Before they were BC's Political Stars: BC Premier hands out Olympic Sized Raises up to 43% to Senior Bureaucrats

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Before they were BC's Political Stars: BC Premier hands out Olympic Sized Raises up to 43% to Senior Bureaucrats

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Update: August 16, 2008

Opinion

Barry Artiste, Now Public Contributor

While Premier Campbell is in Beijing on our dime, he must be smug he is far, far, away feasting Peking Duck, sucking down Sum Yun Guy, and washing it all down with Green Tea and Cognac.

All the while safely thousands of miles away, British Columbian's learn he has rewarded his senior bureaucratic Wonks with salary raises ranging from 22% to 43%, beginning with his secretary Jessica McDonald, the deputy minister to Premier Gordon Campbell and cabinet secretary, will earn $348,600 under the new pay scheme.

Just so you know, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his US Governor counterparts only make a piddly $170,000.00 to $200,000.00. I guess some US Governors wish they were Secretaries instead. Yep nice work if you can get it.

Certainly the IRE of British Columbia will not subside once our Global Carbon Fart Premier Campbell returns to British Columbia to suffer the Olympic Slings and Arrows which will await him.

Unless he defects, which would do all of us a favour. This move of Pigs to the Public Service Trough will cost the British Columbia Taxpayers $4 million dollars a year for his 100 deputy and assistant deputy ministers who must surely be rolling in the rich mud, as they too leave for exotic locales for fear of being accosted on the way to their offices of pork.

I have included his election promises on a few "Videos a Plenty" and other issues he would address, like Downtown Eastside, Guess he meant the Downtown Eastside of Beijing at one of local Pricey Bistros! Boy come election time I cannot wait for one of his Pollsters to knock on my door, even better a Liberal MLA.  It'll be Lock and Load as I let them have it with both barrels or my Diatribes of their uselessness as a political party.  I'll make sure to eat plenty of Garlic while I rant at em.

http://www.bcpublicservice.ca/salary_admin/Assistant_DM_2006Aug01_1.pdf

http://www.dir.gov.bc.ca/gtds.cgi?showPage=ministries&subPageTitle=Ministries#MINISTRIES

http://www.canada.com/theprovince/story.html?id=6bd1c076-3936-458e-86f4-d9ead1f1360f

B.C. government deputies handed big pay hikes

By Christina Montgomery The Province

Friday, August 08, 2008

(Black and White photo inset) Jessica McDonald, the deputy minister to Premier Gordon Campbell and cabinet secretary, will earn $348,600 under the new pay scheme.

VANCOUVER -- Just two years after B.C.'s Liberal government dealt its top political staff a 25-per-cent pay hike, it's given them another boost -- ranging from 22 per cent at the low end to 43 per cent for Premier Gordon Campbell's deputy minister.

Retroactive to Aug. 1, Jessica McDonald has seen her $243,936 salary boosted to $348,600 for helping Campbell run the province -- about $100,000 more a year.

About 20 other deputy ministers were dealt a raise of 35 per cent, with salaries rising from $221,760 to a maximum of $299,215.

About 80 assistant deputy ministers go from $160,000 to a maximum of $195,000, the government announced Friday.

The move came on an afternoon when Campbell was in Beijing for the Olympic Games. About 100 deputy and assistant deputy ministers in B.C. are affected by the hikes, which will cost the province about $4 million a year.

The British Columbia government says they need to pay high presidental salaries as Good People are hard to find and keep, and these High level Bureauporkcrats could make way more money as private citizens, so we should be thankful for their non services to the public.

Yeah, well I am trying to find more info and naming names to get their past resumes and what positions they held previously, so I can post it on here to expose the BC Government as the lying Rat Bastards they are!

The move drew immediate outrage from NDP house leader Mike Farnworth, who called it a "gold-medal performance of arrogance, of being out of touch with the rest of province.

"I don't know what world the premier is living in, but certainly not the world that the rest of the province is. " Maureen Bader, B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, agreed.

"If one government raises its public-sector salaries because another government does, without taking into consideration taxpayers' ability to fund these increases, it has the potential to spiral completely out of control," she said.

"First we had the 30-per-cent pay increase [for members of the provincial legislature], then a variety of municipal pay increases, and now huge senior-level bureaucrat pay increases.

We are on a dangerous trajectory with no end in sight." Jim Sinclair, head of the B.C. Federation of Labour, called the move obscene given Campbell's refusal to raise B.C.'s $8-an-hour minimum wage.

Below is my past story on Politicians who received fat raises under the guise they could make more as private citizens, so we should be thankful for their non services to the public.

I took the liberty of naming names and posting their resumes.

May 12, 2007

Story by Barry Artiste, Now Public Contributor Vancouver, BC.

