Site MenuElections Canada Advisory Board – Semi-Annual Meeting – October 2, 2014
3. Code of Ethics
Presentation – A Discussion Paper on a Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct for Political Parties
Dr. Paul Thomas presented the above noted discussion paper which he had been commissioned to prepare for EC. The paper outlines the implications and key issues related to the adoption and implementation of a code of ethics (or conduct) for political parties. The objective of this presentation was to stimulate a discussion on the opportunities and possible contents of a code, as well as to highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages of adopting a code.
In his presentation, Dr. Thomas outlined the context of the debate on the need for a code, including the complicated, turbulent, and challenging environment that political parties and EC operate in. He also highlighted a number of existing challenges facing western democracies: increased cynicism regarding politicians and the political process, which is reflected in low turnout numbers; evolutions in technology which are enabling new methods for campaigning; and the costs of campaigns that are increasingly centralized and characterized by the use of sophisticated communications strategies.
Dr. Thomas gave examples of existing codes including Manitoba's Shared Code of Ethical Conduct and the all-party agreement to the Seven Standards of Public Life in the UK. In addition, the presentation mentioned that Harry Neufeld, when he was CEO of Elections BC, suggested a code before the 2005 election and that the current CEO of Canada recommended that consideration be given to the adoption of a code in his report “Preventing Deceptive Communications with Electors.”
Finally, the presentation raised questions about the process for formulating and adopting a code, the type of code it should be, the coverage of a code, and what provisions should be included in a code.
Discussion
Board members engaged in a brief discussion of what a code might look like on the federal scene in Canada. They discussed whether or not the conversation about and implementation of a code should be led by the CEO or by others. Members also queried the effectiveness of the existing codes in Manitoba and the UK and whether or not they have translated into practice.
Members recommended more research and work in a number of areas, including: the principles to be included in a code, what it would be called, how to ensure commitment from all of the players, and whether or not sanctions would be useful.
While members concluded that it would be beneficial to have a public discussion of the idea of a code of conduct for political parties at the federal level in Canada, they urged that it would be best to wait until after the 2015 election as parties and EC are currently focused on the next election.
Members noted the need to address the issue of an elector’s right to privacy – the extent to which political parties increasingly gather and retain information which an elector would consider “personal or private.” This is a topic of concern that should be given attention in the near future, possibly before the 2015 election.
Members expressed concern regarding the handling of electors’ personal information by political parties and that Canadians are generally unaware of the type of information held, they can’t find out what is held, and they don’t have a way to change it. Members urged the CEO to work with the Privacy Commissioner to engage in a discussion with political parties. Members also suggested that the Privacy Commissioner could be invited to a future Advisory Board meeting to discuss the topic.