Earlier, we reported Premier Gordon Campbell introduced could-be provincial Liberal candidates Clark Roberts and Jody Twa to an audience of party bankrollers at a fundraiser last month. But they weren't the only ones. Also introduced was Vancouver Island Technology Park vice president Dale Gann whom some are promoting as a possible Victoria mayoral candidate. And now we're hearing talk that candidacy could be launched as early as tomorrow.

With the throne speech just two weeks away, British Columbia's chattering classes are anxiously awaiting its contents - which will outline the government's upcoming legislative agenda. Most agree the speech will focus on the Campbell administration's climate action initiatives, as well as bringing forward ideas inspired by the recent conversation on health. But what will those ideas be? Is the government, for example, going to be giving British Columbians greater flexibility in managing their healthcare choices? Does the government intend to invest more money in e-health projects? And will the throne speech include any proposals concerning the retention and recruitment of healthcare professionals? Inquiring minds want to know!

Earlier, provincial New Democrat critic Nicholas Simons noted the preferred qualifications for children and family development's new quality assurance assistant deputy minister includes both experience at "the international level" as well as "several levels of government." And that, combined with the fact the competition for that position opened and closed during the winter holidays, suggests the ministry already has someone in mind for that job. But who might that be, you may wonder? Well, International Institute for Child Rights and Development founder Philip Cook and United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child member Brent Parfitt are both possibilities, according to those familiar with the ministry. After all, both are long-time associates of top bureaucrat Lesley du Toit. And both have been doing work for the ministry, with Mr. Cook leading a province wide assessment of "What's Working for Children and Families."

Those concerned about British Columbia's labour shortage may want to pay attention when Human Resources and Social Development Minister Monte Solberg jets into British Columbia on Monday. The reason: speculation Minister Solberg could announce he's expanding the federal government's expedited labour market opinion pilot project.

This morning, the Vancouver Sun's Miro Cernetig reported Labour and Citizens' Services Minister Olga Ilich won't seek a second term in office. But could it be that she, like Finance Minister Carole Taylor, is considering a run for civic office - possibly as the mayoral candidate for Richmond First? Inquiring minds want to know.

Back in April, Public Eye was the first to question whether Carole Taylor would be running for re-election. At the time, the finance minister said, "I have not made any comment about whether I'll be running again...I just honestly haven't put my mind to it." But perhaps Minister Taylor has now had to time to do that? Maybe she's even told her caucus mates she won't be seeking another term in office? And could it be there will soon be an announcement to that effect?

Last month, The Province's John Bermingham reported the Campbell administration is "looking at a new carbon tax to combat climate change." In an interview with Mr. Bermingham, Finance Minister Carole Taylor said "she's considering the tax in next year's budget, as a way of reducing the burning of fossil fuels." But that might not be the only financial measure being considered by the provincial government as part of its climate action commitment. For example, could it be the government is considering making fuel efficient vehicles cheaper to licence, while increasing such fees for less fuel efficient vheicles?

Today, members of The Toronto Star's Ottawa bureau reported "Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to make significant changes to his cabinet next week in the lead-up to a major new agenda-setting throne speech in the fall." Which begs the question: will any of those changes effect the Conservative's British Columbia caucus? Well, some party members are wondering whether Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Chuck Strahl will be shuffled out of his portfolio or lose his post as the province's political minister in favour of Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn. Not surprisingly, perennial rumours of a promotion for Port Moody-Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam parliamentarian James Moore are also blossoming. And some say Abbotsford parliamentarian Ed Fast could also be named to cabinet. Meanwhile, we're hearing suggestions Vancouver-Quadra nomination candidate and former BC Cancer Foundation president Mary McNeil should be given a seat at the big table.

Here's a question for our astute readers: are the federal Greens about to get considerably closer with the Liberals? This, after The Vancouver Sun's Peter O'Neil reported Green leader Elizabeth May was facing "harsh internal criticism" for frequently praising Liberal leader Stephane Dion. And, more importantly, does this question have any foundation in fact?

