Final answer:
The first ethics check question one should consider is 'Is it legal?' followed by 'Is it fair?' and 'How will it make me feel about myself?'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first ethics check question one should consider in this situation is Is it legal?. This is important because violating anti-pollution laws is against the law and can lead to severe consequences for the firm. The ethical dilemma presented in the question involves a Canadian government official offering to ignore the violation in exchange for a contribution to their re-election fund.
Next, one should consider the question Is it fair?. Ignoring the violation of anti-pollution laws in exchange for a personal gain (contribution to re-election fund) does not seem fair to other companies that are abiding by the laws and competing fairly. Lastly, one may also consider the question How will it make me feel about myself?. Engaging in unethical behavior such as bribing a government official can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and compromised integrity.