WillVille
Norm Farrell is concerned that our fragile democracy is currently at risk in Canada.
As such, Norm thinks we should consider the following:
- Public funding of election campaigns;
- Rewards for voting and penalties for not voting;
- Training for politicians that emphasizes their first duty is to the public, not the party;
- Implement term limits;
- Strict accountability for politicians and senior public servants;
- Limit the power of unelected bureaucrats and institutions;
- Reduce or end the influence of paid lobbyists and special interest groups;
- Increase transparency in all functions of government and government agencies;
- Address economic disparities to create a more equitable society;
- Protect marginalized groups and ensure their participation in democratic processes;
- Limit the influence of those who consciously spread disinformation;
- Take regular advice from citizen forums involving people selected at random.
Personally, I reckon it is hard to argue against any of Norm's suggestions.
Regarding the lobbying thing, I've seen how insidious/corrosive that can be, up close.
Awhile back I was doing some science geek volunteering for a health charity that does really good work for many constituencies. When I noticed that they used a lobbyist I asked why and was informed that this was the only way they could consistently get in front of, not just elected officials, but also the politically appointed bureaucrats that run things. Essentially, it was that arms race thing that we also see with political donations wherein even good actors are afraid not to play the game for fear of being shut out of the system.
.
2 comments:
Its a razor that cuts both ways. Most of the time when people refer to "Special Interest Groups" its a dog whistle for group of people that they don't like, and they want to curtail their civil and human rights. One must be careful.
I would add this:
A) All people running for office must take a course in
Canadian Civics/Politics, as many of those elected to office don't have a clue.
B) Limit compensation for politcans. No elected official should be paid more than $100K annually, with an "Office operations" benefit exceeding no more than $50k annually.
C) All major spending must be passed by public referendum, such as rapid transit lines, dams, and other major projects.
As for lobbying, just look how Bombardier and SNC Lavalin have quietly lobbied the government and academia to build with SkyTrain light metro (they were the patent holders), the only "world class" transit system no one wants to buy!
Post a Comment