Last week, the provincial government announced it would be forming a climate action team - chaired by Premier Gordon Campbell - to set interim targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. But will that action team need additional support staff? And, if so, who will be recruited for that effort? Well, some have suggested Partnerships British Columbia corporate affairs vice-president Suromitra Sanatani as a possible staff member. But that wouldn't work. After all, Ms. Sanatani is presently seconded to the ministry of advanced education, where she's working on another one of the premier's pet projects - the Pacific Centre for Social Innovation.

What's this we hear about Gordon Ashworth being named the federal Liberal's national campaign director? Well, that's certainly the rumour circulating among party hacks west of the Rocky Mountains. And it would make a certain amount of sense. After all, Mr. Ashworth did that same job in 1980, 1993 and 1997. And he's known to be one of national campaign co-chair Mark Marissen's confidantes. But, then again, two plus two doesn't always equal four in politics.

Today, The Province's Ian Bailey reported federal International Trade Minister David Emerson has "yet to make a decision about seeking a third term as MP for Vancouver-Kingsway." In fact, his constituency association president Marilyn Brown "said the riding has been told by Tory political operations in Ottawa not to hold a nomination meeting for Emerson for undisclosed reasons." But if Minister Emerson does seek re-election, some party members are of the belief he'll switch ridings and run in Richmond. After all, he was formerly chief executive officer of the Vancouver International Airport Authority - which is located in Richmond. And that electoral district, like Vancouver-Kingsway, has a large Chinese-Canadian constituency, comprising 44 percent of the riding.

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, British Columbia's new child and youth representative, might not be the only Saskatchewanite joining our child protection system. Marilyn Hedlund, who is presently the prairie province's child and family services executive director, is rumoured to have been chosen as the Campbell administration's new child welfare director. That post has been filled on an acting basis by Mark Sieben, who took over from Jeremy Berland. Ms. Hedlund hasn't yet responded to a request for comment, placed through her office. In a July missive to staff, children and family development deputy minister Lesley du Toit wrote that she hoped British Columbia would have a new child welfare director "within the next 3 months."

Why did a provincial New Democrat caucus meeting on Wednesday that was scheduled to last an hour run for almost three? Could it be because MLAs were discussing caucus staff issues? Was there some talk about restructuring? Maybe the New Democrat's future strategic direction came up for debate - an issue that was reportedly raised at a party community conference last weekend by Yale-Lilooet legislator Harry Lali? Are these answers posed in the form of a question? Inquiring minds want to know!

Rumours are circulating that there will be a number of staff departures from the provincial New Democrat caucus. Those said to be leaving include communication director Jim Rutkowski, Opposition leader Carole James's press secretary Scott Perchall and Karen Karagheusian, the legislative assistant to caucus whip Katrine Conroy.

Earlier today, provincial Liberal MLAs elected a new caucus chair. And who won that election, you may wonder? Well, rumour has it Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap will be making himself comfortable in the seat once warmed by Gordon Hogg. That election was triggered when Mr. Hogg was elevated to the executive council during a surprise cabinet shuffle.

All may not well in the state that is the provincial New Democrat caucus. Rumours are afoot there could be a staff shakeup ahead of tomorrow's two-day caucus retreat at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. Those rumours follow the release of a recent Mustel Research Group Ltd. poll showing New Democrat support sagging at 37 percent compared with the Liberals who are at 54 percent. The caucus also received a drumming in the press for their performance during the spring legislative session.

What's that we see in Lesley du Toit's hand? Why it's stamp - ready to put her mark on the ministry. And, according to the rumourmill, the freshly imported deputy minister may be using it sometime tomorrow. Our operatives are expecting major executive-level changes at children and family development. No word yet though on who's in and who's out at the ministry.

Last month, the Campbell administration introduced it's controversial Public Inquiry Act. Under that legislation, "a public inquiry commission will not be able to issue its report to any person other than the minister, and Cabinet will have the power to decide when and if a report from a public inquiry will be released" - according to scathing news release from the British Columbia Freedom of Information and Privacy Association. The government has since quietly proposed amendments meant to address that criticism. But some are now speculating that the Liberals may not go ahead with that legislation.

