First, I’d like to thank all the people who took a moment to drop me a line over the past few hours, and those who have come by and left a comment here. Mostly I’d like to thank the five volunteers who showed up tonight in Milton to help Sharon and Esther unpack all the stuff that arrived from the outgoing Halton MP’s office. Boy, having more than one second-hand computer and a geriatric printer is going to be sweet.
Speaking of offices, after today I’m expecting the Whip will be assigning me a renovated washroom somewhere in a forgotten corner of a vermin-infested dank basement in Ottawa. That should go well with my seat in the House of Commons that will be visible only during lunar eclipses.
Uh-huh. That kind of a day. This one MP came face-to-face with the party machine in a series of unhappy meetings including one tonight with the prime minister. I think it is now safe to say my career options within the Conservative caucus are seriously limited. If you would like a course on how not to be popular in Ottawa, then take a seat.
I have written here many times over the past few months about my journey to become an MP again, and why I wanted to return to Ottawa. It was not to be a minister with a limo, but, as I explained, to try and empower elected people more, to make them relevant and free, so the voters would also become more empowered. And I campaigned to advance issues my middle class voters are so concerned with – things those families need and want.
But, I arrived as the prime minister was appointing a floor-crossing Liberal and an unelected party official to his cabinet, which seemed to fly in the face of everything I had told voters about accountability and democracy. It also made me question the whole process, after eight months of knocking on doors to win my coveted seat in this magnificent stone building on the banks of the Rideau.
Going from door to door turns a politician into a democrat. At least, it did for me. By the time I got to Parliament Hill, I was infused with the spirit of a new era in government, sated on the belief we would see freedom reign in the Chamber and that the days of subjugation of MPs by the prime minster’s office were numbered. I had swallowed with gusto promises of more free votes, more powerful committees of free-thinking MPs, more listening to the voters, and an elected and responsible Senate.
And, most importantly, I had taken that to the people. Change. The election was about change. I asked people in Halton to embrace the Conservatives as a modern, inclusive, mainstream, principled party of honest people committed to changing the system for the better. Finally. Something worth knocking on doors for in the dark and the cold. Something to believe in. Something to run for. Something on the Hill worth coming back for with a passion.
Sure, I thought the appointment of those two ministers was questionable. And after stating many a time that Belinda Stronach should have sought a by-election after her defection, how could I not say the same obvious thing now? It was simple for my constitutents to understand, and simple for me. I did not seek the microphones out, but when they were under my nose and a clear question was asked, I gave a clear answer.
Everybody who makes up the government should be elected. They should be elected as members of the party that forms the government. Anybody who switches parties should go back to the people. To do otherwise is to place politicians above the people when, actually, it’s the other way around.
But my comments were deemed not helpful, even though I chose them carefully and pulled some punches, suggesting Minister Emerson be given a little time before deciding on whether or not to get elected as a Tory.
Did I know the potential consequences of speaking my mind, or sticking with the principles that brought me to this cold hill? Yeah, I did. I have been an MP before, and a leadership candidate and a cabinet minister. I have the hide to prove it. I know the PMO has a song sheet it wants all caucus members to sing from, and I know what happens when an individual chooses to go his or her own way. I was just hoping this time I would not be asked to choose – between party and principle.
I chose principle. My deepest loyalty is to what I believe, what I told the voters and what I want Parliament to become. The Emerson affair may indeed blow over. The minister may decide not to take the heat. David may turn into a cabinet star and a national asset. But he should still have the conviction to get elected a member of the team he chose. The same team that I chose, and fought like a warrior to join, helped by hundreds more and supported by tens of thousands of others. How could any member of caucus not privately feel the same?
A few nights ago, I made some pledges here. I pledged to remember that my job is not to serve the party or the prime minister, but rather the people who sent me here. I pledged to work to enhance the position of MP, because when that happens, the voters win. I pledged to share my MP’s power with you every way I could, and to speak up for middle class Canadians.
That voice may be a little fainter now, coming from that forgotten basement washroom office, but, dammit, it won’t quit.
405 comments ↓
You da man.
Mr. Turner, I favoured C-251. That’s the real battle. Even from the tiniest office and the furthest seat keep the peace with your constituents and your caucus. We didn’t got through all of this to go all pale at the first sign of resistance. You are in our prayers FWIW.
So you’re being relegated to the trash heap of the Conservative Party because you stuck to your principles? The same ones that your colleagues espoused until it was inconvenient for them to continue doing so? This is what Stephen Harper meant when he said he was bringing change to Ottawa? And how does he expect anyone to believe him when he says he wants to have more free votes in the House when Garth Turner gets his wrist slapped for towing what was the party line, up until this past Monday? Garth, you deserve better. Sitting as an Independent would be preferable to being humiliated like this.
With all due respect, if the party apparatus is going to do this to you after some of the egregious things they have let their MPs say in the past, then maybe you need to take your leave from the Conservative Party. They clearly do not deserve someone of your calibre.
Although I am not a supporter of your party, I can indeed say that a person of your principle and commitment to same would get my vote. Congratulations for your efforts towards democracy and I offer my simple words of encouragement to keep up the good work. I think you have a lot of support across this country.
Garth,
With integrity like that, you cannot go wrong. We all support you for standing up for Canada!
Actually, Garth, while I sympathize somewhat, you could have taken a much more discrete route than the one you chose. Publicly disagreeing with the PM in a minority government is probably not the most career-enhancing move to make. Broadcasting the results on a blog are probably not going to move you up to a broom closet in the near future either.
That being said, I hope your bathroom comes with air conditioning & heat (in appropriate seasons).
Well it was a nice week of power. Once again tories who cant keep their intra-party conflicts internal (and away from the media) are helping the Liberals regain power.
Mr. Turner, It takes guts and a lot of humility to keep your eye on the prize even when others don’t seem to get it. Keep fighting no matter how low your posittion within caucus to keep everyone unwhipped on C-251. It can pass which would be a hell of a legacy for all us. You and Maria Minna are the heroes on this one.
[...] ada, david emerson, garth turner, politics, tom wappel.
This is a courageous stating of one’s principles. They needed stating over the furor caused [...]
Wow Garth, those grapes must be seriously sour!
way to go garth. you still in caucus?
wonder what chretien or martin would do to your status if you wrote this as a lib 5 days after swearing in.
things ARE different and i do believe you will be vindicated and not bounced.
proud of your voice, really.
I will restate my earlier commnents. I commend you for being the voice of reason. Many of us in the Liberal Party have been slapped by our “elders” over the past while. But you realize that if you stay true to those values you have, people will follow you anyway. I should know. I am a riding President. Peace.
The What Do I Know Grit.
http://thewhatdoiknowgrit.blogspot.com/
I would suggest that if you truly want to serve your constituents, you should chose your battles more wisely. If you would have tempered your comments, you would have been in a better position to fight that good fight,now, as you say, it will be a lot harder to hear your voice. I would suggest you take look at Monte Solbergs Blog and follow suit.
Garth – I did leave a long post on your blogsite but I will try to paraphrase here. As Conservatives we certainly believe in free speech and in speaking up for what we believe in and in that regard I agree with you. My disagreement with you comes from how I have seen the feeding frenzy that the MSM have resorted to over the past few days and how what you actually said is being reported by the MSM. The fault is theirs not yours, however you are learning a very hard lesson that speaking out is not always a good thing. I heard you on Mike Duffy today and thought you were right on – but then heard later reports and you would have thought it was a totally different interview. Because the MSM is desperate for anything and is not used to not having leaks they are snatching onto anyone who will give them anything and unfortunately that is you – and they are not being kind to you.
So while I do not think you should compromise your principles, I wonder if you should be sucked into the MSM’s vortex where your words can be manipulated against the party you represent.
Thanks for letting an Albertan (albeit a Tory) comment and good luck!
Stick with it Garth. Steven Harpers days are numbered. He lacks true political acumen and is not even loyal to those who have been with the party in the beginning. It shows that he is not and never will be a team player or a real leader. His arrogance knows no bounds.
Good on ya Garth.
Folks are noticing your integrity.
It is mighty impressive.
I wish I could call you and tell you so – but this works.
The Fortier move is just disgusting – I can deal with an unelected minister temporarily, and I can deal with appointing a senator … but giving it all to a party organizer, and puting them in charge of procurement is just disgusting.
Garth, keep your head up and keep on raging against the machine.
Bravo Sir! Keep it up.
It’s sad that it had to come to this on the first day.
What was he thinking? Or what were they thinking? Who’s really going to be running the Conservative Ship.
The only way we’ll have REAL change in this country is when more MPs start acting like Garth Turner. Sure, you pick your battles – and when the rest of the Conservative Party has fled, who’s left in the trenches? Garth Turner. It’s disgusting how many Conservatives are now singing a different tune about crossing the floor because it’s expedient. Why is Garth Turner the only one who’s showing some backbone and some principles? I wish you were my MP, Garth. But I think you’d better quit before you get fired – you obviously have more principles in your pinky finger than all of your colleagues combined.
I guess though Garth, with your political experience you would know that change comes from within and sometimes in gradual steps. You believe in the floor crossing proposal – that adds one more vote should it come back to the house. You want an elected senate – you could work towards it – cannot happen overnight. Team work does not happen when you second guess the coach on your and in fact, call him (“Harper) and others who do not share your views hypocrites or intimate that Mr. Emerson is immoral for simply doing something that there are no rules preventing and that has been done for more than 100 years.
Your voice would be heard in debates on the issues ass they arise. Your voice would be heard inc aucus as you fought for change. Your voice would be heard in the place you fought so hard to get to – the house of commons.
NOT through the media in a scrum. NOT to be used as a tool of the Liberal media and Liberal smear machine.
This will blow over – and your voice should be heard where it will make a difference- in parliament, in committees, in debates….
not on CBC smear bys.
Garth, stand by your principles. Prime Minister Harper has neatly played into the hands of people who hope he doesn’t have more than a single short term in office.
I hope you and the other Conservative members have what it takes to stand together and send Emerson back to the Liberals.
He may not be much use to you anyhow, given his prior involvement in the lumber industry. And now it looks like he helped to delay a softwood lumber deal — perhaps he figured all along he would cross the floor and become a minister if Harper run. Was this Emerson’s little insuance policy?
And now you have a Manitoba MP who was never sure he would stay an MP if elected because he also had his eye on running for leader of the Manitoba Conservative party. Pallister is just like Emerson in that neither one of them feel themselves accountable to voters who elect them to a specific job or a specific party.
I’m a member of one of the other mainstream political parties but all I have to say is good on you for sticking to your principles.
I only wish all the members of my chosen party had your integrity and values.
Democracy is about building a bigger tent. Stephen Harper was building a bigger tent, within the rules as they are written today.
“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds”, Emerson (Ralph Waldo)
Respectfully, you see the trees, but not the forest.
You want to save a tree, only to let the Liberals burn down the forest.
There are over 100,000 voters in Halton, and over 70% came out to vote. You won the right to speak for them, and what I hear, you are doing just that. So remember, those ten’s of thousands of supporters, need one hell of a loud voice coming from that -basement washroom! It may be the only chance we have to be heard. Good Luck,
we are with you all the way.
Keep it up Garth…
funny how your principles have the lefting trolling for you to defect already…
I’m sure all your fellow Conservative MPs will appreciate the candour…
sometimes it takes some people a little time to get used to straight-shooting
As an NDPer who did his time knocking doors in an ‘unwinnable’ riding, I think GT makes some good points. My party ran 3rd where I live, but that’s ok because our small team stood up for our beliefs. I’m willing to bet GT respects that, but Harper & Emerson & Reynolds clearly can’t even unerstand why he would.
Garth,
You defeated a friend of mine when you won on election night. Gary Carr was an honourable man who represented his riding well. He will be missed. But I am very glad you have taken up the torch of honesty and integrity – dont put it down. Your constituents and all Canadians are counting on you and others like you.
Dave
By the way Mr. Turner – your Blog has been inundated by Liberal trolls pretending to be shocked and dismayed Conservatives.
There is a well-orchestrated team of such bloggers who are intent on keeping this alive so Canadians are distracted from the real issues of the day – uncovering Liberal corruption being the one they most want to drown out.
Some of these bloggers should ask the Liberal war room for a few more original phrases as the ones they are using are getting over used.
Oh, and maybe change the syntax a bit in your writings as that is as telling as a fingerprint.
Dear Honourable Mr. Turner,
You are certainly one of the best MPs this country has and your altruism should be respected and emulated by others. At the same time please don’t allow this issue to be used by liberals as fodder with which to hurl at the new Conservative Govt.
I have a different take on the whole matter, namely, that allowing a politician to cross the floor empowers the MP as opposed to the leader but I hear you and wish that there were more like you who had the courage of their convictions. I see you’ve taken great care to pull punches. All I can say is, while you continue to fight for your beliefs, as you should, please keep in mind that there are some who care little about democracy and changing Parliament, as evidenced by their recent 12 year stint, yet who are looking for any reason to attack the new Govt which does want to make progress on these issues.
I wish you were representing West Nova. You restore some of my faith in politicians.
For the rest, Harper’s debut stinks.
I’ll keep enjoying your blog.
I miss your column in the Halifax Herald.
All the best.
What a great idea! Let’s take every policy that wasn’t adopted by the Conservative Party, and continue the debate over those policies in the press! After all, some people supported those policies that weren’t adopted. And individual MPs have the right to ignore the Party policies, no?
I just wanted to say how much I admire your principles and convictions. I am sorry you are being punished for acting in good conscience.
Shame on you! It is because of Conservatives like you that we are doomed to be in opposition the rest of our lives.
The one thing about Liberals they keep their fights within caucus and remain loyal publicly. You would rarely see the caucus criticizing the leader in public. Not you though. You can stand on principle Mr. Turner but you will make the opposition decide to defeat the government because they are deemed divided and not supporting the leader. Canada is made up of a party system, not individuals. So it won’t be long before you and your principles sit in opposition. See how long you hang around then.
Maybe you should cross the floor and sit with the libs, sit close to Belinda and share stories about” mean ole Stevie”
Dear Garth,
I commend your stand. It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in. In the short term you may get that drafty office next to the broken toilet, but in the long term sticking to your principles will mean so much more. Just make sure you pack an extra can of Glad Air-freshener.
Phillip
http://phillip.blancher.ca
I don’t recall hearing Garth calling Harper a hypocryte.
Give yourselves a shake here. Garth refuses to hide from the media like so many we saw on TV tonight. He only stated that he was of the same opinion as he always had been. Garth didn’t change – it was the party who changed.
For someone with experience there, you seem to know very little about Parliament. Members have been crossing the floor since the king stormed into Parliament. They can do it because Parliament recognizes the individual representative and not the party. Which is why the anti-floor crossing legislation is such a stupid, anti-parliamentary idea.
Second: There’s that little thing called party discipline. I think you’re being disingenuous about “principles”, to be honest. I think you saw this as an opportunity to get a little national press time early on. All of it on the back of the party, of course.
Well too bad Garth. I’m glad Harper lowered the boom, and I hope that the rest of the caucus takes note.
I totally respect garth for his decision to not change his stance from what he said about Stronach. Your principle in not being two face is very honourable, sir.
That being said, I agree that in a party system every MP must unite around the leader in public and keep dissident internal and debate it within private meetings, etc. I’m not saying you can’t disagree in public, but to go directly to the media and help ad fuel to the fire does not help a minority government.
The reason they want you to sing the tune of the swan song (party line) is so that they can get this story out of the media. By talking to the media about this, I can see why they would be choked. Tories ran their campaign flawlessly for this very reason, you can’t expect them to be any different during their time in government.
Keep up the good work nonetheless.
Again, my compliments to you. It’s rare these days for a politician to remember they work for the people and not the party. I still wouldn’t vote for you but at least I respect your integrity.
I can’t believe people would have the audacity to read your post and criticize you for breaking loyalty, Mr. Turner. Your words were honest, and they were beautiful, and I thank you for taking the time to share them. Mr. Harper could learn a thing or two from you.
Shame on you big baby, may be its best if you left the conservatives and joined the liberals, I have no respect for you. Didn’t get what you wanted?
I support Harper and Emerson would be good in the cabinet.SHAME ON YOU.
Mr. Turner, you are what is right with the Conservative Party. A lot of what the prime minister has done this week has bugged me and it’s good to see he has MPs that are willing to speak truth to power. In any other party you would have been drummed out for something like this and as such I am proud to be a member of a party that allows dissenting viewpoints.
Yeah you need to clamp those loose lips, fight your battles in Ottawa not out in the open where the liberal sharks are swimming. Lets try to not have an election within a year.
>
Yup. The response of True Believers to any who Stand up for … Canada wasn’t it to be? Accountability, a new day dawning? CROSS THE FLOOR YOU WERE NEVER A TRUE PRINCIPLED CONSERVATIVE ANYWAY!!!
lorraine, keeker, et all – you’re entitled to your opinion, but you’re way out in left field. me and my neighbours voted for Garth (many of us in spite of harper, rather than because of him). we didn’t vote for harper or his shenanigans. we’ll be glad to see him go. Garth on the other hand has become even more of a name than he was before, and names get re-elected. in the next version of the conservative party we may just see Garth in charge. given that he’s one of the few actually acting with integrity (and loyalty – quit crying you nutjobs), i think we’ll keep reelecting him.
and am i the only one who notices that people like platty et al who leave their own blog links seem to have almost no comments/replies on their own blogs? come on people, quit trolling for hits.
