June 2009 Archives

Earlier, we reported former provincial deputy minister Diane Rabbani has been hired as executive director for British Columbia's federal Liberals. But being a senior civil servant isn't necessarily the same as being a senior party staffer. So what qualifications is she bringing to that post? In an interview with Public Eye, British Columbia party president Craig Munroe said, "There are a whole host of organizational skills that are necessary for someone to be successful as the executive director of the LPCBC. And the experience she has achieved in her previous positions really matches up with the vast majority of those organizational skills."

Earlier, we exclusively reported former Campbell administration senior bureaucrat Diane Rabbani had been shortlisted to be the federal Liberals' new British Columbia executive director. And now we've learned Ms. Rabbani has been appointed to that post, starting work on July 20. The following is a complete copy of the email announcing that appointment.

Last week, The Globe and Mail's Mark Hume reported the provincial government "may have destroyed all cabinet e-mails between 2001 and 2005." This, despite a law that requires government records to be kept for at least seven years unless they are of a frivolous nature and classified as transitory. Indeed, George Copley, a lawyer representing British Columbia's executive council, suggested that classification could explain why those emails may have been erased. Such an explanation may seem incredulous. But, in 2002, a federal access to information review task force reported there is a general "lack of understanding about the treatment of transitory records" under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act in British Columbia - a lack of understanding that perhaps continues to exist. The emails had been requested by legislature rail trial defense lawyers.

Earlier, we reported provincial New Democrat organization director Nikki Hill would be leaving her post at the end of June - specifically, this past Saturday. And, to mark the occasion, Ms. Hill distributed the following email to friends, writing she was looking forward "to the new and equally exciting opportunities in the future which will bring me back into contact with all of you." The following is an edited copy of that email.

Victoria's new city manager Gail Stevens will get to work next week at a price tag of $200,000 a year. According to the provincial executive compensation disclosure statements, that's just under the $231,835 the premier's deputy minister Jessica McDonald made in fiscal 2007/08. But, in an interview on Public Eye Radio, mayor Dean Fortin defended the city manager's salary stating, "This is generally within the framework of the industry standard and where everybody is getting paid in that. That's the range....You take a look at people who are leaders in universities or other public sector places - this is completely in line and probably lower than some of those other ones."

Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia president and chief executive officer Gavin Dirom wants the Campbell administration to rescind its prohibition on uranium and thorium exploration and mining. And he's invited the Campbell administration to take a trip to Saskatchewan, the world's largest uranium producer, to see how that ore can be safely extracted. Speaking on Public Eye Radio, Mr. Dirom said, "We're advocating that we and the government take a road trip to Saskatchewan and learn how it can be done in a very, very safe way to very high standards...And that may effect or impact an opportunity to change or rescind the regulatory ban."

Sunday morning, on Public Eye Radio, we'll be speaking with Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia president and chief executive officer Gavin Dirom. Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin also joins us on the show. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Eleanor Gregory, Bob Russell and Allan Warnke - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 8:00 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.

Public Eye is pleased to announce its editor, Sean Holman, will be tying the knot this coming Sunday. As a result, due to wedding preparations and a forthcoming honeymoon, postings will be few and far between over the coming days. We'll return to our regular reporting schedule on June 29.

The provincial New Democrats will be hiring a new caucus communications director. In an interview with Public Eye, the present director Glen Sanford confirmed he's moving on. "I took the job as a short-term project until the election," Mr. Sanford explained. "The election has come. So what I'm doing is I'm just staying around long enough to ensure a smooth transition."

Provincial New Democrat leader Carole James's chief of staff will soon be taking a leave of absence. The reason: Ian Reid needs the time to be treated for an ongoing health condition. That exact date of that leave of absence has yet to be determined.

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister George Abbott told reporters today no decision has made as to whether there will be a formal public consultation process for the Campbell administration's proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act. Nor has a decision been made on whether that legislation will be introduced this year or next. But Minister Abbott said New Democrat critic Bob Simpson's request to reactivate the legislature's standing committee on aboriginal affairs "may be a constructive suggestion." The following is a recording of that scrum.