Earlier, your humble organ reported on the coming departure of at least three senior Campbell administration aides. But who's going to be replacing them, you may wonder? Well, according to the rumourmill, provincial Liberal backbencher Harry Bloy's constituency assistant Dave Teixeira may soon be packing his bags for the Garden City and selling his wrestling league. Mr. Teixeira's name had been mentioned following the last election as a possible Rockpile recruit. He recently became a source of controversy after attempting to skew the results of an online poll asking whether Coquitlam First should "fully disclose the list of contributors to its campaigns last fall?" But, according to at least one of readers, he's also "a great person who helps out a lot in Port Coquitlam." Mr. Teixeeira was the campaign manager for Coquitlam First. He hasn't yet returned a phone call seeking comment on this story.

It's raining pink slips this morning at CKNW. According to unconfirmed reports running on the rumour mill, axes have been hurled at a number of Big Dog staffers including Neil Hadley, Jason Howe, Jennifer Thomson, Dean Ward and Leanne Yuzwa. No word yet on the explanation for those layoffs, who else may have been effected and what programming changes could result.

Earlier, we reported exclusively that federal Liberal uber-operative Mark Marissen is supporting Stephane Dion's prospective leadership bid - possibly as his national campaign manager. But are there any other Lotuslanders lining-up behind Mr. Dion? The two names presently running on the rumour mill are Mike Witherly, the part-time lounge singer who headed up Prime Minister Paul Martin's British Columbia desk, and Doug Beaton, former senior advisor to Industry Minister David Emerson. Asked about the rumours, Mr. Witherly replied "I was impressed with Stephane at Mark's place. And I've always been a bit of a lefty Liberal. But I have not committed to anything yet." At this hour, Public Eye has been unable to reach Mr. Beaton for comment.

It's been almost a month since provincial Liberal supporter Louise Burgart resigned from the supposedly non-partisan electoral boundary commission and a replacement has yet to be found. But, according to the rumour mill, former Lillooet mayor and Union of British Columbia Municipalities president Joyce Harder has been put forward as a candidate for that post. When we asked Speaker of Legislature Bill Barisoff for confirmation on Ms. Harder's candidacy, he simply shrugged. And it's possible those involved in the selection process have already moved onto other possibilities.

Much breathless anticipation has surrounded the question of which federal Conservatives will have the honour of staffing the ministers' regional office in Vancouver. And now, according to our operatives, strong rumours are circulating Colin "Leather Jacket-Cool" Metcalfe has been given the nod to head that office up, being styled as its chief of staff. Mr. Metcalfe most recently managed Sam Sullivan's bid to become Vancouver's mayor and the Knowards campaign. And his hiring, if true, will be a victory for those who represent the grassroots wing of the Conservatives in British Columbia. Gossipmongers also report Jerra Byrne, who was the party's political operations officer for Western and Northern Canada, will be working as one of Mr. Metcalfe's assistants.

David Emerson may have been the Martin administration's political minister in British Columbia. But the understanding of our operatives is that he won't be bearing the same burden for the Harper administration. That weight has been passed to agriculture and agri-food minister Chuck Strahl.

Much ado is being made about former federal Liberal posterboy David Emerson's decision to cross the floor. But who was it that initiated those defection discussions? Well, despite what Stephen Harper may be saying, according to the rumour mill, it was newly-minted Conservative International Trade Minister Emerson who approached the Tories - not the other way around. And one of his principal points of contact was Conservative campaign co-chair John Reynolds. Meanwhile, Liberals are still in shock over Minister Emerson's decision. Said one operative, "Hell, we just confirmed him a day or two ago to attend the federal Liberal council meeting. He told no one."

Yesterday, we reported rumours some federal Liberals think David Emerson should run as a leadership candidate - providing a rallying point for British Columbia party members. But not everyone is happy Mr. Emerson, who was re-elected in Vancouver-Kingsway, made it back into Parliament. According to the rumourmill, some provincial Liberals were hoping for his defeat - not because they bear him any ill will but because they wanted the former deputy minister and forestry executive back on their team.

Is the provincial government preaching labour peace while preparing for war? That's what our operatives are wondering, after receiving reports Ipos-Reid Corp. is polling on public sector labour issues. Among the questions: under what conditions would you support the government imposing a contract? If there was a minor service disruption, a major service disruption or if a mediator determined no deal was possible? In an interview, Ipsos-Reid public affairs vice-president Kyle Braid said he could neither confirm nor deny whether the company was conducting such a survey or who the firm might be working for. "We're in the field all the time on public issues and we may or may not be doing that right now." Although he did add "it's a topic we've done before...but mostly for ourselves." Mr. Braid also said, if Ipsos-Reid was doing such a poll for themselves rather than a client, he would be able to confirm the survey's existence.

