Is the Current Canadian Government Less Honest Compared to the Past?

Recent discourse around the SNC-Lavalin scandal has prompted some to question the honesty and integrity of Canada's current government. However, a closer examination of Canadian political history reveals that no government, regardless of party affiliation, can claim to have been entirely scandal-free. In fact, recent events pale in comparison to the extensive list of scandals that have affected various Canadian governments since 1995.

The Extent of Government Scandals in Canada

Between 1995 and 2023, Canadian governments from both the Conservative and Liberal parties have faced numerous controversies. These incidents span various spheres of governance, from corruption and unethical behavior to outright criminal acts. Here is a comprehensive list of notable Canadian government scandals since 1995:

Conservative Party

Airbus affair (1995): Prime Minister Brian Mulroney was implicated in a kickback scheme involving the purchase of Airbus planes for Air Canada. In and Out scandal (2007): The Conservatives were found to have circumvented election finance rules during the 2006 election campaign, which they later admitted to in court. Canadian Afghan detainee issue (2010): There were claims that parliament was prorogued to stall an inquiry into the potential maltreatment of Afghanistan War detainees. Robocall scandal (2012): During the 2011 federal election, widespread voter fraud occurred through deceptive robotic and live calls. A staffer was found criminally guilty for these activities. Ethics in Parliament expenses scandal (2012): An investigation uncovered improper expense claims by certain Conservative-appointed Canadian senators. Senate expenses scandal (2012): This scandal involved corruption and misuse of funds within the Canadian Senate. F-35 scandal (2012): There were allegations of misleading costs for F-35 fighter jets intended to replace the CF-18s. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was found in contempt of Parliament for refusing to share information. ETS scandal (2012): Allegations of wrongdoing by Canadian government officials in the award of a 400-million dollar information technology services contract. Laboratory MP scandal (2013): Peter Penashue, a Labrador MP, resigned from Harper’s cabinet after being linked to illegal campaign donations.

Liberal Party

Shawinigate (1999): An alleged conflict of interest related to the resale of a Canadian Air Canada apartment by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Sponsorship scandal (AdScam, 2004): Serious misuse of funds from the Liberal sponsorship program during the 1990s, investigated by the Gomery Commission. Khan expense scandal (2018): Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was accused of accepting a trip by helicopter to a private island without disclosing it as required. Kakanee scandal (2018): Allegations of improper conduct during a visit by Justin Trudeau to a festival in 2000, where he was accused of groping a young female reporter. SNC-Lavalin scandal (2018 – Ongoing): This ongoing issue involves allegations against the government for attempts to interfere with the justice system to avoid political consequences.

Is There a Pattern or Trend?

While the SNC-Lavalin scandal has certainly made headlines, it is important to view it in the context of the broader historical landscape of Canadian government scandals. The list above indicates that each successive government has faced its own unique set of challenges and controversies. In fact, if the count from 1995 to the present is considered, it appears the Conservatives have had more scandals than the Liberals.

The key takeaway from this analysis is that political scandals are not exclusive to any particular party. They are a reflection of the complex and often flawed nature of any large bureaucratic system. Understanding the historical context helps in maintaining a more balanced perspective on current events.

In conclusion, while the SNC-Lavalin scandal may have raised questions and concerns, it is important to recognize that political scandals have a long history in Canadian politics. Each government, regardless of ideology, has its own unique set of challenges and arises from complex factors in governance.