The federal Conflict of Interest Act is ineffective in dealing with politicians who abuse the public’s trust by placing themselves in conflicts of interest.
A $500 maximum fine for violating some sections of the legislation — other sections don’t even have fines — is clearly inadequate and, unlike the Criminal Code, politicians face no risk of charges, trials or imprisonment for violating it.
The main punishment resulting from the 16-year-old law is being named and shamed by the conflict of interest and ethics commissioner.
But politicians who break painfully obvious rules about conflict of interest appear to have very little shame.
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