It's somewhat better now, but yes, there's definitely still a significant organized crime element in the government there.I think that's New Jersey thirty or forty years ago, I'm not sure how much it goes on any more. Thrash might have more to say about that. But remember, NJ is actually one of the richest, poshest states in the union. Last time I checked it was #1, in fact (although I think sometimes Connecticut surpasses it).
You asked me about house and job, etc. Anyway.I didn't ask your personal financial situation. I asked if you have to bribe officials to get government services in Canada. And it was more of a rhetorical question to make a point, since I was already reasonably sure of the answer. But you're the one who cited examples from your own life to bolster your argument. If you don't want to go down that path, don't open the gate.
And yes. The answer is yes. There are some government services that are only available to relatives of government officials.
In theory, it's much more restricted than in the U.S. All of our parties are given public money to fund their election campaigns, and there are election spending limits.Probably because they're getting kickbacks or other tangible benefits. And yes, THAT is corruption. It happens here, too, only on a much larger scale, usually under the guise of "lobbying." What is the status of private money in Canadian elections? Is it allowed? And if so, are there limits on it?
However said spending limits are ... often not enforced. Again, corruption.
New governments also often bring in changes to the way that public money is doled out in an effort to cripple the losing side as well.