The best way to hold MLAs accountable

When discussing recall legislation with the average voter, many of them know little about it, while others believe it is something that must be implemented, and then there are those who say recall legislation isn’t necessary, a waste of time, money, and resources, as the electorate is given the opportunity to get rid of politicians they don't like every four years.

No doubt, if you have been concerned with the steady erosion of democratic rights and the rule of law across the world, the country, as well as in our own backyard, you most likely will agree that there is something seriously wrong with our political system, at least when it comes to holding elected officials accountable.

And there is no finer example of this abuse of the public trust than in Canada’s smallest province, the Cradle of Confederation. We always hear our neighbors and friends say, ‘I can't wait until the next provincial election so we can get rid of this bad government’. To do what exactly? Elect another equally bad government? And by that time the previous administration has already left office with pensions for life and without being held accountable for any misdeeds they committed while holding the position of an MLA. Why wait four years when you can get rid of a delinquent MLA a lot sooner? Not only recall them from their office but ensure that they face penalties as well as the loss of benefits and their pension.

By implementing recall legislation and a code of ethics that all MLAs must adhere to while in office, PEI will be head and shoulders above many other jurisdictions across North America. It will show that we have finally as a society made a firm commitment to take corruption seriously and that our elected officials work for us, not the other way around.

In more recent decades, Islanders have seen subsequent scandals committed by provincial governments, not to mention an elitist attitude displayed by many elected officials who despite soaring inflation, high taxes, food instability, a decaying health care system, and other issues making life harder for the average Island, have seen to it to ensure that they are still well taken care of, the most recent example giving themselves a pay raise without any input from the electorate.

Perhaps you are fine with the status quo, and don't see anything wrong with the way things are, but for a growing number of people, the existing state of affairs in this province simply isn't working. Trust in public institutions - especially government and the democratic process - is at an all-time low, which translates to lower voter turnout, especially in provincial byelections.

It goes without saying that it is long past time for voters to be content to do more than merely go to the polls every four years. If we want to have a government for the people, we all have a hand in making sure that this becomes a reality, something that will be accomplished by enshrining recall legislation along with other tenets of direct democracy.

 Chris McGarry