April 2009 Archives

"It is absolutely essential that there are more ball caps than tuques in the crowd." That's the message incumbent East Kootenay provincial Liberal candidate Bill Bennett's campaign manager Courtney Magro sent to his supporters earlier this morning, urging them to get hunters out to an all all-candidates debate tonight in Fernie. "Casey and his ilk will be working double time to make sure that (New Democrat candidate Troy Sebastian) is well-supported tonight," she wrote, referencing environmental group Wildsight's Southern Rockies program manager Casey Brennan. "We can't let Wildsight beat us to the mic."

Here's a squib some federal Liberal readers may find fascinating: today, party leader Michael Ignatieff attended a Chinese community luncheon at the Pink Pearl Chinese Restaurant in Vancouver. And guess who was sitting at Mr. Ignatieff and his wife Zsuzsanna Zsohar's table? Well, that would be former Rae campaign British Columbia chair Mason Loh.

Provincial New Democrat candidate John Horgan has alleged the president of the now defunct West Shore Economic Development Association spoke to him two years ago about crossing the floor. But Mike Adamek has denied that allegation, saying he isn't involved with the Liberals and accusing the Malahat-Juan de Fuca legislator of just wanting to "stir up some shit."

Earlier, we reported ministry of children and family development minister Lesley du Toit had taken a six week leave of absence effective March 16. Some had speculated Ms. du Toit might not return from leave. But she has, sending an email to employees reminding them to complete their employee performance and development plans. According to that email, all ministries are "required to have 100% participation of EPDP's as directed from the Premier's Office by May 31, 2009." The following is a complete copy.

The swine flu outbreak has yet to effect the provincial civil service. But, in an email sent to bureaucrats yesterday, the premier's deputy minister Jessica McDonald warned that outbreak is expected to expand. As a result, Ms. McDonald has advised employees who "have recently been to Mexico, the U.S. or any other region where swine influenza cases are being reported, and are exhibiting symptoms of a new respiratory illness with fever" to "stay at home and contact their health care provider."

If provincial Liberal candidate Dallas Henault didn't know he was facing a hostile crowd during last night's Victoria-Beacon Hill all candidates debate, he did when an audience member told him: "This government is responsible for a genocide against the people of B.C." - demanding his leader Gordon Campbell be "brought to The Hague." But that debate, which took place at Our Place - a downtown Victoria shelter - was also likely the only chance he'll have to spar with his opponent, New Democrat leader Carole James, for the remainder of the election. This, after she initially refused to commit to a debate with Mr. Henault, telling Public Eye, "I leave my scheduling to the campaign."

Earlier, we reported the premier's former special advisor Ken Dobell had registered as a lobbyist for the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Global Container Terminals Inc. and UniverCity. This, despite the fact Mr. Dobell - Hill and Knowlton Canada Ltd.'s British Columbia chair - 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 has come again. According to the registry, Mr. Dobell signed-up to represent the interests of Vancouver International Airport last month. The subject: "Provincial Government Legislation."

Yesterday, Angus Reid Strategies Inc. released a poll showing "the two main contenders in British Columbia's provincial election" - the Liberals and the New Democrats "are separated by just three percentage points." This, despite significant negative momentum accumulated by the New Democrat during the first and much of the second week of the campaign. But that poll was conducted between Friday and Sunday - when Liberal candidates were making headlines for their driving records and opinions on homosexuality. So did those stories have effect on the results of that poll?

Yesterday, we noted East Kootenay provincial Liberal incumbent candidate Bill Bennett was quoted as saying the Campbell administration shouldn't proceed with its proposed Recongition and Reconciliation Act "until all the MLA's have had a chance to meet with their constituents and discuss it." But that's not the only campaign trail comment he's made about First Nations issues.

As is the case in other jurisdictions, British Columbia's public sector uses the Big Four international accounting firms to provide auditing and advisory services. But, according to a review of Election British Columbia filings, those same firms donated $136,199 to the governing Liberals between 2005 and 2008 - with $96,794 being contributed by KPMG LLP. So couldn't those donations put those firms in a perceived conflict?

Yesterday, we wondered what issue will drive the election now that former solicitor general John van Dongen's driving record is set to slide off the front pages. The bursting of large water line at the new Vancouver Convention Centre hasn't become a campaign issue - despite New Democrat hopes it would. Nor has the party politicized the growing number of swine flu cases in British Columbia. Which means the campaign trial is turning tinder dry.

G&F Financial Group paid $5,000 last year to attend a provincial Liberal fundraiser featuring Premier Gordon Campbell, with one of the financial institution's representatives describing the event as an "opportunity to bring issues that are important to our Credit Union to the attention of a governing leader."

Earlier, we noted the legislature raid case's pre-trial hearings will resume of May 4 - identifying those hearing as a potential campaign game changing event. But what you might not known is there's also a pre-trial conference scheduled to take place this coming Thursday morning at 9:30.

Former federal Liberal campaign co-chair Mark Marissen said today he hasn't decided how to vote in the upcoming provincial referendum on electoral reform. But, when contacted by Public Eye about rumours he would be voting in favour of the single-transferable vote system, Mr. Marissen quipped, "The biggest reason to support it is who's opposing it."

In March, the BC First Nation's Leadership Council and the Campbell administration jointly decided to postpone introduction of the proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act, allowing "for a more comprehensive period of consultations with our respective constituent groups." Specifically, the council referenced aboriginal leaders, their respective legal counsels, as well as "Business and Industry Leaders" in its news release. And the government's release stated it would "continue to engage with the business comunity on this important intiative." But it seems East Kootenay Liberal candidate Bill Bennett may want to expand that consultation process.

Since last Friday, John van Dongen's driving record has been the driving force on the campaign trail, receiving substantial traction in the media. But his resignation as solicitor general will likely push this headlining issue to the back pages for the rest of the campaign. So the question then becomes what will fill the void between now and the upcoming televised leaders' debate?

The British Columbia Lottery Corp. is withholding access to three third party reports "auditing, evaluating, monitoring or reporting" on the performance of its self-exclusion programs since 2001. The alleged failure of similar programs in Ontario has become the subject of a class action lawsuit in that province. And, as a result, Public Eye filed a freedom of information request on June 18, 2008 to determine if the corporation has effectively kept its own program participants out of provincial gaming facilities.

