Toronto Computer Seeking Scandal Summary

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The common saying ‘with great power, comes great responsibility’ is extremely evident in the Toronto Computer Leasing Scandal, specifically in the first woman, as well as youngest, city treasurer of Ontario. As Treasurer of the City of Toronto, Wanda Liczyk oversaw a large annual budget and had a sizable influence on countless municipal government contracts. Ms. Liczyk failed to uphold boundaries of professionalism that were necessary in her position and in doing so partook in the corruption that occurred in the City of Toronto’s government in the late 1990s (The Honourable Madam Justice Denise E. Bellamy, 2005). Ms. Liczyk’s relationships with American IT consultant, Michael Saunders, and hairdresser turned computer salesman, Dash Domi, were never disclosed with Mel Lastman, the Mayor of Toronto at the time, and involved large conflicts of interest. These conflicts of interest demonstrated Ms. Liczyk’s inability to maintain transparency, objectivity and to claim accountability for her actions – all qualities needed in government officials the public is expected to trust (Milrad, 2006). What is a Conflict of Interest? Individuals in positions of power are elected to represent the public and to serve the people’s best interest, not to serve or benefit …show more content…

Breaking rules surrounding ethics has been noted as one of the largest reasons for a decrease in public confidence/trust in one’s government (Fernando, 2007). Public inquiries, such as the one developed by Madam Justice Bellamy, address the concerns of the public and allow for them to review the government’s failings. Stemming from this, changes can be made and the Inquiry can be utilized as a resource for change (although it does not represent a change itself) (Fernando,

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