Garth – you earned my vote the way you ran your campaign. you’ll keep it because of what i’ve seen/heard in the past week. Just sorry you had to become a party punching bag to do it. Keep your head up though – building a solid reputation will outlast any minority and many majority mandates.
These issues, the appointment of Mr. Fortier to the Senate (“I didn’t want to run in this election”) and the bait-and-switch David Emerson cabinet appointment can not be easy to justify for Conservative MPs. Just stick to your guns and say what you feel is right, the constituents will reward you for it.
The PM made an executive decision. You don’t like it? Too bad. Wait 3 months.
Though I would excuse your thoughts when the mic was put in your face (you have the right to an opinion), I do not excuse you for going on to Politics today or coming home to write your blog.
You know better. You have been there.
1st rule of Politics:
Loyalty.
2nd rule:
Loyalty.
3rd rule:
Loyalty.
You would have been in Cabinet in May.
It’s been a bit of a rocky start to our first really new government in a dozen years. Tough choices had to be made to get representation in those cities that have none. But I also have newfound respect for Mr. Turner in standing up for his principles, and not changing his tune or walking away from journalists when what’s happening doesn’t jive with what was said during the election. Keep true to what your constituents would want, and you can’t go wrong. I know that’s what you’re doing here. Party on, Garth.
Everyone in private industry that has ever disagreed with their boss on national television (all stations) and still had their job the next day, hold up your hand.
*where did everybody go?*
I agree with Peter, Turner was on every politics show and newscast today. What this is really all about is that Turner expected to be in cabinet, and this is his way of getting even with the PM.
Garth: you’re bang on! Keep up the good work in Ottawa!
I’m a party man, but Mr. Harper’s actions made all of his candidates who preached to a new, heightened level of morality and accountability look like chumps. You may owe the PM and the team loyalty, but they also owe you respect and consistency.
Good on you, Garth.
Peter above seems like the type of guy who has his head so far up Harper’s butt he can see Jason Kenney.
My party right or wrong eh??
Well try this one on, if PMO communications would have known what they were doing alot of this would have been minimized from the outset as Robert Fife said today when he called them amateurs.
These clowns couldn’t even organize a conference call. The problem is John Reynold did a stupid deal without thinking it through,and Doug (have you got a job for my wife) Finley who quarter backed this fiasco.
Peter sounds like he would make a great party president (hmmm)
Question is: once you compromise on such a well known position as this, where does it stop and where will your credibiity be on other issues?
Keep at it, Garth!
I’m a Liberal supporter, but frankly, I have to say that I am glad to see someone is sticking to their principles this last week.
I believe one can be a proud member of any party without constantly wearing the partisan blinders. Criticism and individuality, even within the party, are quite healthy in a viable democracy. I’d much rather that than the hypocrisy (and no offense here…) that many of your colleagues are currently demonstrating.
You’re definitely a notch or two above all that.
Kudos for speaking truth to power, and demonstrating that core principles are more important than partisan considerations. I am a Liberal and I am not shy about pointing out the flaws in my own party. I believe that core principles, pragmatic public policy and good politics need not be mutually exclusive.
Garth, I voted to unite the right with the belief that the best way to change the new party was from the inside by being active, sticking to reasonable principles, exploring new ideas and being honest. You are doing just that.
I appreciate the fact that you are standing on principles. I also appreciate the fact that you are willing to speak your mind. In the US, a Republican (Democrat) Congressman or Senator can criticize the Republican (Democrat) president at will and no one thinks anything of it. I hope we have a more open political culture here some day. But we don’t have that yet. And you have fed the media with exactly what they wanted when they stuck the mike under your nose. That is, you helped them keep the story alive.
Try and see things from Harper’s perspective. He made a mistake. A rather dumb mistake. But an even bigger mistake would be to waffle and dither on his original decisions and cancel the appointments. He simply can’t do that. We’ve just gotten rid of a PM named Mr. Dithers. We don’t need another one. To give in to dissent within the ranks would make MPs that much more likely challenge his leadership at every turn. He would be a lame duck within his own party at once.
It’s time to get behind the PM and get to work making Parliament and the government better. Give him a chance to learn from his mistakes and move on. And I’m sure there’s a way to do that within the privacy of a caucus meeting rather than in front of the cameras.
P.S. May I repeat the warning that there are many Liberal trolls posing as “disgruntled conservative supporters” who are commenting on your blog and others’. They will give you all kinds of encouragement to keep on “speaking your mind.” Please take their advice with several grains of salt.
Garth you can keep your principles and still be a team player. But right now MSM is using you as their tool. You would of done more good to fight your battles a little less privately. You could of expressed that you had some concerns but waited to see the big picture. Why does the MSM not report how well Fortier appointment is going over in Montreal. Stick to your principles…but also fight for the team. I hope you feel well that you gave MSM a feeding frenzy. I guess you will know what David Emerson is going through.
Why did the comments just stop coming at 12:33am?
Well I see your stand got you nothing except a bathroom office. Going to the media like you did, should give you a clue. In a minority government, we need to tow the party line. You stepped over that line, now you are whining for our support because Stephen read you the riot act. Sorry you needed a kick in the butt. Wake up, you are NOT the PM. If you can not work with him, resign!
I don’t support the Conservatives and probably never will. I also knew as much (or as little) of Liberal party ineptitude as any other Canadian. Stephen Harper’s government is here to work for me, as well as Conservative voters and I have every right to be alarmed at the misteps of this government so early in its mandate. I do not deserve to made to feel I am now going to be punished by having to witness a government acting callously and undemocratically.
All of us wanted change; not the same change, obviously, but definitely change. This principled action of yours is the first real change I’ve seen among politicians in a very long time. Thank you.
Garth, you speak like a man true to his principles. Give ‘em hell!
You are a twit. Shut up, and try to understand that you and many, many others are trying to govern a country. This isn’t a small task. The world is inploding and you sound incredibly self-absorbed and unable to realize that Canadian politics are small issues in the greater scheme. Move on.
I suggest crossover or independant. Because of tradition, I am not opposed to crossover. I do sense that Harper is gathering a LOBBIST type persona around him. Let us hope that God will steer this government in a divine fashion in which the peoples money is guarded. Lobbist types maybe preoccupied with dealing for insiders rather than doing a better job. Optics look bad on Harper as he should have awarded the posts to loyalist. He has assumed undying loyalty which sometimes is foolish, and in politics one should only trust your dog.
Not a Conservative BY A LONG SHOT, but I am extremely moved by what you said in response to your treatment by your party.
The hero’s of Canadian politics are the Cadman’s and Broadbent’s. Those who above anything else stand by their principles when representing the people who chose them. I would like to commend you for having the wherewithal to stand by what you believe in a time where the pressures to do the opposite are huge.
Good on you Mr. Turner.
Sir,
Thank you. Canadian democracy is richer for your commitment to personal and party integrity.
To the Honourable Mr. Turner:
Thank you so much for your service to Canada. In only five days as an MP, you have done the principled thing as opposed to the easy thing. For disclosure’s sake, I am a Liberal, and am thus extremely disappointed that a Conservative is now representing my riding (replacing the Hon. Peter Adams). However, if you were my member of parliament, I would not feel nearly as disappointed – in fact, every member of the riding of Halton should feel proud that they have an MP who has already earned the title of “Honourable”, Liberal, Conservative, NDP, Green, Independent or any other.
I will admit that your committment to popular democracy is not shared entirely by me (I am a skeptic when it comes to “the people”); I also respectfully disagree with you on floor-crossers. That being said, what I do admire is the fact that you campaigned on honesty and integrity, and unlike 99% of politicians who do so (of all parties), you are actually showing honesty and integrity.
I hope that you are not browbeaten into submission by your party, and I pray that you continue to be one of the few MPs in the House of Commons that I truly respect. Unlike some Liberals, I will not invite you to join our party, because if you did, I think I would be disappointed. Not that I would be unhappy to have a principled, honourable man in the Liberal caucus (to replace Mr. “If the Liberals have won I’d still be a Liberal” Emerson), but your joining the Liberals would sort of defeat the purpose… unless you resigned and ran in a by-election… so on second thought, how do you feel about getting a hero’s welcome to the opposition benches? Just (half) kidding.
Keep fighting the good fight, sir.
Mr. Turner;
Thank you for speaking truth and moreso speaking what you hear on the streets of your riding. That is your job. To others who suggest that the libs have their fights indoors. give it a rest, they only follow like sheep and give their PM carte blanche. that is why our country is close to falling apart. We need good men and women to voice the concerns of their constituents. If the PM is wrong then he should change not the rest of us. keep the faith. democracy must win.
john calgary
How refreshing! A politician who has principles. If an democratically elected official is allowed to cross the floor 2 weeks after voting day thereby stealing my vote, please tell me why I should even bother to vote. And the new PM, “vote for change”. What a laugh. The Canadian people deserve a law preventing floor crossing. If politicians want to change their political views, they should first ask their constituents if their political views have changed. I know that my views haven’t changed. Give me back my vote!!!
If Prime Minister Harper’s move in naming turncoat David Emerson and unelected Michael Fortier to Cabinet was to have strong voice from Montréal and Vancouver, why did he not name someone from Toronto? Toronto is not represented… does Harper feel Toronto is not worth it? Also, PEI province is not represented. This is unbelievable! Why don’t the media talk about Toronto? Also, Harper says that Toronto will be represented by a minister just outside of the city. This is curious because Harper has prominent members (Moore) outside of Vancouver but no he did not name him…
I’m not a conservative (heck, I voted Green) and I probably disagree with you on a lot of issues. But kudos to you for sticking up for your principles! We need more politicians like you.
Quit on the one hand pitying and on the other aggrandizing yourself. We do not need a Hero at this point in time. There is lots to do in terms of cleaning up the feces the liberals left on the floor. The last thing we need is a self-righteous backbencher providing Bob Fife, Julie Vandoosen and Craig Oliver with the ammo they need.
Garth,
Thank you for reminding the Conservative leadership that the party got elected on a platform to clean up politics.
You’ve got guts, which makes you a fine Conservative.
Fourty two comments on this blog so far, but I suspect those who support what you have done number in the hundreds of thousands. Certainly many people are mighty upset by the Emerson matter out here in BC.
Don’t let anyone convince you that you are letting the party down.
The people want real change.
I commend you on sticking to your principles. I hope that your problems with the party leadership are not a long term problem. They need people like you to stand up in caucus, and to speak there mind not follow along blindly. Best of luck and keep fighting the good fight
You did the right thing. May our Prime Minister do likewise. Knowing how things have been and are, I do not expect Mr. Emerson to seek re-election to validate his move from the Liberals to the Conservatives. In fact, in time of need I can understand why a Senator is chosen to serve in Cabinet, at least on an interim basis. However, I do expect the Prime Minister to bring forth legislation that recognizes the will of the people, and expect those who move from one ship to another go back to the people for validation of their decision, and to seek a mandate from the voters to back or reject that decision. The ball, as they say, is in the Prime Minister’s court. May he know what to do with it.
Surprise… Fortier did not want to run in the election….
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060207.wfortier0207/BNStory/National/home
Stronach’s defection to the liberals can be legitimately seen as an act of conscience because she was unable to promote her progressive ideas within the Conservative party. Emerson changed parties two weeks after the Election and a little more than two weeks after saying that the Conservative’s Platform was not good for our country.
I have even more respect for you now. Standing for principles before politics is the harder road to travel, and the road hardly travelled.
Thank you for doing what you know is right and continuing to “Stand Up For Canada”.
I have never voted for a Conservative in my life and I don’t propose to start now. But even my low expectations for a first week of the new government were quite far of the mark. For sheer political ineptitude, dumb arrogance and insensitivity your lot takes the bunglethon gold medal. But to the extent that you have bravely dissociated yourself from this tasteless spectacle, you are to be commended. I will continue to read your blog with interest. Honest Tories are to be encouraged.
Wow, I never thought I’d support a Conservative MP on something but here’s the exception to the rule.
I hope you’ll consider sitting as an independent. I think you could be a powerful voice if only you got away from the horrible party you’ve chosen.
Garth, I admire your principles, but not your actions. By appearing on TV today on two networks, then writing this blog entry, you are placing your party, and what it hopes to accomplish, in jeopardy.
The caucus is the proper place to vent your thoughts and principles. Not to broadcast them to all and sundry, taking down the party’s reputation another notch.
I’m not in your riding but, if I were, I would be most disappointed with your behaviour. I would imagine that very few folks these days expect 100% slavish adherence to principles, and not in a politician. It is impossible, as you are finding out. The basis and thrust of them are to be cherished, but slight deviations along the way are to be expected.
Our Conserative party has formed a government, and the tasks ahead are difficult. I do not believe that your actions are helping this task. I personally believe that there is more to your actions than just a matter of principle but, if it is just principles, I can see how one would pass you over for a cabinet post. You are just too destructive to the party as a backbencher, and would be even more so as a minister.
Just so we all understand: the CPC platform was silent on floor-crossing, and Mr. Harper went to great lengths (including on CBC’s Your Turn telecast) to point out that he had mot yet found a winning formula to bar floor-crossings prudently. So I assume your matter of principle is not about Mr. Emerson. If it is only about Mr. Emerson maintaining minister status, then I can see how the party might be wary of you and your actions.
This leaves the appointment of Mr. Fortier as the other principle that you might have felt was violated. Yes, the party does want to move to an elected senate. But it’s not there yet and, in the meantime, there was an opportunity that offered a number of solutions to a variety of problems that the party had in Quebec, and Montreal in particular. Even I, the most hide-bound of Conservative supporters, recognized that Mr. Harper would have to be let “off the hook”, and supported, in the move he made wrt Mr. Fortier. I assume you didn’t, so there’s where we disagree.
But that’s still no reason to put the party in jeopardy, to extend the length of this very minor affair, and to beat your breast about 100% adherence to principles. As far as I can see, Mr. Harper hasn’t violated any of them … he’s still proceeding to an elected senate.
I’m very disappointed with your destructive actions.
Garth,
What you have to realize is that this was the most expedient way to put the right man in the right job in the right part of the country for those portfolios. He is the right man. I am not crazy about his comments during the election. I question his opportunism, but I don’t believe, he asked for the cabinet position. He will do the best job for the portfolios he has.
I hate to say it, but I would put you out in the cold, if I didn’t think that I had any kind of dialouge with you. Stop the posturing and get on the band wagon. We need all of you.
Keep working..we are fans.
Will they let you keep the blog?
Harper morphs into Chretien.
With friends like you Mr. Turner. It is sad that you would turn on you leader and party so quickly. Lots of work is yet to be done. Team work will be required. Our new Ministers will only help accomplish much larger goals. So how can I encourage you to just get over it and move on? I have worked with thousands of other for much larger goals. We are in a position to put in place policy that will be positive for the country and you would risk that for your own ego. It is time to be pragmatic and remember you are there to accomplish good government. It is now time to focus on getting things done. I am just a lowly party member but you disappoint me Mr. Turner.
I echo the comments made above.
Congratulations for having the courage to stand up on principle.
Those that criticize you for “seeing the trees and not the forest” and for harming your career by expressing a long-held belief, are those whom I find disappointing.
Raising this argument is not “superficial criticism” as Mr. Harper called it. It is an important issue magnified by a government that has preached ethical behaviour.
So again, well done in making your voice heard Mr Turner.
While it’s difficult to critisize one for sticking to their principals, I don’t think it helps to publicly and openly question the PM’s cabinet’s decisions. Finally after a **LONG** wait, you are no longer in opposition, so stop opposing, it certainly does not help your cause. Sure, let the PM have it, scream, kick, throw things, do what you must do, your constituents expect nothing less, but do it behind closed doors, please. Stabbing the government in the back will only hasten the return of the Liberals to government before Canada gets a chance to see what the Tories are made of.
It is awesome to finally see a local representative standing up to to the party hierarchy … and your blog of 02,09,06 11:26 p.m. … I’m speechless … keep going!! … I’m with you all the way
Congrats Garth on being a principled politician regardless of party. It’s that old Reform Party spirit that is so lacking in todays pragmatic get an elected majority at all cost that is driving the Calgary gang running the Conservative party. While Monte’s has dropped his blog, yours more than makes up for it.
Mr Turner, I have nothing but the utmost respect for you standing up for your ethics. I’m not a Conservative supporter, but if you were running in my riding I would vote for you without a second thought.
Question on your proposal to have Emerson run in a by-election: Why do the voters of Vancouver Kingsway NOW get a second chance with NEW information to go back to the polls and further why not ALL of us get that second chance?
The voters of V-K now know the results from Jan 23. They now know it is a slim minority. They now know that Martin has resigned (eventually) as Liberal leader. When I voted on the 23 I DID NOT have that information. I want a second chance too!
Mr. Turner I want to commend you for your integrity and the courage to speak out. I think that our new PM has shown his true stripes- say what you have to to get elected and then do anything to stay in power. He has no more integrity than Paul Martin or Jean Chretien or any other PM. Its all about power!
Garth, while many agree that switching parties is not democratic in principle and the surface it may appear to be a betrayal of conservative principles, one should look deep into why such decisions are made.
The MSM, who has A.D.D., and don’t care to do some real analysis of situations, just report sensationally to the masses.
Food for thought – given that the conservative minority is small and only represents a little over 36% of the Canadian population, Stephen Harper probably did the right thing to reach out to try to include some experienced respected senior people to represent areas where the cabinet is lacking.
