoming South Island Conservative Breakfast Meeting. The subject: "Building Canada's Conservative Movement."

Provincial New Democrat Vancouver-Kensington candidate Mable Elmore continues to be a source of controversy. In a comment, posted on the blog Courage, My Friends, constituency association member Kim Pollock writes he was "quite disturbed with the behaviour" of many of Ms. Elmore's supporters at the riding's nomination meeting.

Provincial New Democrat leader Carole James has told reporters she just found out today about Mabel Elmore's controversial comments concerning "vocal Zionists." This, despite the fact those comments - which Ms. James described as "offensive" - were reported on four years ago. But Ms. James said Ms. Elmore's apology means she will be the party's candidate in Vancouver-Kensington in the next election. Although she added that apology should have come sooner. The following is a recording of that scrum.

Earlier, provincial New Democrat Vancouver-Kensignton candidate Mable Elmore appeared to dodge our question about a five-year-old comment she made concerning "vocal Zionists" in her union. But, eventually, Ms. Elmore did give us a call back, saying she had "forgotten" to do so.

More often than not, provincial legislators try to be at least somewhat witty when heckling members on the other side of the chamber. But, today, New Democrat MLA Raj Chouhan dispensed with wit, straight out accusing Wally Oppal of having "failed in your job." This, after the attorney general continued to stonewall questions about former Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella. The dismissive response from Attorney General Oppal: "That was clever."

Four years ago, Public Eye was the first to report on newly-nominated Vancouver-Kensington provincial New Democrat candidate Mabel Elmore's controversial interview with Seven Oaks magazine. In that interview, the labour activist said convincing union members to oppose the conflict in Iraq was difficult because of "vocal Zionists in our worksites." So we wanted to know Ms. Elmore's opinion of that statement now that she's be running for elected office. Reached on her cell phone, Ms. Elmore said, "I'm just heading into an elevator. Can I call you back Sean?" She then agreed to a brief interview before the line disconnected. Repeated attempts to reach her since then have been unsuccessful.

The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union Local 378 has kicked up a lot of fuss with its Does Gordon Campbell Hate You? advertisement. Our understanding is the union will be launching four or five additional ads over the coming weeks. But, amongst all that fuss, what hasn't been noticed is that Does Gordon Campbell Hate You? is similar to three ads run by the Coalition of Progressive Electors during the last civic election (Vote Beard, Don't Vote for Dinosaurs and Last Will and Testament).

Earlier, we reported it was our understanding provincial Liberal North Vancouver-Seymour backbencher Dan Jarvis would still be running for re-election. This, despite undergoing major surgery in February. But there's talk he may have changed his mind. So we phoned up the man himself this morning to get the scoop. His response: "I'm the nominated candidate for the riding. But I haven't made any decision as to whether I'm not running or running at the moment. It's going to depend on how I feel over the next couple weeks."

Last week, we speculated former Vancouver South federal Conservative hopeful Wai Young could replace Attorney General Wally Oppal as the provincial Liberal candidate in Vancouver-Fraserview. Ms. Young is now back from holidays. So, if there is an announcement, we expect one imminently. In the meantime though, you may be interested in taking a look at this coincidental photo of the two politicians posing together last year while celebrating the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Last week, provincial New Democrat attorney general critic Leonard Krog called for an "independent investigation" into Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella's activities. But, in an interview on Public Eye Radio, Attorney General Wally Oppal rejected that call.

In 2007, Gary Holman, the provincial New Democrat's newly-nominated candidate in Saanich North and the Islands, took responsibility for a capital project that wasted more than $230,000 in public money. But, in an interview on Public Eye Radio, the former Capital Regional District director said he wants people to "understand the broader record" he had as Saltspring Island's representative on that board.

Last year, provincial New Democrat leader Carole James announced she was supportive of Premier Gordon Campbell's plan to accelerate middle class tax cuts. But one of her election candidates might not be supportive of such cuts. The reason: in a letter published in The Times Colonist on August 16, 1999, Gary Holman - who is now running for the party in Saanich North and the Islands - wrote, "Empirical evidence that drastic tax cuts will spur economic growth to the extent it offsets tax revenue losses is shaky."