This coming Sunday evening at 5:00 provincial political leaders Gordon Campbell, Carole James and Jane Sterk will face-off against one another during the campaign's televised debate. But which shows will the debate be facing-off against? Well, a review of the television listings for that date reveals British Columbians will also have the choice of watching How William Shatner Changed the World, RuPaul's Drag Race, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and Paris Hilton's British Best Friend among other programs. The following is a complete copy of the cable listings for Victoria.

With the federal Liberals' biennial convention just three days away, supporters are already receiving notifications about its most important proceedings - the parties. Receiving the most buzz is the British Columbia Young Liberals' convention kickoff at the Terminal City Club's Lions Pub, featuring its co-chair Justin Trudeau. Following that event, Liblogs have organized a hospitality suite for convention delegates and media members at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel.

Last Friday, provincial Liberal candidate John van Dongen's campaign attempted to influence the results of CKNW's poll of the day. That poll asked listeners if Mr. Van Dongen should be "forced to resign" as solicitor general "after losing his Drivers License" for excessive speeding. In response, Mr. van Dongen's campaign manager Sherri Wacker sent an email to friends and supporters asking them to "click on the following link to the CKNW website: www.cknw.com and complete their current poll."

Earlier this month, No STV secretary-treasurer David Schreck told The Globe and Mail's Justine Hunter the referendum on electoral reform is a "terminally boring topic for most people." But don't such statements do a disservice to the debate on electoral reform, suppressing voter interest in the referendum? That's the question we posed to no-side spokesperson Bob Plecas yesterday on Public Eye Radio. His response: "I hadn't heard Schreck's comment until you read it out. I'm sure you might have a bunch of others my people have said. But I haven't heard anyone - and I certainly don't call it a boring topic. But it is something I think people don't understand."

Today, No STV's television commercial will begin running on stations across the province. But when will we see advertisements from British Columbia's electoral reformers gracing the small screen? Speaking with Public Eye Radio, spokesperson Bruce Hallsor said, "Youll be seeing them very soon...probably over the next week."

"Isn't it funny when backroom politicians try to bamboozle us? They're at it again - this time, trying to confuse us about STV electoral reform. The truth is, we get more local representation with electoral reform. And remember, a grassroots group of our friends and neighbours is standing up to these wheeler dealers to make the politicians accountable to us." That's the text of the electoral reform campaign's most recent radio advertisement. But what a minute - isn't campaign spokesperson Bruce Hallsor also a backroom politician, being the federal Conservatives' former British Columbia campaign co-chair?

Last week, British Columbia's electoral reform campaign declined to discuss details of their latest online poll - which asked respondents if they would be more inclined to support the single-transferable vote system if they knew "those running the campaign against BC-STV (who are the same people who were behind Glen Clark's failed administration) are doing so to preserve their chance to get back into power." But, speaking on Public Eye Radio, campaign spokesperson Bruce Hallsor did.

Last week, Ipsos-Reid Corp. released a poll showing neither the provincial Liberals nor the New Democrats have "succeeded in connceting with voters" during the first week on the campaign. But perhaps even more troubling is the fact they haven't succeeded in connecting with voters over the past four years either.

Sunday morning, on Public Eye Radio, we'll be discussing British Columbia's referendum on electoral reform with yes and no side advocates Bruce Hallsor and Bob Plecas. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Bob Russell, Monday Magazine's Jason Youman and The Times Colonist's Rob Shaw - 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. Or check us out after the show by downloading our podcast. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us or leave a comment below.

Tonight, we're pleased to announce Public Eye will be appearing on CBC News's Vancouver at Six as a member of the broadcaster's provincial election panel. Other panelist include former Non-Partisan Association mayoral candidate Jennifer Clarke, Mustel Research Group Ltd. owner Evi Mustel and David Schreck from Strategic Thoughts.

Rob Hutchins's provincial Liberal candidacy wasn't the reason the Ladysmith mayor was featured in a government announcement made just five days before the writ was dropped. This, according to Agriculture and Land Minister Ron Cantelon.

Provincial Liberal leader Gordon Campbell will be stepping out of the public spotlight tonight for a private event in support of Vancouver-Langara candidate Moira Stilwell. Supporters have been invited to closed door get-together at Himalaya Restaurant featuring the party leader. The following is a complete copy of that invite.

Former WCG International Consultants Ltd. communications and government relations vice-president Robin Adair, the provincial Liberals' candidate in Saanich South, has told Public Eye he didn't re-register as a lobbyist in 2004 because he ceased doing lobbying work. According to government records, Mr. Adair's registered on January 13, 2003 to lobby the government about "Privatization and Outsourcing" on behalf of the job placement firm. That registration wasn't renewed when it expired a year later.

Stikine voters are receiving calls from a polling firm telling them non-incumbent provincial Liberal candidate Scott Groves has been the constituency's MLA. But his campaign manager Kyle McCreary - who was among those phoned - has assured Public Eye Mr. Groves's team isn't responsible, stating, "I would really love to know because people are blaming us and we have nothing to do with it."

Last week, Conservation Voters of BC chair Will Horter told us his organization's provincial election endorsements are "going to be fairly controversial." Specifically, our understanding is the conservation voters are going to be putting their name behind "Anybody But Carole" in Victoria-Beacon - a reference to incumbent candidate and New Democrat leader Carole James. Chilliwack-Hope Liberal Barry Penner, Vancouver-False Creek Green Damian Kettlewell and New Democrats Lana Popham (Saanich-South) and Gary Holman (Saanich North and the Islands) will also be endorsed. A news release announcing those endorsements will be released sometime this morning.

A credit union whose board of directors includes a provincial Liberal candidate donated $7,500 to the party on December 29, 2008. But the credit union's president said earlier this month that contribution had nothing to do with Naomi Yamamoto's bid to keep North Vancouver-Lonsdale in the party's hands.

Deputy attorney general Allan Seckel has decided a freedom of information request to determine if Premier Gordon Campbell or members of his office placed any calls to 2001 and 2005 provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella isn't in the public interest. This, despite the fact that questions about Mr. Kinsella's interactions with the Campbell administration have repeatedly been raised on the campaign trail and in the legislature.

