Penny Janet Drury Ballem is a Canadian physician and government administrator. She was the city manager for the City of
Vancouver
Vancouver ( ) is a major city in western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the ...
,
British Columbia
British Columbia (commonly abbreviated as BC) is the westernmost province of Canada, situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. It has a diverse geography, with rugged landscapes that include rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, ...
,
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
from 2008 to 2015 and served as a member of the
VANOC
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) (french: Comité d’organisation des Jeux olympiques et paralympiques d’hiver de 2010 à Vancouver - COVAN) was the non-profit organization responsible ...
board of directors, corporate director for Bentall Capital G.P. Ltd., as well as a senior adviser to RPO Management Consultants. She is a physician and clinical professor at the
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university with campuses near Vancouver and in Kelowna, British Columbia. Established in 1908, it is British Columbia's oldest university. The university ranks among the top thre ...
Medical School in the department of
hematology and
bone marrow transplant.
["Ex-deputy health minister takes city manager post: Vancouver's new city manager is no stranger to headlines."](_blank)
, ''Vancouver Sun
The ''Vancouver Sun'', also known as the ''Sun'', is a daily broadsheet newspaper based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The newspaper is currently published by the Pacific Newspaper Group, a division of Postmedia Network. Published s ...
'', December 13, 2008.
Childhood
Ballem grew up in the
Westmount area of
Montreal
Montreal ( ; officially Montréal, ) is the second-most populous city in Canada and most populous city in the Canadian province of Quebec. Founded in 1642 as '' Ville-Marie'', or "City of Mary", it is named after Mount Royal, the triple ...
,
Quebec
Quebec ( ; )According to the Canadian government, ''Québec'' (with the acute accent) is the official name in Canadian French and ''Quebec'' (without the accent) is the province's official name in Canadian English is one of the thirtee ...
,
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
. She was one of five children of a
Montreal
Montreal ( ; officially Montréal, ) is the second-most populous city in Canada and most populous city in the Canadian province of Quebec. Founded in 1642 as '' Ville-Marie'', or "City of Mary", it is named after Mount Royal, the triple ...
engineer and his wife.
["Meet the powerful - but tiny - deputy minister behind B.C.'s massive health care changes"](_blank)
, ''BC Business
Canada Wide Media Limited is an independently owned publishing company in Western Canada, based in Burnaby, British Columbia.
History
Canada Wide Media Limited co-founder and CEO Peter Legge purchased a ten-cent magazine in 1976 and grew it in ...
'', January 2003.
Education
Ballem completed her undergraduate studies at
McGill University
McGill University (french: link=no, Université McGill) is an English-language public research university located in Montreal, Quebec
Montreal ( ; officially Montréal, ) is the second-most populous city in Canada and most populous ...
and her Masters in Immunology at the
University of Western Ontario
The University of Western Ontario (UWO), also known as Western University or Western, is a public research university in London, Ontario, Canada. The main campus is located on of land, surrounded by residential neighbourhoods and the Thames R ...
.
She received her medical degree in 1978 from the
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university with campuses near Vancouver and in Kelowna, British Columbia. Established in 1908, it is British Columbia's oldest university. The university ranks among the top thre ...
, and completed her specialist fellowship at the
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university with campuses near Vancouver and in Kelowna, British Columbia. Established in 1908, it is British Columbia's oldest university. The university ranks among the top thre ...
as well.
[15th John K. Friesen Conference Program](_blank)
/ref>
British Columbia Deputy Health Minister
She was recruited by British Columbia
British Columbia (commonly abbreviated as BC) is the westernmost province of Canada, situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. It has a diverse geography, with rugged landscapes that include rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, ...
Premier Gordon Campbell
Gordon Muir Campbell, (born January 12, 1948) is a retired Canadian diplomat and politician who was the 35th mayor of Vancouver from 1986 to 1993 and the 34th premier of British Columbia from 2001 to 2011.
He was the leader of the British Co ...
to be the deputy health minister of the Province of British Columbia
British Columbia (commonly abbreviated as BC) is the westernmost province of Canada, situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. It has a diverse geography, with rugged landscapes that include rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, ...
in 2001, and subsequently abruptly resigned from the position in 2006 after giving no notice, not seeking severance, and criticizing the government's plans for the health ministry as unsound.
Vancouver, British Columbia City Manager
Selection
Ballem was Vancouver
Vancouver ( ) is a major city in western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the ...
Mayor Gregor Robertson's top choice to head Vancouver
Vancouver ( ) is a major city in western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the ...
's civil administration,["Penny Ballem, City Manager, City of Vancouver"](_blank)
, ''BC Business
Canada Wide Media Limited is an independently owned publishing company in Western Canada, based in Burnaby, British Columbia.
