Bios
Bill Tieleman
Bill Tieleman is president of West Star Communications, a strategy and communications consulting firm, providing services for labour, business, non-profits and governments for the past 13 years. Previously, he was the communications director in the B.C. Premier's Office and at the BC Federation of Labour.
Bill's work is published frequently in The Tyee, and he writes a column for 24 Hours every Tuesday. He regularly comments on TV, radio, print and Internet media outlets.
Most recently Bill was Strategist for Fight HST, a grassroots organization he started with former Premier Bill Vander Zalm and others, that successfully overturned the Harmonized Sales Tax in British Columbia through a citizens’ initiative petition and binding referendum.
Bill holds a masters degree in political science from UBC.
Reporting Beat: Politics, both provincial and federal.
Twitter: @billtieleman
Website: Bill Tieleman
Stories by Bill Tieleman
Who Pays Huge Power Bills for Clark's Gas Plants?
Turning natural gas into liquid sucks electricity. Ratepayers, guard your wallets.
No Way, YVR!
Vancouver airport's improvement fee hike, set by unelected officials with BC Lib ties, should be grounded.
Why I'm Voting Peggy Nash
Tenacious and gracious, the NDP leader candidate is Layton's most worthy successor.
Ethical Oil My Gas!
Enbridge pipeline cheerleaders full of hypocrisy in criticizing 'foreign intervention.'
Running Uphill: Five Contenders for NDP Leader
Front runners don't triumph every time. Meet those counting on an upset to win the race.
Who's Best to Lead the NDP?
My look at the leadership candidates begins with Topp, Mulcair and Nash.
How BC Rail Was Made to Disappear
Eight years later, looking back at the BC legislature raid, and where we've arrived.
Deck the Halls of Power
With BC's own political Christmas carols this season.
Dix Dials It Down
NDP leader prepares for government by moderating plans and expectations.
Federal Govt Plays Deadly Politics of Salt
Health panel wants life saving, sodium lowering policies. Tories say no.
Railgate? Asked and Answered, Says Clark
Premier calls me out as she rejects Basi-Virk inquiry. Yet questions do persist.
Reading Vancouver Voters' Minds
City's voters teach all parties lessons about what matters in elections.
Vancouver's Top Election Issues, if not Pre-Occupied
Gambling? Bike lanes? Transit? Sanitation? Poll shows voters still care about such things.
Occupy Vancouver Turning off Its Power Source
Impossible demands, conspiracy theories risk alienating broad range of supporters.
NDP Wants New Probe into Heed Spending
Kash Heed campaign manager Barinder Sall, admitting guilt, alleges more campaign overspending. Heed issues denial.
Signs of BC Lib Implosion
Why are backbenchers rebelling against Clark? They're watching their backs.
Unlikely Ally of Occupy Movement: Billionaires
The world's richest offer their surprising two cents on widening wealth disparity.
Mystery Still Shrouds Payments to Heed's Election Team
New report from MLA Kash Heed mum on $6,000 paid by his gov't office to campaign staff. NDP's Yiu wants probe.
Oh, the HypoChristy!
Auditor-general rips BC Liberals for honesty, but premier says municipal governments are what need auditing.
Facebook Aims to Kill One of Its Largest BC Groups
NO BC HST has 125,000 Facebook members, but not for long it seems.
A Tale of Two Attack Ads from BC Libs, NPA
Both efforts blow up in their faces, but negative advertising can work.
Sky's Not Falling Just Because HST Fell
Time for the BC Liberal government to stop its Chicken Little squawking.
How Did Gordon Campbell, Ken Dobell and David Emerson Get BC's Highest Honour?
Given their records, clearly British Columbia is out of order.
Voters Turning Back HST Teach Key Lessons
Now we'll see if BC's government and business leaders are listening.
Jack Layton: Triumph and Tragedy
Canadians were right. He was the real thing, committed to making their lives better.
What the BC Hydro Report Hides
Premier's team deftly obscures the real fix, and what drove up costs: BC Lib decisions.
A Skeptic's Guide to BC Smart Meters
From dubious cost-effectiveness to health concerns, here are a few reasons to question them.
You're Poorer than You Think
Latest stats confirm vast gap between ordinary folks and pension-rich CEOs.
Layton's New Cancer Changes National Politics Again
With the future of NDP in balance, his pick for interim leader is puzzling.
Christy Clark by the Numbers
How does British Columbia's new premier add up so far?
BC's Carbon Tax Doesn't Work
As gas prices go up, pollution does too. Time to fix it.
Secrets of the HST Referendum
What the BC gov't won't tell you about the tax and who's behind the campaign pushing it.