Earlier, we reported the provincial government has blown its direct forest fire fighting budget for five of the past seven fiscal years. So perhaps the Campbell administration needs to reassess how it estimates those budgets? Or perhaps it won't, as suggested by the answers we got from Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell.

British Columbia Transmission Corp. is constructing a substation to connect Plutonic Power Corporation Inc.'s controversial East Toba and Montrose Creek hydroelectric project to British Columbia's power grid. Three years ago, the price tag for such a substation would have been around $11.1 million. But the cost of this one is expected to be $40.3 million because it will also reinforce the Sunshine Coast's transmission system. It was estimated in 2006 that Plutonic Power Corp. would pickup $2.8 million of the substation's cost - the price tag for hooking up the company's hydroelectric project to that facility. Asked whether this amounts to a subsidy, British Columbia Transmission communications manager Mike Witherly responded, "No. Substations are integral to the operation of B.C.’s publicly owned electrical grid."

Last week, the provincial government quietly announced it would be preparing wildfire protection plans for three resorts. But the senior vice-president for two of those resorts - Big White and Silver Star - has told Public Eye his company, Intrawest ULC, has "continuously asked" government to look at that issue since 2003.

One of the leading voice opposing American president Barack Obama's healthcare reform efforts may be familiar to British Columbians - or, at the very least, those working in the West Annex. Richard Scott is presently the chairman of Conservatives for Patients Rights. But, seven years ago, he made headlines in this province after Premier Gordon Campbell invited the former Columbia/HCA Healthcare chief executive officer to meet with his government.

The provincial Conservatives didn't win any seats in the most recent election. But it did win some headlines. So will those headlines be enough to keep the party active between now and 2013? Well, we may find out on September 26. Because, according to Conservative leader Wilf Hanni that's when the party is scheduled to hold it's annual general meeting, taking place at the Best Western Rainbow Country Inn in Chilliwack. Mr. Hanni said he expects the party will adopt a new constitution at that meeting - as well as elect replacements for four or five retiring board members.

On April 21, 24 hours columnist Bill Tieleman publicized an email in which marine biologist and prominent conservationist Alexandra Morton blasted environmentalists Tzeporah Berman, Karen Campbell and David Suzuki for panning the provincial New Democrats' platform while praising the Liberals' policies. "Your love in with Campbell is a betrayal to all that are alive in BC. Campbell is selling BC's most vital resources....fresh running water...And that is OK with you? Because you sure did not get that into the headlines. Yeah, you got big headlines....now what. If Campbell gets re-elected you can take the credit for all that follows." So now that election is over, how much credit does Ms. Morton think those environmentalists deserve for Gordon Campbell's victory?

Last week, provincial New Democrat leader Carole James put her axe the carbon tax campaign on the chopping block. And there's been talk the party's opposition to independent power projects may be next - with speculation increasing following a Canadian Broadcasting Corp. report that the party's new environment critic Rob Fleming, "refused to use the word 'moratorium' when asked by reporters at the legislature on Friday about the party's stand on IPPs." But what would happen if that flip-flop did come to pass?

On September 7, 2007, provincial New Democrat legislator Michael Sather was temporarily suspended from caucus "as a result of his decision to vote against the Tsawwassen Treaty." This, according to a media advisory distributed the same day. The reason: "Our caucus strongly believes that to stall the treaty process now would take BC backwards on the journey towards reconciliation with First Nations." So does the party's new aboriginal relations and reconciliation critic Bob Simpson think there should be a similar party-line vote on the proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act when it comes up for debate in the legislature?

Provincial New Democrat aboriginal relations and reconciliation critic Bob Simpson said yesterday he'll ask his government counterpart to reactivate the legislature's select standing committee on aboriginal affairs. This, as part of an effort to consult with British Columbians about the government's proposed Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Act. But Mr. Simpson added that isn't the only action his party will be taking on the aboriginal file.