Emerson was well respected by all sides and Mr. Emerson as an MP MUST represent not only the Liberal consituents (25% of the total riding electorate), but also the other people who didn’t won’t for him. In his riding, only 58% of the riding eligible electorate bothered to vote (46,000 of 78,000), and of the 46,000 voters, 20,000 voted for a Liberal candidate. Does that not tell those media feeding frenzy sharks something?
And another thing, NDP are supporting a PR system, wouldn’t the cabinet making be more like this anyway?
And still another thing, NDP shouldn’t harp too much on constituents’ democratic rights – they DID kick out Bev Desjarlais out of the NDP caucus! Her constituents did vote for an NDP candidate whose SSM views were well known! So to spell it out – didn’t Jack Layton and NDP disrespect Bev’s constituents.
Whatever the consequences to you for speaking out on behalf of all Conservative with principals, we want you to know we understand how much courage it has taken to voice our opinion, and that we stand firmly behind you on this unfortunate matter.
You have been an inspiration to all those of us who desire true democratic representation, and maintain a wish to turn away from the old dirty politics era of governing.
With much gratitude to you Sir, here’s to a happy ending for all concerned!
I’m not a supporter of your party, but this is a tremendous post. Thank you for reminding us that there are principled Conservative politicians out there, and the very best of luck to you.
I am reminded of the old saying, “don’t kill the messenger”. You are mearly reporting your thoughts about the actions of Mr. Harper and Mr. Emerson. It was these two men who caused the “ethical” problem and they are not adequately explaing themselves to the public.I admire you for sticking to your principles.
Bravo. Keep fighting from the inside. If you choose to switch and cross the floor then you can be assured my vote will still go wtih you.
Oh, and Garth Turner for Prime Minister
Sir-I have followed your political career over the years, particularly after we met briefly after your time as Cabinet Minister. To say the least, I am disappointed with Mr.Harper’s decision to appoint a defected Liberal to Cabinet as well as an unelected Senator. I am a dyed in the wool blue Tory, but the hopes I had for the new Government has just been diminshed somewhat.
Aren;t there two sides to this? Calling for Emerson to be elected to the team, talking about the team, supporting the team, then writing “I pledged to remember that my job is not to serve the party or the prime minister, but rather the people who sent me here.” So what’s the point of saying that MPs must stand for the team when there’s no loyalty to the team from those on it??
Mr. Turner, there are some people in politics with high principles.
Mr. Harper has consistently shown himself to be a man with no principles at all. His recent actions are a surprise only to those who chose to deny the truth.
While I can sympathise with you to an extent, you made the choice to join the team of a man who makes Liberals look honourable, and you bear the responsibility for that choice.
It is time to leave the Conservative caucus and sit as an independent, if you wish to salvage your intengrity. Thinks are only going to get worse.
Garth, I don’t feel sorry for you one damn bit. You are a coward by the way you speak! If you were on my team you would be on the bench until your attitude changed. You look like silly putty in the hands of the MSM and you may have to get over it. It was a team effort to get into the house and a team effort to get through the next election so get over it suck it up and carry on.
Garth you did the right thing, and that is very rare in today’s politicians. Unfortunately it seems that only you and Myron Thompson have the courage to stand up and tell it like it is. Thank you.
Harper has given his party a huge black eye with his appointments of Emerson and Fortier, and I think both of them eventually will be forced to resign their posts. I stand 100% with Garth on the Emerson fiasco. If Harper and the caucus can’t see what a mess they’ve made, if I were you Garth, I’d say the hell with this and sit as an Independent. Harper was going to “do things different”. What a bloody hyprocrite.
Interesting… now that the election is over, where are all the Liberal hack commenters that used to come here Garth?
Garth I don’t admire what you are doing at all I think it is all about you. You are a liberal with no absolutes, you are in favour of abortion for gay marriage,and you need to check with your voters before you can make any desisions, can you not figure out whats best for the country? The reason you didnt get a cabinet post is because you are a Liberal. Now you are trying to be Canadas John McCain, it wont get you anywhere. The only rural Southern ontario Liberal to be elected this election was Steckle from huron bruce and you know why because he ran on Conservative values.The Prime Minister was only trying to represent all of Canada in his Cabinet and I respect him for doing what he did. I am one of many who sees through your self serving attitude.
I don’t believe there has been a breach of ethics here. As a professional engineer I follow a code of ethics. Crossing the floor is not a breach of a MPs code of ethics. Some people see politics idealistically thru rose coloured glasses, others as a chess match. I believe Mr. Harper is a chess player.
Keep up the good fight Mr. Turner, Conservative supporters all across Canada are furious at Harper’s betrayal of our principles.
A politican willing to put his own future at risk to do the right thing is a rare find, I commend you for it.
Great move Garth.
Click here is sign petition to remove Emerson
Visit here for more info on Emerson
Time to try the independant seat. What a dissapointing start . Guess things really don’t change. We may see the strategy in getting the one extra seat for voting but the end does not always justify the means.
Good on you! I am (was) a card carrying conservative who donated time and money in an unsuccessful effort to elect a Tory in West Nova. Never again as long as SH is PM!
I have been a conservative most of my life but, have not been able to vote that way for the past few elections. I am a supporter of the right, not the ultra right. I could never cast a ballot for a party where I could not trust the leader to represent all of Canada regardless of their personal views.
That being said, I think you are doing the right thing Garth. Regardless of how the party treats your comments, they are justified and need to be said. Along the way you will find that it only the office of the PMO that really thinks like that. Canadians in general support your comments and we would like to see the MP’s who spoke before speak again.
I can sometimes get a pretty good view from my soap box and what I see now is Harper trying to do everything the Liberals did in 12 years and do it in just 12 days.
Thank you so very much for speaking out and defending the fundamentals of a democracy. Your words here should be inspiration to the rest of your colleagues in the House. I hope that maybe one day people who share the same values will be running this great country of ours.
Mr. Turner, it’s good to know there is at least one person of integrity in Ottawa — one more then I ever figured. It’s encouraging to hear from someone who has principles and sticks to them. Keep up the good fight. We’re behind you.
By the way Garth, what exactly did the Prime Minister tell you last night? Did he give you a dressing down?
[...] speak out against his leader’s hypocrisy?  So much for “change”. From Turner’s blog: “Speaking of offices, after today I’m expecting the Whip will be assi [...]
I live in Oakville and voted for you on January 23. I had looked forward with high hopes to a new and fresh government. To say that I was let down on Feb 6 was an understatement.
Many of the comments appearing here state that you should toe the party line and make your voice heard behind closed doors. I couldn’t disagree more!! As a memeber of your constituency we need to see that you are doing the right thing, calling a spade a spade and a poor choice a poor choice!
I think that the chief complaint about politicians is that they say one thing to get elected and do quite another when they are in office. It makes cynics of us all. By speaking out openly, it gives us faith that not all politicians are dirty rotten scoundrels!
You have my support!
Garth, you are doing a great job.
Surely, many people will criticize you for not closing ranks behind the PM, and not sorting this out behind the scenes. Some people will try to paint you as a disgruntled MP. I strongly disagree with those people.
The last thing we need is to have censorship where MPs are forced to stick the party line even if they don’t agree with the principles at stake. You have been elected to serve Haltonians in parliament, not to be a yes-man for the CP or Mr Harper. There needs to be openness and debate if we are to make this democracy of ours successful. Smart, independent thinkers like you should not be prevented by the party apparatus from expressing their views.
If Mr Harper is smart, he will seize the dynamics generated by people like you to make our government and country better. If there are indications that Mr Harper can not tolerate some criticism from inside his own party he is not fit for the job.
On some topics I do not share the same views as you do, but in this particular case I do. One thing I do know – you are doing a hell of a job.
Finally, a voice of reason. This is not a government of “one”, although some party leaders would like to think so. Keep on pluggin’
Wow, good stuff Garth, if there were more Tories like you you guys would have a majority.
Hey Garth. Two things. First, I am very disappointed and disillusioned with Harper’s actions this week, given the currect political climate I do not agree with the decisions he has made with respect to his cabinet. Second, I have a lot or respect for the way you have spoken up regarding this week’s activity, you are certainly echoing my own views and feelings, so please continue. Cheers, Mark.
I have been a member of the Party since the Reform days. I have supported every leader our membership duly elected. Some of them made mistakes, others made controversial decisions. I supported their leadership out of faith and loyalty. I’m a team player. If the leader takes a hit, we all take a hit together. Shooting inward is unprinciled and cowardly. As an elected member of parliament you are entitled to your personal opinion and shouls stake so clearly wirh reporters. Other than that you are a representative of the government team. You know the drill, why cause more controversy. Playing ‘newbie’ doesn’t wash, you should have kept you personal oppinions to yourself if you aren’t aware of the rime Minister motivation to put Canadians first, the hell with the political costs. Failing to realize that speaks to whose ear? Better to stick your nose into the binders, learn something first before making judgement of the Prime Minister. If you can’t be a team player, as an duly elected conservative, sit as an independent.
The issue of Emerson crossing the floor has reached histrionic proportions and overshadowed the Government’s responsibility to govern for ALL Canadians. Farcical posturing amongst imature backbenchers, whatever their political stripe, fomented by media hype isn’t a recipe for continued success. So, let’s get on with the business of governing, and look more closely to what Emerson is about and brings to the table…… for Canada.
Stick to your guns Garth… Obviously you’ve got a better read of how ‘the people’ really feel.
Garth,
I support your frank criticism of including carpetbaggers in the Cabinet. The ones that tell you to suck it up for the country are full of it. They probably cheated at marbles when kids.
Chin up!
Just heard you on Metro Morning with Andy Barrie. Bravo Mr. Turner and well said! You are unfortunately one of those increasingly rare individuals in the present political firmament. A man of integrity and principle. Stick to your guns! You will ultimately be rewarded for doing that; and perhaps more importantly, you will always be able to hold your head up proud! Cheers!
Mr. Turner, thank you for sticking to your democratic principles. I understand there may be hard feelings because you spoke out, but this lesson will be one well-learned (I hope) by those in power. The lesson is: turn your back on your principles and on the voters, and feel some pain for it.
Are you listening, Mr. Harper?
Sir:
I admire your integrity and honesty and trust your constituents will return you to Ottawa until you wish to retire! However, in addition to representing the interests of the middle class I would urge you to consider those who are not so fortunate as to be so described. Hundreds of thousands of families with children and others do not have enough money to afford decent housing, food, and prospects for the future. Represent the interests of ALL Canadians especially those who are being left out of the Canadian dream.
I am a constituent in Garth’s riding. I am a lifelong Conservative. When Garth ran for the position of candidate in our local riding, I voted for him then. I voted for him in the general election.
I support Garth, he has been a straight shooter since the first time I met him. He has been a man of principle and I support him whole-heartedly.
As a constituent from his riding, I will tell you now, he is doing exactly what I wanted him to do.
Harper has broken no rules by bringing Emerson and Fortier on board. But it reeks. And we know it reeks, because everyone has been drawn to the foul order.
We can only hope that the stench does not go on too long and that Harper now realizes that we who put him in office expect more from a Conservative Prime Minister than we ever got from Liberals, in terms of ethics and accountability.
We need more people like Garth Turner in Ottawa. We need them desperately.
And, for any of you idiots who are trying to suggest Garth is speaking out because he didn’t get a cabinet seat, GET LOST. Garth has been true to form since the start, speaking out for the people that have supported him.
Garth,
I commend you for your principles. A party ultimately lives and dies on principles. I am nervous about the start of the Conservatives in government. No doubt you are as well.
Garth, this reconstituted Reform/Conservative party does not deserve you. It’s going to be business as usual, you will never know that the Liberals are not in power anymore. Garth, you can serve your constituents and the people of Canada much, much better if you quit this party now and sit as an independent. This party does not deserve having someone of your caliber and exceptional background among their ranks. This way, you will be able to speak your mind, and vote as the people of Halton feel, and you will be a lot happier.
The petition to remove Emerson is undemocratic. What business do we have as Canadians to remove Emerson? Should that not be up to the residents of Vancouver-Kingsway?
Well played. You are exactly the MP we want in the legislature – one who speaks thier mind even at risk of losing face ‘with the big guys.’ Garth, you have my full respect for your candor and honesty.
Just like the the “Good” old Tory days,air your discontent to the press. Old Tory style.Conservatives belong in the opposition, where they can yap incoherently without any consequence
When the Liberals do the same it would have been spun as brilliant. What a difference a party makes, yes indeed
I remember I wrote months ago during your campaign that the “lesser of two evils” question would come into play when electing a government. I also said garth that you would be sitting as an independant at some point.
Well, Paul Martin’s not looking so bad nowadays and you are on your way to sitting independantly. If you’re going to be as unseen as you say, then you might as well be.
I agree with standing up for what you believe in and I also believe that you’re not going to get anywhere if you are doing it by yourself.
Good luck to you.
By the way, you must be taking some pile of heat for this BLOG
Oh and in the Irony Department the post of mine from the previous thread that got eaten by the Internet basically said that you would never do what you went and done, that you would toe the party line and do whatever the Whip and PMO told you to do.
So I was… oh hell, what’s the word? The opposite of right?
Well whatever that word is I am it and I apologize for thinking that of you, you are one of the good guys.
Wrong! That’s it, I was wrong.
I heard you on the CBC Friday morning. I think you are the only Conservative with any ethics. If they don’t appreciate your view, input, or contribution, CROSS THE FLOOR, and join another party. You would be welcome with open arms in any party you decided to join.
I would say the only principle you are protecting is the right to shoot your mouth off.
These are Canadian Parliamentary traditions, and dammit, you are a Conservative, not an NDP or Green.
Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal need representation no matter how stubborn the populace is.
In this matter I support PM Harper, and I would suspend you from caucus for your remarks.
In my 28 years as an eligible voter, I cannot remember a time when I’ve been more proud to have voted for a candidate. Your position on this issue reaffirms my faith in our system, flawed as it may be. Please be steadfast.
Party Loyalty – Party Discipline
The desire to legislate against MP’s “crossing the floor,†(quitting one party to join another) is based on an emotional reaction. As much as I don’t like the practice, I believe it would be a mistake to legally ban the practice.
Prior to implementing any such new rules and restrictions on MP’s, it would be prudent to more fully examine the role, expectations and responsibilities of members. For instance, is there an expectation of a certain amount of independence or are members only an instrument of the party and it’s discipline? Currently, in an election, people are choosing a person (not a party – though they very often have a party affiliation) to represent them and their community’s interests. If the member elected is a member of a party, they also must represent the party’s interests to the community they were elected by. What happens when there is conflict between what the party demands and what the community demands of the member? Could a member be forced out of the party – possibly across the floor, by unreasonable party discipline and if so does this mean another election? Does the community loose their effective say because of this process? Presently, even when the member crosses the floor, the community still has the member they elected representing them – they’ve lost nothing only the party has lost something (a member).
Would any legislation placing such restrictions on members, also then have to address how party candidates are selected and presented to constituents? Would out ticket be changed to only have the party’s names as a choice and the only individual names be those of independents?
Frankly, I’m sick of party politics and value a certain amount of independence. Currently I (like most Canadians) don’t belong to a party. I try to pick the best person. My choice is in part influenced by the party to which they belong but there are always other factors I consider and even if they change parties, I believe they remain accountable to me. Since every party has it’s own way of doing things, it’s own constitution, there is no consistency or uniformity of how a party member ultimately gets on the ticket as one of the voter’s choices – parties are not accountable to anyone but their members – should that change? Parties are kept in line in no small part, by the members ability to leave. Parties accepting the member are also subject to very tough scrutiny. That is the level of accountability I would prefer to stay with.
Hi Garth, I’ve been a fan of yours as a financial guru (but not a politician) for several years, however today that changed. Congrats for standing up for what you believe in.
If you can find some of your new colleagues and get them off the Harper kool-aid, perhaps you could band together and change the system.
Failure comes only when we forget our ideals and objectives and principles.
Jawaharal Nehru
Saw Line Maheux on Corens show last night and she said she felt uncomfortable defending the day one fun.
I saw you on Duffy and thought you were measured and reasonable.
I do not see how you could live with yourself if you had ducked or followed the party line after all the promises you made to do things in a more open way.
It cannot be easy to defend something that feels and smells so wrong.
Please stay true to yoursef and the people you represent, even if it is from the steampipe distribution room. Remember that other folks of conscience have had worse venues.
It’s not you who is wrong on this.
Best of luck.
Folks are forgetting the key issue at stake here: It’s not about whether floor-crossing should be allowed or not. It’s about standing by your principles: The Conservatives howled when Belinda did it and they’re all singing a different tune now that Emerson has done it. Good on you, Garth, for simply reiterating your opinion when asked. I wish the rest of your colleagues were as brave.
You had a choice Mr. Turner ! You are no doubt principled but you have a funny way of showing it like another Mr. Turner who defended his principles and let down his Party.
It concerns me that any MP, particularly one who has a microphone asyou, would choose to publicize the decisions of his Leader before at least discussing them with him first. I would have preferred that before you took up the one man fight for Democracy that you consider a Team approach. An analogy …. it would be like me publically criticizing the behavior of my spouse before first discussing it with her. Not a good way to start a long term relationship. I hope that in future you will consider mixing an equal part of discretion with your democratic ideals. Remember the tortoise won the race.
Agree with everything you say, too bad there weren’t more Conservative MPs like you. I’m disappointed in the Prime Minister beyond words.
