• patatas@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    If this were simply a ploy to manufacture outrage, then Carney’s best move would be to neutralize that ploy, or ‘distraction’, by calling people’s bluff and actually being transparent.

    Instead, he got angry at reporters for asking him about it, and denied that there could be any possible conflict.

    Meanwhile he continues to pitch projects in sectors that Brookfield has tens of billions invested in.

      • patatas@sh.itjust.works
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        1 year ago

        I mean, he didn’t have to run for the Liberal leadership on the first place. I heard one commentator describe it as the ‘opportunity cost’ of running for PM.

        Am I surprised that someone who sets up funds in the Caymans is trying to use the letter of the rules as a get out of jail free card? No.

        But he must have known it would look terrible. If all this was a surprise to Carney, then we should be very worried about his ability to govern this country.

          • patatas@sh.itjust.works
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            1 year ago

            He should waive his right to exercise those stock options. Or step down if he values the money more.

            This is why a PM gets a good salary and pension: they’re giving up things to be in a position of immense power. That’s the trade.

              • patatas@sh.itjust.works
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                1 year ago

                Lol I figured you’d say that.

                Why is it “crazy” to want to ensure the leader of a country doesn’t have multi-million dollar conflicts of interest?

                Sorry, but I don’t think we should be casual about this stuff. He’s making decisions that affect 40 million people.

                If Carney doesn’t want to be PM then he can step down. If he does, then he has to accept limitations on what counts as a “blind” trust.

                I don’t think this is unreasonable in the slightest.

                  • patatas@sh.itjust.works
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                    1 year ago

                    You mentioned precedent before.

                    What precedent would it set if someone could work for a company, be handed millions in stock options, and then run for office with the secret but explicit understanding that the stock options were arranged as a way to incentivize certain policy positions?

                    I wouldn’t be totally opposed to what you’re suggesting, but as you say, there’s no mechanism for doing it.

                    So, too bad for Carney, he should have thought of this before he agreed to be paid in stock options and then run for PM. This is his own mess!

                    And frankly I’m kind of shocked that anyone is defending a multimillionaire who’s doing something so brazenly counter to the spirit of our ethics rules.

                    Well, I’d expect it from Trump or Poilievre supporters, sure.