On Thursday, provincial New Democrat attorney general critic Leonard Krog called for "independent investigation" into former Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella. At issue: revelations Mr. Kinsella's company was paid almost $300,000 to provide "strategic advice" on the core review process to British Columbia Railway Co. and has helped win major government contracts and benefits for powerful foreign and corporate interests. But, for those who covered politics when the Socreds were in government, this story will seem somewhat familiar.

Tomorrow morning, on Public Eye Radio, Attorney General Wally Oppal joins us to discuss his decision to run in a different riding in the upcoming election. New Democrat Saanich North and the Islands hopeful Gary Holman talks about his campaign. 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 8:00 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 federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff would be attending a town hall meeting at Spectrum Community School in Victoria on March 28. But he's also be having similar meetings in both Kamloops and Squamish. The following is a complete copy of the invite to those events.

Yesterday, we noted Vancouver Olympic organizing committee venue construction executive vice-president Dan Doyle would be one of the special guests at a fundraiser for provincial Liberal candidate Donny van Dyk. But Mr. Doyle, a former transportation deputy minister, isn't just going to be attending that event. According to the invite, he's going to the fundraiser's keynote speaker. The following is a complete copy of that facebook invitation.

The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority's chief information officer has "left" the agency due to restructuring. But, according to an email obtained by Public Eye, Greg Feltmate has been replaced by Vivian Eliopoulos on an interim basis. In that email, the authority's interim president and chief executive officer David Ostrow explains that restructuring was necessary to "better align" Vancouver Coastal's management and information systems "with other parts of the organization." And, as part of that effort, chief financial officer Duncan Campbell has taken directly responsibility for those systems. The following is a complete copy of that email.

Dan Doyle, the executive responsible for building Vancouver's 2010 Winter Olympic venues, is being prompted as a special guest at a provincial Liberal fundraiser. Tomorrow night, the party's Skeena candidate Donny van Dyk is hosting a $100 per plate event. And, in an interview with The Terrace Standard, Liberal campaign spokesman Tyle Nobel revealed "we are having a couple of special guests" - including Mr. Doyle, the Olympic organizing committee's venue construction executive vice-president. Mr. Doyle, a former transportation deputy minister, was also recently hired by the government to implement the pharmaceutical task force's recommendations.

Yesterday, in an interview with Global BC's John Daly, provincial New Democrat attorney general critic Leonard Krog, called for an "independent investigation" into former provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella. At issue: revelations Mr. Kinsella's company was paid almost $300,000 to provide "strategic advice" on the core review process to British Columbia Railway Co. and has helped win major government contracts and benefits for powerful foreign and corporate interests. It's a complex story. So, to provide some context and background, Public Eye pleased to provide a timeline of the major reporting on Mr. Kinsella since 2001.

Elections Canada has closed an investigation into mysterious phone calls encouraging Saanich-Gulf Island residents to vote for a candidate who dropped out of the campaign. But there's still a chance the agency could look into the controversy surrounding third party advertisers in that riding, Public Eye has learned.

Earlier, we reported Michael Ignatieff would be touring the province in the days ahead of his appearance at the British Columbia federal Liberals' March 26 annual leader's dinner. But our understanding Mr. Ignatieff will now also be attending a town hall meeting at Spectrum Community School in Victoria on March 28.

In the past, Premier Gordon Campbell's constituency campaigns were managed by Mark Jiles, who has been accused by the New Democrats of lobbying the government without registering. But, in the upcoming election campaign, that responsibility has been given to Canada's National Brewers Western region president Greg D'Avignon. Mr. Jiles's company The Progressive Group has stated it registers "each and every" time it communicates with public office holders on behalf of clients.

Last year, we broke the news Premier Gordon Campbell former deputy minister and special advisor Ken Dobell had been retained as government relations giant Hill and Knowlton Canada Ltd.'s British Columbia chair. At the time, Mr. Dobell told The Globe and Mail's Justine Hunter, "My role will be mostly to work on the public policy side and mentor some of the bright young sparks they have around here. I don't anticipate doing any lobbying. If some comes up, we'll deal with it at the time." And that time, it appears, has arrived. Since December, Mr. Dobell has registered as a lobbyist for the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Global Container Terminals Inc. and UniverCity.

