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Essay contest
In 2006 the Québec Lobbyists Commissioner launched its first Essay Contest for Quebec university students. A new formula was introduced in this fourth year of the contest. There are three prizes: first prize consists of publication in a magazine and an amount of $1,000; second prize is $800; and third prize is $500. The three selected essays are published on the Québec Lobbyists Commissioner’s website and described in a press release. In 2010 the students reflect on a question raised by many citizens, especially when discretionary agreements are revealed by the media: Are public decision-makers at the mercy of lobbyists? The Lobbying Transparency and Ethics Act, adopted in 2002, was designed to improve citizens’ confidence in their institutions by ensuring that the people who attempt to influence public decision-makers respect the requirements of transparency and ethics. Seven years later, can we say “mission accomplished”? If so, why? For more details, visit the contest microsite. |