Will there be more Non-Partisan Assocation blood-letting at tonight's board of directors meeting? As has just been reported by agent provocateur Jamie Lee Hamilton, speculation among senior civic party members is that there could be an attempt to replace Yvonne De Valone and Andrew Graham as the association's vice-president and treasurer. Our astute readers will, of course, be aware Mr. Graham was the best man at former president Paul Barbeau's wedding and a childhood friend. And Ms. De Valone is said to have questioned the validity of the resolution appointing Doug Leung and Colin Metcalfe to the board and whether they should attend said meeting.

Earlier, we reported rumours the federal Liberals in this province would be rolling out campaign advertisements tomorrow in support of the second installment of their made-in-British Columbia agenda. And who is starring in those ads, you may wonder? Well, word has it Industry Minister David Emerson and the New Democrat's favourite Grit - Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh - will be the ones getting primetime facetime. Although, personally, we would have preferred to see a commercial featuring Liberal candidate and former union leader David Haggard frolicking around in Jamie Lee Hamilton's glitzy feather boa.

Earlier this month, the Canadian Press's Sharon Lindores quoted former Tory prime minister Kim Campbell as saying federal Conservative "positions are too socially conservative, I think, (for the party) to form a government in Canada. People may like their fiscal policies, but they're frightened by their social conservatism." But it looks like Ms. Campbell isn't adverse to being a patron (saint) for that same supposed lost cause. According to our operatives, the rumourmill is churning with reports Ms. Campbell is contributing behind-the-scenes to Conservative candidate Tony Fogarassy's campaign in Vancouver Centre - her old riding. Coincidentally, that campaign is being chaired by Ray Castelli, Ms. Campbell's former chief of staff. Which begs the question: could an endorsement be far behind?

Earlier, Mayor-elect Sam Sullivan announced former 2010 LegaciesNow communications director Daniel Fontaine would be his chief staff. And now, your humble organ is hearing rumours Non-Partisan Association board member Anna Lilly will also be joining Mr. Sullivan's office. Ms. Lilly, who chaired the association's communications committee, is presently a public affairs consultant with GPC International Inc. and is known to be allied with councillor Peter Ladner. She was also master of cermonies for the association on election night. Mr. Fontaine has not yet returned a phone call inquiring about said rumours.

This just in from the world of news that isn't going to happen anytime soon: those who drink from the federal Liberal watering hole are gabbermongering about former Doman Industries Ltd. chief executive officer Rick Doman. According to said gabbermongers, Mr. Doman has been sniffing around for a Grit nomination. But, for some reason, the Liberal brass didn't roll out the red carpet. And, in any case, his olfactory glands have since lost interest in the nomination.

Last week, Public Eye floated a rumour that failed Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Jim Green may run against Lord of the Rings Svend Robinson for the New Democrat nomination in Vancouver Cenre. At the time, those close to the former Terminal City councillor pooh-poohed that rumour. But the push to recruit Mr. Green seems to be getting serious discussion today by senior party operatives attending the British Columbia New Democrat convention.

The weekend's Terminal City election results mean Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Jim Green will soon be checking the classifieds. But he's not the only one. Mayor Larry Campbell's executive assistant Geoff Meggs will also be out on the job market. But the question is, who'll be picking him up off the politico shelf? According to our operatives, the British Columbia Federation of Labour - where Mr. Meggs once worked as a communications director - is rumoured to be interested. But don't expect to see Mr. Meggs at 5118 Joyce Street until the New Year.

Many trees have died bringing British Columbians the story of just how snafued their government is when it comes to protecting children in care. And now, according to Rockpile gossipmongers, senior bureaucrats with children and family development, the attorney general's ministry and the solicitor general's ministry will be meeting tomorrow to discuss how the Province reports out on the deaths of those children, what's working, what isn't working and what changes might be needed. A worthy discussion to be sure. But one who's outcome will likely be trumped by upcoming recommendations from a government-appointed blue ribbon panel reviewing British Columbia's children protection system.