The British Columbia Chicken Marketing Board - an industry-funded organization whose board of directors includes three provincial government appointees - has donated $3,400 to the provincial Liberals since 2005. In an interview with Public Eye, marketing board general manager Bill Vanderspek explained, "They weren't actually donations per se. What they were was purchasing tables at fundraising tables for a couple of our local MLAs - John Van Dongen and Rich Coleman. So yes, the board members would have made the decision to attend these dinners. But that's what they were dinners - not direct contributions to any one of the parties."

PowerUp Canada executive director Tzeporah Berman said yesterday, "It's not a surprise" the United Steelworkers have pulled their support for her group. "They're a partisan organization," she told Public Eye. "They're supporting the NDP. They're running NDP candidates in this election. So we have a difference of opinion over the NDP and whether the NDP is really supporting green jobs or not in this election. I don't think they are."

Yesterday, we exclusively reported British Columbia electoral reformers have launched a new and more aggressive online poll - asking respondents, for example, if they would be more inclined to support the single-transferable vote system if they knew "those running the campaign against BC-STV (who are the same people who were behind Glen Clark's failed administration) are doing so to preserve their chance to get back into power." Among others, that's a shot at No STV president Bill Tieleman, who was the former premier's communications director. And Mr. Tieleman is shooting back.

With the first week of the election campaign behind us, circumstance seems to be conspiring with incompetence to thwart the provincial New Democrats' election chances. The day before the writ was dropped, on Easter Monday, three environmental groups launched an attack on the party's climate change plank. But the New Democrats failure to rapidly respond to that attack and deploy third party validators in support of their platform meant the criticisms of those groups became - if only for a day - the criticisms of the environmental movement as a whole.

"I certainly want everyone to know - and I've been writing around, sending letters to editors and such - that not all environmentalists are on side with what Tzeporah Berman and the David Suzuki Foundation and The Pembina Institute are doing." That's what Valhalla Wilderness Watch director Anne Sherrod said when we asked her about their decision to pan the New Democrats' climate change plank while praising the Liberals' greenhouse gas reduction policies.

PowerUp Canada executive director Tzeporah Berman's vocal opposition to the provincial New Democrats climate change plank has cost her organization the support of the United Steelworkers, Public Eye has exclusively learned.

British Columbia's electoral reformers launched another round of online polling on Monday. But the questions they're asking, according to a Public Eye reader who was surveyed, are considerably more aggressive than posed by Fair Voting BC last month. For example, respondents are asked whether they would be more inclined to support the single-transferable vote system if they knew "those running the campaign against BC-STV (who are the same people who were behind Glen Clark's failed administration) are doing so to preserve their chance to get back into power."

In February, the BC Wildlife Federation rolled out a news release announcing it "strongly opposes the initiative to create a National Park in the Flathead Valley." The reason: such a park is "completely unnecessary and will only detract from the use, enjoyment and economic benefits of this region to the British Columbian economy." And, as part of that release, the federation included as background "a speech to the BC Legislative Assembly delivered by Bill Bennett, MLA East Kootenay, March, 2008." But it turns out portions of that speech were never spoken in the legislature. The text cited by the federation is 1,715 words long. Whereas Mr. Bennett's statement in the legislature is 1,165 words long, according to the Hansard transcript.

The provincial Liberals may not have as many members knocking on doors as the New Democrats do. But you may soon be getting a message from one of the party's "digital activists." The Liberals are asking those who have Facebook accounts, twitter profiles and personal blogs to use their "personal online networks to connect with voters during the B.C. provincial election." According to an email sent to supporters, the party "won't send you messages to post everyday, but will ask you for help when important issues break and it's critical to get the word out fast." The following is a complete copy of that email, which was sent yesterday and obtained by Public Eye.

Earlier this month, Plutonic Power Corporation Inc. vice-chairman and chief executive officer Donald McInnes said his company didn't donate to the provincial Liberals. This, despite the fact Elections British Columbia filings show Plutonic has contributed $51,906 to the party since May 2006. Asked by The Tyee's Colleen Kimmett to explain why he made that claim on CKNW, Mr. McInnes program said, "I don't consider that to be donations, that's buying a seat at a table." But the company seems to have done more than just purchase dinner tickets. Last year, Public Eye reported Plutonic also participated in Liberal Leader's Invitational Golf Tournament, which raised $258,321.96 for the party according to Elections British Columbia filings.

We've asked a lot of politicians a lot of questions on Public Eye Radio. And, in return, those politicians have given a lot of non-answers. But what's troubling is when they dont have a good answer when asked why they're running for elected office. Some will say they're giving back to the community. Others see it as a continuation of their career in local politics. And there are those who will cite there commitment to healthcare, education, the environment or a myriad of other motherhood issues.

Last week, PowerUp Canada executive director Tzeporah Berman made headlines for quitting the provincial New Democrats over the party's opposition to the carbon tax. But did that membership lapse last year, as she has said. Or did it lapse at least two years ago, as party campaign co-chair Gerry Scott stated in an interview with The Tyee's Garrett Zehr?

PowerUp Canada executive director Tzeporah Berman has criticized the provincial New Democrats for opposing the Campbell administration's cap-and-trade legislation. But, in an interview yesterday, she's also agreed the specifics of that cap-and-trade system shouldn't be put in place behind closed doors - the Opposition's principle reason for voting against the bill.

When Jesse McClinton announced he was running for the provincial Liberals in Victoria-Swan Lake, a number of his Facebook friends expressed concern about his choice of parties. For example, one of them - writing on the candidate's wall - stated, "I support you Jesse, but the Liberals have done nothing but hurt me deeply both personally (removing my daycare subsidy when I was subbing) and professionally (teachers get bit on the ass harder by Campbell than just about anyone else). There is a cross-section of Canadian society that they don't care about and I happen to be part of it." So did that response bother Mr. McClinton?

"A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members." That's one of provincial Liberal Victoria-Swan Lake candidate Jesse McClinton's favourite quotes, according to his Facebook page. So what would the originator of that quote - Mahatma Gandhi have to say about the Campbell administration, which has - according to First Call BC - presided over the highest rate of child poverty in the country for the past five years?

Sunday morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial Liberal Victoria-Swan Lake candidate Jesse McClinton discusses his campaign. ForestEthics co-founder and PowerUp Canada executive director Tzeporah Berman shares her thoughts on how the carbon tax became a headlining issue during the first week of the 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 8:00 and 10:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us or leave a comment below.