Here's a date to mark on your calendars: on March 27, Premier Gordon Campbell will be having his Vancouver-Point Grey nomination meeting. And our understanding is that all of the provincial Liberal's candidates are expected to be in place by that day.

Earlier, we wondered whether former Vancouver South federal Conservative hopeful Wai Young could be the provincial Liberals' candidate in Vancouver-Fraserview. But, if that's the case, there likely won't be an announcement until next week. The reason: our understanding is Ms. Young is presently on vacation and won't be returning home until this weekend.

Earlier, we mentioned there's speculation former West Vancouver chief constable Kash Heed could be considering a career in academia or federal politics. If so, that means the provincial Liberals will need to find someone to replace Attorney General Wally Oppal as their candidate in Vancouver-Fraserview. So who could that candidate be, you may wonder? Well, how about former Vancouver South federal Conservative candidate Wai Young?

Premier Gordon Campbell was doing grin and grip exercises last night at The Vancouver Club. The reason: a provincial Liberal event encouraging young professionals - defined as those under 40 - to become more active in the political process and the premier's party. Around 200 showed up at the club. Future outreach events may be a possibility, depending on the premier's availability.

We're pleased to announce Public Eye can now be read in Monday Magazine. Beginning this week, we'll be syndicating a regular column to Victoria's award-winning alternative weekly newspaper. Founded in 1975, to "provide a critical voice in Victoria's political and cultural communities," Monday Magazine reaches almost 100,000 readers each week.

Yesterday, we exclusively told you turfed provincial Liberal candidate Joe Cardoso would be running for the British Columbia Conservatives in the upcoming election. And, in an interview with Public Eye, the Liberals' replacement candidate says that could mean vote-splitting on the right in Boundary-Similkameen. Speaking to Public Eye, former Osoyoos mayor John Slater said, "I think it's unfortunate that he feels he has to run for the Conservatives. Obviously, I'm a strong Liberal supporter. And I think that a Liberal government will be put back in in May. And I want to be part of that team obviously. But I'm not sure what the dynamics will be with a Conservative candidate who used to be a Liberal."

Will former Burnaby city councillor Lee Rankin run for the provincial Liberal nomination in Burnaby-Edmonds? That's what we hear. Although Mr. Rankin - who served eight-terms in office, topping the civic polls in 2005 - hasn't returned repeated phone calls placed yesterday.

"If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him." So sayeth the Bible. That means the country's payday lending companies - which charge an average annual 782 percent interest rate - don't have the best of reputations to begin with. But The Cash Store Financial Inc. likely did little to boost its own standing with the government when it when it made an "unequivocally false" statement about the Campbell administration's effort to regulate that industry.

Earlier this month, The Times Colonist's Rob Shaw and Lindsay Kines reported provincial bureaucrats were being polled on a proposal that could see employees "voluntarily reduce their work week to save money and prevent job cuts within the civil service." The results of that poll are in. And Public Eye can now reveal 52 percent of respondents voted against the proposal. The following is a complete copy of those results.

Wanna know who the federal Liberal's election readiness committee co-chairs will be in British Columbia? Well, earlier today, the party quietly made those names public, announcing former co-chair Sharon Apsey, Response Advertising Inc. general manager Jatinder Rai and ex-Campbell administration deputy minister Andrew Wilkinson will be leading the province's Grits into the next election. Meanwhile, Senator Larry Campbell has been named Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff's British Columbia outreach coordinator.

The Coalition of Progressive Electors has made another mistake on its campaign financing disclosure statement. According to the statement, federal New Democrat parliamentarian Don Davies's "Kingsway office" made a $300 in-kind donation to the coalition in the form of "phone bank supplies."

Former provincial Liberal Boundary-Similkameen candidate Joe Cardoso will be running for the British Columbia Conservatives in the upcoming election, Public Eye has exclusively learned. In an interview Mr. Cardoso said, "It hasn't been publicly announced yet...The day after tomorrow was when we're planning on making the big announcement."

