The National Citizens Inquiry —Almost There—And Then—??

I was a strong  supporter of the National Citizens Inquiry.

As a matter of fact , with others , I was in the front line suggesting such  a measure.

On the steps of the BC Legislative on May 28, 2022 I issued what I called my Magna Carta —-specific measures that I thought were necessary to re establish our democracy and national integrity. The very first item in that manifesto was:

‘An Independent Public National Inquiry to Examine whether Government  (Federal, Provincial and Territorial) mandates and lockdowns were necessary and constitutional.  People in Government and their agencies who are found guilty of breaking the law after due process MUST be brought to Justice.

Such an Inquiry CANNOT be led by any of the Governments of Canada who are the major subjects of the Inquiry.  Instead, a Citizens Group MUST be formed for that purpose.   And these Governments and their agencies MUST open their books and release to the inquiry and the public all necessary relevant information concerning their actions during the pandemic.’

Many orgaizations got involved and lo and behold such an Inquiry organization came into being and is up and running . On its website in the introduction section the following is stated:

‘ Citizen-Led Accountability When Governments Stayed Silent… ‘

And then goes on to say 

‘Over the past few months, hundreds of Canadians from coast-to-coast began focusing their efforts in the development of a collaborative, transparent, and truly independent national inquiry. Their efforts led to the National Citizens’ Inquiry, a completely citizen-led and citizen-funded initiative through Citizens Inquiry Canada, a newly created not-for-profit organization.’

I was a member of the support committee organizing its formation. 

I resigned from the Committee because my vocal anti government positions could be construed that the Inquiry was not truly neutral and independent having someone like me as part of it.  Other committee members concurred or did not oppose my resignation. 

While a part of the Committee I had expressed some views about the soft approach on accountability in the wording of the  mandate and made concrete suggestions to strengthen that aspect. Hence,  I had some concerns.

Nevertheless, I continued to support NCI and said so publicly on this blog . 

NCI has proceeded to organize and tens of thousands have written to the NCI indicating their moral support.

It is my clear understanding in talking to hundreds involved in the freedom movement that they supported NCI largely because it was independent of Governments. That given what had happened since early 2020 Governments were not to be trusted given the manner and nature of various government initiated mandates and lockdowns . 

Recently one of the leaders of NCI the Honourable Preston Manning has accepted a paid position ( $250,000 ) with the Alberta Government to lead that Province’s own ‘covid ‘ inquiry while still maintaining involvement with NCI. 

I have written to NCI expressing my concerns that such involvement with a Canadian Government by one of the leaders of NCI puts in jeopardy one of the principles that is the bedrock of NCI’s existence—independence and non governmental involvement as articulated not only by me but in the ideas outlined on NCI’s own website. 

NCI has responded that they have made changes to ensure there is no conflict in Mr. Manning’s dealings with the Alberta Inquiry and the National Inquiry . In other words Mr.Manning still being  involved with NCI is acceptable.

In my involvement in Government and business over decades I have come to realize even more than I had earlier the absolute necessity of integrity in all matters to ensure and safeguard a working democracy. I even remember it said to me by more than one citizen that there was only one thing wrong with me and that was I was too honest. A compliment indeed. But there is this festering , nasty idea that there are levels of honesty in public and business life. 

And often it is not what is or was written but the natural exchange between parties too closely aligned but serving  separate masters where real or perceived conflict arises. And when financial gain is involved that further complicates the situation. 

The reason why this Country and most of the world is in crisis is because its leaders have lost their moral authority to lead . Double standards, ethical and conflict of interest violations abound and misrepresentation and misinformation and partial science are sold as fact. Recently another Federal Minister is found breaking the ethics law joining the Prime Minister and Former Finance Minister Morneau.  Conservative Party leaders use party funds for personal use. Health professionals have been fired for expressing their views and the esteemed intellectual Jordan Peterson is having to fight to keep his professional designation. 

All the more reason that a Citizen led independent inquiry’s behaviour must be utterly beyond reproach in its own operation and functioning when looking at Government policies and programs which negatively impacted citizens all the way to death , injury, psychological distress, loss of employment and family disruption and separation .

Lord Hewart, Lord Chef Justice of England in 1924 said : “

“Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done”

The present structure of NCI in my view presents a perceived conflict of interest . This is tricky business and to provide the opportunity to Governments to criticize us for that which we criticize them surely undermines our credibility. 

The National Citizens Inquiry’s independence is at stake . The organization would do well to heed the advice ( as I have done) of the Lord ChiefJustice almost one hundred years ago.

Honourable A. Brian Peckford