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Photo by Aaron Vincent Elkaim/CP

Off the record, conversations about pay-to-play regarding both nominations and Brown’s election platform are frequently heard. Not, to be clear, from rival partisans accusing the PCs of being corrupt, but from fellow partisans who are disturbed by what they have witnessed. Some of this has been reported on the record; much of it has not.

Then there were the accusations made by the Liberals, armed with audio recordings, that Ford, before he was PC leader, had encouraged people to become members without paying, which is not permitted.

What is true, what is not? What was sold, who sold it and who bought it?

What is true, what is not? What was sold, who sold it and who bought it?

Those questions do not have clear answers. But it is reasonably clear to those who move in Ontario political circles that a culture of corruption had taken root; a sleazy streak now runs through our politics.

The change in laws was essential. But there must also be a change in culture. How to effect that?

Criminal law may not be a good instrument. The criminal trials of former premier Dalton McGuinty’s senior officials for destroying documents in the gas-plant scandal were convoluted and much-delayed. It also creates a sense that anything short of criminal wrongdoing is acceptable. In any case, much of the selling of access was legal at the time, and while it is relatively easy to sense that a quid pro quo has taken place, it is notoriously difficult to prove it in court.

There are too many rumours, too many shady explanations, too much confidence eroded for nothing to be done

A public inquiry might help, though it is unlikely to be called. But there are too many rumours, too many shady explanations, too much confidence eroded for nothing to be done. An internal party investigation led by an unimpeachable and respected party elder, or neutral third party, might be a feasible option. Ford has already hinted that, after the election, there needs to be reckoning with corruption in the PC nomination process.

After an election, there is always a call for healing and desire to move on. That should be resisted in regards to the hygiene of our political culture.