Our recent dialogue with Transparency International UK was a fantastic way to spend a summer Friday—engaging, thought-provoking, and filled with insights that will undoubtedly shape our work moving forward. It’s always inspiring to connect with our counterparts across the pond, especially when the conversation touches on the critical issues we both face in the fight against corruption.
We we're blessed to be joined by TI UK Chief Executive, Daniel Bruce. Daniel's background with his team, leading an intensive advocacy and outreach strategy for government is a north star for us as we approach a federal election in Canada. Daniel provided an insightful overview of how TI UK engaged from before the 2019 election, through the last term, into the campaign, and now the early days of a new government.
Those who joined us asked insightful questions about similarities between our respective countries and democratic systems.
One of the highlights was our discussion on reforming the upper chambers of parliament—the House of Lords in the UK and the Senate in Canada. We delved into how these institutions can be reformed to ensure they are more transparent and accountable, which is crucial in maintaining public trust. These reforms are not just about modernizing old systems; they’re about making sure these bodies work for the people, free from undue influence, including foreign interference.
The conversation naturally turned to the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly around procurement. The pandemic exposed some significant vulnerabilities in how quickly things can go wrong when transparency takes a back seat. Both Canada and the UK faced challenges, and our discussion highlighted the need for stronger oversight and clear, transparent procedures, especially in times of crisis.
Another critical topic was the role of institutions in supporting illicit money flows. It’s a tough battle, but one that both our countries are committed to fighting. The strength of financial institutions to our respective economies presents challenges to overcoming this reality. Tightening regulations and improving enforcement were key points of discussion, and it’s clear that both Canada and the UK have much to learn from each other in this area.
So, what does this all mean for TI Canada? Here are a few takeaways:
Stay Engaged: We need to be consistently active on the issues that matter. It’s not enough to react; we must be proactive in driving the conversation around transparency and accountability.
Champion Inclusivity: Our approach must remain multi-partisan and non-partisan. By working across the political spectrum, we can build a broader base of support and push for the changes that benefit everyone.
Elevate Solutions: Finding and promoting champions—both individuals and ideas—will help us amplify our impact. Whether it’s through partnerships, public campaigns, or policy advocacy, we need to keep pushing the solutions that can make a real difference.
Foster International Collaboration: The challenges we face aren’t confined to our borders. Continued collaboration with international partners like TI UK will only strengthen our efforts and help us learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
Thank you for those who joined us. This was my first dialogue since joining as Executive Director in June, and it wouldn't have been possible without you, our supporters, our members, and of course, the team at TI UK.
This dialogue was more than just an exchange of ideas—it was a reminder of why we do what we do. It reaffirmed our commitment to transparency, integrity, and accountability, and it gave us new tools to continue this important work. I’m excited for what’s next and confident that, together, we can make a real impact in the fight against corruption.