Mr. Turner,
I just want to add my voice to all the others who support you on your decision to speak up about Mr. Emerson’s choices. You seem to understand that a politician should represent the people and not what all the rest of the politicians these days are doing. It is time that we have more people like you in Ottawa and less like Mr. Emerson, Mr. Harper, and Mr. Martin. A strong lesson for all future Canadian politicians to learn.
Hi,
Today you are my favourite Conservative MP. That’s not saying much, but you are.
Garth, you missed the boat and you must have skipped the chapters on cabinet-building and nation-building. By under-thinking you have marginalized your ability to do anything and to have anything you say in the future taken at all seriously.
It’s time for your mea culpa. Say you were wrong and apologize publicly. Canada needed senior-level, high-quality MPs from Vancouver and Montreal, and the Prime Minister used the time-honoured means to make it happen, showing he’s no baby-out-with-the-bathwater hick from the sticks when it comes to giving good government.
This is a minority government and you have turned the guns on your party and fellow MPs already. YOU are the problem. Why don’t you just resign now and show your principles at the ballot box as Sheila Copps did back in ‘96?
Instead, you want cabinet distracted and dissembled on inside-baseball crap instead of the focus on fixing Canada and getting a majority government next time. Get your act together and say you’re sorry. This isn’t the Garth Turner show. sheesh.
Well, well, well. You, Sir, are a rare breed. A politician with principles that is willing to stand up for them, even when it is not convenient for himself or the party. You make me proud. And don’t you worry about your career prospects. I suspect you’ll be in the house far, far longer than Harper will
“I pledged to remember that my job is not to serve the party or the prime minister, but rather the people who sent me here. I pledged to work to enhance the position of MP, because when that happens, the voters win. I pledged to share my MP’s power with you every way I could, and to speak up for middle class Canadians.”
What a coincidence! So did Emerson. So with all due respect, why does that make you a good guy and give him horns and a tail?
Just wondering.
While I share and applaude your strength of convictions on this matter, I respectfully disagree with the path you have continuously taken to push this forward. So by being the lightning rod of the Liberals who want to be back in power and continue their entitlements, of the NDP left wingnuts who thirst for power and attention, and the MSM due to lack of leaks now a days, enhance your position to push forward the concerns of your constituents in particular, and start the intellectual debate for a true Democratic reform in our country ? Case in point, Hon. Myron Thompson is viewed by MSM as a lunatic cowboy from Alberta who has nothing interesting to speak of, and what is he now? A great source of news against the party and its leaders. I realize both your intentions are very noble, but can you not see the sharks circling for a kill around these waters ? Moving forward, what must you do to champion the concerns of your constituents ?
Garth for Prime Minister!
Keep up the good fight Garth. We voted you to be our Conservative voice in the House to do just what you are doing. Mr. Harper might not appreciate the critism, but I do not believe he will remove a caucus member for being true to the ideals of honesty and integrity in government. That which he campaigned on.
And to the folks who have posted saying Garth should declare himself independent,dream on, Garth’s word was to be a Conservative voice not an independent voice. Crossing the floor to independence would be no different than what Emmerson did. Except there would be no raise.
From what I read, you said anyone who crosses the floor should ultimately go back to the people for ratification “Ultimately”. So will you, Garth, ultimately. And in the long run, we’re all dead. So what’s the big fuss about?
As for resigning now to go back to the people for a new mandate, I don’t think so. The man was drafted by the PM because of his qualifications to get a job done. So let’s get real.
And lets cool it for a little while and give the man and Mr. Harper a chance before making a judgment?
Salvage has just made my day!
He admitted that he was wrong about Garth – my god – is hell going to freeze over too?
Thanks for the support Salvage, you have no idea how great it is to have you finally on board.
Steve Brewer said: “Not a good way to start a long term relationship.” Well, Stephen Harper’s actions were a good way to get a divorce! Why blame Garth Turner when it’s the PM who made committed the foul?
Mr Turner,
Thank you for standing up on this issue. I am wondering where all the other MPs are? I believe you have your finger strongly on the pulse of the Nation–at least pon mine and my circle of friends. We want a democratic process–we did not elect the PM to be a dictator. This is our country, not his plaything. I have always been a firm supporter of exercising my vote and have encouraged my 3 young adult children to do likewise, sometimes encountering arguments that “my vote doesn’t make any difference anyway”. Well, when Harper starts behaving like he did with Emerson and the Senate seat hanky panky, he seems to confirm the argument. The only way to correct the situation is to have both these people run in a by election and let the people decide. In the long run, I would ask that a law be made that bans floor crossing. If an MP wants to change parties, he should resign his seat and call a byelection in his riding, where he can run under the new party banner. Keep up the good work. We need you.
Cheers Sir!
While I am not a Conservative and live in an centre-left riding I had hopes for this government.
Like you (and a clear majority of the commenters here, I only read a sampling) I was shocked and offended by Mr. Harper’s shameful actions.
Remember regardless of our political stripe we, as Canadians, demand better. You have become our voice, whether we voted Conservative or not, whether we live in Halton or Nunavut or Vancouver or Sydney, at least for the time being. Do us well Sir.
Going with your conscience is never a bad decision.
Mr. Turner:
Whilst I share your distress at the two controversial cabinet posts I would encourage you to give some thought to what your comments of the last 24 hours are doing to Mr. Harper’s government. Under the guise of speaking for your constituents you are allowing the main stream media to continue to keep this story alive. I just wonder if you have thought about the end game here. Do you want to make Mr. Harper’s government so unstable that Mr. Martin returns to the Liberal leadership, your party is defeated on your budget in April and Canadians are driven back to the polls. If you think this is advancing the country then so be it. I however think you would be wiser to think again, lest you end up sitting in an even smaller office as an opposition member of parliament. I know there are real issues at play in what you are saying but please think of the big picture here and give Mr. Harper a chance to govern.
Love you Garth!
Tell those guys that you speak for the people that elected you. We’re tired of the hypocrites in power that get big fat paychecks and pensions while all they do is toe the party line, without a mordicus of thought to the people that pay their free rides.
MP’s crossing the floor are a reality of the political system we have. Sure the system needs to be changed, but until it is changed (and if you want to win the game) you have to play by the rules in place. It seems to me the Conservatives are playing to win, and I’m all for that. My hope is that the CPC will change the rules of the house to “empower elected people more, to make them relevant and free, so the voters would also become more empowered”. Garth you should hang in there and work with like minded MPs of all stripes to help make the required changes. I still say your best chance of effecting the changes that need to be made are with Harper living at 24 Sussex.
So you did not chirp at your party’s call but thought of thinking for yourself, that’s all. Thank you, and keep it up.
Hang in there Big Guy. I think I am looking at a leader in waiting.
Don’t back down, we are all cheering you on.
YOU ROCK!!! I have to commend you on your courage and integrity. This is what the people of Canada voted for but did not get in Stephen Harper. I’m from Saskatchewan and a longtime NDP voter but you have impressed me beyond belief!
I’m really amused by the folks who say that this is only an issue because the “MSM” and “fake” Tory bloggers are pushing it. Wake up and smell the coffee, already! There are still *some* principled people left in the party who aren’t looking to blame all of our problems on other people.
Good for you Garth. Your honesty and devotion to your principles brings honour to Parliament and to our country. It is the party leadership that has lost its way. You should be proud of yourself. Good luck in the basement.
You are now one of the two or three most highly respected MPs in Canada. You are right. The PM is wrong on the Emerson affair.
Garth, you should do the “principled’ thing and resign and run as an independent in a by-election.
How can you say on the one hand, you feel it is important to speak out for your constituents before your party, while criticizing another MP for doing the same thing? The only difference is that Emerson’s constituents will have a voice in caucus and cabinet now, while your constituents will not. Your constituents elected you as their MP not as their martyr.
I respect your principles, but this is Ottawa, where principles and a loonie will get you a coffee to drink while you watch another Liberal government get sworn in. Politics is for the pragmatic, not the principled…
Garth- your recent experiences should only strengthen your resolve to be an activist. Democracy is ABOUT activism.
K-Dough’s Canada
You know, I am not a conservative supporter, but I was keeping an open mind, and was trying to embrace change, and also hoped that whether or I philisophically agreed with the party, things would be done differently.
My heart sank upon the very first few moments of the new government. The little part of me that thought that not all parties are the same, that small part that still had not been overtaken by apathy and cynicism suddenly was lost.
I was witnessing all the principles that I was expecting to be upheld immediately thrown out the window once power was acheived.
If you, Mr Turner, were in my area, I would vote for you. A man of principles should be rewarded and not punished. This also extends my cynicism to the fact that opinions are not truely free in this parliament, only wrapped up and packaged in a different way.
My hat off to you, keep strong, represent your voters, and stick to your prinicples. It will be you that will win in the long run.
I am a moderate independent, former 905 resident and a loyal reader. YYou worked your ass off. You listen to your constituents, You have my support 100%. Never forget why you are there, who brought you to the big show, Yes, Idealism is still cool.
Sir:
I am very impressed. Perhaps a few more songbirds will find their voices and share your new quarters.
Take heart amid the darkness that in general there are about two lunar eclipses per year!
I live in Ottawa but I wouyld give you my vote if I could.
Garth,
I watched you on both Mike Duffy and Don Newman’s program and thought you were well spoken and kept your comments well within the boundaries of party lines.I am a former liberal supporter and after watching you speak I think Mr.Harper should have had you in cabinet.My only problem with this whole thing is the media.Yes the same media that played the “failed” telephone interview hookup call from Emerson on the air.I was slightly embarrased supporting the liberals,now I find myself even more embarrased watching this left wing media make a hatchet job of what is essentially a political maneuver by Mr.Harper to gain the upper hand in the house(if one can count on the one independent member).
It’s as if the NY times and Washington Post are running our media.I understand why Mr.Harper has been silent but,he of course has to start fighting back and soon.They are now running copy that this has been a “communication” nightmare from the PMO.Huh?The bigger story in now that the PMO did not spin this correctly?True they haven’t but is that really worth 2-3 days of editorials and rant?There are 2 main parts to accountability the first being the mechanisms in which one holds someone or something accountable(which Mr.Travers so elegantly points out in his Toronto Star editorial)but also the actual being accountable part.As far as I can tell Mr Emerson,Mr.Fortier and Mr.Harper have not broken our trust as of yet on the that second part,I mean where are the missing/mispent millions?
You are standing up to your convictions which I admire,but I think perhaps the conservative party as a whole is making a big mistake if they think that they will be judged on what they do.The fact is that the media is gunning for Mr.Harper you from the get go.Your principled and well thought out arguments in the face of this media storm becomes like everything else this week just another trumped up and hyperboled attack on Mr.Harper.
Good for you. I’m sure you’re going to pay a price for speaking out, but I admire your integrity.
Had enough fawning yet? Feeling better about yourself now? Ready to suck it up yet? Good. Now be a man, follow your principles and sit as an independant or a Liberal. You’ll be even more famous, CBC, the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail will all be calling for interviews and your blog will be filled with comments from uninformed yahoos who just love ya. But do it today Garth. Today!
Garth,
I had never heard of you before today, but I respect your stand. While it is true that a parlimentary system of government requires caucus solidarity to govern it is also incumbent of the people who seek to wield that need to present the caucus with choices it is comfortable with. If they do not it is within the rights of the caucus members to speak out.
Well done.
Garth Turner Whipped by Prime Minister Harper
Obviously there is some bizzare geomagnetic disturbance located underneath the Prime Minister’s Office in the Langevin block, as it seems that whoever sits in that office tends to act in opposition of whatever makes sense and is right.
Its Stephen H…
Mr. Turner, there are more constructive ways to advance your principles.
Of coarse that route would not bring you the same level of attention I’m sure you feel you deserve.
BTW seems you’ve made many new lib & ndp fans here…LOL
you outraged conservatives need to keep something in mind: Garth works WITH Harper. Garth works FOR his constituents. Garth won my riding in spite of being a conservative, not because of it. so sit back, shut up, and let my MP do his job just the way he’s been doing it. Harper – if you’re reading this – you’re just shooting yourself in the foot buddy.
IS IT REALLY NOT JUST ALL ABOUT ME?
Sorry to see you getting of to such a bad start in your renewed political career but, you gotta say that your own words are your biggest enemy.
It has taken the Conservative party about fourteen years to finally come to government and all that time your voice was practically unheard.
Now that you managed to get elected on the coat tails of the well run precise campaign that Stephen Harper and his team managed you some how find it necessary to talk with a pious and all mighty mouth about the Mr Emmerson defection and YOUR principals.
It seems to me that the media always seem to find the glory seekers and you, are obviously the plum for which they have been looking; a humble principled do gooder; yea sure. Garth we know you. You have been around a while.
When a person is elected to a position in a team, the only way the team can be successful is if one voice speaks for them. When loose canons get air time they become full of there own importance and fall in love with their own voice. It is a delusionary state and passes with reality.
If you really and truly feel that the defection of Mr Emmerson was schemed and plotted and you disagree with and question the ethics of your party leader, why not have the courage of your own convictions and resign from your position as the member of parliament for Halton.
If you do not have the inner fortitude to resign your seat then perhaps, you should simply use common sense and turn down any media invitations to let you hear your own voice and let Mr Emmerson and the P.M. handle the media. I mean, your a back bencher and, you do have a caucus chair and a procedure to voice your discontent within the team dressing room so to speak.
Peter Kelly
Bravo Mr. Turner! I’m a card carrying Conservative & a campaign volunteer and the Emerson & Fortier moves have left me gobsmacked. Hopefully more of the caucus will take that message to the Right Honourable Mr. Harper.
Well Garth, look at the bright side. Your seat made be crappy but it shouldn’t be for too long. With all the party infighting and the holier than thou attitude of many conservatives you probably won’t be in power long enough. And I’m sure your party won’t be using any of those “time tested” tactics for staying in power cause “were better than that”.
Funny thing about senate reforms etc. you actually have to be in power to bring them about.
I’m sure at this point even the libs with Stronach as leader would get re-elected. Can you say “joe who”?
Horny Toad
Another New Democrat writing to you offering thanks for your honesty. By the way, Parliament is on the Ottawa River, not the Rideau……
I don’t understand how you can claim to be doing what’s best for your constituents, yet you deny that very same right to Emerson?
Nor do I understand comments urging you to leave the Conservative Party because it’s not right for Emerson to leave the Liberal Party?
Finally, I don’t understand how going public about your private discussions with the the Prime Minister adds to your own trustworthyness?
It seems to me this is not about Emerson or Harper. It’s about you.
Good work Garth.
I have always been impressed with your straight talk. I am not a Conservative but my fears were eased on election night when I saw a few principled individuals like yourself joining the new government.
The voters in Halton will continue to send you to Ottawa if you continue to tell it like it is.
Bravo Mr. Turner. I only hope my MP (Mike Chong) has the strength of character you possess. You are a wonderful, refreshing sign that maybe all is not lost when it comes to our countries politicians.
Garth is a hero for sticking by principle. You’ll make a fine PM one day, my friend.
While I’m a green at heart, I appreciate your moral fibre. If the party behaved and though as you do I think you might have had a majority. Fortunately you did not get one and two faced meglomanic you are forced to work for will have to answer for his stupidity sooner than later. Good luck, and write often and we’ll all help you get heard as much as we can
Thanks for this, Mr Turner.
Mr. Turner, I have to congratulate you in standing up and being accountable to the people of Canada. I’m a Halton resident and very proud of the stand you have taken in recent days with regards to the David Emerson situation.
Mr. Harper has promised the people of Canada that he was going to make government more accountable and transparent and it was only two weeks before that promise was broken.
Politicians keep forgetting that they are accountable ONLY to the electorate of Canada, NOT to their party or the Prime Minster of Canada.
Crossing the floor to a different party two weeks after the electorate had spoken convenes a strong message that these politicians don’t care about the people of Canada and are only out for themselves. Same old entitlement!
We wonder why the voter turn out is so low and why people distrust politicians. We just need to look at the events of the last week to get the answers. What has happened in the last week for Mr. Harper to totally disregard the wishes of the electorate?
What has happened to integrity and service to our country for the good of everyone living here?
Not the service to a political party or to a Prime Minster!
Mr. Turner, continue to raise and press these issues, even if it means a renovated washroom somewhere in a forgotten corner of a vermin-infested (referral not to a rodent) dank basement in Ottawa.
At least you will be respected by the people of Canada, for having integrity and standing up when you see something that goes against the principles that you and the majority of the Canadian people believe in.
Keep fighting!
Mr. Turner you are a person that has never met a microphone he wasn’t in love with. Your comments on this subject do nothing but make you out to be a media whore. I believe the PM is Stephen Harper and he makes the decisions. I am sure you must be upset that he did not consult you or put you in cabinet (is this maybe the reason you are so vocal) but I digress. I hear reports out of Montreal and Vancouver about how well this has been received by the people that count so why don’t you do us all a favour and shut the hell up. Get rid of this stupid blog and start going to work for the people of Canada.
For all those who think Garth should “Toe the Line”:
We have been complaining for 13 years about the Liberal “Trained Seals”. Dammit, I want better.
We need 308 politicians like Garth.
Garth,
Keep true to your principles and keep speaking what you believe to be the truth, your constituents expect and deserve nothing less.
Wow Garth. thats straight from the heart and just damn good. Anyone from any party background can relate to that. Just plain excellent.
Best wishes from kingston
S
I’m with you Mr. Turner – keep it out in the open and I hope more CP MP’s start supporting you openly – if they get microphones shoved in their faces – so the big guys know that it’s the people of Canada that decide democracty
I know you represent the middle class – what about the lower class The Poor -that some of the commenters who left comments would rather relegate to the gas chambers? Seems to me there a lot who would benefit from your David and Goliath story – short of inspirational.