Terminal City's fourth estate is rife with rumours Pacific Newspaper Group president and publisher Dennis Skulsky could soon be joining the wide world of sports. According to our operatives, Mr. Skulsky is considering abdicating is feudal throne to become president and chief executive officer of Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment Corp. - owner of the Vancouver Canucks hockey club and General Motors Place. Mr. Skulsky is also presently chairman of the Grey Cup 2005 Committee and communications co-chair for 2006 World Junior Hockey Championships.

Rumours abound that former attorney general Geoff Plant has been asked by the provincial government to be their new chief negotiator at the Haida Nation treaty table. When asked about those rumours this morning, Mr. Plant - now a partner with Heenan Blaikie LLP - said "You need to ask the government about things like that. Because the issue of what I'm doing for clients is sometimes a subject for privilege - their privilege. So you might want to phone the folks at MAR...and find out what they think is appropriate to say." But when Public Eye previously contacted the public affairs bureau at aboriginal affairs and reconciliation earlier this summer and asked about Mr. Plant's possible involvement with the ministry, they refused to comment - citing attorney-client privilege. Perhaps the New Democrats should ask about this matter in Question Period?

At 10:00 tonight the British Columbia Teachers' Federation will announce their response to the labour contract imposed on members by the provincial government. The federation has been polling those members to determine what that response should be. And, as has been reported far and wide, the expectation among scribes and yakkers is that teachers have been asked to approve a one-day walkout. But, according to the rumour mill, federation members are actually voting on a strike action with no defined back-to-work date. Members would then be required to take a second vote to return to their jobs.

Also making news at David Emerson's fundraiser: roast hoast David Haggard, who is rumoured to have told a number of attendees he would be running as a federal Liberal candidate in the next election. But it won't be in New Westminster-Coquitlam, the constituency where he came in third during the 2004 campaign. Instead, Mr. Haggard, the former president of the Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers Union, will be taking on Nina Grewal in Fleetwood-Port Kells.

Your humble organ has spilled much ink covering the provincial New Democrat's affiliation report - a document whose contents have so far remained undisclosed to the prying eyes of the public. But, according to operatives familiar with the report, the committee has recommended allowing affiliated province-wide unions (as opposed to locals) to sent two delegates each to convention. Presently, those unions can send two delegates for the first 160 members of their union and one delegate for every 800 members after that. Changing that formula would considerably reduce the influence of the labour movement within the party and at convention.

Former Government House Leader Graham the Bruce (Public Eye passim) was one of the major Liberal names defeated during the last election. And, because of the Members' Conflict of Interest Act, Mr. Bruce likely won't be receiving a government contract any time soon. So what's he going to be doing with his time? Well, according to the rumourmill, the former cabinet minister had an interview last week. But when we contacted Mr. Bruce over the weekend and asked him what he could tell us about that rumoured interview, this was his response: "Nothing. I'm still reflecting on what I may or may not do and out of public life for the time being." But our First Nations informants tell us one of the things he may be looking at is the job of chief operating officer of the North American Indigenous Games, which will be hosted by the Cowichan Tribes in 2008. An announcement concerning that job is expected toward the end of September.

The provincial Liberals may have gained a MLA when former pollster Joan McIntyre was elected in West Vancouver-Garibaldi. But her election meant the Non-Partisan Association also lost its principle public opinion researcher. There's no need for tears though, because our tipsters tell us a replacement has been found: Greg Lyle, managing director of the Innovative Research Group Inc., who was the campaign planning director for Liberals during the (insert adjective) 1996 election. And, according to the rumourmill, the Campbell administration's former caucus communications director Mike McDonald, will be working with Mr. Lyle on that file.

But, when asked about those rumours Mr. McDonald said, "As I've said to you before, I don't discuss client work...I have not done any formal work with Greg as of yet. I may well do more work with Greg or may do work with Greg but nothing has happened yet." Mr. McDonald is married to Jessica McDonald, the premier's deputy minister, and is the founder of Rosedeer Strategies Inc.