Before Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA's), (sort of like the US's Assemblymen/women and state senators) entered provincial politics, MLA's were working slugs like us, now safely ensconced in politics as MLA's,viewed by many as eating lobster and driving gold ferraris,the media and the public in recent weeks have expressed outrage at MLA’s trying to Fast Track a 29% raise for themselves, along with a generous pension plan.

Now considering most MLA’s sit for an average of 79 days in the legislature do they really deserve that raise and pension?

If this issue is important to you, then you really have to read and research this story,print it out for friends,get a discussion going,do research on the link I provided below in order to make an informed decision.

It is said Politicians sacrifice a life serving the Public when they could make much more money in the Private sector.

It is also said the Government need to hire the brightest and the best and need to pay them a comparable salary to retain them in their current position, such as Health Minister,Justice Minister etc….

In order to get to the point and save space I am briefly outling the (offical Bios) previous occupations of BC Ministers only and not all MLA’s, though I have provided an informative web link to all serving MLA’s of all Political wings, so Now Public Readers can view their previous non MLA occupations and judge for yourselves against their Political experience and or duties.

Some MLA’s were Mayors or Councilors so that counts as a previous occupation. I have listed Ministers previous occupations and have omitted for some their (for space considerations)volunteer duties, various chair and fundraising activities, so please go their respective Biography links to view all this, before making an informed decision.

Then and only then will you be informed whether or not you agree with Minister’s and MLA’s getting a raise or pension.

Keeping in mind MLA’s performance in their political position to date; have they been successful in their duties serving British Columbians?

Taking all this in consideration, please continue reading my investigative report below. As a Now Public Contributor and all around “Don’t state it, if you don’t want me to investigate it”.I went to Workopolis.com and Monster.com and investigated some Ministers Portfolios and duties, comparing salaries of similar positions in the Private sector.

What I found is that Ministers are poorly paid. But on the other hand,though most MLA’s have post secondary degrees, they may not necessarily have the educational and work experience in their chosen Ministerial Portfolio.

Thus, would these Ministers be able to approach a Private Corporation with Resume in Hand and hope to get employment in a similar high profile position in the Private Sector barring any political influence they possess?

Please remember I am being as transparent as I can, so for sake of argument all Ministers possess a Bachelors degree or higher, but is it relevant to their Ministry Portfolio?

The Government states that MLA’s would have made more money before they entered Politics, so to be fair in my assessment; Politicians cannot state this previous political experience or political access on their resumes.

They can only state their previous occupation on their Resumes as Private citizens to Corporations when seeking employment.

Much like ordinary people like us do.

Case in point is the BC. Minister of Health, the Hon. George Abbott, and his previous occupation was a Political Science College Instructor for the Okanagan University College.

In addition Mr. Abbott owned the oldest (presumably inherited from family or purchased) and largest berry farm in the Interior.

He was Chair of the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District.

So for sake of argument, if Mr. Abbott presented his resume outlying his past work experience as a Berry Farm owner and Political Science Instructor to any Provincial Hospital Board to be their salaried 200K CEO methinks he would not get past the company receptionist.

Now Public Readers must ask themselves, would Mr. Abbott make close to 200K as a Political Science Instructor at his old ala mater? Or as a Berry Farm owner/operator? So ask yourself are you satisfied with the State of BC’s Health Care?

Below is a compilation of all the present Liberal Ministers and their Ministerial Portfolios.

You be the judge and compare their previous pre political occupations "Before they were BC's Political Stars" and judge for yourself if they deserve a generous 29% raise and pension.

Leave a comment at the end of the story to be sent to the Liberal Government. "Before they were BC's Political Stars Premier Hon. Gordon Campbell, Secondary school teacher, Mayors Assistant, Realty General Manager, Founded Citycore Development Corporation.

Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations Hon. John van Dongen, Operated a Dairy farm, Agricultural economics degree with 20 years in Agriculture Economics.

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Government House Leader Hon. Mike De Jong, Lawyer Minister of Advanced Education(Minister Research & Technology) Hon. Murray Coell,6 years as Municipal Councilor, 6 years as Mayor, Chair for the Capital Regional District, Saanich Police Board Capital Regional District Hospital Board, Deputy Chair for the Municipal Finance Authority, Social worker, alcohol and drug rehab. Small business owner,10 years volunteer Meals on Wheels, 5 years on board Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children.

Minister of Agriculture and Lands Hon. Pat Bell,Owned trucking company and co-owned a logging company.Owns two Wendy's Restaurants, Coached high school volleyball. Served several years Tourism Prince George Board of Directors.

Attorney General (and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism) Hon. Wally Oppal, Practicing Lawyer, Advocate social justice and community safety. Appointed to BC County Court, BC Supreme Court, BC Court of Appeal.

Minister of Children and Family Development Hon. Tom Christensen, Practicing lawyer, Past President of the Downtown Vernon Association, Director Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation, Chairperson Vernon Jubilee Hospital Fundraising.

