Political Correctness in the New Economy

[Shwa]

Interesting story from the Star and their on-going peering into charity funding in the GTA, this time from Oshawa.

Charity boss hires own firm to fundraise

The Oshawa Hospital Foundation's chief executive officer is using his own company to run fundraising events for the foundation, including lotteries and gala concerts.

The Toronto Star uncovered this highly unusual arrangement as part of an ongoing investigation into charity in Canada.

Jim Szeman, the supercharged, quick-talking boss of the foundation, said his company Uncommon Results — registered in British Columbia but doing work in Oshawa — provides great service for the foundation he runs. No competitive process was used to hire his company.

Back in the day this was called "conflict of interest." Nowadays it is called a "highly unusual arrangement." My, how political correctness has truly taken over.

In a series of interviews in person and by email, neither Szeman nor foundation chairperson Stephanie Ball could provide documentation showing the foundation board gave permission for Szeman to hire himself.

How charities are governed is a hot topic, with groups like Imagine Canada pushing charities to have rules that protect donors and prevent conflicts of interest.

A conflict of interest occurs when a senior executive makes decisions on something he or she has an interest in.

Ball called the hiring of Szeman's company a “unique” situation, but said it does not bother her.

Now it is called a "unique situation." One has to wonder if the foundation chairperson has taken a clue as to WHY this is a "unique situation" in the first place. One also has to wonder why the Star ins't calling it outright conflict of interest, cheating, double dipping and so on.

Perhaps the legal fallout drives this version of political correctness like social fallout drives other versions of it...

[charter.rights]

One also has to wonder why the Star ins't calling it outright conflict of interest, cheating, double dipping and so on.

Perhaps the legal fallout drives this version of political correctness like social fallout drives other versions of it...

The Lakeridge Health Lottery for Cancer buys advertising in the Toronto Star with that charity money.

[Michael Hardner]

It's strange that the Star would report this, then not call it what it is - conflict of interest. It should be a scandal.

[kimmy]

It's strange that the Star would report this, then not call it what it is - conflict of interest. It should be a scandal.

They describe the situation, and provide a definition of conflict of interest, but decline to outright declare this situation a conflict of interest.

"Political correctness"? No. They're afraid that if they connect the final dot they'll get an expensive lawsuit on their hands. Sadly, that's probably a very legitimate concern.

They've uncovered some facts that should make the public, the board of directors, and legal/regulatory officials ask questions. They've done their part and somebody in a position of authority ought to pick it up from here and connect that final dot. If nobody else is willing to make the final step, it's an indictment of somebody or maybe of the system in general, but it's not the Toronto Star's fault.

-k

[dre]

I think corporations in general have a predisposition towards supporting each others business models. But at least they ran the story.

[Sir Bandelot]

I think corporations in general have a predisposition towards supporting each others business models.

That's a little old thing called "fascism".

[Shwa]

They describe the situation, and provide a definition of conflict of interest, but decline to outright declare this situation a conflict of interest.

"Political correctness"? No. They're afraid that if they connect the final dot they'll get an expensive lawsuit on their hands. Sadly, that's probably a very legitimate concern.

They've uncovered some facts that should make the public, the board of directors, and legal/regulatory officials ask questions. They've done their part and somebody in a position of authority ought to pick it up from here and connect that final dot. If nobody else is willing to make the final step, it's an indictment of somebody or maybe of the system in general, but it's not the Toronto Star's fault. -k

Agreed. But why would the Star - and Torstar - really care if some small time promoter decided to sue them for using a well known phrase, such as 'conflict of interest? ' It seems they do everything but call it conflict of interest. It is not like the Star hasn't called people out for conflict of interest before, I am sure. And really, is 'conflict of interest' such a loaded phrase as to cause a lawsuit?

It seems to me that there is an intentional moderation of language - PC-like - going on here and it is almost as fishy as Szeman's unique arrangement...

[juses]

I think corporations in general have a predisposition towards supporting each others business models.

But at least they ran the story.

Nothing is political correctness nowadays!

how to deal with depression

[Oleg Bach]

Politial correctness and affirmative action destroy a good economy..Instead of the best and most gifted person to create wealth and the classic trick down effect of prosperity..we get mediorce jerks put in place who are skilless and have no talent or energy to create prosperity ...so the economy faulters...It only makes sense that if you take the one with the least natural power an abilty and place that person in a postion of authority ..you will have poor results..sure politcal correctness will be satififed and we will all be EQUAL...equally poor!