Last month, Mustel Research Group Ltd. released numbers showing the provincial Liberals have increased their lead to 16 percentage points over the New Democrats. But those waiting for a second opinion won't have to wait much longer. Because Ipsos-Reid Corp. will soon be releasing its own polling - possibly on Friday but more likely Monday or Tuesday next week.

The provincial Liberals' Delta South candidate selection meeting is scheduled to take place tomorrow night at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn. Our understanding is that's when Attorney General Wally Oppal will announce he'll be switching constituencies to run in that riding. Former West Vancouver chief constable Kash Heed has been touted to replace him in Vancouver-Fraserview. Nevertheless, if Mr. Heed does enter provincial politics, there's no guarantee he'll run in that riding. And some say he could also be considering a career in academia or federal politics.

New Democrat legislator David Chudnovsky says the Coalition of Progressive Electors made an error when it recorded receiving $2,200 worth of in-kind donations from his constituency office during the recent election campaign. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Chudnovsky explained those donations - which included "office equip/phones" and "sign wires" - came instead from his constituency association.

Here's a fascinating squib for those paying attention to the ministry of children and family development: our understanding is the department's top bureaucrat - Lesley du Toit - is taking a six-week leave of absence, beginning today.

If your worth is measured by your pay cheque, members of the media appear to be less valued by society than those paid to spin them. According to an exclusive analysis by Public Eye, the maximum salary for a provincial government communications director - $110,315.74 - is 22 percent more than that of a reporter at The Province or The Vancouver Sun. And it's 29 percent more than the maximum salary for reporters at The Times Colonist. All of which likely adds insult to injury to journalists who are worried about losing the pay they do have. The following is a complete copy of that analysis.

British Columbia and Alberta are outsourcing the work associated with their Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement. Earlier this month, the two government quietly announced they were looking for a neutral party "to deliver the services required for a fully functional" TILMA secretariat. That secretariat, which will be located in Victoria or Edmonton, will be responsible for administering the agreement's dispute resolution and bid protest processes, among other duties. Which explains why the bid document for that contract specifically states its winner "must deliver the required services to the Parties in a manner that is fair, equitable and unbiased." The following is a complete copy of the relevant portion of that contract.

On Saturday, provincial Liberal Saanich South candidate Robin Adair made building a McKenzie overpass part of his campaign platform. But if that commitment sounds familiar to you it should. Because that promise was also part of federal Conservative Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca candidate Troy DeSouza's platform during last election. Asked about the matter, Mr. DeSouza said, "I'm very supportive of anyone who shares the same views I have with respect to traffic congestion...And I encourage other provincial political wannabes to start listening to the people on that issue. Because, as you know, the people have spoken. And they're pretty clear and supportive" about the need to build such an overpass. The following is a complete copy of Mr. Adair's announcement.

In the upcoming election, the provincial Liberals are expected to argue they're better at managing the economy than the New Democrats. But what makes for a good economic manager, you may wonder? Well, according to Small Business, Technology and Economic Development Minister Ida Chong, a certified general accountant, the answer is twofold: adherence to generally accepted accounting principles and "fiscal prudence." But fiscal prudence wasn't one of the words the Certified General Accountants Association of British Columbia used to described the Campbell administration's most recent budget.

Patrick Kinsella is a big fish in the provincial Liberal pond. As the party's campaign co-chair in 2001 and 2005 he was instrumental in bringing the Liberals to power - and keeping them there. But this week, he got a big hook stuck in his mouth. The New Democrats, trolling through the legislative library, learned British Columbia Railway Co. paid Mr. Kinsella's firms almost $300,000 between 2002 and 2005.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial New Democrat attorney general critic Leonard Krog discusses former Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella's involvement with British Columbia Railway Co. Small Business, Technology and Economic Development Minister Ida Chong talks about her upcoming election challenge in Oak Bay-Gordon Head. 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 8:00 and 10:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us or leave a comment below.

Gordon Campbell may be leader of the provincial Liberals now. But in a few years, he might not be. So, last night, on Voice of BC we asked Finance Minister Colin Hansen if he would be interested in running for that post when Premier Campbell steps down. His response: "Actually, I expect that I will have a lot more grey hair by that time. And I hope not only that Gordon Campbell is re-elected in this election but that he will be re-elected in other elections to come, as well."