Rioters, and Hollow People Higher Up
Why be surprised at the Vancouver crowd's bad behaviour when the rot starts at the top?
HST Is About Democracy, Not Just Money
You'll be voting not just on tax policy, but also on the right way to make it.
HST Vote Is About Your Money
That's why government and big business are handing out misinformation.
Harper No Help to Chinese Voices of Freedom
Canada to double trade with China, whose government imprisons artist Ai Weiwei and Nobel winner Liu Xiaobo.
Christy Clark Has Trust Issues
She's Lucy. The HST is the football. Are we all Charlie Brown?
Ding! Ding! What the HST Costs You
And why the 'smart' move is vote it down in June's referendum.
What's in a Name?
A political makeover for shoot-from-the-hip Christy and her BC Libs.
Vote Gliberal?
Christy Clark is breezy on the campaign trail, but her record is seriously flawed.
What Will Harper Do with His Majority?
He'd be wise to moderate his party's red meat demands. But he could throw them steaks.
Election of the Century?
Canadians could see a huge political realignment, with a Harper majority and NDP official opposition.
Now Starts Stanley Cup Final of BC Politics
After gruelling seasons, both teams now set for battle in the provincial election.
Only Layton's NDP Oppose 'Harper Sales Tax'
Grits and Tories guilty of contempt of BC voters, given their hypocrisy on HST.
Case of the Curious Conservative Campaign
Why is Harper's team taking unnecessary risks bashing the environment and refugees?
Iggy and Jack Were Dumb to Topple Government
Now they're in danger of being crushed, giving Tories their best chance for majority.
Liquor, Guns, Grits and Christy Clark
Look who the premier hired as her office staff, and brace for controversy.
Clark Cabinet Tests Liberal Loyalty
Will those chopped leave for another party? BC Conservatives are hoping.
Meet Christy Clark's Hard Right Advisor
Basher of enviros and unions, Gwyn Morgan blamed immigrants for crime. What does he like? US health care.
Christy Clark's Secrets of Success
Her shocking win demonstrates the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Liberal leaders.
Railgate: Was There a Cabinet Leak to Lobbyists?
Ex-Finance Minister Gary Collins told police he was surprised at 'blow by blow' description of cabinet meeting in lobbyists' memo to bidder for BC Rail.
'I Want Everything Released': Basi
Convicted Railgate figure says 'Who's your daddy' wiretap comment was a joke, not about procuring sex.
George Abbott, Crazy Like a Fox
Attacking Christy Clark is his best chance to win, even if it makes him look mean.
One Screwy Lib Leader Race
From 'Kama Sutra' to Christy's cats, BC Liberals find themselves in a strange position.
You Won't Catch Me in Cuba
Take a sunny vacation there? Not while there is political repression and no democracy.
Tieleman Backs Adrian Dix
'His record shows Dix is a fighter for ordinary people. He gets results.'
Politicians Don't Like Recall? Well, Why Would They?
Recall and citizen initiatives hold MLAs accountable, and that's sorely needed.
Ida Chong Gets the Recall Wrong
She says it isn't about the HST. And a few other mistaken notions.
Must See TV? Politics in BC!
Hit shows get a whole new look as the networks mine gold in British Columbia.
Christy Clark's Bad Trip?
Try as she might to wave it on, her BC Rail scandal train has not left the station.
James Faced Daunting Poll Numbers
Polling veteran says low approval rating doomed BC's opposition leader. And maybe three premiers.
She Had to Go
Carole James' resignation was inevitable after NDP's 2009 election defeat.
Hard Questions for Christy Clark
If she runs for Lib leader, she'll face tough queries about Railgate and the HST.
BC's Year of Living Politically Dangerously
Expect serious casualties as Libs and New Dems deal with internal fights.
Can Carole James Win the Next Election?
Whether BC votes next year or in 2013, the question looms large right now.
Nine Years of Hypocrisy
That's Premier Campbell's legacy after resigning. Just compare his words to his deeds.
The Premier's Days Are Numbered
Gordon Campbell is on his way out of office, and likely soon after multiple disasters.
Hung out to Dry
Basi and Virk are guilty of being pawns in a much bigger game that others won.
BC Conservatives Rising
Upstart party aims to capitalize on Campbell's collapse, but NDP should worry too.
New Dems Want Inquiry into Basi-Virk Plea Bargain
Judge accepts surprise guilty plea in political corruption trial of ex-BC Liberal aides.
James Created Her Own Crisis
New Dem leader had no justification for ejecting Bob Simpson from caucus.
Gordon Campbell, Poet Laureate of BC?
Here's a bit of word play, by rearranging what the premier had to say.