I have been saying this for months on this blog, “some of you Conservative supporter are very ugly in your choice of words against those who disagree with you.” It looks like the smear campaign against Garth has begun. Shame on those of you who practice the politics of personal destruction.
Mr Turner,
I admire your stance on this whole Emerson affair, although I cannot really agree with Conservative’s platform. Yes, as voters in general, we deserve honest representation in the parliament. And I don’t see many questioned Mr. Emerson’s qualification to do the job on those cabinet posts. That’s the other side of the story, and he just needs to stand to his political honour and seek a by-election as a Tory or independent, or whichever party affiliation he would like for that matter and if he wins, I wish him the very best in serving his constituencts and Canada. Politics may be dirty, but you can win as clean as that. Plain and simple.
By the way, the other majority of Tory MPs behaved so nice. They should ask themselves where their votes came from and what exactly democracy means. They should not be robots controlled by a command centre. Disgusting to say the least.
And thanks for your integrity and principle. All the best wishes.
While I agree with some of your remarks, I notice your second paragraph begins with whining about being put in a poor office and no one will see you in QP. I’ll trade you! Being an MP (of which there are only 308) is an honour. If you are too good to sit in the back row and happy a crappy office, say the word my friend…
I had a chat with Jason Moskovitz a while ago and asked him who he enjoyed reporting more on: Libs in office or Tories. He said Tories hands down because they shoot from the hip and take media bait.
Garth, for a guy who held a cabinet post, you sure are acting like a rookie. Would you have said what you did if you received a cab post from Harper???? No. You had nothing to lose by saying what you did because you had already written off your career.
While you might get kudos from Libs/NDP and upset Tories, you did more damage to the team. You kept your mouth shut as a Mulroney cab minister when that guy was for more guilty of questionable activities. Hmmm, ah yes, times change.
Harper is in office for a week and you pull out the knives because you were not rewarded with a cab post when you thought you were deserving. Fine enough, but when you put personal ambition ahead of the caucus, you are not in a position to throw stones.
We wait 13 years to get the opportunity and honour to serve Canadians and you start trying to tear it down mere days in.
Again, I respect principled people, but I question the timing and motive here.
Great to have principles and to stick with them. However, you ran for a party and as such, became part of a team.
Team players are expected to be loyal.
They are not expected to agree with or endorse all decisions, however there is a way to handle these things.
How about … talking it over with the coach before you talk to the media???
I don’t think that airing dirty laundry in public will ever be considered a team building exercise.
Garth I have been a fan of yours for a long time. However, when Warrwen Kinsella starts touting you that makes me cringe.
This isn’t Mr. Smith goes to Washington.
Do yourself and your constituents a favor, make it more about them than you.
Whining is unbecoming in anyone let alone an MP! Think of how many Canadians would trade places with you in a heartbeat.
They would sit in that crappy little office for a year without complaining.
Why? Because they would make enough money to change their life significantly for a long time.
So quit with the woe is me please…
Mr. Turner,
To be honest with you, I am not a conservative. I’ve never been. In fact, I oppose fiscal conservatism as well as social conservatism. But I am not a liberal either. I am an NDP supporter.
I never thought, I would ever call a conservative, a decent person. But that has changed. You changed it. Thanks to you, I now can see that there are conceravtives with ethics, real ethics not what Mr. Harper deceptively claimed about himself. Please stay on principles. Most of your colleagues, who happen to be in the other side of the Commons now, have already failed to act based on what brought them to power; “claim of honetsy and integrity”.
If you can draw admiration from an NDPer who never thought he would ever respect any conservative, you have already gained great achievements, as I am sure, I am not the only one who feels this way about you.
Hats off to you sir!
Congradulations Mr. Turner I support your position and call for more conservatives to rise to the challege!
Mr. Turner.
Your honesty is appreciated.
You should take a moment and consider running for the leadership of the Liberal party of Canada.
http://www.nextface.blogspot.com
Garth,
I hope that my MP, Jay Hill, will be like you. Why do parties talk about change, but then return to the way it was. Didn’t they get it in the last 2 votes. 2 minority Governments. If governments allowed their MPs to have integrity and pride in their work, maybe minority governments could work. They work in other countries.
Keep up the fight! If PM Harper just continues down the same road as his predecessors, he will serve like Joe Clark and end up giving the Liberals the next majority government.
Keep at it Garth! When you are being run out of town, get in front and make it look like a parade. There are others out there, (Conservative MPs) watching you for a clue as to how to proceed upholding their convictions. Shame on Harper, Shame on Emerson.
It seems the conservative party has split. Many forgetting that corruption happens in tiny steps. The Liberals had 20 years to take that walk, and they did, almost joyfully, it seems.
Now, when we see the conservative party make it’s own first steps along that walk of shame, we see the partisans crying “Just this step is okay.. you should have let us take just this one step.”
Ladies and gentlemen, it is only through people like Garth Turner, who look at that first step and say “No, I will not go down that path. Not for an hour, not for an instant” that the same path doesn’t get taken.
For shame on you people who call yourselves conservatives — the ones who want to take just that little step down the path of expediency, ignoring what we claimed we would be bringing to government. Is our desparation to be in power so strong that we’ll throw our principles away? We should all be standing up to Mr. Harper and saying “No! You cannot appoint this man to the senate!” “No! You cannot allow this man to cross the floor and spit on his constituents!” “You made a mistake, now do what we expected you to do, the honest thing, the noble thing, admit the mistake, correct the mistake, and find that Canadians will follow you all the more for it!”
Mr. Turner, I am not a Conservative, nor am I likely ever to be. But you sir are the kind of MP of which all Canadians can be proud. To your detractors who compare your speaking out with Emerson’s floor crossing I’d say this: imagine if Mr. Turner crossed the floor to sit with the LIberals or NDP? Imagine how utterly betrayed you’d feel. The fact is that Emerson, regardless of whether he feels he can do more for his constituents inside the government or not, lied to the people of his riding. He was elected as a LIberal and should either stay that way or resign. And if he’s so sure that he’d have been elected either way, if he’s so sure that people voted him in and not his party, then let him stand for election now, today, and see how far he’d get.
Mr. Turner is a better man than Emerson because at least he, to the detriment of his own career, isn’t turning into a hypocrite and pretending that he didn’t decry Stronach last year.
So Mr. Turner, good for you. You avhe something, sir, that transcends party – even in this jaded age – you have integrity. And the people of Halton are well served regardless of the peevishness of the Prime Minister.
Garth,
Your voice may end up fainter, but take solace in the fact that an ever larger group of Canadians will be listening for it intently from now on as a result of your admirable actions.
Kudos.
Dear Mr. Turner,
If you are a man of integrity and principal why would you want to become a politician?
Is there any wonder why there is such low voter turn out.
In reading the responses from people who seem to be in politics, people who use terms like MSM, if you want to be successful in politics you have leave your principals at the door.
Just remember be careful of what you wish for lest it come true.
While I admire your honesty and integrity, I think you’re going about it the wrong way. Make your points in caucus but keep them out of the public. You want to be an asset to the government but are now a liability. Bill (above) is right, it’s about you. Obviously you are not a team player. It’s people like you and Randy White that prevent the Conservatives from becoming an effective government in Canada. For the good of Canada please keep your mouth shut or start your own party.
I had finally begun to think that maybe the conservatives would bring a new era of political honesty and integrity and then Mr. Harper announced his cabinet and went directly contrary to everything the Conservative Party had espoused in the last year. If Belinda Stronach was considered a wh*re by some conservative party members then what should we call David Emerson who just could not wait to switch to a ruling party?
At least it is good to know that there still remain a few good people of integrity on Parliament Hill even if they are part of the vast minority and end up in the darkest dungeons of parliament. Keep up the good work.
Mr. Turner, I’m from Hamilton and I just wanted to voice my support for what you are doing. The people of Halton should be very proud to have an MP who has very strong integrity.
Thank you for speaking out against the Fortier-Emerson appointments.
I want my MP to be principled. But if your principles help assist the new government to fall, then your simply an idiot. Can’t really do much good for your riding if your a opposition member garth. Good job, way to think things through.
Bang on Gart Turner. Your words inspire me to believe that at least one MP is willing to put principles and constituents ahead of “the good of the party”. While I am slanted by the party system in who I vote for, at the end of the day I vote for a person first and foremost. Canada needs less party discipline and more free votes. Bold moves like yours are the only way we will ever get there.
Thank you. At least one Conservative is actually standing up for Cnada as promised, instead of standing up for their own ass and the concept of groupthink.
Interesting. You say and promise things to your riding that are not consistent with the Conservative platform and what the leader has said. Then based on what you said and your incorrect inferences – you speak out against the PM.
These are your principles?
Robert Howell,
“If Belinda Stronach was considered a wh*re by some conservative party members then what should we call David Emerson who just could not wait to switch to a ruling party?”
Belinda was mentioned as such in the light of having no other prupose but to save a sinking ship and prop a “proven corrupt” government. Incidentally, a ministry of complex files was created for her to champion in the now defunct Liberal cabinet…
Emerson was enticed to serve a greater purpose in an already established cabinet position and sensitive files “Softwood lumber and $Billions in Vancouver Olympics sink hole”.
Must we expand further ? By the way, did you also call Belinda the same when she crossed the floor or are you just going for the jugular vein right now with your pseudo indignation ?
There’s at least one member of the new government who still has principles, and that’s you, Garth. You give those of us in the progressive movement a reason to believe.
Thank you Garth. As an “anything but conservative” voter, I must say you have chenged my opinion greatly.
The courage you have shown is overwhelming. I wish you the best of luck.
Thanks for standing up for Canadians.
I’m a Liberal, but your words are music to my ears. You and your principled ideas and actions are what’s required to make our democracy better and stronger. I salute you from the bottom of my heart.
Good on you for speaking out on this. Keep it up.
On behalf of Canadians everywhere, thank you for your courageous display of honour and integrity.
Would your clone please run in my riding?
Congratulations Mr Turner for speaking the truth.
Mr Emerson ran for one party and was elected due to the message that party was selling. They didn’t make it back into government.
His Conservative opponent placed a distant THIRD behind the Liberals and the NDP.
He should have known the reaction of his constituents and the public at large, to crossing the floor.
The principal difference, as I see it sir, between Belinda and he, is that he was a CABINET MINISTER of a SITTING government, still carrying out his duties until the transfer of power and ALL THE WHILE was contemplating “jumping ship”.
Talk about a conflict of interest or what?
He SHOULD seek re-election as a Conservative and stop robbing his constituents, who rejected the CPC candidate, of a chance to say “yay or nay” to his defection.
It is so hard not to get mad. It is Harper that we should be mad at. What he has done is something that we wouldn’t be the least bit shocked if the Liberals had done. It is the way they operate. It is what we have been complaining about for the last 13 years.
Now you idiots are lining up to say it is acceptable for the Conservatives to act the same way. It is not acceptable, we demand better. It is not acceptable to take one step down the path the Liberals have worn smooth.
If one of the prime goals is to be re-elected at the next election, Harper has headed in the direction of defeat.
If we head in the direction that Garth is pointing towards, we will win a landside in the next election.
I thought this election was about change, not more of the same.
Mr. Turner:
Way cool. You’ve just created the proudest moment in recent Canadian political history. Stand tall, and stand your ground.
I am not a Conservative, but I salute you. You are an honest politician and a man of integrity. Keep up the good fight!
Dear Garth,
You know from my past posts on your blog that I am a Liberal supporter; but after having seen you put together a laborious and effective campaign to edge out your opponent, I was happy to see you be given a chance to represent your Halton constituents in Parliament. Even though I have not agreed with all your positions, I have always appreciated the fact that you publicly made your stance clear on near every issue that was put before you in the months preceding the election.
Well you could not imagine my surprise when I opened up the paper this morning to read about this affair and saw that you were one of only 2 Tory MPs that had taken a stand on the issues at hand. I frankly did not think any Tory MPs would have had the backbone to stand up so steadfastly against Mr. Harper’s appointments, especially at such an early juncture in this new government.
You see for months I had been reading your blog, and for months I had heard you talking about “change”. For months you had waxed poetic about the need for ethics and accountability in our government. I always took what you said with a grain of salt, because for the most part, your statements were being uttered by all Torys so it wasn’t hard to dismiss them as potentially empty rhetoric.
Well, today that has all changed. Today, you have both proven me wrong and gained my deepest respect.
Best to you,
NW
Mr Turner,
I thank you for your principles.
Unfortunately ,you are in minority,we have reached a point in this country
where most elected MPs have lost their sense of duty.
Instead of going to Ottawa to represent and work in the best interests of the people.
Their major concerns now seems to be their own personal interests with no regards or respect for the people.
Garth:
I may be a Liberal, have been a Liberal all my life, but since Jan 23rd, you are, by far, the most impressive voice coming out of Ottawa. You are the only MP to consistently deliver on the principles your party was elected on – you have earned the respect of all Canadians.
Garth,
I saw you on t.v. last night and I have to admit my jaw dropped a bit. It was very bold of you to honestly speak your mind on this issue and I admire you for that. I stand behind the PM’s cabinet choices (I’ll just come out and say it b/c you’d read as much in my blog) …but you make some very convincing points here about the need for byelections. It is a murky issue for me. I have great respect for you though and was very happy to see you elected, knowing you will represent my area of the country well in Ottawa. What you said about fighting for your seat as a Conservative contrasted against Emerson’s waltz across the floor really struck a chord with me. I worked on the Eliot Hill campaign in Hamilton centre and also spent many hours knocking on doors on cold, dark, sometimes rainy nights. You reflect what I love about democracy. I do hope the tides will turn for you in Ottawa.
Good for you. I am no conservative but it is nice to see that someone, anyone, is prepared to point out the inconsistencies of Harper’s “policies”. As long as you continue this honourable stand in doing what is best for your constituents, you will come out the winner. Harper is showing his true colours.
Mr. Turner,
Although I would not vote for your party given its current stance on many issues, I appreciate your taking a principled stance against Mr. Emerson’s defection. If Mr. Harper really was concerned about integrity and probity in public life (which he claimed during the election) then he would not have appointed Mr. Emerson and dismissed the reaction as “superficial”.
In fact if you dont really agree with the conservatives on this issue and you dont like the Liberal policies then why align yourself with either party. Be an independent and represent what is in the best interest of your voters and not the party. Resign from the CPC and be an independent
Thanks for your voice.
Glad to hear your principles are still standing in the morning. My girlfiend and I have been following your story out here in Vancouver since yesterday afternoon.
You’ll be remembered for this Garth…small office or big. You’re sticking up for all Canadians…not just your constituents. Stay strong.
I’m born in Hamilton,living in Calgary and worried Mr. Harper is going to be so pragmatic that Canadians will mistake him for another furry member of the weasle family, aka a martin.
What kind of leader are Canadians seeking. One who is honestly decisive? One to whom Canadians know where they stand? Or will it be one who finds out what the crowd wants and then rushes to the front to lead?
The Conservatives have a small “c” minority right now and will gain a small “c” majority only through building trust and confidence with the majority of Canadians. What’s presently being demonstrated is the opposite.
You’ve spoken against that. Well done. If your whipped in the basement of Parliament for it the liberals will soon be back in power upstairs. I gag when I think of that nightmare.
Mr Turner
You are magnificent.
Maybe idealistic, maybe unrealistic, but sir you have integrity (and one mean ability in the linguistic arts!)
Stick with it. Enjoy the basement.
Congratulations to Halton for having an MP with such integrity and commitment to their interests.
PS where the h___ is Halton anyhow? I’m thinking of moving there so I can vote for you!
Mr. Turner,
I admire your standing up for your beliefs and your principles. I wish more MPs would do the same.
Having said that, I find the backlash against these two cabinet appointments simplistic and shallow. People are failing to take account of the wider context.
First, Mr. Fortier’s appointment to the Senate. Appointing a cabinet minister to the Senate is not without precedent in this country. Even if the Conservative party campaigns against Senate appointments, we are currently stuck with the Senate. We can’t expect our elected officials to run the country without the full use of the current system, antiquated though it may be.
Other democracies allow their leaders to appoint unelected members of cabinet, or have “party lists” that effectively force the election of the party leader’s choices. It’s not unrealistic for Canada to have one appointed cabinet minister, particularly to represent the 10% of Canadians who live in the Montreal area.
Second, I particularly dislike in this case where the floor-crossing happens days after the election. Mr. Emerson ran on one platform and then embraced the opposing party. No wonder his constituents are furious.
What I dislike even more than this, is the idea that we will dictate to individual MPs that they can’t cross the floor. We don’t elect party automatons to Parliament. We elect living, breathing, thinking human beings. I want my elected officials to have the freedom to vote and act on their conscience during their term in office. It often happens that a party reverses its stance on important issues — the Liberals on the GST, for example. Members have to have the freedom to move to another party when their party crosses them, or if there is a profound disagreement. (I suspect you can relate to this!)
I want to preserve this freedom, even if it means putting up with egregious opportunism every couple of years. Many MPs already act like prisoners of their party’s whip. Let’s not push them further in this direction.
Finally, there is a strong argument to be made that Mr. Emerson’s defection is the best thing for the country. Without Mr. Emerson, the BQ holds the balance of power in Parliament. There is nothing that the Bloc would like to see more than a short, failed Conservative minority government followed by a short, failed Liberal/NDP coalition.