History
Canada Wide Media Limited co-founder and CEO Peter Legge purchased a ten-cent magazine in 1976 and grew it in ...
'', April 20, 2009. to provide a "fresh start" after coming to power.["New mayor's 'fresh start' is first step of secret agenda"](_blank)
, ''Vancouver Sun
The ''Vancouver Sun'', also known as the ''Sun'', is a daily broadsheet newspaper based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The newspaper is currently published by the Pacific Newspaper Group, a division of Postmedia Network. Published s ...
'', December 16, 2008. Vision Vancouver, Mayor Robertson's political party, had concerns that the previous city manager had too much power. Within one week of Gregor Robertson taking office, former Vancouver
Vancouver ( ) is a major city in western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the ...
city manager Judy Rogers, a 25-year veteran of Vancouver City Hall
Vancouver City Hall is home to Vancouver City Council in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Located at 453 West 12th Avenue, the building was ordered by the Vancouver Civic Building Committee, designed by architect Fred Townley and Matheson, and ...
,["Veteran Vancouver city manager Judy Rogers dismissed"](_blank)
''Vancouver Sun
The ''Vancouver Sun'', also known as the ''Sun'', is a daily broadsheet newspaper based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The newspaper is currently published by the Pacific Newspaper Group, a division of Postmedia Network. Published s ...
'', December 12, 2008. was replaced by Ballem. Ballem was selected without the government conducting a candidate search.["Mundick stripped of duties"](_blank)
'' 24 Hours, September 18, 2009. Rogers received $572,000 severance in the transition.["5th senior manager quits Vancouver City Hall"](_blank)
'' CBC'', April 28, 2009.
Bylaw powers
In July 2009 Vancouver City Council
Vancouver City Council is the governing body of Vancouver, British Columbia. The council consists of a mayor and ten councillors elected to serve a four-year term. Monthly, a deputy mayor is appointed from among the councillors. The current mayo ...
passed several temporary bylaw changes which were controversial for some civil liberties advocates who argued that they "make it more difficult to exercise hefundamental constitutional rights to free speech, peaceful assembly and free expression."["Rights go out the window to create a seamless 2010 circus"](_blank)
''Vancouver Sun
The ''Vancouver Sun'', also known as the ''Sun'', is a daily broadsheet newspaper based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The newspaper is currently published by the Pacific Newspaper Group, a division of Postmedia Network. Published s ...
'', July 21, 2009. As part of the changes Ballem was given special powers that were referred to by Coalition of Progressive Electors
The Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) is a municipal political party in the Canadian city of Vancouver, British Columbia. It has traditionally been associated with tenants, environmentalists, and the labour movement. COPE is generally gu ...
councillor Ellen Woodsworth
Ellen Woodsworth is an international speaker and activist based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She is the founder and matriarch of Women Transforming Cities International Society and the Co-Chair of WILPF, Canada.
Woodsworth was a Van ...
as "wide open carte blanche."["City manager to lead Vancouver during Olympics"](_blank)
''The Tyee
The Tyee is an independent online daily news source primarily based in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was founded in November 2003 as an alternative to "corporate media". Articles in The Tyee focus on politics, culture, and life.
The Tyee was f ...
'', July 23, 2009. Vancouver
Vancouver ( ) is a major city in western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the ...
Mayor Gregor Robertson defended the changes as necessary.["Vancouver passes temporary Olympic Bylaws"](_blank)
'' CBC'', July 24, 2009.
Staff transitions
Ballem was charged by Mayor Robertson with cutting costs at city hall and attempted to do so through a centralization of powers. When asked about senior city staff's concerns about her micromanagement
In business management, micromanagement is a management style whereby a manager closely observes, controls, and/or reminds the work of their subordinates or employees.
Micromanagement is generally considered to have a negative connotation, main ...
style, Ballem responded, "Tough, eh."["Mundick's exit has Ballem written all over it"](_blank)
, ''Vancouver Courier
The ''Vancouver Courier'' was a Canadian semi-weekly local newspaper published in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, by the Van-Net chain owned by Glacier Media Group. In 2007, it was Canada's largest distributed community newspaper, with a we ...
'', September 18, 2009.
In her first 10 months as city manager there were a large number of departures and non-scheduled retirements of city staff. In one such departure Ballem stripped the retiring Vancouver Park Board
The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, commonly referred to as the Vancouver Park Board, is the elected board with exclusive possession, jurisdiction and control over public parks in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Established by sectio ...
general manager, Susan Mundick, of all routine transitional duties. Ballem then stated she would help the park board choose Mundick's replacement, a selection process city hall traditionally had not been involved in. In response, Vancouver city councilor Suzanne Anton urged Mayor Robertson and the city council to limit Ballem's control of the park board.["NPA councilor says park board losing independence"](_blank)
''CKNW
CKNW is a news/ talk formatted radio station in Vancouver, British Columbia, owned by Corus Entertainment. It broadcasts on an assigned frequency of AM 980 kHz, and is unusual in that it is a 50,000-watt, Class A station broadcasting on a regi ...