Why Carole James Is Too Nice to Business
BC's NDP leader looks in the wrong place for support, blurring her party's real appeal.
Campbell Gambles BC's Economy on HST Politics
Vote pushed back a year; who in their right minds will buy a condo now?
New Dems Playing with Loaded Gun
Federal NDP will pay dearly if long-gun registry is killed in Parliament with their rural MPs' votes.
Come Clean, Premier Campbell
HST questions for BC Liberals after censored documents released draw unbelievable answers.
Refugees Get More than Seniors? Not True!
A viral email says refugees in Canada get 'more money than seniors.' I checked it out, and guess what?
Rescind or Recall
BC Liberals face stark choice after court validates HST petition.
Look Who's Derailing Democracy in BC
Libs, big business, Elections BC defy the people's will on HST petition.
'I Was Afraid He Was Going to Kill Me'
Survivor says life was saved by domestic violence counselling now being eliminated at Vancouver General.
Despite 'Smart Policy' Spin, HST Still Hated
In last three months 72 per cent have a worse opinion of Campbell, one per cent have a better one.
Why BC Liberals Love Gambling
You need only follow the money -- and the players.
'Liberalizing' BC Hydro
Top BC Liberal Party operatives help spin Olympics and Site C.
Hey Gordo, You Gotta Be Kidding!
Overspending unbelievable on pro-HST, Olympic and 'You Gotta Be Here BC' ad campaigns.
Rename Stanley Park? These Are Crazy Days
An empty gesture won't truly help First Nations. But our politicians don't want to do the real work.
What It Would Take to Recall BC Liberals
Odds of recalling MLAs over HST will grow as tax hits and public feels ignored.
Wrong HST Question, Premier Campbell
He asks how we can afford to drop the hated tax, so he can give the wrong answer.
Is Blair Lekstrom Brave for Quitting?
Will he and indie MLA Vicki Huntington form a new party? Will other Libs defect?
Jack, Don't Take that Shot!
Coalition of unwilling NDP and Grit voters will never work. But Harper would like it.
HST Hits and Myths
As BC Liberals panic, denying they made an anti-HST election promise, various false claims need correction. Here goes.
Luring Campbell to the Witness Stand
Virk lawyer's bold courtroom allegations are strategically designed to prompt the premier to testify. Will he bite?
Who Will Fill Campbell's Shoes?
With the premier hinting at retirement, here's a list of contenders to bet on.
Seven Big Questions for Heed Campaign Case
Citizens will be looking for answers from the continuing investigation.
Bad Week for Democracy in BC
Libs showed several ways their disdain for the public goes well beyond the HST.
The HST's Strange Friends
Why aren't Canadian Taxpayers Federation and chambers of commerce fighting the tax small business hates?
Finance Minister Hansen Is Mad at Me
And most of the province is mad at him, for introducing the HST.
Sam Sullivan for Governor General?
This one-term mayor's Order of Canada and Conservative ties aren't enough to put him in the G-G's seat.
BC Liberals' 'Political Suicide Note'
What Premier Campbell won't tell you about the disastrous HST. How to help stop it.
Ann Coulter's 'Free Speech' Scam
She's the one who denied Canadian students their freedom to criticize her repugnant views.
Premier's Political Minefield
Can Gordon Campbell disable all the bombs in BC Liberal Hurt Locker?
Why Car Dealers Love the Latest BC Budget
Arts, disabled groups got run over, but not auto dealers, who got tax policies they wanted after giving BC Liberals $500,000.
Disabled again on BC Liberals' Hit List
The poor and people with HIV and chronic illnesses whacked with more cuts to income and health support.
Wakey, Wakey Taxpayer!
The Olympic party is over, and you're picking up a huge tab. Read the budget.
A Political Guide for Olympics Visitors
Welcome to Vancouver, where politics is always good sport!
HST Fighting Facebook Group Vanishes
Who, or what, made the 130,000-member 'No BC HST' group blink off for days?
Mr. Transparency Now Will Guard Secrets
Four reasons FOI Commissioner Loukidelis was wrong to jump to BC deputy Attorney General.
Accused Killers Go Free, Crime Victims Suffer
What's wrong with this picture?
Why Kill a 'Life Saving' Program?
Closing Chimo Achievement Centre for people with serious disabilities will cost lives and dollars.
The Quotable Gordon Campbell Quiz of 2009
When he said it, what did he mean?
This Is the Year of Decision for Railgate
After six years, the Basi-Virk case finally will be cracked open or thrown out of court.
Birth of a Revolutionary
Does anyone remember Jesus was a radical, not a Wal-Mart greeter?