Like it or not, Mr. Emerson’s defection substantially increases the chances of a relatively stable government, since a third Federalist party can now claim to hold the balance of power. We have only just escaped a situation where no Federalist party has credibility in Quebec. If Mr. Harper cannot form a stable government, we risk moving back to that situation.
Since voters chose to elect a Parliament with essentially no mandate, Mr. Harper had to do something to form the most stable government he could. Given the party standings in the house, his recruitment of Mr. Emerson is the lesser of two evils.
If the voters of Canada don’t watch out, their belligerent complaining could sabotage the best chance we have of keeping the country together.
You did the right thing. We have to say what’s true, instead of cowering in fear of those in power.
It’s scary to us voters how slimeboggish Canadian government has become.
If you will be the voice crying out in the wilderness from within the Tories, then your work is worth your salary.
And don’t pay attention to the BS comments obviously posted here by party machine staff…they probably worked through the night posting them to offset the comments posted by REAL Canadaians.
Principles are principles and you don’t stick to them selectively, or in favour of career move, or even the falacy that “you should know when to pick your battles.” It’s BS.
Keep up the AMAZING work Garth!
Mr. Turner;
I consider myself to be a social democrat and voted for the NDP in the election; I am not a supporter of the CPC. I think the Party’s extremists and neocons that Harper kept carefully tucked away during the campaign are a serious threat to Canadian society and it’s future as a nation. But I’m glad that there’s at least ONE amongst them that’s willing to hold to his principles and remain faithful to the ideals of democracy and the voters. We might disagree on policy or politcal philosophy, but you have my respect sir.
N.
There is a fine line between being principled and making an ass out of one’s self.
Garth,
I do not live in your riding and I have not ever voted COnservative in any of its forms. However, I must say that I would be proud and all your constituents must be proud to have an MP that stands up for Canada. Your desire to effect change and espouse the merits you campaigned on are to be admired and respected. I only wish your Prime Minister and caucus colleagues had the same courage & convictions. How power easily corrupts within days of election!
Good Luck Garth
I am a Liberal, and I think it takes big stones to do what you have done in breaking the cardinal rule of Party politics- public loyalty. What you have done is establish another, more democractic kind of public loyalty…loyalty to the public that elected you. I hope that Canadians acknowledge your loyalty, even as us chattering hacks question your tactics.
I would like to salute Mr. Turner for his loyalty to the people who matter. Stephen Harper does not matter. The other MPs do not matter. It is the electorate that matters. Mr. Turner is displaying loyalty to his constituents, who elected him based on a set of principles that are not being honoured by the party or its leader. That loyalty is rare and commendable.
Mr. Turner, your principles are admirable. I have chosen to not vote in any Federal election, however, if you were running in my riding, I may just get off my couch and vote for the first time; for you, even though I am a Liberal.!!!
Omar, Kingston
[...] rner, député conservateur en Ontario, dit sur son blogue: The Turner Report Choices Speaking of offices, after today I’m expecting the Whip will be a [...]
Except I do not think that Mr. Turner speaks for all of the residents of Halton – not even all of those who voted for him.
He is expressing his own personal views and some may also agree with him. In democracy one man’s opinion is not the law – it requires democratic consensus, debate, votes and sometimes comprimise.
Hopefully Mr. Turner you will follow those paths in parliament and in caucus.
You may even find out that many of the voters in Halton have views different than your own – and you must represent them as well.
Garth – thanks for sticking to your principles. You are to be applauded and have the respect of Canadians for doing so. We need more politicians in government like you, in any party. Keep it up!
Also, it is shocking that you are having ‘unhappy meetings’ for speaking your mind and being ethical. You should be commended for your stance, not marginalized.
Well done. I did not vote Conservative in the last election and I am not likely going to switch next time around, however I admire what you’ve done. It nice to see that there are people of priciple on Parliment Hill.
All those Shut-up-now-we-are-a-minority posts are just crap. If Harper could really smartly admit he made mistakes in Emerson-Fortier-O’Gordon-and-so-on and do the right thing, he does not even need to worry about getting next majority – he can get it just by doing this and sticking to his promises. Voters are not stupid, and they are not under Tory’s whip.
Reading through these comments. Seems the critics don’t have the courage to leave their full names. Because, of course, they know how Canadians really feel about this. Stand by your principles Garth!
I am making this comment from Hamilton through a friend who asked me if I wanted the opportunity to get my opinion stated publicly. I did not have an email address to make it but I said I would like to anyway with their help.
I agree with what Mr. Turner is saying. He was blackballed before for being honest and now he is being blackballed again. Where is democracy? We are back into another type of “dictatorship”. My opinion of Harper now, after these appointments – it seems that we traded one sleazeball for another.
A Stelco Retiree
p.s. be able to have someone write this comment for me is a way to express my anger at my severe dissappointment in our leader’s principles
I AGREE WITH YOUR STAND WHOLEHEARTEDLY. I AM A CONSERVATIVE VOTER AND SUPPORTER FFOR THE LAST 30 YEARS AND WAS HAPPY TO SEE A CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT THIS YEAR. BUT HARPER HAS MADE A MAJOR MISTAKE THE FIRST DAY IN OFFICE. THERE ARE PLENTY OF CAPIBLE ELECTED CONSERVATIVE TO FILL THE CABINET POSTS. THIS IS REDICULOUS MEMBER WHO CROSS THE FLOOR SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO HOLD CABINET POSITIONS FOR AT LEAST 18 MONTHS AFTER THERE DEFECTIONS. THIS SHOULD PUT AN END TO THESES POWER GRABS.
To Ken above. The petition is not undemocratic. It simply asks Emerson to step down and the PM to call a by-election. Then the votes of Van Kingsway will have their say.
Emerson is not seen as a star by many inside the Lberal party despite the resume. There are many other Tories who could have handled the job.
Harper got suckered in by John reynolds and the Wacky world of B.C. old boy’s club politics. It isn’t pretty
You’ll make a great Independent MP. You’d also make a great point by doing do.
Hon. Garth Turner,
Did you happen to forget that you are now an elected Parliamentarian and no longer a private citizen blogger ?
Just checking ?
I’m a New Democrat, but if you were my MP I’d be mighty proud right now.
As a Canadian, I already am. This issue isn’t partisan: thanks for saying so.
I KNEW the conservatives were worse than the liberals. Garth, you seem to be the only conservative who is willing to stand by their principles. I’m impressed. And one word to Emerson – SHAME ON YOU!!!!
I’m one of these young people so turned off by politics that I ususually vote Green as a protest vote. I saw what was coming with Stephen Harper, and, frankly, I’m not surprised. In fact, I’ve been walking around and saying, “Told you so” to quite a few people. The word “integrity” just ain’t in Steve-o’s vocabulary, and you can see that through his appointments this week. I thought everyone knew this.
Regardless, what I really just wanted to say, even though I’m probably saying this poorly, is that I admire you, Garth Turner, for your value, ethics and integrity in taking a stand — even if you didn’t see this coming. Doing the right thing, instead of the popular thing, takes a lot of guts and courage.
I guess you have to do what you got to do, and will probably stay from the sounds of today’s blog post.
If you do, do us all a favor and run in the next leadership convention. I think this is going to happen sooner than later, ’cause I don’t see the other parties — particularly the BQ — playing nice with a bunch of subtle fascists. And when it happens, we need to stop seeing shit rising to the top.
MP expects office in ‘vermin infested dank basement’
Stephen Thorne, Canadian Press
Published: Friday, February 10, 2006
“”Speaking of offices, after today I’m expecting the Whip will be assigning me a renovated washroom somewhere in a forgotten corner of a vermin-infested dank basement in Ottawa,” he said. ”That should go well with my seat in the House of Commons that will be visible only during lunar eclipses.””
MP’s career ‘limited’ for criticising turncoat
Updated Fri. Feb. 10 2006 1:39 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Conservative Member of Parliament Garth Turner says he believes his career options within the party are “seriously limited” after he criticized Minister of International Trade David Emerson for defecting to the Conservatives from the Liberals for a cabinet post.
Great, you are the news !!!
What are you to do now, the honorable thing and cross the floor to the Liberals or NDP or become independent ? How will you advance your constituent’s issues and concerns now ?
Just wonder if your princples would have been as important to you if Harper would have been foolish enough to to give you that cabinet post you so badly wanted? Garth get over it!
You showed a lot of courage and integrity to speak your convictions. I wish there were more honest MPs such as yourself, and hope that the Conservative machine doesn’t penalize you professionally in any way. It’s been all too common for the Bush Administration to silence any opposing opinions, and it would truly be a sad day should this happen in Canada.
you know, although I respect Garth (as I stated above) I’m concerned that this thread is fairly inappropriate actually…since his collegues will surely be able to read it and it will not help unity in the caucus. On the one hand I think it is good for MPs to have their own voice with which to represent their ridings…on the other hand, I think that for the sake of the new Conservative gov’t, internal controversy should not be shared by MPs in a public forum. It makes me wonder if Garth was more interested in getting digruntled blogging Tories on his side than patching things up at work for the sake of his constituents. I’d really like to hear why Garth thinks this thread is in the best interest of serving his constituents in Ottawa.
1 it seems the media is trying a bit of… “drive by reportage” I can hear more of the same in Question Period in march?
2 good on you Garth.
3 but, thank God it’s friday?
On behalf of many Canadians, I thank you Garth, for reminding everyone that it’s wrong to go to the people, saying we are going to change how government works, then step into power and do exactly what you blamed the previous government for.
In my riding, I voted for our Conservative representative mostly because of whom he is as a person, but I know many voted for him because he is a Conservative. There is no question in my mind that if he had run as a representative of the Green Party, I would have voted for him, but I know many people would have voted for whoever ran against him as the Conservative member.
Everyone votes for different reasons, but based on the situation at the time of the election. Changing the rules the moment you get in office because it’s convenient is exactly why so many people have no faith in any politicians. Shame on you, Mr Harper. You have proven to everybody in Canada you are no different that the Liberal party that was defeated. What’s worse is that you have now guaranteed that the Liberals will win the next election because I will not vote for someone who has lied to the people of Canada.
I can’t say I’m the least bit surprised by the staggering hypocrisy of Steven Harper and his cronies: what else should one have expected from the Rethuglican Party of Canada?
(Garth: you, Cummins and maybe one or two others are alright.)
I voted for you because you seemed honest and sensible. I expect you to hold to that no matter what happens, and in taking this stand of yours I am glad I voted for you.
Any retribution goes to the perl of your party. It would be nice if Harper stood up and explained in full detail the need to poach other elected reps., and to appoint unelected people to cabinet. All I want is an explaination or a correction.
Mr Turner,
Although I am not a PC supporter, I wanted to write as a constituent in your riding (who voted Liberal and will again) and thank you for standing up for what you believe in, for what most people of our riding believe in: honesty, integrity and principles. I hope that you will continue to carry on your predecessor, Mr Carr’s legacy of being a man of principle, of one not afraid to represent his riding over his party. Another poster mentioned you should cross the floor and sit with Belinda..I had thought of that myself this morning. You’d get my vote as a Liberal.
Mr. Turner,
Thank you for the breath of fresh air from a stale environment. It is wonderful to actually see a politician sticking to his values and commitments. I have asked my MP, Pierre Poilievre, if he still supports his pre-election position on floor crossing. He has replied that he does, but I have not seen or heard anything in the press about his stance.
Hold dear to your principles for you are the true representative of the people.
Thanks for sticking to your guns. I was wary of the Conservatives winning power (I didn’t vote for your party) and my opinion has sunk even further in light of recent happenings, but I think you should be commended for your consistent approach to this issue of politicians crossing the floor without involving the democratic process of allowing their constituents to say whether or not they agree.
Hi Garth,
You are being accountable to yourself and to your constituents, which is commendable. However, sometimes discretion is the better part of valour.
Mr. Turner,
It is hard to survive the back-stabbing environment on the Hill. We need people like you to represent us, decent folks who value integrity and honesty. I am disillusioned by the double talk of our politicians no matter what party they belong to and I stopped voting. Please..Please.. Hang on there
[...] tements is better than the “look at me aren’t I so principled” crap like Garth Turner’s. You guys are not paid to throw up your hands and quit at the first sign o [...]
Get real, Mr. Turner. If you think you think the PM has made a mistake, fine. But what do you hope to accomplish by blogging about this issue to the whole world? Do you really think you’ve advanced your principles in this way? All you’ve done is given juicy fodder to the media — bringing us closer to the day when all Conservatives will join you in that “forgotten basement washroom office”.
Dear Mr. Turner,
Thank you very much for your honesty. I completely agree. If a politician wants to switch parties, then let the constituents decide. Or let the MP become an Independent and avoid the whole byelection process.
Mr Turner,
your principled stance is admirable.
Another gentleman wrote rules of politics are 123 Loyalty, that is what got us into 13 years of corruption we don’t need 13 more years. Values are what it is about and you have them. Keep on the path.
Mr. Turner, you are correct in your opinion that if elected as a Liberal then there should be a by-election to be fare to the people that elected their MP. I think the people of Canada were expecting the PC to honest in what they promised Canadians. Keep standing up for the people that elected you.
G.Bennett
Love it! Party on Garth!
Dear Mr Turner;
My initial reaction was to suggest that you in turn cross the floor. However, that would be too easy a solution. We need independent thinkers and doers in the Conservative party, who have the guts to go up against Stephen Harper and his sycophants especially come time for his “free votes”. May I suggest you stay right where you are?. Canadians need to have honest and courageous representation. After all, we are one of the world’s premier democracies in the true sense of the word. Are we not?.
Garth, your words and actions related to these recent events are inspiring and encouraging. Having said that, I’m hoping you don’t shoot yourself and the Conservative Party in the foot. The wheels of change do move slowly. I think you’ve simply found yourself slightly ahead of the cart and it would be a great loss if you were to get yourself run over.
I still have a great deal of respect for Mr. Harper. I hope he’s able to show true leadership and put this whole matter to rest.
All the best,
Andrew
This is the first time in my life I have been really furious with our Canadian Prime Minister. I am so glad that I did not vote for Harper. Mr Turner, you have my full respect and support. As Canadians we should really make a big deal about this early onset of arrogance by Harper, we should even be so radical as to protest!
Mr. Turner,
I have the utmost respect for your stand. Please, for the sake of us conservatives who still have some principal, do not back down! I have written to Harper and my MP asking them to make right this wrong. Bravo to you!
You’ve certainly made this week interesting, and, being a journalist, you’ve expressed yourself and communicated on this blog very well. BRAVO!
While I don’t support your party, nor ever will after the Harris years in Ontario, I respect the stand you’ve taked against political hypocrisy, and ironically, a form of political corruption.
In your forthcoming private member’s bill, perhaps you might recommend that Justice Gomery be appointed to discover the dirt behind the undemocratic actions taken this week by Prime Minister Machiaevelli.
With people such as yourself, our politics would be as they should. The sad realities are what has turned politics into the sordid contivance we have today.Harper has shown his true stripes. The Conservatives have failed the most elementary of tests.
As someone who thinks of himself as what was once a “red tory” or “blue liberal”, I find myself unable to comfortably or confidently cast my ballot for either the modern Liberals or the modern Conservative party.
One of the biggest issues I have ever had with our government is watching members who present original, free-thinking ideas and stand up for principles be relegated into political non-existence by party machinery.
I would feel at ease voting for you. Best of luck on the hill.
As someone who voted for Harper in Calgary Southwest, I appreciate your principled stance and I hope that Harper will remember the principles on which he got elected.
Stick by your principles, your a conservative i actually can respect, god save us all with Stockwell Day as a minister
Any possibility of running for leader again? Probably not – you’re too honest!
Well done, Mr. Turner. The Conservative rationalizers and apologists saying “We have to be team players, show loyalty, yada, yada, don’t seem to understand that loyalty is a two-way street, and if you want to get it, you have to give it. So what kind of loyalty did SHPM show his caucus? Although they are the ones who have to defend the actions of the party to their constituents, he seemingly didn’t bother to run this brilliant idea past them before coming out with it, or (perish the thought) even giving them a chance to vote on it. So much for those promises of more freedom for MPs, eh?
If the voters of Vancouver-Kingsway will be just as well served by Mr. Emerson as a Conservative, perhaps they are owed the right to be consulted on this matter? Yes, they ultimately voted for a person, but an important part of what they voted for was his judgement about what set of policies, i.e., party, with which he should associate himself. If they’re just as happy to have him as a Conservative, then they’ll re-elect him, but when he isn’t even willing to give them the opportunity, it says something offensive about his attitude towards them.
There was another elected official, also decisive, also from Vancouver-Kingsway, whose campaign statements were found to be no longer operative once he was elected. And despite being exonerated in court, no one from that time forward believed a word he said, even when it was true, and believed everything his adversaries said, even when it wasn’t true. At the time, I thought of some of the oldest political advice in the world and still the best: “Be what you you wish to seem, because when you assume the appearance of any virtue, you open a credit account, which you must one day meet, or else go bankrupt utterly,” In trying to redeem your party from a similar credibility bankruptcy, you are demonstrating the the best kind of loyalty.
I respect you more than the new PM who has disappointed every person who believes in honesty and truth… a sad day for Canada and every person who voted for Emerson and believed in Harper
Mr.Turner, You might shrug but it is clear that you are brave,honest and determined to value truth above party. No wonder you arouse so much response..you are not a normal politician.
Having come from a family where a member crossed the floor from one party to the next for personal gain I personally can feel the sting that this causes.