Today, The Vancouver Sun's Doug Ward reported, "Prominent environmentalist and longtime NDP supporter Tzeporah Berman fired off an angry e-mail to Carole James Thursday, attacking the Opposition leader for putting politics before the planet by opposing Premier Gordon Campbell's carbon tax." According to the story's headline, Ms. Berman has quit the New Democrats. But it wasn't so long ago she was a member of another party.

Earlier this week, DeSmogBlog's Richard Littlemore wrote an article criticizing the provincial New Democrats for voting against the Campbell administration cap-and-trade legislation. In an interview, Mr. Littlemore confirmed he wasn't aware the New Democrats' opposition to that legislation was motivated by its secrecy. But, in an update to that article, Mr. Littlemore states "the government withdrew the secrecy provisions" in the bill "before the final, contrary vote." Indeed, the government did amend provisions that would have overriden the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. But what that amendment didn't address was provisions giving cabinet the authority to determine the specifics of that system - "behind closed doors" in the words of New Democrat leader Carole James.

In 2007, the Campbell administration announced it would removing junk foods in schools as part of an initiative to fight obesity in children and youth. Among those foods: "high-fat, high-salt potato or other chips." Nevertheless, last night, Liberal Surrey-Cloverdale candidate Kevin Falcon stated on his twitter feed, "It's great to see the new Frito Lay distribution building in Surrey!" - creating 100 new jobs for the city. Which is all well and good. But this is also the same junk food company whose products include Chee-tos, Doritos, Tostitos and, of course, Lay's potato chips. Fancy that!

The provincial Liberals really must like the Conference Board of Canada. After all, according to it's Winter 2009 provincial outlook economic forecast, "Fuelled by the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games...the province will get back on its feet next year. Real GDP will turn around from a 0.1 per cent drop this year to a nation-leading 4.3 per cent gain in 2010." In fact, the Liberals like the board so much they featured that statement in not one put two pull quotes in their campaign platform - pages six and 49 for those who are curious.

Today, Tides Canada president and chief executive officer Ross McMillan acknowledged the hiring of Teck Cominco Ltd.'s former corporate affairs director "may raise some eyebrows in the environmental sector." But, speaking with Public Eye, he stated, "From my perspective, I'm hiring Sarah Goodman and not Teck Cominco or Weyerhaeuser" - another of Ms. Goodman's previously employers. Indeed, according to, Mr. McMillan "We certainly haven't heard from any environmental organizations on Sarah's appointment" as Tides Canada's new business development and services vice-president.

The province's fire season may get off to a late start according to British Columbia Forest Service. And the could be good news for the provincial Liberals, who budgeted for just $62 million in direct forest fire fighting costs during the coming fiscal year - dramatically lower than the average amount spent on such activities during the past ten years. In an interview with Public Eye, provincial fire information officer Kim Steinbart said, according to a forest fire season forecast prepared on April 14, from now until July "it's looking like it's going to be colder than normal temperature and preciption will be around normal or a little more than normal."

If the members of Nickleback were in favour of changing British Columbia's electoral system, would you be too? That's what pro-single transferable vote campaigners seem to think. In an email distributed yesterday to supporters, Fair Voting British Columbia president Arjun Singh asked for help in "contacting some high profile BC celebrities for our endorsement campaign" - includng artists and actors such as Nelly Furtado, Pamela Anderson, Bryan Adams and, yes, the members of Nickleback. According to Mr. Singh, "These endorsements give voters confidence that their 'heroes' are BC-STV supporters." Asked for comment on that intiative electoral reform opponent Bill Tieleman told Public Eye, "I'm not sure how many British Columbia voters would be swayed to vote for STV by hearing the political acumen of Nickleback." The following is a complete copy of that email.

Yesterday, while visiting the legislature, we had a chance to peak inside the now infamous room 223 - where the provincial Liberal caucus meets and their staffers watch question period. Because caucus meetings are closed door affairs, the room's contents are rarely seen by journalists. But, with the election underway, there's no such meetings to be held. So here's the skinny.

Tonight, on Voice of BC we'll be joining host Vaughn Palmer and CKNW legislative bureau chief Sean Leslie to discuss the election campaign and other key political issues. So be sure to tune in tonight at 8:00 on Shaw TV.

Provincial New Democrat candidate Shane Simpson has fired back at DeSmogBlog's Richard Littlemore. At issue: yesterday, Mr. Littlemore told Public Eye he wasn't sure why the provincial New Democrats opposed the Campbell administration's cap-and-trade legislation. This, after writing an article on DeSmogBlog that took the party to task for voting against that bill. "If they weren't opposing the carbon tax, we wouldn't be picking on them or running around looking to see if they voted against cap-and-trade for some strategic reasons that I was not even interested enough to look up," Mr. Littlemore explained after being told that opposition was motivated by the secrecy of the legislation.

TransLink board member and former Teck Cominco Ltd. corporate affairs director Sarah Goodman has joined Tides Canada as its business development and services vice president. In 2007, the organization provided grants to many of the environmental groups best known to British Columbians - including the David Suzuki Foundation, ForestEthics, the Pembina Foundation for Environmental Research and Education, the Sierra Club of BC Foundation and the Western Canada Wilderness Committee. Tides Canada has also recently been mentioned in the media as one of the initiators of Tzeporah Berman's PowerUP Canada. Prior to joining Teck Cominco, Ms. Goodman worked for Weyerhaeuser Company Ltd. in a number of "senior executive roles" including government and public affairs vice president.

2010 LegaciesNow was one of three groups that paid for a half-page advertisement in The Vancouver Sun this past Sunday to thank the government for investing in sports. But the society, which has received $170 million in provincial taxpayer funding since 2003, says that ad wasn't connected to the election. "There was an announcement the previous weekend of $5 million invested in the sport system in British Columbia that the province had made," explained society communications director Karen McDonald. And three of the four parties receiving that money - 2010 LegaciesNow, the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific and Sport BC - "felt it was important to first of all recognize that commitment and secondly ensure the public was aware that these investments had been made in sport and that this is a priority for the health and welfare of British Columbians."

