Unacceptable, Madam Minister of Information

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I write with grave concern regarding the recent statement by the minister of information that there is “no documentation” surrounding the changes made to the advertisement for the position of director of the Financial Investigations Division (FID). This response is not only troubling in its implications for transparency and good governance, but it also raises serious questions about the processes within our public service. The FID is a critical agency tasked with combating financial crimes, including corruption and money laundering. The appointment of its director should therefore be beyond reproach, and the process must be both transparent and fully documented. To now hear that the Government cannot provide records to explain why, or how such a significant alteration was made to the ad is unacceptable. It either points to an alarming level of administrative carelessness or a deliberate attempt to obscure the truth. Neither is reassuring. It is not enough for the Government to claim ignorance or say the matter is being looked into. The public deserves clarity. Who authorised the change? Why was it made? And why is there no paper trail? At a time when public trust in institutions is fragile, the Government must demonstrate its commitment to accountability. Anything less undermines the very integrity of our governance systems.

RALSTON CHAMBERLAIN

Ajax, Ontario