There have been enormous changes in Canadian public life in the past two decades. More and more, politicians and officials are expected to act honestly and in the public interest. Yet, for many, honest politics is still an oxymoron.
Using high-profile political scandals as case studies, this book explores the standards of accountability to which Canadian politicians are now being held. The authors discuss conflict-of-interest and abuse-of-trust cases such as Brian Mulroney's receipt at secret meetings of envelopes stuffed with thousand dollar bills; the gas plant scandal in Ontario; Allison Redford's self-serving authorizations of spending in Alberta; Mike Duffy and the Senate expenses scandal; party financing cases such as the Robocalls affair; "dirty hands" examples such as the sponsorship scandal and the Arrar affair; the "cash for access" controversy surrounding Justin Trudeau's fundraisers; and municipal issues including the sagas of Rob Ford and Hazel McCallion.
Canada is a leader among countries promoting ethical politics in a democratic society. In this book expert authors from across the country discuss the strengths and weaknesses of measures now in place and point to the most important challenges that remain before Canadians can believe that honesty prevails in public life.
Preface to the Second Edition
Ian Greene, David Shugarman
Chapter 1: Ethics and the Principles of Democracy
Ian Greene, David Shugarman, Naomi Couto
Chapter 2: Ethical Duties
Ian Greene, David Shugarman, Naomi Couto
Chapter 3: Ethical Problems in Public Life
Ian Greene, Robert Shepherd, David Shugarman
Chapter 4: Conflict-of-Interest and breaches of trust Cases
Robert Shepherd, Ian Stedman, Ian Greene
Chapter 5: Ethics Commissioners
Ian Stedman, Ian Greene
Chapter 6: Party Financing Cases
Robert Shepherd, Lori Turnbull, Ian Stedman, Ian Greene
Chapter 7: Lobbyist Regulation Cases
Robert Shepherd, Ian Stedman
Chapter 8: Whistle-blowing cases
Robert Shepherd, Ian Stedman
Chapter 9: Municipal ethics issues
Gregory Levine, Naomi Couto, Ian Greene
Chapter 10: Dirty Hands
David Shugarman, Shaun Young
Chapter 11:In Pursuit of Honest Politics
Robert Shepherd, Ian Stedman, Ian Greene
Appendix I: Excerpts from Codes of Conduct
Robert Shepherd, Ian Stedman, Ian Greene
Appendix II: Examples of Opinions of Ethics Commissioners and Lobbyist Registrars
Robert Shepherd, Ian Stedman, Ian Greene
"If ethical politics are someday to become as much a hallmark of our democratic system as free elections, we must have a critical mass of citizens who understand, practise and promote public integrity. Reading this book might help us get there."
- John K. Collins Winnipeg Free Press
Ian Greene has taught public policy and administration at York University since 1985. Greene is a University Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar in the School of Public Policy and Administration, and was Master of McLaughlin College in York University for seven years until 2011. He was the founding Director of York's Masters program in Public Policy, Administration and Law. Greene's most recent book is The Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
David P. Shugarman is a Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar at York University in Toronto. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, he received his B.A. (Hons) from the University of Alberta, and his M.A. in Political Economy and Ph.D. in Political Philosophy at the University of Toronto. His recent publications include chapters, essays, and articles on the commission of inquiry into into the sponsorship scandal, public inquiries, and democratic accountability.
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