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Procedural Fairness in a Democratic Society

In: Social Issues

Submitted By tgandham
Words 1408
Pages 6
As Canadians, we live in a society that is defined as being free and democratic. The Government of Canada works extensively in order to ensure that the country’s laws are regulated and maintained and eventually followed by society. These rules and regulations arrive from the decisions made by the court systems and the government. Politicians are elected by us, the citizens, in order to represent our views on the regulation of certain laws but also assist in taking care of society and the economy by influencing public policies and making critical decisions. Living in a democratic country, these elected officials are expected by society to be honourable and fair when it comes to making decisions that are in the best interests of the community. Premier Dalton McGuinty, however, overlooked this concept when he decided to hold a private meeting behind closed doors with a stakeholder. In 2007, the Ontario Government announced that it would increase the minimum wage of workers every year until it reached the maximum of $10.25 in March of 2010. McGuinty’s private meeting involved a discussion with the stakeholder about cancelling the remaining increases due to Canada’s economic placement. This unethical decision by Premier McGuinty caused an uproar within communities mainly due to the fact that this action did not represent a democratic society. But is democracy the only issue present in this case? How does procedural fairness play a role in McGuinty’s unethical act? The answer to these questions will help define political implications and more revolving around a democratic governance.
In terms of governmental decision-making, procedural fairness is defined as a process that is open and transparent allowing those affected by the decision to fully express their views or arguments and to provide evidence supporting their case, both of which are to be considered by the

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