Props for BOCOG and the Beijing Municipal Government

In a city and country where politics permeates through virtually every aspect of society, it's nice to hear that occasionally business and political machinations can be separated.

Zhongnanhai sat down today with Annette Antoniak, President and CEO of the British Columbia Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat, for an exclusive interview. Ms. Antoniak is in Beijing as part of a fact-finding and coordination mission, given that British Columbia is playing host to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Now, granted, Ms. Antoniak has to be somewhat diplomatic, given that this particular tour is an intergovernmental affair. However, in past dealings with Ms. Antoniak in her previous role as the person in charge of the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, I seem to recall her being a somewhat straight shooter when it came to dealing with the media.

With that in mind, during our interview with Ms. Antoniak, she was very complimentary toward both the Beijing Organizing Committee and the Beijing Municipal Government. "Anything that we have asked, they have been completely transparent and helpful to us." Admittedly, Ms. Antoniuk did concede that this transparency doesn't extend to monetary issues surrounding the games, but also pointed out that it was really none of Vancouver's concern.

So kudos to BOCOG and the Beijing Municipal Government for being a part of the 'Olympic family.' One might have assumed that given the secretive nature of Chinese officials that there may have been roadblocks. But from our chat with Ms. Antoniak, it doesn't appear to be an issue.

And an FYI for all our Canadian and Beijing readers. Expect in the next couple of weeks to see a good chunk of Canadiana opening up near Mao's bloated corpse with a definite Olympic theme.