The provincial New Democrats' new aboriginal relations and reconciliation critic Bob Simpson said yesterday his party didn't make the proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act an election issue because because the Campbell administration hasn't yet released details of that legislation. "There's not a lot to get you can get your teeth into when all you have is a background document and some intent," he explained on Public Eye Radio.

I am a supporter of recognition and reconciliation with the province's First Nations peoples - whatever form that may take. This government is also a supporter of recognition and reconciliation, having proposed legislation that will recognize aboriginal rights and title and result in shared decision making between the province and First Nations governments. And New Democrat leader Carole James has said she supports the intent of that legislation, with her former aboriginal relations and reconciliation critic Scott Fraser questioning the government's commitment to that proposal rather than its content. And therein lies the problem.

Sunday morning, on Public Eye Radio, we'll be speaking with provincial New Democrat aboriginal relations and reconciliation critic Bob Simpson about his new portfolio, as well as British Columbia's forest fire conditions. Marine biologist and prominent conservationist Alexandra Morton weighs in on the results of the recent election. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Eleanor Gregory, The Tyee's Andrew MacLeod and Bob Russell - 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.

Earlier, we reported British Columbia's federal Liberals would be announcing the name of their new executive director sometime next week. Public Eye can now confirm former Campbell administration senior bureaucrat Diane Rabbani is on the shortlist for that job. Ms. Rabbani joined the provincial government on April 4, 2003, as the deputy minister responsible for its B.C. Leadership Centre. She was later was put in charge of the BC Public Service Agency and named the government's merit commissioner. Following the 2005 election, Ms. Rabbani's title was changed from deputy minister to associate deputy minister. Shortly after, she left government.

On May 20, British Columbia's federal Liberals announced they were searching for candidates to be permanently fill the position of the party's executive director. That deadline to submit applications for that competition - June 1 - has come and gone. So when will we find out who the winner is? Well, our understanding is a decision will be announced sometime next week. Kimball Kastelen has been doing that job on an acting basis since Mark Grant resigned to become the government relations and public affairs director for Rupert Peace Power Corp.

The fire risk surrounding many of British Columbia's resorts is high, Public Eye has learned. As a result, the ministry of tourism, culture and the arts will be preparing wildfire protection plans for three of those resorts - just as the province's fire season is heating up. But those plans won't be ready until November.

Yesterday, provincial Liberal legislator Gordon Hogg - who had been the government's minister of state for mining - lost his cabinet seat. In an interview with Surrey Now's Tom Zytaruk, Mr. Hogg said he wasn't upset at being passed over because he'd have more time for family considerations. But there's talk Mr. Hogg could run for caucus chair when the government legislators elect John Yap's successor later this month. So what does the Surrey-White Rock MLA have to say about those rumours? Nothing, apparent. Because he declined a request for comment.

Premier Gordon Campbell hasn't addressed a British Columbia Nurses' Union convention since he was elected in 2001. But, today, he did welcome Canadian Federation of Nurses' Union delegates at their biennial meeting - which is taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre. So how did that speech come about?

Mike de Jong isn't just the provincial government's new attorney general. He's also retained his responsibilities as the Campbell administration's house leader. And that dual role should be a concern to voters. In an interview this afternoon, constitutional expert and former British Columbia Court of Appeals Justice Ron Cheffins said, "I think it's inappropriate to combine in one person the partisan office of house leader with the detached responsibility of the attorney general who is the chief law officer of the Crown." But, when questioned about the issue yesterday by Public Eye, Premier Gordon Campbell had this to say.

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Tribal Chief David Luggi has taken his opposition to the proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act online. On June 4, he setup a Facebook page for those who want to "bury this proposal." And, as of publication time, that page has attracted 230 members.

As British Columbia's new minister of children and family development, Mary Polak is responsible not just for protecting both the province's most vulnerable children one of the government's most politically vulnerable ministries. As such, Public Eye and The Times Colonist's Lindsay Kines had some questions for the new minister following her swearing-in - such how she's going to improve the relationship between her deputy minister Lesley du Toit and the province's children and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. The following is a recording of that scrum.