Earlier this month, the provincial government's information and privacy commissioner David Loukidelis six-year term in office ended. Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Mr. Loukidelis, who is currently filling that position on an acting basis, is not eligible to serve another term. So that means MLAs will be looking for a replacement. Or maybe not? According to the legislative whispermill, government is said to be considering an amendment that would allow the information and privacy commissioner to be re-appointed.

It seems some garden-variety federal Liberals from Vancouver's seaside constituency associations are none too happy with Mayor Larry Campbell's appointment to the Red Chamber. The reason: according to the rumour mill, said Liberals, many of whom also happen to belong to Terminal City's Non-Partisan Association, are bothered by the new senator's past promise to campaigning for Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Jim Green during the upcoming civic election. Seems they would have preferred it if one of their favoured fossils, such as citizens' assembly architect Gordon Gibson, had gotten the nod instead. And who's taking the blame: why it's none other than our good friend, future Red Chamber seat-warmer Mark Marissen - who is said to have engineered Mayor Campbell's appointment.

Yesterday, New Democrat caped crusader Rick Barnes suggested Public Eye spend less time looking at docu-porn and more time investigating The New Relationship - a proposed government-to-government agreement between the province's First Nations and British Columbia. Well, ask and you shall receive. According to a memo sent to First Nations leaders, the particulars of that agreement will be negotiated by a management committee and several working groups.

The exact number and nature of those groups is being secret. But according Public Eye tipsters, there are four committees each responsible for seperate components of the agreement: aquaculture, forest and range agreements, legislation and policy (formerly known as governance) and resource revenue sharing. No word yet on who's sitting on all those committees. And government has not yet responded to a request placed earlier this morning asking for confirmation of the above information.

It looks like Vancouver city councillor Tim Stevenson doesn't want to be an MLA after all. According to the rumour mill, Mr. Stevenson will soon be pulling out of the lawsuit he launched last month requesting a new election be held in Vancouver-Burrard because 71 ballots weren't counted in the final vote. That means our favourite backbencher Lorne Mayencourt will be serving another four years in the legislature - news that should bring smiles in the aisles among both New Democrats and Liberals.

Earlier, Public Eye reported cabinet ministers and their deputies would be making a strategic retreat to Lords Jim's Resort and Conference Centre to discuss the future direction of government and other nosestretching subjects. So what was the upshot of that meeting? Well, according to the rumour mill, private healthcare loomed large on the agenda. And there were significant differences among ministers about what exactly constitutes private healthcare. But, to the best of our knowledge, no agreement on that topic was reached. Also noticed at the retreat: Premier Gordon Campbell seemed somewhat disengaged during the entire process - perhaps suffering from post-election exhaustion.

Speaking of Olga Ilich, rumours abound her election day chair Lisa Kadian may soon be working for the minister. Astute readers may remember Ms. Kadian as the British Columbia chief of staff for former federal cabinet minister Herb Dhaliwal. But, for the past year or thereabouts, she's been the administrative comptroller for the Richberry Group of Companies - whose chief executive officer is none other than the high and mighty Peter Dhillon. Mr. Dhillon chaired the Ilich campaign and is one of the new minister's closest allies.

So what does Ms. Kadian have to say about her rumoured depature from Richberry for patronage pastures? "I haven't heard anything like that. I'm working happily right now. And I don't think it would be something that I would jump at right away. I may discuss it and see what's there for me." She then added, without prompting, that the Ilich campaign "did very well in the election. I did my job there because I was able to take a break from work during the day and I came here and did my work during the evenings. I still had to do my job."

Government watercoolers are bubbling with rumours that tourism strategic planning and industry development director Tom Lee was summarily exited from his post earlier this month - soon after responsibility for his branch was transferred from small business and economic development to tourism, sports and the arts. Annettte Antoniak, then acting deputy of that ministry, is said to have been the woman who wielded the hatchet. But when we contacted communications to ask about those rumours, Public Eye was told to take the matter up with the new deputy minister Virginia Greene. And so far, calls placed yesterday to Ms. Greene inquiring about Mr. Lee have not been returned - including a specific question as to the reason for his alleged no-cause exit. Of course, given the lack of evidence to the contrary, civil servants are assuming Mr. Lee was exited because Minister Olga Ilich has someone she wants to slot into that position.

