The provincial government has announced that new standards are being put in place for Alberta’s agencies, commissions and boards to ensure public confidence is maintained in those vital organizations.
Whether the changes will help to better protect and serve the community at large remains to be seen.
What is known is that government action aimed at ensuring that public bodies such as these – and those that lead them – are above reproach is in everyone’s best interest.
The changes will see the top executives of more than 50 public agencies being held to the same ethical standards as deputy ministers and elected officials.
Those standards include a requirement for disclosure and oversight by the Ethics Commissioner. As well, appointees will now be required to adhere to a 12-month cooling-off period from taking certain jobs following employment with a public agency.
The changes will benefit all Albertans now and in the future, said Minister of Finance Joe Ceci.
“Government appointees are here to further Alberta, not further themselves,” said Ceci. “We’re strengthening laws to make sure everyone appointed to a government position is working for Albertans, first and foremost.
“Appointees designated in this order will now have to disclose their financial information and direct associates.”
With the ability to impact the lives of citizens in many ways, Alberta’s public agencies, boards and commissions must have the ongoing confidence of residents.
It would be nice to assume that individuals appointed to boards, agencies and commissions would always hold to the highest ethical standards and conduct their business in a transparent and honest fashion.
Unfortunately, as with all lines of work, the possibility of a few "bad apples" in public agencies makes it necessary to ensure proper and comprehensive oversight.
These new standards are in the public’s best interest – and should not be considered a slight on the many, many good and honest people doing great work in Alberta’s public service.
- Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor.
