Beyond the Hill
Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians.
Fall 2009

From the bookshelf

The Poverty of Corrupt Nations
by Roy Cullen
Published by Blue Butterfly
230 pages, Price $19.95
Reviewed by Léo Duguay

Like Roy himself: His book is a thoughtful,understated contribution to good public policy.

The Hon. Roy Cullen takes a look at how corrupt officials in the developing world impoverish the very nations being helped.

Few Canadians will know much of Roy Cullen's time as a Member of Parliament. Fewer still willl know that Roy once played hockey in South Aftrica. That's too bad, because he is an outstanding example of the many men and women who come to Ottawa for the best of reasons.They devote countless time and energy to enhance the well being of their constituency, to contribute to a great depate to make Canada stronger and to play a part in setting goals and driving ideas that make the world a better place.Roy isn't the glib, self-promoting media-seeker type. He has always led by example letting his actions speak for him.
        Roy Cullen's book The Poverty of Corrupt Nations is much like Roy himself: a thoughtful, understated contribution to good public policy. Lots of people are good at identifying problems. Roy not only knows and shows the roots of corruption, he suggests ways we can help solve the problem. He makes 20 solid suggestions to address the issues, including making corruption a "crime against humanity". Another is to require public office holders to reveal their income and assets.
        A lot of policy makers would benefit from reading this book. Many classrooms would find it stimulating. Even many countries might find a glimmer of hope in it. I wish I were confident that this solid effort would become a best seller. I hope it does. It is filled with good ideas, especially solutions, which are rare. His fellow parliamentarians and former parliamentarians should read it and spread the word. Nice going, Roy.