Earlier, we exclusively reported the British Columbia Nurses' Union has been negotiating an extension to its collective agreement. And, according to The Tyee's Andrew Macleod , the union is now examining a contract offer from the provincial health ministry. "We've had discussions," nurses' spokesperson Art Moses was quoted as saying, "It's not nailed down." But an announcement is expected on Monday or Tuesday.

The British Columbia Nurses' Union's collective agreement doesn't expire until March 31, 2010. But Public Eye has learned the union has been negotiating an extension to that agreement. In a message to members, nurses' president Debra McPherson writes the union "believes the achievement of a contract extension at this time would be advantageous to BCNU members, because it would provide stability in health care during difficult economic times. A contract extension to 2012 would be advantageous because economic conditions may be better at that time." The following is a complete copy of that message, which was sent on March 3.

Yesterday, as first reported by Global BC's John Daly, former provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella released a statement explaining why British Columbia Railway Co. transferred $297,567 to his firms between 2002 and 2005. The following is a complete copy of that statement.

legislature raid trial defence lawyer Kevin McCullough has provided new details on payments made by British Columbia Railway Co. to former provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella's firms between 2002 and 2005. In court today, Mr. McCullough reminded presiding British Columbia Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Bennett "there is an email from 2004 to Mr. Kevin Mahoney, then vice-president of BC Rail, from another executive, asking: 'Why are we paying this guy?' and the response is that Kinsella is a 'backroom Liberal.'" This, according to The Vancouver Sun's Neal Hall.

In January, federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff announced the creation of a change commission to "put in place the necessary mechanisms to build a modern, successful Liberal Party that is fair, transparent, and built on the solid foundation of grassroots support." But party members haven't been given much notice to participate in the commission's British Columbia regional meeting.

Earlier, we noted federal Green leader Elizabeth May told The Chronicle Herald's Stephen Maher that "anything in Nova Scotia is more palatable to me than having to move out West." This, in response to a question as to whether she'd run in the likely New Westminster-Coquitlam by-election. So what does her deputy leader Adriane Carr, the former leader of the provincial Greens, have to say about that statement? "I love B.C. And so I can't imagine anyone wouldn't want to jump at the chance to move there," Ms. Carr told Public Eye.

British Columbia may be beautiful. But, apparently, that isn't much of an allure for federal Green leader Elizabeth May. Asked by The Chronicle Herald's Stephen Maher as to whether she'll run in New Westminster-Coquitlam - where New Democrat parliamentarian Dawn Black is expected to step down - Ms. May said, "I have told the party I'm prepared to look a bit around, although I don't want to." But, according to her, "anything in Nova Scotia is more palatable to me than having to move out West."

British Columbia's fire commissioner is "entirely comfortable" with the Campbell administration's controversial decision to allow taller wood-frame buildings. And the "source" of her confidence in that decision is the government's requirement that those buildings be fully sprinklered.

Today, Attorney General Wally Oppal continued to refuse to answer questions about what services British Columbia Railway Co. was paying for when it transferred $297,567 to former provincial Liberal co-chair Patrick Kinsella's companies between 2002 and 2005. The reason: according to the attorney general "the general issue arises out of what's taking place in the courtroom" - a reference to the legislature raid trial. But he gave no evidence that was the case, other than suggesting the publicly-available financial statements recording those payments could be part of the "overall number of documents that were a part of the trial."

Earlier, we exclusively reported federal Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities Minister John Baird will be visiting British Columbia this week. That two-day visit will begin tomorrow, when Minister Baird is expected to make a major infrastructure announcement affecting the entire province. An additional announcement may happen on Friday.

Yesterday, Attorney General Wally Oppal and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon refused to say what services British Columbia Railway Co. was paying for when it transferred $297,567 between 2002 and 2005 to former provincial Liberal co-chair Patrick Kinsella's companies. Nor did Premier Gordon Campbell answer questions posed to him in the legislature about those payments. Nevertheless, when scrummed by reporters today, Premier Campbell said he had responded to those inquiries. But, if that's the case, we're unaware in which venue that occurred. The following is a recording of that scrum.