Garth – honestly I have never heard of you until today and as of today you are one of the most respected members of parliment in my books.
You make our conserative party look good – my prayers are with you.
Garth,
Timely. Harpers decision to include these people has been sold in the press as a sign of inclusiveness, showing the west doesn’t dominate cabinet. You have it right however in pointing out it is old-politics, the very thing Harper promised to change.
Courage isn’t enough. Being right isn’t enough. What you’ve demonstrated to the boys and girls at home is that principled stands have a high cost. Your integrity alone can’t carry you far Garth. However the integrity of those who support you can. Put your confidence in those you represent. They will not let you down.
Greg (is not a constituant)
Let me predict the future…the arrogance Mr. Harper exudes has only just begun…stay tuned..good for you Mr Turner
THANKYOU!!! Garth….Think about sitting as an INDEPENDANT….behold’n to know one…ask your voters in Halton, what they think?
Garth,
How refreshing to find a man of integrity in politics! Standing up for what is right is not always easy. Good to see someone has the balls to do what is right. This is the way it should be. What ever happened to free speech. Emerson showed no integrity or class when he jumped ship for a cabinet post. Does the PMO really thinks this type of anti-social behaviour is what makes a good cabinet minister. Some things may never change!
One week into his mandate and Harper has already blown his election promises. I made the mistake of voting conservative. Can you guess whether or not I will ever trust this party again?
Harper = Hypocrisy
Turner = Integrity
Get a life.
It works this way!!
Since John A. Macdonald!!!
Garth
Reading through the comments here, I see a number that say go join this or that party or go independent. My opinion: stay right where you are. Canada needs a right-of-centre party with decent principled members such as you.
There are others who do not belong in the Conservatives – starting at the top – but you are in the right party, so stick with it!
I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing when I put my X beside your name in the voting booth in Campbellville on election night, but NOW I’m glad I did!
Like you, I believed that this time was going to be different.
I sincerely hope that this was the last gasp of the same old way of doing things.
Somehow, I have a feeling I’m going to be further disappointed.
Mr. Harper asked us to vote for change. Is this the change we asked for? I don’t think so. We have been fooled. I admire your courage and your desire to serve the people and not the leader or the party no matter what it cost you. Perhaps you might be better able to serve your consituents by sitting as an Independent. I guess disobeying the master is not allowed.
Mr. Turner,
Thank you for your integrity, honesty and your principled stand on upholding the fundamental princples of democracy. Canada needs more people in politics like you.
The Liberals on here calling for Garth to cross the floor are obviously short a few brain cells.
Do they not get the irony in what they are saying?
Mr Turner. I do respect the stand you are taking to a point. However, there is a false dichotomy in what you say and write. This is not a matter of principle on your part and a lack thereof on the part of the Prime Minister and Mr Emerson. This is rather a question of which principle is correct in this context.
I hope you would agree that democracy is not the only principle involved in governing or in meeting the needs of the nation. Sometimes unpopular decisions have to be made for the good of the country and democracy has to take a back seat.
In this case it is true Mr Emerson was elected a Liberal. However, our system allows for him to choose to cross the floor. There is therefore nothing inherently wrong or unethical in this unless there was a law passed to the contrary and that may come to pass.
I have heard the PM speak on this matter BEFORE the election and he explained how any laws forcing bye-elections would actually increase the power of party leaders and weaken individual MPs. I was inclined to believe him then as I am now.
Although I can appreciate the “betrayal” and anger many people feel over this I think these sentiments underscore a base problem in the psyche of the Canadian system. That problem is the dehumanization of MPs who are no longer people but red or blue. If an MP in good conscience thinks he/she is serving his constituents well even by doing something unpopular, that is laudable in my view and popular democracy does not always reign supreme. Wisdom dictates what should be done in each case.
Mr Emerson is a talented man who will serve well in cabinet in the portfolio given to him. Canada and BC will benefit from his talent far more in cabinet than in the opposition benches. You seem to have given that little thought in your “principled” stand holding democracy to be your sacred cow. Kudos to Mr Emerson for his principled stand even in the face of abuse and political squabbling.
Garth, I suspect if you are angling for leadership you should look at the Liberal and NDP parties where you seem to have a lot of enamoured supporters.
To all who say: this is just the way politics works, that is NOT the point.
The point is that the Conservatives ran on a platform of integrity and change. The have revealed themselves as complete hypocrites and that is exactly what Turner is complaining about.
Mr. Turner, you should run as an independent.
Amazing how many comments are posted. Digital democracy has been given a kick-start!
For the record, I think floor crossers should go back to the constituents for a new mandate. Imagine if an MP quit his/her party and announced that he/she were joining the Nazi party: Would the voters feel comfortable because they vote for the person not the party? I don’t think so. The candidates behaviours are going to be affected in some way by the party that they sit with and thus they should seek a fresh mandate after crossing the floor.
Hats off to you, Mr. Turner.
I’m probably swimming against the stream here, but I feel it’s necessary to express a contrary viewpoint.
A Member of Parliament is elected to be a representative. As such, they are actually bound to behave in the manner their conscience dictates, not their constituents. While individual members can choose to poll or survey their constituents to discern their opinions, they are not obligated to do so.
Contrary to the somewhat Americanized view of the Canadian system, we do not actually elect parties. We elect individuals. Those individuals are then expected to represent a riding, but not necessarily reflect it.
If an individual member chooses to cross the floor and sit with the government, that is their right, just as it is their right to cross the floor and sit in opposition.
In fact, if you trace democracy’s roots, you will find that these terms, “cross the floor,” sit “with the government” and sit “in opposition to the government” all come from the earliest traditions where parties had not yet formed a stranglehold on member conduct and when members physically voted with their bodies by actually walking across the house to indicate their agreement or opposition to the matter under proposal.
So, with this tradition in mind, and with the recognition that the people elected Mr. Emerson to be their representative, I can’t agree that the election results for his riding should be overturned or that he should be penalized or a byelection held. While his constituents may feel that he misled them, which may even be the case, the fact is that they elected him to vote and act his conscience and if he feels he can better represent them in this manner, then that his is right and, in fact, his duty as a sworn member of Parliament.
A failure to understand the realities of our political system and the subsequent disappointment that may ensue from that misunderstanding, are hardly reasons to punish someone.
Think of this as a learning point. Voters should pay more attention to the individuals than the parties. If not, they have only themselves to blame.
As a transplanted Canadian now living permanently in the U.S., I wanted to encourage you to stick to your principles and fight for what is right.
Mr. Turner- I am not a supporter of the Conservative party. I am an NDP member but must thank you for standing by your principles. This country is based on our freedom of different opinions, and the freedom to vote for the candidate and party of choice. Thanks again.
I was impressed to finally see a politician with honour. Your office in a renovated washroom is more honouable than the PMO’s office right now as far as I’m concerned. If there were more politicians like you, that word would not leave a bitter taste in people’s mouths the way it does now.
Garth,
Thank God this country has people like you to run for office and speak up for the people. If more Members of Parliament, and more party leaders, posessed even a fraction of the courage and integrity which you have so obviously displayed, this would truly be a great country.
Best wishes,
Andrew Swidzinski
Conservative Volunteer
Lac Saint Louis QC
Go for it, Garth! Speak for the people who elected you. That’s your job. How refreshing to have you on the Hill.
Let others do their jobs as they see fit. You be the voice of truly representative democracy; that’s your chosen destiny.
Your power doesn’t really come from the duties the PM assigns you. It comes from the people who elected you and your own convictions. There’s a great deal you can do as an MP of principle and passion.
For example: Canada obviously badly needs electoral reform. Why not organize a group of MPs from every party — a truly multi-partisan group — to push the electoral reform agenda forward, with the simple goal of ensuring Canada gets to vote in a binding referendum on a new electoral system no later than the next federal election?
You’d make more positive difference to Canada that way than as any kind of Cabinet minister. And you don’t need the PMO’s permission to do this. Just go ahead and do it. Make some phone calls. Organize an electoral reform caucus.
On the Liberal bench, I’d suggest MP Stephen Owen as a good guy to talk to. He taught electoral systems at the University of Victoria a few years ago, and he’s very well-respected, a very principled gentleman and democrat.
Brave person looks at all risks and resulting effects and then completes task.
Fool rushes in and does task without checking risks and effects.
I would say you are a brave person to maintain your stand because you are aware of all aspects.
Good Luck and keep standing up for what is right.
Ha! Mr. High and moral mighty Harper. Heh, Heh…….. Yep Power corrupts no mater how pious one tries to appear while vying for public office! Well I’m by no means a fan of the Reform Ur…. Um Conservatives, however I do have to take my hat off to you sir for standing up and taking a stand on this issue. Nice to see a politician with real convictions, keeping the interests of their constituents at heart.
I don’t agree that Emerson should be made to resign and run in a by-election. I think that all MPs must have the personal freedom to decide how they will support or not support the party forming the government. The alternative to this freedom is to have the political parties exercising potentially unjust control over the conscience of the elected MP.
Would MPs who finds that they cannot support their party, either Liberal, Conservative or other, be expected to resign their seats? Ridiculous!
Were,s Preston now, gona need him to start anouther party here in alberta.
Can,t vote conservative now.
Mr. Harper you should not have put those two into the party that I voted for.That was not what I was voting on.
I,m just hoping some Tories break from your party and sit as independents.
Hey we.ve got quite a few here from Alberta You dont need them all.
Have A nice Day.
Garth – we support you here in BC. I wish you were my MP. Thank you for fighting for democracy. We need more politicians like you – it would restore faith in the word “politician”. I think some of your CPC colleagues forget why the reformers left the old PC party. By the way, I enjoy your financial columns as well. Keep up the great work and let’s keep hearing from you!
Garth,
With integrity like that, what the heck are you doing in politics?
Good on ya Garth! It royally cheeses me to see those fence sitters nay sayin ya. They’re just inverting their lack of ambition to run a campaign and succeeding into spears and arrows against anyone who actually sets and achieves their goals day by day.
Finally a voice of reason! Thank you Mr. Turner. We need someone like you here on Vancouver Island. Perhaps an integrity 101 road show would be in order. Take heart, I still believe that NICE GUYS will NOT finish last! Also, please continue with your financial column.
Thanks for speaking out Garth. Emerson redefines the word sc*mbag.
Hey, some good will come out of the bsmt office – no one will notice if ya slip out a little early Friday afternoon
Keep on doing what you are doing.
BF
Hey Garth.
If you cross the floor (as is rumoured) I guess there will have to be a by-election. Otherwise you will be seen as the hypocrite.
You and I come from different political philosophies but I sincerely admire your moral stand in the Emerson case. Don’t worry overmuch about being located in a renovated washroom; you’ll have a ringside seat as the bright new government goes down the toilet.
Looks like the music sheet in the PM office got just lightly dusted off after previous conductor. Music seems to be still the same, played with a more aggressive tempo though. If you try to change the music, you go against the whole orchestra, no win situation. What’s the most important here is sticking to your principles. I have been Conservative supporter for a while, but the Cabinet recent shuffles do not seem to agree with my expectations. I believe that two appointed ministers are very good professionals, no doubt about it. The whole problem is really small, entire issue is about something else, your conviction and integrity. The thing that bothers me the most is the fact that we, all Canadian voters together with Garth, were sent to the place we supposedly belong to,… the basement. And that’s frightening.
Bravo!!! Imagine, someone choosing Principle over Party.???
This move of Harper’s confirms my worst fiears about the Reform/conservative party. Not gooe. Congratulations Mr Turner. Do not waiver.
Bravo!!! Imagine, someone choosing Principle over Party.???
This move of Harper’s confirms my worst fiears about the Reform/conservative party. Not gooe. Congratulations Mr Turner. Do not waiver.
Bravo!! Imagine, choosing Principle over Party??? This move by Turner confirms my worst fears about the Reform/conservative party. Congratulations Mr. Turner. Do no waiver..
You personally experienced the days when the public felt disengaged in the Mulroney era. One would think that your party bosses would appreciate your experience from this era.
People voted for the Conservative Party on the promise that things would be different. That the party had either learned from the mistakes of the Mulroney era and was not going to take Canada into a social conservatism.
The party split way back because many Canadians felt that the party was not listening to them. So they opted for more popular democracy. Though this might be a little too impractical, the fact remains that appointing a not-so-former Liberal and an unelected Conservative to the cabinet strikes a raw nerve in the hearts of many loyalists.
Excusing this as “it’s just politics” or the “Liberals were no better” is NOT the point. The Liberals were dumped partially on the basis that the Conservatives would be different.
If Harper had said “hey the Liberals do some things that anger you but are not illegal. As long as they are not illegal, we will do them too if we see some sort of political advantage for ourselves”, I wonder how many people would voted for the Conservative Party.
“Demanding Better” means NOT emulating the mistakes of the past.
“Standing up for Canada” is exactly what Garth Turner is doing.
Stay with your principles! This is exactly why the reform movement was started. If the PM keeps this up, there will be another reform movement. My hat is off to you Garth.
Good for you. Hang in there.
On Jan23/06 Canadian voters dealt out 308 cards. I’m glad the you have one of them. Play it well.
Garth…
I can appreciate all the hard work you did to get elected…
Do you really think it was all you and the CPC had nothing to do with it???
If you truly are that egocentric do us all a favor and sit as an independent where you will have a voice…a small meaningless voice that will have no effect in Parliment at all!!!
If it isn’t all about you work with fellow caucus members and try to make a difference…
It must be gratifying to have all these nice people giving you advice…
Don’t believe all your press clippings, or them. I’m sure there are a lot of people trying to manipulate you for their own interests. Public people that are seeking to make themselves newsworthy (which you are whether you admit it or not) are very susceptible to their siren song!
I personally would rather see you make an ass of yourself as an Independeant rather than hurt the party from within. I’m embarrassed that I cheered so loud when you were elected.
Thanks for speaking your mind. The way it should be.
So happy to hear your comments on CFRB yesterday. My husband and I have been following your blog for a while and wanted to commend you for the tremendous work you are doing for us. We are very impressed. We are so glad to finally have someone we trust representing us. You have inspired us in so many ways. Thanks for giving us a voice and – thank you for doing the right thing. Wish there were more politicians like you out there.
I agree with 98% of what you say, but man o’man, are you being played by the media! And we all know what the media does when it’s extracted what it wants from you (i.e. a few soundbites that can be construed to support their predetermined position). You seem to be a bright man destined for self-prescribed 15 minutes of political programme fame, and then bacl to what you were doing before. Pity.
Good for you Garth! You are displaying the high standards that we expect from elected members of our goverment. We take pride in living in a democratic country and we do not want our elected
officials to be muzzled. You are the voice of your riding voters.
Question???
Will you step aside for a bye-election if you decide to leave the CPC and sit as an Independent…
You know, you being a man of so much higher standards and all…
Or will you just belly up to the trough for the balance of this Parliament???
I am obviously weighing the best option for the party and Parliament, not myself. — Garth
Garth
I am a Halton voter who voted for the Green Party because of my disillusionment with the old line parties. I now wish that I had voted for you, not because of Tory policy platforms, but because it now appears that Garth Turner stands for principle ahead of everything. That makes you a rare bird. Stay the course.
RM
You clearly have know idea what your selfishness is causing.
An MP’s job is to sacrafice himself for the greater good of Canada not to show boat on an issue that means about as much as whether an MP expensed a pack of gum or not.
Get on with as you say being a MP focusing on issues that matter instead of dragging down the party YOU ran for. Your imploding yourself, your party and any hope for the accountability you claim to defend.
I’m out in Emerson’s riding and let me tell all of you how incredibly pissed off the people here are at his recent move. Good luck winning the riding next time around.
Appointing an unelected individual as a minister though, now that takes some heavy brass balls.
Stephen Harper es muy de hombres.
Party over, Garth.
And for anyone saying I’m a Liberal troll, jam it. Just another pissed off Canadian voter, ready to cast it again in late 2007.
Garth,
Enough already. Support your team and leader and move on. Let’s be positive and do the best for the country.
Paula
As a New Democrat, I admire your stand—although if your whole party had your guts and integrity, it would be a far more formidable opponent. Keep at it. The principles you’re fighting for are important to us all.
It certainly is true that there is a fine line between courage and stupidity. Methinks you are right on the line.
aaaaaah those sanctimonious Libs and MSM, you are doing exactly what Paul Martin and his crew did to Jean Chretien for years, only with you it took a couple of days. I am an ex-lib, and will remain so for a long time. This is a MINORITY GOVERNMENT, Mr Harper’s decisions were not easy to make, he knew he was going against his beleifs, but for the good of the country he made the hard decisions, no dithering here, you could not wait to bring his integrity down along with your party, you want to tear your shirts, go ahead, I am not impressed. Mr Harper will come out on top, feed the press all you want for your own glorification, that is your choice it may be time for you to join the Liberal you would fit right in.
Dear Garth:
A most corrageous stand for the common person. I wish all politicians would do what you’ve done and stand by one’s ethics. If more politicians were like you, maybe this country wouldn’t be as apathetic.
For once, you’re 100% correct.
We expect accountability no matter what party.
Keep doing what’s right regardless where you sit. Right now a seat in the washroom wields a lot of power. There must be other conservatives. interested in bringing respectability back to politics
I like the thought, but I think you got it wrong, by crossing the floor, Mr. Emerson reminded the people that party loyaty is not constitutional, nor should it be. The people were reminded that they vote for a person and anything that deminises party loyalty and wakes voters up to the fact that they the can vote for a person is OK with me…I think you should be supporting Emerson in his quest to “do what’s best for his riding”
Mr.Turner you are the perfect example of what we used to call a (cry baby) when I was just starting school. How do you expect the PM to reward you with a Ministry when you never adhered to any of the party’s main beliefs. Your just a wolf (liberal) in a sheep skin and I strongly suggest you cross the floor and join your liberal buddies, and if you still think your so important, go for the leadership.