British Columbia's new attorney general isn't going to be any more forthcoming than his predecessor Mike de Jong when questions arise about the legislature raid trail. Asked whether he would continue to adhere to the government's interpretation of the sub judice rule, the attorney general told reporters, "Happily, you have not just heard former attorney general Wally Oppal on that topic in the legislature. On occasion, you have heard me speak. So you know what my position and the government's position is on that."

Earlier, we reported the provincial government will be releasing its public accounts for fiscal 2008/09 sometime next month. But, since 2006, the finance ministry has included among its performance measures a promise to release those documents by June 30 - a target they've yet to hit. In 2006, that release date was July 17. In 2007, in was July 11. And in 2008 it was July 17.

Last month, we reported provincial New Democrat organization director Nikki Hill would be leaving her post at the end of June. And the search is now on for a replacement. According to a job posting on the federal New Democrats' Website, the closing date for that competition is June 26.

On April 27, Statistics Canada released a preliminary estimate that British Columbia's gross domestic product had decreased by 0.3 percent in 2008. By comparison, the Campbell administration's February 2008 budget projected the gross domestic product for that year would increase by 2.4 percent - a forecast that was lowered in its February 2009 budget to 1.0 percent. In both cases, those finance ministry estimates were lower than those projected by government's economic forecast council. Nevertheless, the difference between Statistics Canada's and the finance ministry's numbers mean the Campbell administration's audited financial statements for fiscal 2008/09 will be closely examined when they are released sometime next month. The following is a complete copy of those numbers.

Victoria parliamentarian Denise Savoie wants to take the "new" out of the New Democratic Party of Canada's name as part of an effort to broaden its vision and base. In an exclusive interview with Public Eye on Sunday, Ms. Savoie she has been contemplating such a change for some time. But the tipping point came after hearing Saanich-Gulf Islands Conservative parliamentarian Gary Lunn repeatedly refer to the Harper administration as Canada's New Government.

Last month, the Catholic Diocese of Victoria was scheduled to hold a "Liturgy of Reconciliation" with Bishop Richard Gagnon and his predecessor Remi De Roo. According to the invitation to that event, its purpose was to seek "healing and reconciliation which will assist our Diocese in moving forward into the future." But the liturgy was postponed without explanation by Bishop Gagnon in an email. So we phoned up the bishop's office to ask why. The response: "Well, there's just some details that still need to be worked out. So it's been postponed till sometime in the future," said a member of that office. And what are those details? "Just different details the bishops need to work out." The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned email and invite.

Last month, prominent environmentalist Briony Penn announced she wouldn't be running for the federal Liberals a second time in Saanich-Gulf Islands. So who's going to replace her? Well, perennial candidate Kit Spence is in the process of filling out his nomination papers. And association director-at-large Renee Hetherington has also informed the executive she'll be throwing her hat in the ring.

Earlier, we reported independent Delta South legislator Vicki Huntington was reluctant to tell the press gallery what issues she would be focusing on in the legislature. "I think I'll leave that for right now and just carry on with finding out where my office space is," she said, later adding, "I have just been sworn-in. So I'd like to just take deep breathe and carry on from there. There's plenty of time to talk about that" - or perhaps not.

Independent Delta South legislator Vicki Huntington was sworn-in at 10:00 today. But she seemed a bit hesitant to share the occasion with the press gallery - at first breezing past the reporters and camera operators who wanted to scrum her. Ms. Huntington was also reluctant to say what issues she would be focusing on in the legislature, in addition to those that matter to Delta South voters. "I think I'll leave that for right now and just carry on with finding out where my office space is," she responded. The following is a recording of that scrum.

