Honest Politics: Seeking Integrity in Canadian Public Life

Paul G. Thomas is a professor of political science at the University of
Manitoba and the co-author of Canadian Public Administration:
Problematical Perspectives.

During the past three decades, our respect for politicians, the
political process, and political institutions has declined
significantly. Many Canadians reject as naive the idea that public
officials are capable of acting with honesty and integrity in the
performance of their duties.

In this timely and well-written book, the authors argue that honesty in
political life is not impossible. In presenting a framework for judging
the conduct of public officials, they suggest that the principle of
mutual respect is fundamental to responsible behavior in a democracy and
that from this principle flow five other principles: social equality,
deference to the majority, concern for minority rights, respect for
freedom, and the pursuit of integrity in public life. Each of these
complex values is defined and discussed. For example, integrity is said
to consist of honesty modified by concern and respect for other human
beings.

The authors use their theoretical framework to examine the mechanism
put in place to promote ethics in Canadian politics. They also consider
contemporary ethical problems and dilemmas, conflict-of-interest
legislation and codes of ethical conduct, and high-profile cases of
unethical behavior at the federal and provincial levels.

In response to the public perception of widespread political
corruption, governments have passed laws regulating election financing
and the activities of lobbyists. After reviewing these various measures,
the authors conclude that misconduct is hard to detect, and integrity,
hard to legislate. All of the ethical safeguards in the world will not
protect a society, unless both its leaders and its citizens possess a
democratic character based on mutual respect and the five principles
that flow from it.

This valuable book is intended mainly for a university audience, but
politicians, public servants, and citizens in general could profit from
reading it as well.