On March 26, British Columbia's federal Liberals will be hosting their annual leader's dinner at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. But our understanding is Michael Ignatieff will be touring the province a few days ahead of that event - although the party has yet to determine which communities he'll be visiting.

We're pleased to announced there will now be more of Public Eye Radio to love. Our time slot has been extended by 30 minutes - which means we'll begin broadcasting at 8:00 rather than 8:30. So joins us for coffee with a dash of politics this coming Sunday morning. And, for those of you anxious for Public Eye Radio podcasts, stayed tuned because they'll soon be available.

The provincial government is assessing the resources it uses to keep its own employees informed, Public Eye has learned. The government sent out surveys to internal communications staff late last month as part of that assessment effort. The initiative comes at a time when the Campbell administration is looking to increase employee satisfaction and engagement in the midst of an economic downturn.

In the legislature today, provincial New Democrats demanded to know what work British Columbia Railway Co. was paying for when it transferred $297,567 between 2002 and 2005 to former provincial Liberal co-chair Patrick Kinsella's companies. Attorney General Wally Oppal refused to answer those questions because he seemed to believe records of those payments were part of legislature raid trial documents. But the figures were obtained from the company's financial statements, filed in the legislative library. And, in an interview with Public Eye, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon also declined to comment. The following is a recording of that interview.

British Columbia Railway Co. financial statements show the company paid $297,000 to former provincial Liberal co-chair Patrick Kinsella's companies Progressive Holdings Ltd. and The Progressive Group between 2002 and 2005 for services rendered. In the legislature, the opposition demanded to know what services those companies were being paid for. Attorney General Wally Oppal refused to answer because he seemed to believe those statements were part of legislature raid trial documents. But they were obtained from the legislative library.

The Campbell administration took beating yesterday when the provincial New Democrats revealed Hastings Racecourse will lay off 200 workers because of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. So, today, government public affairs bureau staffers were understandably keen to give reporters a news release from the British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association announcing the group would be working "in conjunction with Great Canadian Casinos on placing those who are eager to work in temporary positions during the closure." That's a laudable initiative. But it also isn't isn't the first time the association has given a helping hand to the Liberals, having donated $8,852 to the party since 2005. And it's president, Ian Tostenson, recently served on the premier's climate action team. The following is a complete copy of that news release.

Earlier, we exclusively reported business groups would be meeting on Monday to "develop a coordinated position" regarding the provincial government's proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act. So what happened at that meeting, which was hosted by the British Columbia Business Council?

Here's some travel plans you should pay attention to: our understanding is federal Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities Minister John Baird will be visiting British Columbia this week. Meanwhile, his colleague, Minister of State for Science and Technology Gary Goodyear will be jetting out here the week after. And there's some speculation Minister Goodyear's visit could have something to do with the government's $2 billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

Former North Vancouver district mayor Janice Harris will be running for the provincial New Democrat nomination in North Vancouver-Lonsdale, Public Eye has exclusively learned. Our understanding is an announcement about that nomination bid will be released sometime today or tomorrow. If she wins, Ms. Harris will be running against Liberal candidate Naomi Yamamoto.

In 2007, New Westminster federal Conservative candidate Yonah Martin reportedly "praised" provincial Liberal backbencher Harry Bloy's support for her nomination campaign. At the time, that support struck some as passingly odd, since Premier Gordon Campbell has always made it "very clear" his party "is not involved in federal politics." Nevertheless, it explains why Mr. Bloy said he was it was a "real pleasure" to introduce Ms. Martin - who is now a senator - in the legislature.

Earlier, Public Eye exclusively told you the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce was concerned the government's proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act was drafted with "no consultation from industry." But, in an interview with Public Eye, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mike de Jong said, "Actually, the chamber and the members I have spoken with - including the president - have been complimentary of the fact the government has met with them - will continue to meet with them." The following is a recording of that interview, in which Minister de Jong also addresses the chamber's concern the legislation won't result in land base certainty.

