Persuaders: Influence peddling, lobbying, and political corruption in Canada

By Paul Malvern

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0458995002
• ISBN13: 9780458995004
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: Methuen
• Length: 350 Pages
• Weight: 1.58 lbs.

Customer Reviews

What we suspected is really true

Paul Malvern wrote this book 15 years age about the Canadian political scene and what really goes on. This topic is little known, as governments have no interest in washing dirty linen in public. He analyses the historical perspective, taking us back to the early days and Canada's corruption of the aboriginal population by traders, politicians and an ethically accomodating clergy. The story just 15 years ago was equally shocking. Corruption and graft seem the name of the game. Ordinary citizens have about zero influence on the decision making process. Mr. Malvern is especially critical of big business and the development industry and their supporters, whose only aims are pure greed. A lot of shots are taken at lobbyists, presssure group, bagmen and influence peddlars. He also criticises politicians at all levels who are anxious to improve their own lot and to be reelected at whatever cost. Political donations are perceived as almost akin to legalised bribery. Figures and tables are clearly presented to illustrate his points. Language is often colourful. I loved his phrase about not being able to buy a politician, but you can rent them!I would love to see this book updated. He'd have even more material in Canada today, as things seem to be progressively more corrupt- great grist for Mr. Malvern's mill.