Today, environmental organizations campaigning against the provincial New Democrats' policies launched another round of attacks against the party. In an op-ed published in The Vancouver Sun, representatives from the David Suzuki Foundation, ForestEthics and The Pembinda Institute repeated their accusation the New Democrats' "promise to 'axe the gas tax' is an irresponsible recipe to axe the green future B.C. is now building." Meanwhile, DeSmogBlog - the Website led by David Suzuki Foundation chair Jim Hoggan - published an article reporting the Opposition voted against the Campbell administration cap and trade legislation, opining, "It looks increasingly like this batch of BC New Democrats care very little about climate change and a great deal about jockeying for political advantage at any price." But there was an important nuance that wasn't in that article.

With a fixed election date, the Lieutenant-Governor's writ of election has become a mere formality - much like the various ceremonial first pitches that graced baseball parks last week all around North America. The campaign has been happening for awhile. But there is nothing like that sound of the real thing once it actually starts.

Last week, the provincial New Democrats announced - as part of the party's plan to spur economic activity if it forms government - they would "expand BC's trade promotion with 6 new offices to take advantage of emerging trade opportunities." But not only does the party not know where some of those offices will be located, it's also following in the footsteps of an initiative launched four years ago by the Campbell administration.

The provincial New Democrats will re-establish a ministry of women's equality if they form government - an initiative the party has stated will cost in the "neighbourhood of a couple million dollars." This, according to New Democrat communications officer Chris Gainor. But, when the party was previously in government, the price tag for that ministry was much higher.

Yesterday, Premier Gordon Campbell met with Lieutenant Governor Steve Point to issue the writs ordering a provincial election. Following that meeting, the provincial Liberal leader spoke with reporters in the basement of Government House, to discuss his campaign agenda and take questions from the media. The following is a recording of that speech and highlights from the scrum.

The Western Canada Wilderness Committee will soon be releasing its Vote Wild newspaper, detailing what environmental issues the organization thinks voters should be paying attention to in this election. An online release of that newspaper is scheduled for this week. Eight thousand copies are also being printed, with 20,000 sent to committee supporters. This is the second time the committee has released such a newspaper, with the first being distributed in 2005.

Former Society Promoting Environment Conservation transportation campaigner David Fields has added his name to list of activists concerned about a Easter Monday media briefing panning the provincial New Democrats' platform while praising the Liberals' policies. "I would caution groups like The Pembina Institute and ForestEthics" - who organized that briefing - "and campaigners like Tzeporah Berman to avoid making this mistake in the future," said Mr. Fields, referring to their failure to consult with other environmental organizations about that briefing. "It stands to alienate them from other environmental groups - which is has already."

Yesterday, provincial New Democrat leader Carole James refused to commit to debating Dallas Henault, her Liberal opponent in Victoria-Beacon Hill. So what does Mr. Henault have to say about that? Speaking with Public Eye, the candidate said, "It's disappointing to the people of Victoria-Beacon Hill. I really do hope her handlers allow her to come back into the riding. People are asking why she's on the wrong side of the environmental debate and why she's pushing economic policies that would be devastating to the small business community in Victoria-Beacon Hill. And, in particular, they're asking why she voted against the new Royal Jubilee Hospital that's just on the edge of our riding. So I think her handlers should let her back in because there's questions that need to be asked."

Earlier, we noted the provincial New Democrats did little to respond to yesterday's criticism of their campaign platform by three environmental groups - a story that is now making headlines in today's newspapers. And that ink must have woken someone up because the party just distributed a news release with the headline: "Liberal Gas Tax Ineffective In Cutting Greenhouse Gases." The following is a complete copy of that day later, dollar short release.

In 2005, the Conservation Voters of BC made its first ever provincial candidate endorsements, nominating Green leader Adriane Carr, New Democrats David Cubberley, Rob Fleming and Gregor Robertson, as well as Liberal George Abbott. And, in an interview with Public Eye, the organization's Will Horter said the Conservation Voters will be rolling out its endorsements for the 2009 election next week. And, according to Mr. Horter, "My guess is they're going to be fairly controversial."

The provincial New Democrats' response to environmental criticism of their election platform represents the party's first failure of the campaign. Here's what happened: yesterday morning, at 10:00, the David Suzuki Foundation, ForestEthics and The Pembina Institute panned that platform during a media briefing at the Hotel Grand Pacific, specifically criticizing the party's promise to cancel the carbon tax. Reporters asked New Democrat leader Carole James about that criticism following the 11:00 opening of her constituency campaign office. But, at that time, the party seemed unaware only three environmental organizations were at that briefing - a fraction of the 16 groups that had supported the Campbell administration's carbon tax last year.

As a cabinet minister, provincial Liberal legislator Mike de Jong's annual paycheque is $147,000. But, according to Elections British Columbia, his younger brother Rick - a senior technical sales representative with TerraLink Horticulture Inc. who unsuccessfully ran for the party nomination in Westside-Kelowna - contributed more money to the party in 2008 - $1,995.00 compared with $1,250. Fancy that!

Earlier today, Western Canada Wilderness Committee national campaign director Joy Foy expressed concern about a morning media briefing where the David Suzuki Foundation, ForestEthics and The Pembina Institute panned the New Democrats' platform while praising the Liberals' climate change policies. And he's not the only one speaking out about that briefing. In an exclusive interview with Public Eye, Sierra Club of BC executive director George Heyman said he was "disappointed" the three groups didn't notify other environmental groups about that briefing. And he questioned their opinion that the "positive ideas" included in the New Democrats' platform are "insufficient to compensate" for the party's promise to cancel the carbon tax.

Earlier, we reported provincial Conservative Skeena candidate Mike Brousseau made headlines in 2004 when he launched a cross-country trek to protest Bill C-250 - which extended hate-crimes protection to gays and lesbians. At the time, Mr. Brousseau told LifeSiteNews.com he was concerned that bill would limit freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Although he stressed his trek wasn't mean as an attack on members of that community. So, five years later, what does Mr. Brousseau think about that bill now that it's become law?

Provincial New Democrat leader Carole James is refusing to say whether she'll debate Dallas Henault, her Liberal opponent in Victoria-Beacon Hill. When pressed about the issue, Ms. James simply told Public Eye, "I leave my scheduling to the campaign." The following is a recording of that exchange.