Reviled HST Tax Not a Done Deal
The elites ignored the people. We can still win the day, and make them pay.
Why Pick on People with Disabilities?
They have been abused twice by BC government action, and inaction.
It's Life or Death for the HST
MPs can kill legislation in parliament this week. Send a message.
Sihota's Soft Path
Is the BC NDP betting on business or social democracy to win power?
Returning Fire on Gun Registry Critics
Last week, many Tyeesters assailed my defence of the registry. Here's why they're wrong.
If Long Gun Registry Is So Dumb, Why Do Police Like It?
Most Canadians want it, too. So why are opposition members helping Tories kill it?
Dissent and BC's Media
Olympic protesters may be wrong but civil liberties are always right.
Winter Olympics: Stay or Go?
I'm torn about whether to leave town or hang around. What are you doing?
Big Oil's Big Buy: Climate Change Denial
James Hoggan's book documents how petro-money finances confusion with the planet at stake.
What the HST Pulls from Your Pocket
From phone bills to funerals, hits you'll take from the Harmonized Sales Tax.
'Us versus Them'
BC has entered a class war, and Libs started it.
Broken Promises Pile Up
Add kids with autism to folks double-crossed by Campbell government.
Exposing HST Myths
As thousands protest, BC's government wildly spins its Harmonized Sales Tax.
Zalm Hates the HST, Too
Why the former Socred premier and I are fighting together on Saturday.
Inglourious Basterds! Voters' New Name for BC Liberals
Campbell's ratings dive after HST and massive budget deficit.
One Way We Can Say 'No!' to the HST
Initiative against Harmonized Sales Tax could force BC Liberals to drop it.
Tax Revolt! HST Hatred Keeps Growing
More than four out of five BCers oppose it; 65,000 join Facebook protest group.
Calling Kash Heed! Hands off My Cell Phone!
Now BC's nanny state wants to ban cell phones in cars, even my hands-free model.
Harmonize This!
Why the Harmonized Sales Tax is the biggest consumer rip-off BC has seen.
Railgate Looks Even More Like Watergate
Who destroyed email evidence in the BC Legislature Raid case? And why?
'The Premier Has Misled the Voters'
Gordon Campbell shares his views on the need for truth in budgeting.
Carbon Tax Hike Booed: Poll
Most in BC, except in Vancouver, are opposed to the increase.
Campbell's Own Watergate?
Alleged bribes and dirty tricks, and now erased emails. Sound familiar?
Two Thumbs Up for a Summer Election
I want one. C'mon, you do too.
Axe the Gas Tax Won Votes for NDP
So why is leader James dropping the issue?
How I 'Demonized' David Suzuki
And the screaming-mad results.
World's Fudged Budget Capital
That's B.C., thanks to Campbell's flagrantly false forecasts during election.
NDP Grabs 'Obscene' Pay Raise
That's what James called the 29 per cent pay hike when Libs took it.
NDP Blew the Campaign
Party's slogans, and strategy, were incoherent. Learn from this.
Force Us to Vote
Four reasons why BC needs to make casting ballots compulsory.
The Big 'Railgate' Question Looming Still
For a second election, we still don't know: Was BC Rail deal tainted by 'consolation prize' offer?
Big Ideas, Tiny Attention Span
Meet Gordon 'Five Great Goals' Campbell.
Furious Rebuke to Suzuki, Berman
Salmon advocate Alexandra Morton enraged at support for BC Libs.
Campbell Era Economy Nothing to Brag About
NDP saw higher growth. Now BC jobs are crashing.
Campbell's Challenge from the Right: The BC Conservative Party
Leader Wilf Hanni says he plans to run up to 30 candidates, and win races.
Railgate: The Kinsella Connection
Before BC Rail deal was sealed, Campbell huddled with CN Rail chair McLean, fixer Kinsella.
Railgate Bombshell: BC Gov't Ethics Scorched by Rail Firms
Angry bidders 'dismayed' by 'unfair' process in $1 billion privatization.
Railgate, A to Z
Five years after the legislature raid, a who's who guide to BC's biggest political scandal.
Coalition Not Ready for Prime Time
NDP, Liberals will pay big for what looks like a failed gamble.
Coalition? Back off Jack!
NDP is crazy to team with Liberals and Bloc. Besides, Harper won.
NDP Needs Some Class!
Drifting party's lesson from byelections, BC polls: Fight for the less well-off.
Railgate Enters Twilight Zone
More weird twists as Basi-Virk trial pushed back again.
Railgate Just Got Stranger
Fast ferries, secret e-mails, mystery hard drives: Basi-Virk case's wild week.
Railgate: Unearthed E-mails 'Out of this World' Says Defence
'Very critical stuff' from premier's 'inner circle.'
