OTTAWA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today reacted to the eight-point plan of "ethical improvements" to guide the conduct of Parliamentarians outlined this morning during a speech by Prime Minister Chrétien in the House of Commons.
Cynical Opportunism: Classic Chrétien
"Today's infomercial from the Prime Minister and the clap-for-a-snack applause by his caucus colleagues will only further public distrust of his government and cynicism toward the entire institution of Parliament," said CTF federal director Walter Robinson. "The PM had the temerity to state that the 'reason for his action plan is to better serve the public.' Please, let's not insult Canadians. The only reason this so-called package has been released is because his government is drowning in scandal. This is nothing more than a cynical PR stunt."
The Eight-Point Plan: Highlights Ethical
Failings of Governing Liberals
The Prime Minister's eight-point plan consists of the following:
1. Releasing the until now, secret Conflict of Interest Code for Ministers of the Crown;
2. Defining guidelines for Ministers in their dealings with Crown Corporations with respect to constituency matters;
3. Political fundraising guidelines for Ministers of the Crown;
4. Tabling of an Annual Report from the Ethics Counsellor (this fall);
5. A Code of Conduct to cover MPs and Senators;
6. Changes to the Lobbyists Registration Act (this fall);
7. Changes to the Elections Act to cover political party fundraising (this fall); and
8. New guidelines for senior public servants, presumably for politically sensitive matters.
CTF Lays Out Real Integrity Package
"Almost a decade after promising to restore integrity to government, the Prime Minister's action plan is several years late and millions of squandered taxpayer dollars and a few ministerial resignations short," added Robinson. "To restore public faith in Parliament a truly independent ethics commissioner must be appointed - similar to the Auditor General. The $40 million annual sponsorship program should be shut down immediately. Ambassador Gagliano should be recalled. And should the Prime Minister decide to step down, aspirants for the Liberal party leadership should be forced to resign their cabinet posts."
The CTF noted that recent leadership campaigns in Saskatchewan and Ontario were wrought with abuse of government perks including flying privileges and staff resources.
Memo to the PM: Shelve the "woe is us" crocodile tear routine
"Again we heard the oft-repeated falsehood - this time from the PM - that most, if not all MPs, could 'make more in the private sector' and work less hours, have less stress, better family lives, blah, blah, blah," said Robinson.
"To start, MPs are now among the top 1% of all income earners in Canada so it's unlikely they'd all go off to be bank CEOs, company presidents or school district administrators tomorrow. And the last time we checked, putting one's name on the ballot is a free choice which is hopefully made with a great deal of deliberate forethought, knowledge and comprehension of the unique challenges inherent in elected life. If parliamentarians are truly looking for more respect, they could start to earn it by implementing our integrity recommendations," concluded Robinson.
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