OPINION: What's Good For The Goose is Good For the Gander

In the realm of municipal employment, the necessity of a criminal record check is a ubiquitous standard.

Whether you're applying for a job or working as a contractor with a municipality, one of the inevitable steps in the hiring process is the submission of a criminal record check. This protocol ensures a certain level of trust and safety within the public sector. But this begs the question: should the same level of scrutiny apply to those running for municipal office?

Municipal administration positions often come with significant responsibility and trust. Applicants are vetted to ensure they have a clean slate, free from past criminal behavior that could potentially compromise their role. The logic is straightforward: those in positions of power and influence should be held to a high standard of integrity. But what about the politicians who oversee these administrators? Shouldn’t the same rules apply?

The city of Battleford, Saskatchewan, thinks so. Just last month, they implemented a policy requiring all municipal candidates to submit a criminal record check along with their nomination packages. This move has sparked a discussion on the broader necessity and implications of such measures.

On the surface, the requirement for political candidates to submit to criminal record checks seems like a no-brainer. After all, we expect transparency and accountability from our elected officials. Knowing if a candidate has a past conviction—be it for drunk driving, fraud, or any other serious offense—empowers voters to make informed decisions.

For many, this is a matter of consistency and fairness.

If municipal employees are required to undergo such checks, why shouldn't the elected officials who govern them be held to the same standard? It's about ensuring that those who are tasked with upholding the law and maintaining public trust are themselves beyond reproach.

Some might argue that past mistakes shouldn't disqualify someone from serving their community, especially if those mistakes are minor, such as speeding tickets. However, transparency about such issues can foster trust. Admitting to past infractions shows accountability and honesty, qualities that are essential in public office.

Of course, not all criminal record checks are created equal. There is concern that these checks might not always reveal the full scope of a candidate's past. For instance, my own recent police background check did not list my minor traffic violations, such as photo radar speeding tickets.

This brings us to a broader point: the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of criminal record checks. While they are an important tool, they are not foolproof. Some offenses might not appear on a standard check, and should be a vigirious debate about what should and shouldn’t be included.

Expanding this idea to provincial and federal politicians seems like a logical next step as well.

Political parties already conduct thorough vetting processes for their candidates, so why not make this information public? Voters have a right to know if a candidate has a history of criminal behavior or any previous criminal act. Transparency at all levels of government is crucial for maintaining public trust.

However, I know that implementing such measures can come with it's own set of challenges. There needs to be a clear and fair system for what types of past behavior should be disclosed and how this information is presented to the public.

The requirement for municipal politicians to submit criminal record checks could be a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability in local government.

If we expect this level of scrutiny from municipal employees, it is only fair that the same standard applies to those running for office.

After all, public trust is the cornerstone of democracy, and ensuring our leaders are held to high ethical standards is essential for its preservation. By fostering an environment of openness and honesty, we can work towards a more trustworthy and accountable political system.