The Hook: Political news, freshly caught
BC taxpayers paying for television exposure
The British Columbia government's ministry of jobs, tourism and skills training is spending an estimated $50,000 to help television networks produce "positive media stories" in the province. Read more…
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MLA Simpson blasts politicians for seeking photo-op glory with business owners
It's one thing to hear that politicians shouldn't be hogging the spotlight when businesses create new jobs. But Bob Simpson, independent MLA for Cariboo North in British Columbia, is saying just that on his website. Read more…
Registrar investigating whether BC police chiefs obeying lobbying law
British Columbia's office of the registrar of lobbyists is investigating whether the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police has followed the province's lobbying laws. Read more…
Mining company questions human resource minister's statements in foreign worker case
Canada's Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Diane Finley may be cross examined as part of a court case in which two British Columbia unions are trying to get an injunction that would stop a mining project near Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Read more…
Abbotsford South Liberals quit over Plecas appointment as candidate
The entire board the of Abbotsford South Liberal riding association resigned yesterday in protest against the appointment of Darryl Plecas as the party's candidate in the riding. Read more…
Dubious ferry figures used for BC government consult, says union president
The British Columbia government's public consultation on coastal ferry service is based on inaccurate data that will lead to uninformed decision making, said Chris Abbott, the president of the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers' Union. Read more…
BC creates Jumbo resort municipality despite strong opposition
British Columbia's cabinet has approved the incorporation of a mountain resort municipality in the Jumbo Valley in the East Kootenays, despite much opposition from local First Nations and other residents. Read more…
Bulk buying and competitive bids would lower generic drug costs, says researcher
The commitment Canada's premiers made to begin bulk buying some prescription drugs could save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, but more can be done to cut costs, an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal argues. Read more…
Judge rebuffs feds, urges deal with unions on temp worker dispute
What was supposed to be a conference to determine if two British Columbia unions have standing to seek an injunction against a mining company turned into a request by a judge to have the two sides see if they can come to an agreement to avoid further court proceedings on Friday. Read more…
Destination BC gets failing grade from marketing prof
Destination BC was announced last week with great fanfare and optimism but a SFU professor suggests the Liberals hold too much power over the Crown corporation. Read more…
BC trial lawyers withdraw services to draw attention to 'dire' legal aid funding
Starting today, hundreds of defence lawyers across B.C. will refuse to accept out-of-custody criminal harassment (or "stalking") cases referred through legal aid, in an ongoing effort to compel the provincial government to increase legal aid funding and expand legal services for people in need. Read more…
BC child and youth watchdog criticizes unstable child services
A new report from the Representative For Children and Youth finds insufficient mental health services contributed to most of the child suicides and incidents of self-harm among kids and youth in government care. Read more…
Police use of licence plate scans breaks privacy law: commissioner
British Columbia's information and privacy commissioner has condemned how the Victoria police department uses the information scanned from licence plates on people's vehicles. Read more…
CTV British Columbia fires general manager, news director
There have been two high-level firings at CTV British Columbia. Read more…
Ferry consultation needs deeper questions, says advocate
A transportation advocacy group is circulating a list of 100 questions aimed at broadening the British Columbia government's consultation on coastal ferry services. Read more…
BC conflict commissioner won't hear Clark complaint
Acknowledging there could be a perception he's biased, British Columbia's conflict of interest commissioner has removed himself from hearing a complaint about Premier Christy Clark. Read more…
Anti-bullying conference a month after Amanda Todd's suicide
An anti-bullying conference on how to cope with bullying and reduce its impact is planned for today in Vancouver just over a month after 15-year-old Amanda Todd's suicide. Read more…
Independent MLA lacks confidence in conflict commissioner to investigate Clark
Independent MLA John van Dongen today said he lacks confidence in Conflict of Interest Commissioner Paul Fraser's ability to investigate a complaint he made about Premier Christy Clark without the appearance of bias. Read more…
David Eby to again challenge Premier Clark in Vancouver-Point Grey
The Downtown Eastside lawyer who almost beat the newly crowned BC Liberal leader Christy Clark in a byelection last year is challenging the premier again. Read more…
Premier Clark ready to 'put a fork' in BC Rail conflict allegations
VANCOUVER -- The B.C. premier has pledged to fully co-operate should a conflict of interest probe be launched into her role in the controversial BC Rail sale. Read more…
