You’d be forgiven for thinking premier Gordon Campbell was in the midst of an election. Near-daily press alerts list one campaign-style event after the next.
This morning, he’s already cheered the Olympic torch at the Peace Arch border crossing and helped unveil a new Google-run website.
Last night, Campbell shared the stage with Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and several Four Host First Nations reps for the grand opening of the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion. (The same pavilion that made national news last week when organizers were apparently asked by Olympics sponsor McDonald’s to take the word “burger” off their menu.)
“This is a moment of the heart,” Campbell told a packed room of supporters and journalists.
Native chiefs such as the Musqueam Nation's Ernie Campbell praised Olympics organizers and government partners. The premier praised back. All agreed the partnership between Canada’s indigenous peoples and the 2010 Games was “unprecedented” and a “new standard”.
It will indeed create an estimated $54 million in benefits and 2,000 native jobs. Though some native critics refer to it as clever government advertising.
In his seat, Campbell smoothed his hair under bright white glaring stage lights and took sips from a Dasani water-bottle, ostensibly provided by official Games sponsor Coke.
Much of the press last night was foreign, judging by the media sign-up sheet. One reporter asked his camera guy to point out the premier. “He’s the guy with the white hair, on the left there.”
Meanwhile, Campbell’s press secretary Bridgitte Anderson confided to an acquaintance she’d been up since 4am that morning.
Last Friday, Campbell attempted a back flip on the zip-line ride over Robson Square. “How was the feeling, prime minister, when you were flying like a Thunderbird through the city?” a German TV reporter asked.
“Thank you for that,” Campbell reportedly replied. He might as well bask in Olympics shine before the storm clouds of next month's provincial budget.
Geoff Dembicki reports for the Tyee.
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Curt
2 years ago
I believe this may be his
I believe this may be his swan song. Hope the door kicks him in his a-s on the way out.
BC Boy
2 years ago
Exit stage right
Curt sez:
"I believe this may be his swan song. Hope the door kicks him in his a-s on the way out."
Agree there. The guy has been in for too long. Need new leader, but not from the NDP.
freebear
2 years ago
Maybe he's thinking IOC President!
No worries, Gordo's cronies will find some Board of Directors seat to sit the, I mean his, bum!
Skywalker
2 years ago
Of course he is.
A throne speech today, then a holiday so it won't receive any press or criticism, then a session after the last bottle of bubbly has been consumed and it will too late to care. He'll make every effort to squirm his way into photo ops during the games. His grinning face will be everywhere and "he will believe" that nobody will remember how much all this is going to cost.
There is a taste of just how much it will cost in the throne speech. There is also a taste of just how bankrupt of ides these people are.
North of Hope
2 years ago
freebear
along those lines
Subject: FW: Customs in Canada
A guy was traveling through the United States on vacation when, lo and behold, he lost his wallet and all identification. Cutting his trip short, he attempts to make his way home but is stopped by the Customs Agent at Niagara Falls.
"May I see your identification, please?", asks the agent.
"I'm sorry, but I lost my wallet," replies the guy.
"Sure, buddy, I hear that every day. No ID, no crossing the border", says the agent.
"But I can prove that I'm a Canadian!" he says. I have a picture of Stephen Harper tattooed on one butt cheek and a picture of Michael Ignatieff on the other".
"This I gotta see", replies the agent.
With that, Joe drops his pants and bends over in front of the agent.
"By golly, you're right!" exclaims the agent. "Go on home to BC".
"Thanks!" he says. "But how did you know I was from BC?"
The agent replies, "I recognize the guy in the middle. That's Gordon Campbell!"
Polakite
2 years ago
You know what'll happen when it's CITIZEN Gordon Campbell
Enter stage right, from Langley, in full afterburner with @GracieStyle running interference in her CF-18...
PREMIER
MARY
POLAK.
:-)!!!!
TheTyee.ca will rake in the dough too... and have to buy out PublicEyeOnline.com.
Polakite
2 years ago
Oh and...
I'm sure many of you pine for a BCNDP Premier.
Free advice: QUIT CRAPPING ON BUSINESS.
When you do and they calm down... people'll take a look at you BCNDP. Especially with some Surrey Shitwell trying to work her way into the Rockpile.
Skywalker
2 years ago
You know Polakite...
...you've been drinking your own bathwater too long. You're starting to show the side effects.
circle A
2 years ago
Does not matter...
What campbell does,there will be nothing left in bc`s posession with which to build an economic future for this generation,never mind future.If, and only if this white collar criminal regime is removed from office and the contracts and give-away deals we as bc citizens will be bound to is revealed.there will be a period of disbelief followed by fear and loathing on a scale never witnessed here. even the corporate spin doctors won`t be able to placate this, the most in denial of populace.It will be the revealled for what it is, a ponzi scheme on a scale to make bernard madoff look like a piker.
Frank
2 years ago
For you Polakite
From Paul Willcock's column
"Children's Minister Mary Polak looks badly out of touch"
Just thought you'd want to know how the real world sees your gal.