Reputation, Character and Leadership

Such surveys and reports are not unnoticed by Canadians, who pride themselves on tolerance, inclusion and good government.

When it comes to human government, Canada certainly has much to be pleased with, but its governance has not seemed uniformly good in recent years. Last November, Montreal mayor Gérald Tremblay resigned amid allegations of corruption. “Tremblay continued to deny any direct knowledge of corruption within his administration on Monday evening, saying in his speech that ‘crooks’ within his circle had betrayed his trust” (“Montreal mayor’s resignation called ‘courageous,’” CBC News, November 6, 2012).

Michael Applebaum was chosen as Montreal’s interim mayor, but he too resigned after 14 counts were laid against him alleging fraud, breach of trust, conspiracy, municipal corruption and secret payments. According to a Reuters report, “His departure will do little to help the reputation of Quebec, where a two-year public inquiry… is unearthing almost daily allegations of contract rigging, kickbacks and fraud going back many years” (“Montreal mayor resigns, says will fight corruption charges,” June 18, 2013).

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