Ethics 101: operations such as Democracy Watch make it their business to try and keep governments and politicians, as well as business institutions, straight.

If you look up "ethics" on the Internet, you'll find that just about every profession, business, and association, as well as government, has a Code of Ethics. And, like the Seven Principles of Public Life outlined in the accompanying sidebar, they sound impressive. But just because there is a Code doesn't mean it's being followed.

In September 2003, Democracy Watch, based in Ottawa, challenged political party leaders to pledge to resign if they do not keep their election campaign promises.

Among the promises the group wants to see made are: a law that will make it illegal for politicians and other public officials to lie; an easy way for citizens to file a complaint about lying to an independent ethics watchdog agency; and, an agency with the power to impose very high fines for lying.

"Any politician who refuses to pledge to resign if they break their promises, and refuses to make it easy for voters to challenge their lies, should not be trusted by voters," said Duff Conacher, Coordinator of Democracy Watch and chairperson of the nationwide Government Ethics Coalition.

"Canadians are sick of politicians baiting voters with promises, and then switching direction when they win power," said Mr. Conacher. "The undemocratic and cynicism-breeding habit of politicians and public officials lying will only be stopped if Canadians have an easy way to challenge lies, and have the liar punished."

This is not really that outrageous an idea. There are laws on the books that protect consumers from false advertising. A store can't advertise that it's selling ski jackets for $150 and then charge customers $200.

If customers are lied to they can go to their provincial government's consumer protection agency for help. The offender can be freed.

And, who enacted the laws to make this possible? Politicians.

SEVEN PRINCIPLES

During a period of allegations of sleaze in the early 1990s, the British government of John Major created a committee to examine standards of political behaviour. The committee, among other things, drew up "Seven principles of public life." They were:

* Selflessness--holders of public office should serve the public interest, not seek gains for their friends:

* Integrity--they should not place themselves under financial obligation to outsiders who might influence their duties;

* Objectivity--they award public appointments and contracts on merit;

* Accountability--they should submit themselves to the appropriate scrutiny;

* Openness--they should give reasons for their decisions;

* Honesty--they should declare conflicts of interest; and,

* Leadership--they should support these principles by personal example.

Websites

Democracy Watch--http://www.dwatch.ca/