Medling

Elon Musk’s recent interference with Ukrainian military operations raises concerns about powerful corporate entities becoming players in global affairs. It is said the multinational corporations have rights but no responsibilities. While this is technically not true, Musk manipulated access to Starlink technology to influence Ukraine’s national security with, so far, little or no consequences. This isn’t much different than a foreign power interfering with elections.

This should be a cautionary tale. I doubt that Musk is the only corporate entity to attempt to influence global affairs. Large resource extraction corporations and military contractors all have stakes in keeping the status quo or influencing the political climate in countries around the world. Even seemingly benign and beneficial corporate deals come with hefty strings attached. 

Domestically, the $7 billion investment by Volkswagen for a new manufacturing plant in Ontario or the massive investments in the Alberta Oil Sands will likely have long term effects in terms of pollution, public health, labour practices, and political manoeuvrings. Canada Breads recent admission that it arranged with its competitors to conduct price fixing on a number of its products only hints at corporate deals made behind closed doors. 

Politicians generally support free market capitalism but to do this without adequate scrutiny of corporate affairs is folly. Ethics investigations of our public figures has become routine. We treat corporations as if they are beyond reproach.