Last month, we reported provincial New Democrat Vancouver-Fairview candidate Jenn McGinn's campaign rolled out an endorsement from predecessor Gregor Robertson the day of the election. So why was that endorsement so late in coming? In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. McGinn's campaign manager Norman Gludovatz said, "We had talked about all kinds of things to do with Gregor during the campaign - all kinds of things like him going and doing some walking with Jenn, knock-knocking, etc. But with his schedule and being the Olympic mayor, it got challenging to be honest. And, in the end, I said, 'Let's just put together an endorsement. Let's release it over the weekend.'"

Will the provincial government's fiscal 2009/10 deficit be more than the $495 million estimated in its February budget? That's what reporters wanted to know when they scrummed Premier Gordon Campbell following his caucus's swearing-in ceremony. But the closest to answer they got was this: "...when the facts change you have to be willing to look at the facts. We are striving to accomplish the budget we laid out in February 2009."

Last month, The Times Colonist's Les Leyne was among a number of pundits who suggested Carole James would need to "start axing the hacks that held her back" during the election if she wants to stay on as the provincial New Democrats' leader. So what does Ms. James think of that suggestion? Public Eye asked that question today during a scrum following the Opposition's swearing-in ceremony, recording her response.

In a scrum with reporters, Premier Gordon Campbell confirmed the first cabinet of his third administration will be sworn-in on Wednesday at 2:00. The legislature will then sit on August 25, with the budget being tabled on September 1.

Provincial legislators are back in the precincts today for their swearing-in ceremony. But New Democrat MLAs two-day caucus meeting won't get underway until tomorrow. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., that's when the party's legislators are formally expected to end their policy of donating the controversial pay raises they received in 2007 to charity.

Back in March, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs president Stewart Phillip told The Globe and Mail's Justine Hunter he had "very deep concerns" the proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act would "become a partisan issue" and "kicked around in the election." That didn't happen. But British Columbia Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer John Winter expressed regret the legislation wasn't discussed on the campaign trail. Speaking on Public Eye Radio, Mr. Winter said, "It's too bad, in many respects that it wasn't part of the election. I think that it - amazingly - did not become a key issue as far as the two leading parties are concerned. And I think there was an opportunity, perhaps. But wasn't it Kim Campbell who said elections are no time to raise key issues?"

Last week, The Vancouver Sun's Jonathan Fowlie quoted Finance Minister Colin Hansen as saying the Campbell administration's "objective" is to run a $495 million in fiscal 2009/10 - just as they predicted in February budget. This, despite the fact economic forecasters are now estimating that deficit could be up to four times higher. In response, British Columbia Chamber of Commerce president John Winter said, "He must have more information than we have, clearly. From our perspective, we were quite surprised - I guess pleasantly surprised - back in February when we were in the budget lockup to see and hear the numbers that were being forecast, assuming at that time they had information about some economic growth that we didn't have. And I guess that was the case."

On March 14, the Campbell administration announced it would be delaying introduction of its proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act "to take time for consultation" with the business community. But, in an interview on Public Eye Radio, British Columbia Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer John Winter said that process hasn't gotten underway. "We're fully anticipating that a formal consultation period will be undertaken in short order - over the summer months perhaps. But we've had no contact specific as of yet," he said. But when that process does get underway, Mr. Winter stressed it's important government, business and First Nations leaders be sitting at the same table.

On Tuesday, a judicial recount confirmed Vicki Huntington as British Columbia's first independent legislator in 60 years. Ms. Huntington has promised to represent her riding first, delivering the voice of Delta South voters to Victoria. But she could be so much more than that. She could be an inspiration for all those British Columbians who are uninspired by our party system, for all those British Columbians who want more from their representatives than platitudes and pamphlets every four years. She could inspire British Columbians to cast a vote for independence in their own riding during the next election - independence from our party system and the interests that support it.

Sunday morning, on Public Eye Radio, we'll be speaking with former BC-STV campaign spokesperson Shoni Field about the future of electoral reform. British Columbia Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer John Winter discusses the proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act, as well as the state of the economy. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Bob Russell, Allan Warnke and Monday Magazine's Jason Youmans - 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.