Private bingo hall and community gaming centre interests appear to have contributed $44,700 to the Liberals between January 1 and October 29, 2008. That brings their total apparent contributions to $314,411 since 2002. But none of the donations during that period in 2008 were made via companies publicly-identified as bingo hall service providers in British Columbia Lottery Corp. annual reports released between fiscal 2002/03 and 2007/08.

The British Columbia Chamber of Commerce is internally raising concerns about the provincial government's Recognition and Reconciliation Act, Public Eye has exclusively learned. In an email sent on Friday, policy development vice president Jon Garson states the chamber believes there "are elements of the proposed legislation that hold some merit." But, that being said, Mr. Garson writes "there is nothing in this proposal" that will bring certainty to the province's land base. Instead, the legislation will "result in business having to interact with both government and First Nation's." The email also alleges the chamber wasn't consulted or adequately advised about the proposed legislation.

Sunday morning, on Public Eye Radio, guest host Bob Russell will discuss the recent wave of media downsizing with Charles Campbell, the former editor of The Georgia Straight. Victoria-Hillside provincial New Democrat legislator Rob Fleming shares his thoughts on the government's payday loan regulations. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Eleanor Gregory, Sheila Orr 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.

I am saddened to inform you that, due to downsizing, I've been laid off as 24 hours newspaper's legislative reporter. The economic downturn has hit the news industry hard. And, unfortunately, I'm among the casualties. So I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my readers at 24 hours for their support and encouragement over the past four years. In the meantime, Public Eye will continue covering civic, provincial and federal politics in British Columbia with the same diligence. And, as always, you can listen to Public Eye Radio every Sunday morning on CFAX 1070.

The Canadian Wood Council was among those involved in the government's fire risk analysis of taller wood-frame buildings. In a company newsletter, fire engineering firm GHL Consultants Ltd. states it was elected by the province to "provide expert advice" on proposed changes to the BC Building Code. And, as part of that process, the company worked with "various stakeholders" to provide government with "a comparative risk analysis on a 6 storey wood-frame building." Among those stakeholders, was the wood council - the national association representing Canadian manufacturers of wood products. The government hasn't yet responded to a request for comment.

The province's solicitor general was advised in 2007 that putting a cap on payday loans could "shield" lenders "from future class action suits for violating the Criminal Code usury rate." This, according to briefing note exclusively obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request. But a government spokesperson says that's not the purpose of regulations announced this week, which cap that annual interest rate at 600 percent.

The provincial government hired an engineering firm that was subsequently recognized as a "wood advocate" to provide structural engineering advice on its controversial decision to allow taller wood-frame buildings. On November 17, 2008 Read Jones Christoffersen Inc. was given the Ontario "Engineer Wood Advocate Award" by Wood WORKS!, a national campaign to "increase the use of wood in commercial, industrial and provincial governments across Canada."

Earlier, under questioning from reporters, Finance Minister Colin Hansen conceded his bet the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics will, in part, stimulate the provincial economy out of recession is based on a four-year-old RBC Financial Group analysis. And he acknowledged that recession will "obviously have some impact" on the economic benefits of that event. But, in a late afternoon interview, Minister Hansen clarified that doesn't mean he thinks the recent downturn will dampen the dollar value of those games.

The provincial government is betting the impact of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics will, in part, stimulate British Columbia's economy out of recession. But, under questioning from reporters, Finance Minister Colin Hansen conceded that bet is based on an analysis prepared by RBC Financial Group prior to the recession. And the government, as first reported by The Canadian Press's Stephanie Levitz - has hired PriceWaterhouseCoopers Inc. to update the forecast. The following is a recording of that scrum.

A "tainted deal" and a "tainted report about the deal" - that's what the New Democrats were talking about in the legislature today, following their release of a government document relating to the privatization of British Columbia Railway Co. assets. That document shows Charles River Associates Inc. - the firm commissioned by the government to independently assess the fairness of that privatization deal - submitted a draft copy of their report to Crown agencies secretariat executive director Yvette Wells 15 days prior to its release.

Last week, provincial New Democrats were granted access to 8,000 pages of government documents concerning the privatization of British Columbia Railway Co. assets. And, in this interview with Public Eye, Attorney General critic Leonard Krog reveals ordinary British Columbia will soon be able to peruse those records without going to the Vancouver Law Courts.

