3.0. National Citizens Inquiry

3.1  Public Confidence in Government-Led Public Inquiries

Introduction

Government-led public inquiries can play a crucial role in investigating significant events and emerging issues of public concern. Formally known as Royal Commissions, these types of inquiries have been around for some time.

Historically, the intent of government-led inquiries was to uncover the truth, hold individuals accountable, and to inform public policy. The confidence of the public in the integrity and effectiveness of these inquiries is vital for national success.

More recently, Canadians began questioning the validity of government inquiries. This stems from the reluctance of governments to listen to issues of public concern in a fair and unbiased manner. Instead, it is widely believed that many public inquires are simply for show, utilized to satisfy certain legislative requirements. This may explain why Canadians have become disillusioned by governments carefully choreographing the agenda to reach a predetermined and government beneficial conclusion.

Often these inquiries are staffed with government insiders and/or people invited to participate, even though in some circumstances there exists the appearance of conflicts of interest. The latter in and of itself provides Canadians with legitimate reasons not to trust their public institutions.

Further, without the presence of an objective and unbiased media, the perception is that these public inquiries are generally used to smooth over government failures, indiscretions, conflicts of interest, and outright wrong-doing.

Therefore, government-led public inquiries are often seen as susceptible to bias or political interference, particularly when these inquiries are initiated or overseen by more superior governing authorities. Skepticism arises if there are concerns that the inquiry‘s findings and recommendations may be influenced or manipulated to protect certain interests or, conversely, to avoid political or legal consequences.

Most of all, government-led public inquiries are expected to be independent and free from external influence. However, when doubts of impartiality arise, inevitably public trust erodes. The same complaint can be linked to transparency. People expect their voices to be heard.

If there are doubts about the impartiality and independence of the commissioners or panel members leading the inquiry, public trust will be eroded. Perceptions of conflicts of interest or close ties to the entities being investigated can also undermine confidence in the inquiry process.

Stated differently, this provides reasons why government-led public inquiries face criticism, particularly if the scope or terms of reference are perceived as too narrow or limited. By the same token, if the inquiry fails to address all relevant aspects of an issue or excludes certain key stakeholders, the public may question the thoroughness and fairness of the investigation.

It is from these perspectives, and more, that public trust diminishes when there is a perception that the findings and recommendations of the inquiry are not adequately acted upon or implemented. If there is a lack of accountability for those responsible for the issues under investigation, it can reinforce the perception that the inquiry was a superficial exercise without meaningful consequences.

Extended inquiry processes with frequent delays can undermine public trust. If an inquiry drags on for an excessive amount of time without clear progress, it may be viewed as an attempt to prolong or avoid uncomfortable findings. Lengthy processes can also lead to public fatigue and a diminished sense of the inquiry‘s importance or relevance.

In recent years, government-mandated inquiries have not effectively addressed the concerns of citizens, leading to increased skepticism and diminished confidence in the effectiveness and impact of future inquiries.

Public apathy is also a problem since there is a perception that even a negative ruling against the government will simply go unaddressed. It is not enough for a responsible party to simply make an apology in public for unethical or illegal behaviour. Business as usual cannot be the result.

In recent times, both federal and provincial governments have failed to address many of these factors. Governments have been ineffective in restoring public confidence. Governments have also failed to demonstrate the importance of truth-seeking, accountability, and effectively informing public policy decisions.

Given the current level of public mistrust in government-led public inquiries, it is essential to address these concerns by ensuring transparency, independence, inclusivity, effective communication, and timely implementation of recommendations through a completely independent and citizen-led inquiry.

Should government decide to restore public confidence, it will involve a long process of action rather than propaganda. 

However, if it is the desire of the Canadian people to restore the accountability of their government, they must insist on the following five foundational requirements for any future government-led public inquiry:

Transparency

Transparency is a cornerstone of public confidence in government-led public inquiries. The process should be open, accessible, and free from hidden agendas or opaque-led decision-making. Transparency ensures that the public has a clear understanding of the inquiry’s objectives, procedures, and findings. Timely release of information, public access to hearings or proceedings, and the publication of inquiry reports are essential components of transparency. When the public can see that an inquiry is conducted in a transparent manner, it enhances their trust in the process and its outcomes.