Today, provincial New Democrat leader Carole James brushed aside criticisms from three environmental organizations that her party's platform represents a "step backwards for climate action." Speaking with reporters at the opening of her constituency campaign office, Ms. James said, "We certainly agree to disagree with the environmental movement around the government's carbon tax. We believe a bad tax is a bad tax. And it's very clear the carbon tax isn't working. In fact, the use of gas went up last year with the carbon tax in place. So I'm very proud of the platform we've put forward." The following is a recording of that scrum.

Earlier today, three environmental organizations held a media briefing where they panned the New Democrats' platform while praising the Liberals' climate change policies. But there are 13 other organizations who support the Campbell administration's carbon tax last year who weren't at that meeting. Among them: the Western Canada Wilderness Committee, the largest membership-based, citizen-funded wilderness protection organization in Canada. So what does the committee think about this development?

"A step backwards for climate action." That's how three environmental organizations described the provincial New Democrat's campaign platform during a media briefing today, stating the "positive ideas" included in that document are "insufficient to compensate" for the party's promise to cancel the carbon tax. At the same time, they applauded the Liberals for taking British Columbia from being a climate change "laggard to leader in four years" by introducing that tax, among other measures. But those organizations - the David Suzuki Foundation, ForestEthics and The Pembina Institute - don't represent movement as a whole.

Two years ago, Wilf Hanni was acclaimed leader of the provincial Conservatives. But this isn't the first party he's headed. On August 30, 1997 Mr. Hanni was elected leader of the Reform Party of British Columbia. But many critics gave his performance in that job two thumbs down.

Provincial Conservative leader Wilf Hanni said yesterday his party believes no one should be discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation. But, that being said, he added the Conservatives don't believe gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry.

Gordon Campbell's government may be loathed by the left. But that doesn't mean he's loved by the right. After all, the premier comes across as more of a corporatist than a populist, favouring dress shirts over plaid shirts. And he's not much of a libertarian either - fickle in his affections for smaller government, at times flirting with its bustier cousin. And when his government got too cozy with the federal LIberals during its first term in office, the Tories contemplated supporting a provincial Conservative party.

Independent Power Producers Association of BC president Steve Davis told Public Eye Radio yesterday independent power producers have been putting former Campbell administration civil servants and political aides on their payroll because the industry is "highly governed and and ordered" by government.

Independent Power Producers Association of BC president Steve Davis said yesterday his industry would support increased government scrutiny of the cumulative impact of independent power projects. But he disagreed with prominent environmentalist David Suzuki's suggestion that there needs to be a better system for distributing water licenses and Crown land licenses.

Sunday morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial Conservative leader Wilf Hanni talks about his party's chances in the upcoming election. Independent Power Producers Association of British Columbia president Steve Davis discusses the debate over his industry role in meeting the province's energy needs. 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.

Earlier, we exclusively reported the provincial government has floated the idea of a one-time voluntary workweek reduction program for bureaucrats between the months of July and August. This, as a means of preventing civil service layoffs. But former senior provincial bureaucrat Doug McArthur - the deputy minister to two New Democrat premiers - is questioning whether that program will actually avert government downsizing.

The premier's then deputy minister Ken Dobell was advised in 2003 two of the government's public opinion service providers had connections to the labour movement. Writing to Mr. Dobell on January 6, 2003, research advisor Jennifer McCrea provided him with a list of those firms - including McIntyre & Mustel Research Associates Ltd. and CGT Research International Ltd. But Ms. McCrea list noted McIntyre & Mustel had "heavy union clients" and CGT's "interviewers are represented by Telecommunications Workers." Fancy that! The letter was part of records obtained by legislature raid trial defense lawyers and released by the provincial New Democrats.

On July 9, 2004 the Prince George Citizen's Gordon Hoekstra reported Prince George-Peace River parliamentarian Jay Hill didn't believe the federal government should interfere with the Campbell administration's decision to privatize British Columbia Railway Co.'s line. Nevertheless, six months earlier, Mr. Hill wrote a letter to the competition bureau - which was then reviewing the sale - to "apply the broadest possible application in consulting with all stakeholders before arriving at your determination."

Despite concerns about the safety of taller wood-frame buildings, the Campbell administration pressed ahead with its decision to allow those structure - which came into effect on April 6. And it's likely the will to do so came from the very top of government. The reason: speaking notes for a September 17, 2008 stakeholder meeting explicitly state Premier Gordon Campbell and Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman "are very keen on the exploration of this idea; they are very supportive." Those notes were prepared for building and safety policy branch executive director Jeff Vasey.

Earlier, we reported the provincial government had quietly announced the strengthening of seismic safety provisions for five and six-storey wood-frame buildings. A notification about that change has now been distributed to members of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC, clarifying those changes were made as a result of "recent analyses by structural engineers in B.C." The government is still awaiting the results of a seismic shake table test, scheduled to take place in Japan between June and July, that will increase the "limited understanding" of how such buildings will react in an earthquake. The following is a complete copy of that notification and the government's initial announcement.

Last month, the Campbell administration once again asked civil servants what they thought about the idea of voluntarily reducing their work hours to prevent public service layoffs. This, after an earlier survey found 52 percent of respondents were opposed to the proposal. But, this time, the government specified that workweek reduction would be a one-time program, scheduled to take place between July and August. And, according to results obtained exclusively by Public Eye, 52 percent of respondents were in favour of such a program. The following is a complete copy of those results.

When the government first announced it would be allowing taller wood-frame buildings, the Campbell administration assured the public those structures were safe because "six storey wood frame construction is already practiced in other places, such as Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Buildings recently constructed there have performed well." But, in interviews with Public Eye, officials in Seattle and Portland confirmed those cities only allow for the construction of five-storey wood-frame buildings." As a result, government has now changed that questions and answers document to read: "Jurisdictions in the U.S. Northwest, where climate and seismic conditions are similar to B.C., have allowed mid-rise residential wood-frame buildings for a few years and these buildings have performed well."

Today, Health Services Minister George Abbott announced the provincial government has expanded the treatment options for the wet form of age-related macular degeneration to include two additional drugs: Lucentis and Avastin. But what his ministry's news release doesn't mention is on December 16, 2008, Avastin's manufacturer, in consultation with Health Canada, advised health professional the drug "was specifically developed to treat cancer by injection into the veins" not the eye. Indeed, "the use of Avastin in the eye has not been reviewed or authorized by Health Canada."

Ten months ago, provincial civil servants advised the government there was a "limited understanding" of how wood-frame buildings taller than four-storeys would react in an earthquake. But, despite that continuing lack of knowledge, the government went ahead and allowed their construction anyway.