Earlier, we exclusively reported the Campbell administration has blown its direct forest fire fighting budget in five of the last seven fiscal years. Those budgets were based on the average amount spent on fire fighting between 1993 and 2002. But such estimates were calculated differently prior to the release of the 2004/05 budget. Back then, the province used a rolling average based on the amount spent in the ten years preceding the budget. So why the change?

Partnerships British Columbia communications and government relations director Tamara Little will soon be joining Hill and Knowlton Canada Ltd. Ms. Little has been doing that job since Jennifer Davies took maternity leave. But, effective June 24, she'll be Hill and Knowlton's integrated communications and public affairs director.

Coalition of Progressive Electors external chair Alvin Singh has said won't be courting former Vision Vancouver executive member Mike Bruce to join his civic association, although he's welcome to take out a membership. This, after Mr. Bruce sent an email to Mayor Gregor Robertson announcing he was quitting Vancouver's governing party. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Singh said, "I've actually worked with Mike on a few occasions. He's really talented. He's very articulated. And I think he was a good executive member for Vision. But no, I'm not going to call and court him. If he wants to get involved with COPE he's more than welcome to."

In April, provincial New Democrat leader Carole James - who voted against electoral reform in 2005 - told The Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer her party would be staying out of the single-transferable vote debate. But at least one Opposition caucus member voted in favour of that system. In an interview with Public Eye, David Chudnovsky - who didn't run for re-election - disclosed he supported electoral reform at the ballot box, despite the fact he's not a fan of the single-transferable vote. "I voted for STV because it's a form of proportional representation. But I like other systems better," he explained.

Earlier, we exclusively reported the provincial government had estimated it would spent $62 million on direct forest fire fighting costs in 2009/10 - $46 million less than the average amount spent on such activities over the past fiscal ten years. According to provincial New Democrat finance critic Bruce Ralston, a dry spring means the Campbell administration could blow that budget. But it wouldn't be the first time. Since 2002/03, the government has only met those targets - which were previously based on fire fighting costs between 1993 and 2002 - twice. The following is a complete list of those targets, the explanation accompanying them in the government's budget and fiscal plans and the actual amount spent for those fiscal years.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Bill Barisoff has said he doesn't expect the Rockpile will require any major renovations to accommodate provincial Liberal legislator Stephanie Cadieux, the province's first wheelchair-riding MLA since Doug Mowat. Speaking with Public Eye yesterday following a meeting with Ms. Cadieux, the speaker said, "We found an office on the second floor for her - not far from the chambers. We've got to do some modifications in the handicapped washroom just down the hall from her. So she came with us and just mentioned the different things that would help her out a little bit - to make it easier for her to go through the fire doors."

A dry spring means the Campbell administration could blow its direct forest fire fighting expenses estimate, according to provincial New Democrat finance critic Bruce Ralston. In February, the administration projected it would spend $62 million on such expenses in 2009/10 - $46 million less than the average amount spent on forest fire fighting over the past ten fiscal years. This, despite the fact the government's own climate action plan reports global warming could "result in more wildfires."

According to its most recent service plan, the public service agency's "mandate is to provide human resource leadership for the ministries and agencies and the 30,000 employees workings to serve British Columbians" - or perhaps not. The reason: earlier, we exclusively reported the government is projecting demographic forces will reduce the bureaucracy by 30 to 57 percent over the next ten years. But, according to a freedom of information request filed by Public Eye, the agency doesn't have any records concerning how that projection was calculated. Nor does it have any records assessing the impact such a reduction will have on the bureaucracy. Instead, it's the premier office that holds the documents that forecast is based on. But it's charging $240 just to located and retrieve them.

Public Eye extends our congratulations to provincial New Democrat president Jeff Fox and party secretary Laura Nichols. Mr. Fox and Ms. Nicholas - two of the party's top officials - were married this past Saturday.