Independence

Independence is another critical factor in fostering public confidence in government-led public inquiries. An inquiry must be perceived as free from undue influence or interference. Independent commissioners or panel members, appointed through a transparent and accountable process, help establish this perception. It is important that those leading the inquiry have the necessary expertise and impartiality to investigate the matter at hand. Independence ensures that the inquiry‘s findings and recommendations are not compromised by political or external pressures, which strengthens public trust in the process.

Inclusivity

Inclusivity is key to instilling confidence in government-led public inquiries. The involvement of affected individuals, communities, experts, and relevant stakeholders in the inquiry process is essential. Inclusive participation allows diverse perspectives to be heard, fosters public trust, and ensures the inquiry‘s conclusions are comprehensive and well-rounded. Engaging with those affected by the issues under investigation demonstrates a commitment to fairness, empathy, and transparency, further enhancing public confidence in the inquiry.

Effective Communication

Effective communication is crucial in maintaining public confidence in government-led public inquiries. Clear and regular communication about the inquiry‘s progress, objectives, and key milestones helps the public stay informed and engaged. This includes providing updates on the inquiry‘s findings, explaining the rationale behind decisions, and addressing any concerns or questions from the public. Open and transparent communication builds credibility and demonstrates the inquiry‘s commitment to serving the public interest.

Implementation of Recommendations

The implementation of recommendations arising from a government-led public inquiry is essential to maintaining public confidence. When the findings and recommendations of an inquiry are promptly and effectively acted upon, it demonstrates that the inquiry was not merely a symbolic exercise but an opportunity for meaningful change. Government commitment to implementing the recommendations sends a strong signal to the public that the inquiry had a real impact and that the government is responsive to the concerns identified during the inquiry process.

Conclusion

Public confidence in government-led public inquiries is crucial for the legitimacy, effectiveness, and impact. Transparency, independence, inclusivity, effective communication, and the implementation of recommendations are key elements that contribute to building and sustaining public confidence. When these factors are prioritized, the public can trust that government-led public inquiries are conducted in an impartial, fair, and accountable manner. Public confidence ensures that the inquiries serve their intended purpose, which is to uncover the truth, hold accountable those responsible, and inform policies and actions to prevent similar issues in the future. 

3.2  The Need for an Independent Inquiry

An independent inquiry was necessary for a variety of reasons, including the following:

The Canadian public no longer has confidence in the government conducting objective and impartial investigations into significant events or issues. By removing potential biases and conflicts of interest, independent inquiries can provide a fair assessment of the facts and circumstances surrounding potentially contentious public matters.

Only a truly independent inquiry could build public trust and confidence in the investigation process. When an inquiry is perceived as unbiased and free from external influence, the public is more likely to have confidence in its findings and recommendations.

An independent inquiry that directly engages the public in locations across Canada is vital in holding individuals, organizations, or institutions accountable for their actions or decisions. By examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assessing relevant information, independent inquiries can determine responsibility and ensure transparency in the process.

This independent Inquiry has the capacity to identify systemic issues or underlying factors that contribute to significant events or issues. By delving into the root causes, an independent inquiry can provide valuable insights and recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Through their findings and recommendations, the National Citizens Inquiry has highlighted areas of improvement to guide the development of effective policies, procedures, and regulations.

The National Citizens Inquiry hearings served as a mechanism for the public to voice their concerns and restore confidence in institutions or systems that may have been compromised. By conducting a thorough and independent examination of an issue, an inquiry can help restore public trust and demonstrate accountability.

The National Citizens Inquiry promotes transparency and upholds democratic values by ensuring that government actions or decisions are subject to scrutiny. They contribute to a transparent and accountable governance system, fostering public participation and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of society.

Overall, the National Citizens Inquiry was necessary to ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency in investigating significant events or issues. By removing biases and conflicts of interest, independent inquiries play a crucial role in delivering objective findings, promoting public trust, and informing policies to prevent recurrence.