It looks like the premier's office has found someone to guide the administration through the foreign lands of ethnic politics in British Columbia. According to Rockpile rumour mill grinders, CHMB 1320AM program host Philip Yung has been hired as Gordon Campbell's director of multicultural affairs. Mr. Yung was previous president of the Vancouver Chinese Parents Association. But he used to be known as a notorious socialist!

In 1993, Mr. Yung ran as a Coalition of Progressive Electors Vancouver school trustee candidate. And, three-years later, Richmond MP Raymond Chan special assistant wrote a letter to Fairchild TV complaining about Mr. Yung's presence on a political panel. The reason: according to Vancouver Sun columnist Barbara Yaffe, the assistant claimed the former coalition candidate "was too pro-NDP to be non-partisan" and that "he'd been photographed with (Premier Glen) Clark at an NDP election strategy meeting." Mr. Yung was also previously vice-president of NOW Communications Inc. Chinese language subsidiary Chi Tah Communications Inc.

Of course, backbenchers aren't the only ones with an Olga Ilich fixation. The talk among the legislature's spearchuckers is the former real estate development diva and current tourism, sports and the arts minister is still coming to grips with the reality that, as an executive council member, her life is no longer her own - a difficult transition that some other rookie cabinet ministers also seem to be having a tough time making. Of course, whether that life belongs to the West Annex or the bureaucracy is a matter of some debate.

Earlier, Public Eye reported a number of veteran provincial Liberals MLAs had been passed over for cabinet. And now, according to legislative whisper collectors, some of those MLAs have found a focus for their professional discontent: Tourism, Sports and the Arts Minister Olga Ilich. Minister Ilich's appointment to cabinet surprised some caucus members. After all, the former president of Suncor Real Estate Development Corp. and the Urban Development Institute, hasn't served a single term in office. So why, grumble the veterans, should she get to sit on the executive council while they remain private members? Of course, the answer to that question most likely has to do with her close connections to the real estate development community - one of Premier Gordon Campbell's core constituencies. But something tell us the backbench doesn't care.

David Perry, the provincial New Democrat's interim chief of staff, has been appointed to that post on a more permanent basis - this, according to our ears and eyeballs inside causus. That position may, according to the same insiders, include responsibilities that would have usually been assigned to the caucus's executive director. When asked about rumours of that appointment last week, Mr. Perry declined comment.

Last Thursday, as part of public service agency appreciation day, organization staffers were treated to a PowerPoint presentation narrated by labour and citizens' services deputy minister Gord Macatee. We're told many of those in attendance were bedazzled by the slide show. But more restrained and perceptive members of the studio audience noticed the presentation contained photographs of all the agency's executive members except for the woman in charge: Diane Rabbani.

Ms. Rabbani, who was recently made an associate deputy minister, is also the government's merit commissioner. But despite those twin responsibilities, our spies at agency headquarters tell us she hasn't been in the building since the previous week's re-structuring. Her name no longer appears on the government's online phone directory. And rumour has it associate deputy minister James Gorman, responsible for the public service operations agency, will soon be running the public service agency in an acting capacity.

When Public Eye contacted Ms. Rabbani at her home and laid out the above information, she said "I would happy to be talk to you. But I'm still in the process of settling things on my front. And I probably need to do that first. But you're quite right about a number of things. The world is unfolding in strange ways for the merit commissioner and the deputy." Ms. Rabbani added she would able to speak further on this issue in a couple days.

The provincial Liberals are not finished shaking-up the bureaucracy. Idle civil service gossipmongers say, within the next few days, reporting lines will be re-drawn for a number of government agencies. This will be a tweaking of the more significant changes announced during last week's cabinet shuffle. Those tweaks are said to specifically include the public service agency - in-charge of human resources across government. The most recent whispers have responsibility for that agency moving from labour and citizens' services to another ministry - possibly community services.

Creative email writer Barinder Sall, former provincial Liberal backbencher Ken Johnston's constituency assistant, may be on his way to Victoria. Legislative lips are flapping with rumours Mr. Sall, who was Wally Oppal's aide/scheduler during the election campaign, may be joining the new attorney general's staff as a political aide. When Public Eye asked Mr. Sall about that rumour at the swearing-in-ceremony, he didn't actually say no. But he did say he had been accepted to Dalhausie University's law school.