Minister of State for Childcare Hon. Linda Reid,Language therapist, Teacher, School administrator, BC chair Canadian Guide Dogs Blind, Director of the Garden City Hospice Society. Active in Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Asia-Pacific Business Association, and the Canadian Council for Exceptional Children and the Family Court Committee of Richmond. Founding member of the Richmond Chinatown Lions Club, Chair of the British Columbia Youth Parliament board.

Minister of Community Services(and Minister responsible Seniors' and Women's Issues) Hon. Ida Chong, Municipal councilor, volunteer not-for-profit groups, Certified General Accountant.

Minister of Economic Development (Minister Asia-Pacific Initiative and the Olympics) Hon. Colin Hansen,Small business Owner, Vice-president finance/administration Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, Director Vancouver-Yokohama Sister City Society and chair of the Vancouver Museum board of trustees.

Minister of Education and Deputy Premier (Minister Early Learning and Literacy) Hon. Shirley Bond, Served 3 terms Prince George School Board, Business Manager School District, Protocol Director 2001 Special Olympic Summer Games, Board Member Carey Theological College,Personal Living Choices Society, the Trinity Opportunity Fund Grants Committee and the City of Prince George 's Standing Committee on Youth.

Minister of Employment and Income Assistance Hon. Claude Richmond, Councilor, Managed Radio station, Minister of Tourism,Minister Expo '86, Minister Social Services and Housing, Minister of Forests, Government House Leader, Business consultant Resource Industries and Markets, Managing Director Kamloops Airport Ltd.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Hon. Richard Neufeld, Owned/Operated a business, Involved in oil/gas industry for decades, Councilor and Mayor.

Minister of Environment (Minister Water Stewardship and Sustainable Communities) Hon. Barry Penner, Lawyer in International Law, Park Ranger, Sawmill Worker.

Minister of Finance Hon. Carole Taylor, Chair CBC/Radio-Canada, Host of W5, Canada AM and Pacific Report,Chair Vancouver Board of Trade,Vancouver Port Corporation, and Canada Ports Corporation, Served Board HSBC Holdings ( London), Canfor, Fairmont Hotels, Alderman Vancouver City Council, Chaired Neighbourhood, Cultural and Community Services, Committee, the Task Force on Children - resulting in a Children’s Advocate for the City - and the Greater Vancouver Regional District’s Hospital Committee. Director of boards BC’s Children’s Hospital and BCIT.

Minister of Forests and Range(Minister Housing) Hon. Rich Coleman, Real estate management and consulting company, RCMP Officer.

Minister of Health Hon. George Abbott, Political science instructor at Okanagan University College.Owned the oldest and largest berry farm in the Interior. Chair Columbia-Shuswap Regional District.

Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services Hon. Olga Ilich,Founder and President of Suncor Development Corporation, a real estate development and construction company. Olga has either directed, managed owned, chaired and or been involved in so many profile projects, too numerous to list.

Minister of State for Mining Hon. Kevin Krueger, 20 years with Insurance Corporation of BC for 20 years, road safety regional manager, board member/executive councilor/shop steward Office and Technical Employees Union, Local 378. Director, Prince George; District Credit Union.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Hon. John Les,Partner in dairy operation, Realtor, Owned successful land Development Company.

Minister Small Business & Revenue; Minister for Regulatory Reform Hon. Rick Thorpe, Senior Management Canadian brewing industry for 22 years in Canada and internationally, Involved in B.C. grape and wine industry, partner in an Okanagan winery for five years, Certified management accountant.

Minister of Tourism, Sports and the Arts Hon. Stan Hagen,School Trustee, MLA experience since 1986, Co-chairs Federal-Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services with the federal Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Chairing Canadian Council of Ministers of Education, Helped create Science World; introduced Scientists in the classroom, and the Passport to Education program, Minister Responsible for Science & Technology, Honourary Doctor of Laws degree, West Coast regional chair of the Modified Industry Labour Adjustment Program; Member of the Comox Strathcona Regional District Economic Development Commission; Treasurer of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, Founding president of the Comox Valley Community Foundation.

Minister of State for ActNow BC Hon. Gordon Hogg, Official Opposition Critic for Education and Human Resources,Member Official Opposition Caucus Committees on Health and Education, Counselor, Probation Officer, Regional Director for Corrections,10 years Councilor, 10 years Mayor.

Minister of Transportation Hon. Kevin Falcon, President/founder Corporate Communications Firm, Real estate development industry, Vice-president of Northwest Investment Properties.

In ending, The BC Government will state that Ministers do not need expertise in the Ministry,that is what their experienced advisors and policy makers are for.

If this is the case, should not these advisors get the raise, since they do the bulk of the work? To find a more complete job description of all Party MLA’s , Deputy ministers, assistant deputy ministers  previous occupations before they entered politics, please refer to this link below for Ministers of this Province.

http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-6.htm

Media Report and background information on MLA’s request for a 29% raise and Pension please go to this link.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/05/03/bc-raises.html"