The British Columbia Pharmacy Association came to the legislature today bearing gifts for press gallery members. Each member was given a bag of small items to help reporters "get through all the minor ailments and long hours of covering the candidates on the campaign trial." Let's take a look inside.

Earlier, we reported provincial New Democrat liquor critic Mike Farnworth's assistant sent an email to Canada's National Brewers Western region president Greg D'Avignon promoting an upcoming constituency association fundraiser. But the chances of him purchasing a ticket for that fundraiser were slim. After all, according to Elections British Columbia, Mr. D'Avignon and his association have made $51,304.18 worth of political contributions since 2005, with all but $600 worth of those donations going toward the Liberals.

North Vancouver-Seymour legislator Dan Jarvis hasn't been spotted at legislature recently. The reason: Public Eye has confirmed Mr. Jarvis underwent major surgery late last month. Although our understanding is that surgery hasn't changed the provincial Liberal backbencher's intention to run for re-election. Mr. Jarvis, who was acclaimed as the party's candidate in that riding on February 12, will be running against New Democrat hopeful Maureen Norton, the chief steward for North Shore Health and Community Services.

Yesterday, the provincial Liberals refused to respond to allegations they did party fundraising work out of a minister's office in 2003. But they did release an email that was sent by Mike Farnworth's executive assistant Gwen Ranger promoting an upcoming fundraiser for the opposition house leader's constituency association. But equally newsworthy was who that email was addressed to - Greg D'Avignon. After all, Mr. Farnworth is the New Democrat's liquour control, licensing and distribution critic. And Mr. D'Avignon is the president-west of Canada's National Brewers. But this is what Mr. Farnworth had to say when we asked him about the appropriateness of his assistant sending a fundraising notice to someone representing an industry within his critic portfolio.

Slinging rubber bands around the room may have earned you a detention in grade school. But, at the ministry of children family development's north region, "rubber band archery" was one of the events at a "Winter Olympic Games" organized for staffers earlier last month.

The reigning Emperor and Empress of the Imperial Sovereign Court of Surrey - which promotes understanding of the gay community in the Fraser Valley - temporarily lost their crowns today while visiting the legislature. Thanks to what New Democrat legislator Spencer Herbert referred to as "antiquated rules," neither His Most Imperial Sovereign Majesty Emperor V Wolfgang Bang!, who is also known as Rob Neyts, nor Her Most Imperial Sovereign Majesty Empress V Elektra Quecha were allowed to wear their headwear in the legislature's gallery - where members of the public can watch the proceedings.

Today, the provincial New Democrats accused the Campbell administration of doing party fundraising work out of then finance minister Gary Collins office. At issue: in March 2003, Sharon Derksen, an assistant working for Clark Wilson LLP senior partner and Liberal fundraiser Lyall Knott, sent a facsimile to the minister's office that included names and contact information for those who attended a $500 per ticket party event hosted by Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment Ltd. The New Democrats allege the minister's office subsequently prepared letters thanking ticket buyers. But the Liberals refused to answer questions about that document because it was first obtained by legislature raid trial defence lawyers. Here's what Attorney General Wally Oppal had to say.

Today, 24 hours' Bill Tieleman reported the existence of an internal government document advising ministerial aides that the opposition shouldn't be given answers in question period. "It's Question Period, not Answer Period," according to the document, which was obtained by legislature raid trial defense lawyers via a freedom of information request. And that's the reason Government House Leader Mike de Jong gave when he refused to answer questions about that advice.

Last month, we asked Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman about the concerns British Columbia fire chiefs have with the Campbell administration's controversial decision to allow taller wood-frame buildings. In response, Minister Coleman said, "Sean, that's absolutely not true. You've got a couple fire chiefs that have concerns." But now, another official has been added to that list. The Province's Kent Spence reports the Richmond Fire Department has doubts about that decision because, according to fire prevention officer David Clou, "Increasing the height will exceed the 60-foot reach of the city's ladder trucks by as much as 40 feet."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial New Democrat Oak Bay-Gordon Head hopeful Jessica Van der Veen, the founder of Let's Agree Not to Dispose of Schools, discusses her candidacy. 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.