Speaking of Fair Voting BC, the electoral reform campaign is "looking for additional volunteers to participate in a research project on the effectiveness of canvassing." This, according to an advertisement posted on craigslist. In an interview with Public Eye, David Gagnon - who is responsible for that project - explained, "The intent of the study is to show some numeric data on a few things that you and I might be able to guess at. So, for example, we might be able to draw a circle on a map and say, 'In this relatively middle-class neighborhood, around 2:00 in the afternoon, the majority of voting-aged people who are home might be moms and they might be people on unusual schedules.'"

Strategic Communications Inc. - a consulting firm whose clients have included the New Democrats and labour movement members - is sharing its office space with British Columbia's electoral reform campaign. "They had a bunch of space they'd been using during the municipal campaign and it was empty. And we looked around Vancouver for offices. And it was the best deal we got," Fair Voting BC spokesperson Bruce Hallsor explained. "They were willing to give us a good deal on it. It already had phone lines and stuff in it. It was cheaper than renting some of the other locations we looked at."

North Vancouver school board chair Jane Thornthwaite has been appointed the provincial Liberal candidate in North Vancouver-Seymour, Public Eye has learned. In an interview Wayne Hunter - who had previously announced he'd be running for that nomination - said the party told him about the appointment late last week. "We just ran out of time. It was a very unique situation. There was just no way to host and sponsor a nomination process," explained Mr. Hunter.

Today, The Vancouver Sun's Jonathan Fowlie reported former West Vancouver chief constable Kash Heed would be running for the provincial Liberals in Vancouver-Fraserview. And that means Mr. Heed won't be replacing retiring backbencher Dan Jarvis as the party's candidate in North Vancouver-Seymour, as some had speculated. So who will it be? Well, how about North Vancouver school board chair Jane Thornthwaite?

In the last federal election, Saanich-Gulf Islands federal Liberal candidate Briony Penn, a prominent environmentalist, was one of the party's headlining candidates. But will Ms. Penn be putting her name on the ballot when Canadians next go to the polls? In an interview with Public Eye, the former candidate said, "A lot of people have been asking me that question. And I've talked to (Liberal leader Michael) Ignatieff and I've talked (environment critic) David McGuinty and I've talked to a lot of MP to see if they still want me in this party. And, certainly, the answer is a resounding yes."

Earlier, we reported Sierra Club of BC's new executive director George Heyman has been a critic of how the Campbell administration's carbon tax is structured. Asked about that perspective, Mr. Heyman told Public Eye, "I'm very supportive of carbon pricing. And, clearly, the Sierra Club has in the past - as have virtually every environmental organization in British Columbia - supported the implementation of the carbon tax by the Liberal government. I've never actually opposed the carbon tax."

Last year, the Sierra Club of BC was among the more than 16 environmental groups that praised the Campbell administration's carbon tax. But the club's new executive director, former British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union president George Heyman, has been a critic of how that tax is structured.

In December, The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer reported the provincial government had "frozen" spending on professional services (i.e. government contractors) "for the remainder of the fiscal year." But that year ended on March 31. So are there any restrictions on such spending in the present fiscal year? Well, our understanding is there aren't any - although ministries have been asked to keep contracts to a minimum and make every effort to have their work done in house.

"A class-action lawsuit has been launched in Ontario alleging the public body responsible for gaming in that province hasn't done enough to enforce its problem gambling program. Are you confident that B.C. Lotteries is doing enough to its own problem gambling program?" That's the question we posed to Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman last year during an appearance on Voice of BC. In response, the minister gave an answer that seemed to ignore the context of that question. But, according to a record obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request, that wasn't British Columbia Lottery Corp.'s opinion.

Last month, we reported Canada Wide Media Ltd. chairman and chief executive officer Peter Legge has twice put Premier Gordon Campbell on the cover of BCBusiness Magazine - in part, to support the provincial Liberal's re-election effort. But those aren't the only occasions where a publication owned by Mr. Legge has splashed the premier on its cover.

Earlier, we reported the provincial government's has acted on some of Campus 2020's recommendations. But two years after it's release, many others are languishing or have been rejected by the Campbell administration. So what does the author of that plan, former attorney general Geoff Plant think about that progress? In an email to Public Eye, Mr. Plant wrote, "I have watched with interest as government has implemented some of the recommendations, taken a slightly different approach with other recommendations and continues to work on others."

Victoria-Beacon Hill candidate Dallas Henault has said he believes openness and accountability are "essential to the functioning of government." But, speaking with Public Eye Radio, Mr. Henault - a former provincial Liberal staffer - defended his party's decision to keep some aspects of its operations secret.

As the executive assistant to provincial Liberal executive director Kelly Reichert, Dallas Henault has lived in Vancouver for the past three years. But, in an interview with Public Eye Radio, Mr. Henault declined to say whether he'd be moving back to Vancouver or returning to his job with the party if he loses the upcoming election.

Delta South voters who believe any private involvement in the public healthcare system is heretical may want to think twice before voting for independent candidate Vicki Huntington. Asked on Public Eye Radio yesterday whether she thought private healthcare should have any place in that system, Ms. Huntington responded, "Well, what I find difficult within the public healthcare system is the inefficiencies that seem to be built into it. If private healthcare that is publicly funded in terms of your ability to obtain the same services that are covered with the normal medicare process can help increase the efficiency and the access to healthcare, I'm not so sure it's such a terribly bad thing - as long as the medical system continues to provide the same level of care that the private system can help them cope with."

Thirty-six days from now, British Columbians will go to the polls in what is supposed to be the highest expression of democracy in this province. But, looking back over the past four years, it could be said casting a ballot is the only expression of democracy in this province. After all, once elected, the garrote of party discipline prevents our representatives from speaking out on behalf of their constituents - or even their own conscience.

If elected, provincial Liberal Victoria-Beacon Hill candidate Dallas Henault's top priority will be increasing youth voter turnout. But, in an interview yesterday on Public Eye Radio, the 26-year-old former party worker wasn't able to give specifics on how he'd do that. "One of the issues that I care about passionately is youth turnout rate," said Mr. Henault, when asked if there was any particular policy proposal he'd be advocating for in the legislature. "So I'd work with the government on a number of initiatives in terms of bringing that rate up."