'', September 19, 2009.
On September 1, 2009 Ballem announced that Sadhu Aufochs Johnston would be hired as Deputy City Manager to lead the city's environmental efforts.["Vancouver hires U.S. expert to make city greener"](_blank)
''Vancouver Sun
The ''Vancouver Sun'', also known as the ''Sun'', is a daily broadsheet newspaper based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The newspaper is currently published by the Pacific Newspaper Group, a division of Postmedia Network. Published s ...
'', September 1, 2009.
Conclusion
On September 15, 2015 Mayor Robertson announced that Ballem's service had "concluded" and Sadhu Aufochs Johnston would be her interim replacement.["Penny Ballem out as Vancouver's city manager"]
''Vancouver Sun
The ''Vancouver Sun'', also known as the ''Sun'', is a daily broadsheet newspaper based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The newspaper is currently published by the Pacific Newspaper Group, a division of Postmedia Network. Published s ...
'', September 15, 2015.
eHealth Ontario Scandal
Ballem was paid $30,000 for 78 hours of consulting work for eHealth Ontario,"City manager Ballem paid $30,000 for 78 hours of work in Ontario"
''Vancouver Sun
The ''Vancouver Sun'', also known as the ''Sun'', is a daily broadsheet newspaper based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The newspaper is currently published by the Pacific Newspaper Group, a division of Postmedia Network. Published s ...
'', June 10, 2009. over the objections of an eHealth Ontario employee who claimed there was no signed contract.
["Premier defends Caplan, eHealth board"](_blank)
''Toronto Star
The ''Toronto Star'' is a Canadian English-language broadsheet daily newspaper. The newspaper is the country's largest daily newspaper by circulation. It is owned by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited, a subsidiary of Torstar Corporation and pa ...
'', June 9, 2009.["Vancouver city manager Penny Ballem linked to Ontario health scandal"](_blank)
, ''Georgia Straight
''The Georgia Straight'' is a free Canadian weekly news and entertainment newspaper published in Vancouver, British Columbia, by Overstory Media Group. Often known simply as ''The Straight'', it is delivered to newsboxes, post-secondary schools, ...
'', June 9, 2009.["$30,000 for 78 hours: Scandal grows at eHealth Ontario"](_blank)
''The Globe and Mail
''The Globe and Mail'' is a Canadian newspaper printed in five cities in western and central Canada. With a weekly readership of approximately 2 million in 2015, it is Canada's most widely read newspaper on weekdays and Saturdays, although it ...
'', August 13, 2009. Ballem stated she was unaware an eHealth Ontario staff member had questioned her invoice,
and that she was hired directly by the CEO of eHealth Ontario without a contract.
["Vancouver city manager's name comes up in eHealth Ontario scandal"](_blank)
'' CBC'', June 9, 2009. RPO Management Consultants, which Ballem served as a senior advisor, received an untendered $600,000 contract from eHealth Ontario.
["Untendered $600,000 eHealth consulting contract comes to light"](_blank)
'' CBC'', June 12, 2009. Sarah Kramer, former CEO of eHealth Ontario, was fired on June 7, 2009 over a scandal involving failing to open more than $5.5 million worth of contracts to competitive bids.
["Head of eHealth Ontario is fired amid contracts scandal, gets big package"](_blank)
'' CBC'', June 7, 2009.
Relationship
Ballem's partner,
Olympic
Olympic or Olympics may refer to
Sports
Competitions
* Olympic Games, international multi-sport event held since 1896
** Summer Olympic Games
** Winter Olympic Games
* Ancient Olympic Games, ancient multi-sport event held in Olympia, Greece b ...
medalist
Marion Lay
Marion Beverly Lay, (born November 26, 1948) is a former competitive swimmer who represented Canada in the 1964 Summer Olympics and 1968 Summer Olympics. Swimming the anchor leg for Canada's third-place team in the women's 4x100-metre frees ...
, was a major backer of the
Vancouver Olympics
)''
, nations = 82
, athletes = 2,626
, events = 86 in 7 sports (15 disciplines)
, opening = February 12, 2010
, closing = February 28, 2010
, opened_by = Governor General Michaëlle Jean
, cauldron = Catriona Le May DoanNancy GreeneWayne Gretz ...
.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ballem, Penny
Living people
People from Westmount, Quebec
Politicians from Vancouver
McGill University alumni
University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine alumni
University of Western Ontario alumni
Academic staff of the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine
21st-century Canadian civil servants
Canadian LGBT people in municipal politics
Canadian city managers and chief administrative officers
Year of birth missing (living people)
21st-century Canadian LGBT people