Last month, in an interview with Public Eye, provincial New Democrat legislator Harry Lali described his party as having run a "great election campaign" - blaming low voter turnout and the media for their failure to win government. But, in an interview this morning, CHNL's Jim Harrison asked Mr. Lali whether the New Democrats lost because they ran a campaign that was too negative. The response: "I think there's some truth to that. But, at the end of the day, Gordon Campbell did not win the election. The Liberals didn't win the election. We New Democrats, we lost the election. It was ours for the winning. And we didn't win it. And I think we really need to do a hardcore assessment as to why we lost the election. And I think we need to do a rethinking as well."

In February, the provincial government announced Power Smart meters "will be installed in every home in British Columbia by 2012" giving "families new information and control over their power consumption." And it looks like BC Hydro Corp. is continuing to work toward meeting that commitment. Today, the corporation quietly announced it's looking to hire an external advisor to ensure its smart metering infrastructure program is "completed on time and within budget," delivering "the functionality that it is meant to deliver." The advisor will report directly to BC Hydro chairman Mossadiq Umedaly. The deadline to submit a bid for that work is July 15 - just 13 days from now.

The premier's deputy minister Jessica McDonald has stated provincial civil service layoffs, if they do occur, will be under five percent of the workforce or 1,610 out of the 32,214 full-time equivalents presently working in the government's ministries and special offices. But what kind of savings could the Campbell administration achieve if it went ahead with such a reduction? Well, that depends on the pay grades of the employees effected. But a rough estimate might be $150.34 million or about five percent of the $3 billion the government has projected it will spend on salaries and benefits in fiscal 2009/10.

The Campbell administration's proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act will see the provincial government share decision-making regarding land and resources with First Nations government. But existing band councils are perceived by some as lacking in accountability and transparency. As a result, concerns could be raised about the kinds of governments that would be empowered under the act. Responding to those concerns, Assembly of First Nations British Columbia Regional Chief Shawn Atleo told Public Eye Radio, he's heard complaints it will be "difficult to deal with" the province's 203 First Nations people. But "we don't hear that about the 187 municipalities - mayors and councils - that exist. We also know that many townships, their forms of governments are extremely loose and not necessarily very well-defined."

On October 17, 2008 Prime Minister Stephen Harper refused to rule out going into the red in fiscal 2009/10. But it took 102 days for Premier Gordon Campbell take make a similar admission, softening his position that the provincial government wouldn't run a deficit. And his administration seemed just as reluctant this week to admit their deficit could be up to four times higher than projected. This, after Ottawa announced its own deficit would be around 50 percent higher. But why the reluctance?

Speaking on Public Eye Radio, children and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond said she was disappointed neither the provincial New Democrats or the Liberals focused on child welfare issues during the recent election. But do social service providers also bear some of the responsibility for those issues not being raised on the campaign trail? "I think they're quite isolated from each other," said Ms. Turpel-Lafond, referring specifically to teachers, school counsellors, social workers and healthcare providers. "I meet with them and talk to them frequently and they're not happy about what they see around wait listing kids or not being able to serve the way they'd like to serve. They have innovative ideas and so on. Do they get heard? I'm not sure they get heard enough. But also, do they work together on these issues?"

Children and youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond said yesterday she was "disappointed" neither the New Democrats or the Liberals focused on child welfare issues during the recent campaign. In an interview on Public Eye Radio, Ms. Turpel-Lafond stated, "I'm a non-partisan officer of the legislature. But I watched the election campaign from that perspective of who's talking about kids. Because I know British Columbians care deeply about the well-being of their own children and children in state care, children in poverty, children in marginalized communities. But I was very disappointed with both parties - their candidates and their leaders - in terms of not making commitments or a key focus these issues around children. That doesn't mean they may not be commitment to them. But they certainly didn't have a public discussion."

Vision Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson's praise for Premier Gordon Campbell, and his handling of the controversy it caused, has cost him the support of a former top-ranking party member. In an email sent to the mayor and his council colleagues on May 7, Mike Bruce announced he would be quitting the party and encouraging others to do the same.
He also ripped Mr. Robertson for not being "responsive" to the civic association's left-wing base and criticized the flattering introduction he gave the premier at a March conference on sport and the environment.