Sunday morning, on Public Eye Radio, Delta South hopeful Vicki Huntington discusses her independent candidacy. Provincial Liberal Victoria-Beacon Hill candidate Dallas Henault talks about his upcoming run against New Democrat leader Carole James 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.

Last night, on Voice of BC, we opined, "The provincial government, at the current moment in time, seems to be of two opinions concerning what to do with the provincial civil service. On one hand, they want to maintain and bolster the morale of existing bureaucrats and recruit talented new people into the bureaucracy. But, on the other hand, they've made it quite clear that reducing the number of civil servants is actually going to be part of their plan to balance the budget." But Liberal House Leader Mike de Jong took issue with that opinion.

Earlier, we reported British Columbia Railway Co. hadn't posted its financial information statements on its Website. This, despite the fact such postings are explicitly required under an agreement between the provincial government and the Crown corporation. Contacted about the matter, British Columbia Railway corporate secretary Shelley Westerhout Harman said, "It has been an oversight on our part and we will get those things on our Website in the next day or two."

Yesterday, we reported provincial Liberal legislator John Les had sent a message to "supporters and friends" soliciting opinions on whether he should "continue to run for re-election or "withdraw." Asked about that message by the Chilliwack Times's Paul Henderson, Mr. Les said, "I'm starting to get response and so far they've been quite favourable and in fact gratifying. But it's early on. I don't want to presuppose too much just yet." As for whether there was a chance he really would withdraw, Mr. Henderson paraphrased the former solicitor general as saying "he has his own thoughts on things, but he truly wanted to ask friends and supporters for any advice and thoughts on his own candidacy."

Last month, the provincial New Democrats had to dig through the legislative library to find out British Columbia Railway Co. paid $297,000 to former provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella's firms between 2002 and 2005. But they shouldn't have needed to. The reason: according to an agreement signed by the provincial government and British Columbia Railway on February 13, 2007, the Crown corporation committed to display the financial information statements containing that information "in an easily accessible location on its website." But no such information exists on its Website.

Cossette Communications Inc. has managed to bag a big guest for the firm's upcoming Convergence 09 "forum of digital marketing thought leadership." David Plouffe - the "strategic mastermind" behind Barack Obama's successful American presidential campaign will be the forum's keynote speaker. But there's just one problem: many of the politicos who would likely be interested in hearing what Mr. Plouffe has to say may be a bit busy. The reason: the forum is scheduled to take place on May 11 - the day before the provincial election.

VoteSmart BC needs to step up its research. Today, the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association announced their online campaign would be "taking dead aim at the lack of change within the NDP and drawing clear links between the current NDP led by Carole James and the economically destructive NDP governments of the 1990s." And, as part of that effort, "each weekday until the election, VoteSmart BC will be exposing a different NDP member" - starting with Vancouver-Kingsway legislator Adrian Dix. But what that expose doesn't mention is Mr. Dix controversial "memo to file" misstep. Fancy that! The following is a complete copy of VoteSmart BC's incomplete biography of the New Democrat health critic.

In 2005, Premier Gordon Campbell won his own riding with 45.98 percent of the vote, coming in 8.28 percentage points ahead of his New Democrat competitor Mel Lehan. But what will happen in this election if the provincial Conservatives run a candidate in that constituency? That's a question some members of the chattering class have been asking. And, in an interview with Public Eye, party leader Wilf Hanni - who is running in Kootenay East against Liberal incumbent Bill Bennett - said, "I've had it suggested to me several times" that the Conservative should field a standard bearer in Vancouver-Point Grey. "I guess it would only be fair since he's running someone against me."

Yesterday, former Vancouver South federal Conservative candidate Wai Young told us "I think it's possible you're going to hear something shortly. But not what you think." This, in response to speculation she could be replace Attorney General Wally Oppal as the provincial Liberal candidate in Vancouver-Fraserview. Nevertheless, Ms. Young was spotted at the party's candidate training session this past Saturday at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. But, since that session was also open to candidate campaign teams, it might not be an indicator of her intention to run for elected office.

Former solicitor general John Les is soliciting opinions on whether he should run for re-election. Last month, Mr. Les - who has already been acclaimed as the provincial Liberal candidate in Chilliwack - told The Vancouver Sun's Jonathan Fowlie he expects an investigation into his conduct while he was mayor of Chilliwack will be "wrapped up" by the election. But, in a message sent to "supporters and friends" and obtained by Public Eye, Mr. Les writes, "Unbelievably, the investigation has not yet concluded. This raises the question: Do I continue to run for re-election...or do I withdraw?"

Last month, we speculated former Vancouver South federal Conservative candidate Wai Young could replace Attorney General Wally Oppal as the provincial Liberal candidate in Vancouver-Fraserview. But what does Ms. Young think about that speculation? "You know, I just got back from holidays. And I've been hearing the same rumours," Ms. Young told Public Eye yesterday. "I think it's possible you're going to hear something (about those rumours) shortly. But not what you think."

Briefing Note to Michael Ignatieff: You've learned to be more circumspect and were among the few Grits to recognize the only thing Canadians found more abhorrent than the Harper administration's behaviour last fall was the prospect of a Liberal-New Democrat coalition. Good work. And, so far, the polls suggest Canadians are warming to you. But, clearly, they still have some reservations either about you or the party you lead. Here are three suggestions for overcoming them.

Yesterday, the provincial New Democrats peppered the government with questions about former provincial Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella. Among the issues: the work his firm The Progressive Group has done to help companies such as Accenture Business Services and Alcan Inc. win major benefits and contracts from the government. This, according to a Progressive resume obtained exclusively by Public Eye. Speaking in the legislature, Attorney General Wally Oppal declined to answer those questions. So we thought we might ask Liberal election preparation co-chair and former competition, science and enterprise minister Rick Thorpe.

Earlier, we reported engineering, fire and earthquake experts - as well as American building officials - have also expressed concern about the government's controversial initiative to allow taller wood-frame buildings. But what about the insurance industry? Have they raised any concerns? Asked about the matter yesterday, Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman had this to say.

A briefing note prepared for Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman advised there would be “significant" fire safety concerns with five and six wood-frame buildings. But despite that note - which was obtained exclusively by Public Eye via a freedom of information request - the government moved ahead with its plan to permit the construction of those controversial buildings.