Railgate: Secret Witnesses?
Two ask to testify beyond media glare.
Railgate: Judge Blows Stack
25,000 new pages of evidence; defence pursues dismissal.
Judge in Basi-Virk Case Rips RCMP, Special Prosecutor
Sweeping order to cough up documents.
Basi, Virk 'Hung Out to Dry': Lawyer
But Crown says aides acted on their own.
Wiretap Said to Tie Collins to Media Tricks
Allegations pile up as legislature raid case unfolds.
Premier Alleged to Know of Paid Media Scam
Phony hecklers, fake protesters paid by BC Libs, says Virk defence.
Basi-Virk Defence: Bold Allegations
Premier tipped off? Collins investigated pre-raid? RCMP 'bad faith'?
Basi-Virk Case Tests Citizens' Patience
Frustrates even trial judge with its delays, disclosure issues.
Will BC Rail Bomb Explode?
Basi-Virk lawyers allege deal was rigged by BC Libs.
To Stop Tories, Vote Grit or NDP?
Once more with feeling: Glavin versus Tieleman.
Ten Reasons to Vote NDP
Why Dion is no reason for New Dems to switch sides.
Martin's BC Boys Back Dion
Key BC Liberals helped Paul Martin overthrow Jean Chrétien and take control of the party. Now many have joined another team.
Leg Raid Hearing Intrigue
What we learned about star witness, rail deals, RCMP conduct.
BC Leg Case Lurches to Life
Defence cries foul as 85,000 pages of evidence pile up.
Bill Bennett Reconsidered
A new book and a handshake don't change an old opponent's mind.
Leg Raid Case: New Charges, New Questions
Influence peddling on big land deal alleged.
A Victory that Sowed Defeat
The way Paul Martin took over the federal Liberal Party in BC and Canada will likely cost him the 2006 election.
Challenged, Martin Shows Mettle
Facing a flurry of attacks on Friday..
Spiderman in a Web of Intrigue
The Basi-Virk-BC Rail probe may yield BC’s biggest scandal yet. If so, meet the Crown’s mysterious star witness: ‘Spiderman’ Erik Bornman.
- Appeal court upholds ruling on protection of orca habitat
- Foreign takeover score is 14,218 to two calculates Mel Hurtig, who speaks Saturday
- Abbott blames teachers' union, hints at legislation
- Greens exaggerating fracking fears 'to control you': Santorum
- Prime Minister Harper mixes oil with human rights on visit to China
- Civil jury finds former BC premier Vander Zalm guilty of defamation
- Vancouver theatre runs down curtain on section of BC's outdated liquor laws
- BC Premier Clark to replace throne speech with radio appearance
- 'The Kids Are All Right'
- 'Leave Your Shoes On'
- Glaciers, BC Hydro's Melting 'Batteries'
- Frankie Rose Makes Life Tougher for Journalists
- Too Much Energy Used to Mine, Move Bitumen Says BC Firm
- Becoming the Ethical Hunter
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Three Ryan Gosling Pickup Techniques that Don't Work in Real Life
- Could SOPA Pervade Canadian Copyright Law?
- Would You Buy a Used Car from These Libs?
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Economist Calls Gateway Pipeline an Inflationary 'Threat'
- Bill Rees' Last Lecture
- Too Much Energy Used to Mine, Move Bitumen Says BC Firm
- Is Canada Ignoring Signs of a Coming Economic Collapse?
- Harper in China
- How First Nations Are Gearing Up for Legal Battle Against Gateway
- Eleven Oily Questions for Every MP
- Remembering Lloyd Dykk's Wit, Generosity and Superb Prose
- BC Child Care Advocates in Geneva to Complain to UN
- BC, You Love You
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Who Pays Huge Power Bills for Clark's Gas Plants?
- Make It the Canadian Webcasting Corporation
- Harper in China
- When the Prize Is a Chance to Toil on BC's Farms
- Three Ryan Gosling Pickup Techniques that Don't Work in Real Life
- Would You Buy a Used Car from These Libs?
- Time to Zip John Baird's Loose Lips
- Foreign Trade Zones Eyed for Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Prince George
- Board, BC mayors make the case for Vancouver transit audit
- Tensions flare over Vancouver-owned mine in Oaxaca
- Osoyoos Times editor apologizes for comments on RCMP
- BC premier delivers talk show 'throne speech'
- NDP leadership: Thomas Mulcair ahead on first ballot, internal poll suggests
- Sky is the limit for use of mini, unmanned planes
- Prime Minister by day, oil exec by night
- Animal-made 'art' challenges human monopoly on creativity