The National
Your Turn with the party leaders
Stephen Harper, Conservative Party
Jan. 19, 2006
Peter Mansbridge: Next question is coming from a city you’re very familiar with, from Calgary.
Colleen Belisle: Hello, my name is Colleen Belisle and I have a question for Stephen Harper regarding the accountability issue. In the past 18 months, I have noticed a number of MPs crossing the floor after the election. This makes me wonder why I should, as a voter, go and vote when my MP can change parties after the election. Mr. Harper, are there any policies that you plan to enforce after the election regarding this issue? Thank you.
Stephen Harper: My short answer is no. And I understand the voters’ frustration. You can imagine I feel that frustration as much as anyone. I was the victim of a number of the particular incidents that the voter is referring to, that Colleen’s referring to, but the difficulty, Peter – I know that many members of Parliament have put forward various proposals that would restrict the right of MPs to cross the floor, force elections, or whatever. I haven’t seen one yet that convinces me that it would create anything other than a situation where party leaders have even more power over the individual members of Parliament. And, as you know, I’ve said that, of course, I’ve said that for a long time that I think our members of Parliament need more authority, need to be able to represent their constituents’ views, and they may make very bad decisions in crossing from a good party to a bad party or, more particularly, a winning party to a losing party. But that all said, I haven’t seen one yet that I’m convinced creates a bigger problem than it’s actually trying to fix.
Peter Mansbridge: Do you think voters are as uncomfortable as Ms. Belisle points out when these kinds of things happen? Because if they are, one assumes that they are looking for direction from their political leaders to prevent this from happening. As you pointed out, some parties, the NDP has said it would force an immediate election. Do you think something has to be done?
Stephen Harper: Let me give a concrete example of an alternative situation. The Conservative Party of Canada, the new Conservative Party was created because people left actually no less than three separate old caucuses, two old parties, and joined with a new party, and I think there is widespread consensus among not just members of the old parties, but members of the public as well that this was a good thing to create a stronger opposition, to end the fragmentation of the conservative movement in the country.
Now, you know, this kind of law could have forced us into a situation where we were having 75 byelections. So, you know, that’s a problem with any of these proposals. We understand, I understand why people want them, and, believe me, there’s a couple of cases that have happened where I’d love to have a law like this, but there’s also a lot of downsides when you think it through. As I say, in a practical matter, I could see how party leaders could really abuse that particular provision to make it even more difficult for members who may disagree legitimately with their party to operate within the party.
Mr. Turner, you’re absolutely right. Hold their feet to the fire! As you’re an MP from Ontario, I very much doubt you got there as a Reformer / Canadian Alliance / New conservative (small “c”)but you are indeed a Reformer. I say this with all respect. I live in Alberta and what has happened before anyone has even warmed a seat in the new Parliament is not what Reform was (is) all about. I do not buy into the “for the good of the country” mantra Mr. Harper is espousing. Jean Chretien tried to tell us the same thing about ADSCAM. This should not be “business as usual” in Parliament. You (the collective “you”) have (had) the opportunity to clean up the Hill, put Canada back on track and once again make our country respected throughout the world. I now fear this may not be possible. Mr. Harper has swung twice and missed by a country mile on both. One more and I’m afraid you’ll all be out.
As you have only as him(Harper)as PMO. Will he unvaile his hidden agenda?
One of our blog team members wrote you an open letter. Reading this made me realize that you’re one of those that really deserve the ‘Honourable’ in front of your name. Anyways, here’s the letter.
To the Honourable Mr. Turner:
Thank you so much for your service to Canada. In only five days as an MP, you have done the principled thing as opposed to the easy thing. For disclosure’s sake, I am a Liberal, and am thus extremely disappointed that a Conservative is now representing my riding (replacing the Hon. Peter Adams). However, if you were my member of parliament, I would not feel nearly as disappointed – in fact, every member of the riding of Halton should feel proud that they have an MP who has already earned the title of “Honourableâ€, Liberal, Conservative, NDP, Green, Independent or any other.
I will admit that your committment to popular democracy is not shared entirely by me (I am a skeptic when it comes to “the peopleâ€); I also respectfully disagree with you on floor-crossers. That being said, what I do admire is the fact that you campaigned on honesty and integrity, and unlike 99% of politicians who do so (of all parties), you are actually showing honesty and integrity.
I hope that you are not browbeaten into submission by your party, and I pray that you continue to be one of the few MPs in the House of Commons that I truly respect. Unlike some Liberals, I will not invite you to join our party, because if you did, I think I would be disappointed. Not that I would be unhappy to have a principled, honourable man in the Liberal caucus (to replace Mr. “If the Liberals have won I’d still be a Liberal†Emerson), but your joining the Liberals would sort of defeat the purpose… unless you resigned and ran in a by-election… so on second thought, how do you feel about getting a hero’s welcome to the opposition benches? Just (half) kidding.
Keep fighting the good fight, sir.
There is no law or guideline that prevents MPs from crossing the floor. When Vancouver-Kingsway voted in the last election, they voted for David Emerson. Though we expected him to represent the Liberal Party of Canada, he has decided that he can better represent his riding as a cabinet minister. Personally, I think it is pretty impressive that Stephen Harper was willing to reach across the floor and put a Liberal in his cabinet when he could have chosen another Alberta Conservative. It was also very responsive to his critics; after all, the mayors of Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal had demanded urban representation and by recruiting David Emerson, Harper delivered. After Brison and Stronach, I think all the Liberals on this comment thread ought to think again and accept that Emerson has traded opposition for a more productive cabinet position and that this is an acceptable decision for Parliamentarians to make.
As for you, Garth Turner… I think you’ve made a poor decision once you started complaining about the ‘vermin-invested’ washroom for an office and the like. You said your peace about Emerson and Fortier and you should have left it at that… instead you’ve gone much farther to the discredit of your party. If you were genuinely interested in ‘changing the system’, you would have run as an independent. Instead, I have the distinct impression you are bitter that you were passed over for Cabinet and even as a Secretary, especially given that as a former Cabinet Minister your experience might have made you a logical choice. I just don’t smell integrity here on your part… at this point, you had nothing to lose anyways.
Is it or is it not traditional to vote for the man that will do you and yours the most good, trusting the he knows what is the best way to do that? If you think that it is, then an elected person that switches party obviously thinks that by so doing they are doing the best for their constituents. End of story.
Seems to me that you want out of politics and this is your way out. That for some reason you’ve come to the conclusion that your way that things should be done are the only way and anything that falls outside of that spectrum is wrong. As far as people being less than thrilled with you, it isn’t hard to see why.
Given two difficult options you clearly made the right choice and you’ll sleep better longer term for it.
I applaud your position on the two matters concerning cabinet seats … Canadians wanted change and they believed that Mr. harper would be the agent of positive change …only to have this trust crushed within a matter of a few days of the election. Mr. Pallister Portage Lisgar … testing the waters for a possible run for the leadership of the Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party … travelling Manitoba seeking support while on the pay roll as an MP with staff paid from the federal purse. Some honey moon … T minus 20 minutes. Stand your ground … as a former cabinet minister, is this federal? then as a PC you deserve to be treated accordingly.
You are correct Garth. After a masterful campaign it was very disapointing that Stephen could not anticipate the damage his credibility would suffer by appointing Emerson and especially Fortier. I believe he did it thinking Emerson was best for the job. I can’t imagine why he would appoint Fortier other than patronage. Representing Montreal doesn’t cut it. I can only hope his governance in months to come will make voters forget this catastophic blunder after setting the bar so high and making such lofty promises to clean up Parliamnet. Most disappointing.
Win Hunter
Courtenay BC
Garth do not break away from your party as that would play into their hands. Of course I heard that Harper could be quite abusive to those who piss him off. Press have report this so I am just repeating what I heard.It’s funny, but there is someone posting here telling about all these liberals trolling and the liberal warroom acting here behind the scenes. Hello all, the election was over Jan 23rd and those rooms closed, so no I think these are people generally concerned about the whole mess. And there are more voices here than just libs and cons, such as dippers. Oh what tangled web we weave when we first lie to deceive – LOL
Well Done MP Turner!!!
It takes courage to stand up for your principles, especially ones that many Canadians agree with. You fought hard for your seat, won with the tightest of margins, and with your business and political background,you should have landed a Minister position.
Halton riding is much more of a urban centre than Halton Wellington, yet newcomer Mike Chong lands a important position. Just after the election call, Harper appears for a news conference, with two visible minority memebers and one female memeber standing close behind for “politically correct” backdrop. One of those members was Mike Chong, now Minister Chong.
You have far more experience, both in business, polictics, and on parliment hill. You are far more outgoing and weigh a heavy responsibility to your consituients having their collective voice in government.
During the campaign,Mike Chong refused to answer questions regarding his stance on abortion and gay rights, showing he is a man of little confidence, choosing instead to run with the anti Liberal wave.
Yet, in the end, Harper needed minorities in his minority, and Garth Turner, with all his experience and vigor, lost the chance to help guide Canadian policy because of the colour of his skin.
As I proud Canadian, I am ashamed.
Before I read what you did, I was thinking maybe I’ll never vote again. Why tell people to go out and vote because your vote may make a difference, when you don’t even know if the person you’re voting will switch sides? But now, I feel you’ve restored some of my faith. There will always be good and bad people in this world. Thank you for your integrity.
I see I’m not the first to land here with my congratulations and thanks. I didn’t vote conservative, and by the looks of what’s happened to Mr Harper’s ethics and promises since the election, that was the right thing to do.
I’m pleased there is a least one member on that side of the house upon which the public can place its trust. Stick to your guns, God knows we’re going to need you.
While I am not a Conservative supporter, never have been and probably never will be. I must take this moment to applaud you and your stance on this issue. You deserve much credit for having the courage to stand up for democracy and the promises of accountability and ethics made by your party, even though doing so has put you in a tough spot with your fellow party MPs.
Please keep this issue alive. Even though you have other important work to do in order to serve your riding constituents, this issue affects every constituent in every riding across this country. So even if you can only find 5 minutes a day to keep this issue alive within the Conservative party it would be greatly appreciated by Canadians of all stripes right across this great country.
Thank you
Mark
Bravo, Garth! Keep on doing the right thing.
I’m glad I voted Liberal! You are doing the right thing Garth!
Garth: Congratulations. From Andre “Andre vs. the System, 3% or bust” from the Toronto Sun (over 20 years ago) Thanks for your help in changing the system and the several articles you wrote about me in my effort to change the way we finance automobiles. It has been more than 20 years since anyone has paid current rates to purchase an automobile and Garth you know how much credit I received? Thanks Andre
Garth: Since you are going to the basement, why don’t you talk about how we could use the bank of Canada under Article 18 (subsections “c” and “j” in the Bank of Canada Act and how the auditor General Mr.Desautels is responsible for the Martin Budget surpluses by forcing him to phase in Capital budgeting when he was Minister of Finace. Andre “The 3% man”
Ahhhh, the famous Garth Turner blog. Innaresting…
Have read entire blog. Am not conservative voter and never will be, especially after suffering through the Mike Harris years in Ontario. Was very disappointed in Harper’s win and am not at all surprised by his spin on his recent picks for his cabinet. He has always been an extremely arrogant person as are most of his MPs. He has shown his true colours and anyone who voted for his party to “punish” the Liberals and is now upset by his betrayals of his “I will clean up the corruption of the Liberals” stance during the campaign can all go think long and hard about who it is that is being punished, the good people of this great country, that’s who. So stop your complaining and whining and next time we go to the polls remember that it only took Harper two weeks to go against many of his so called principles. Just wait this is only the beginning of his dictatorship!!! Patricia Landry
As a financial commentator I now find it strange that you are in a party that is privatizing the CPP, and keeping it for current retirees, and up and coming baby boomers, but will no longer collect funds from employee or employer, thus being phased out.
On the conservative web page earlier this year they stated that only the lowest income senior would receive the OAS, I recall your criticism of the liberals when they came up with the same plan somewhere in the 90’s.
Also if your party changes the constitution to “add property rights” to the constitution that would give us the same rights as Americans to buy and sell guns. Aren’t you in the wrong party.
Suggest you do more research: The CPP has not been privatized but its assets are being properly invested – finally. That will hopefully ensure its survival as the Boomers retire. OAS payment schedules have not changed. As for propoerty rights, that is completely false, since our charter’s first article allows for societal rights (gun laws, environment etc.) to supercede individual ones. — Garth
Way to go Garth,
I’m not a Conservative – but by standing up for what is right, you make all Canadians proud to have you as an MP.
Kudos.
The real sting of Harper’s choices is that he ran on a platform of ethics and accountability.
He nauseatingly echoed his party’s ethical virtues throughout the entire campaign.
His arrogance in presuming that the strong mandate in Mr. Emmerson’s riding would buy his best man for the job spin is insulting.
Stick to your principles Mr. Turner, and your legacy will be that of a public servant who truly beleives in the democratic process.
Garth…re Emmerson…as a longtime supporter of change in government…Reformer, Canadian Alliance and now CPC, for over 14 years, I agree with the cross-the-house-resign-and-by-election process and it should be law. Too bad it wasn’t in 2003/2004 (Stronach/Brison)…would the Libs have passed such a law…doubt it!
However, that being said, and here is something I haven’t seen exposed and you should recognize and comment on …Emerson had a series of industry files that Libs gave him to work on…Harper has enabled him to continue with these files(and more), without breaking stride…for the good of Canada! Nothing wrong with that in my view, even though the process is flawed. The proof will be in the pudding, Garth.
As to your position as an MP and right to speak out…do it in caucus…party solidarity has its place in politics as much as potential laws on rule crossing.
If the stove really gets too hot…leave the kitchen!
And good luck in parliament!
Garth: Our Bank (The Bank of Canada ) at one time created up to 60% of the money supply. We gave up control in 1991 when the Big Private Banks were awarded O reserve requirements to help bail them out of their loses in gas and oil speculation and all their ventures in real estate speculation. It’s the bankers that tell the government what to do. I would sure like to see the Conservatives take back control of the Bank of Canada. It was the Bank of Canada that helped us to finance World war 2 and build our Universities, our Infrastructure and superhighways. Any interest paid by all levels of government to the bank of Canada is returned as dividends since the Government is the sole shareholder. How can our politicians ignore our history. Andre Marentette
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The Turner Report &raq…
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The Turner Report &raq…
Hello Mr. Turner,
Like you I was very disappointed to hear that Stephen Harper had brought into his Cabinet a floor-crossing Liberal as well as a non-elected official. I believe that this is a re-statement of his principles, if not an outright betrayal of his principles. I do not agree with the sentiment that we should just give David Emerson a chance. I have no doubt that he is competent, what I am objecting to is the way in which he entered Cabinet. I was angered when Belinda Stronach did it and I am angered that David Emerson did it. I also have to question another reason given for accepting him into Cabinet and that is the one which posits that we need the best people for the job. Again, great sentiment but I object to the process. In addition, I have to wonder about a political party which is in opposition for at least a decade, has formed a shadow cabinet for at least a decade and yet still argues that it has to go to these outside folks for talent. In other words, because the people who were in these shadow cabinet posts are not competent enough to deal with the issues? Just my two bits…
Glad to see you GO FINALLY!
Caledon constituients!!!!!!!
The Conservative Party has been hijacked by Steven Harper’s neo-conservatives. These folks do not share the values of the majority of “Conservatives”. It is good to see you (Garth) stand up against them and dissassociate yourself from their agenda. Thank you for standing up for Canadians.
Glad to see you go! Government has enough politicians and flakes.
Garth,
Im glad to see that so many Liberal party members stopped by your blog to give you warm comments. Although it’s obvious the OLO instructed them to do so with hopes of getting these comments into the media. Nonetheless you should hold your head up high and take pride in knowing that the system works, and you got what you had coming to you.
I think Stevie has makde a big mistake.
As a loyal Steve fan and reformer from the 80’s, this contradicts way too many of the basic principles of free speech and honesty that STevie is supposed to represent. Too bad.
Garth come back to London and run in our bye election as a Liberal that surly would not compromise your beliefs about crossing the floor I have no doubts in my mind Mr Harper and his band of advisers will call it right smack in the middle of the leadership race
You have been in politics and you are very aware as how it works in the great walls. Yes you have principles, but in politics you also have loyalty. It seems to me you have been gripping since you have not made a cabinet position. If you would have been a wise politician and wante dto serve your constituents you would have worked within the party to accomplish your goals. Braodcasting the caucus plans on a bloq shows a level of insicerety to your fellow members as well as with the party. Personnaly I believe you made your bed and tou did not do a terrific job in making it.
I would like to say wow, I really can’t believe it. But in reality, what did you expect. You worked for a McCarthy type hypocrite who claims he is some sort of Christian. Harper (i shiver to call him prime minister) just threw a bone to the liberals and quite frankly I couldn’t be anymore pleased. Your policies and philosophy are matched to liberal or the NDP rather than the conservatives. Welcome to the light side Mr. Turner and congrats on seeing the light and taking a stand.
Mr. Turner, of all people you should know that to be a good member of parliament especially a Tory Government you have to be a lemming and follow the leader without reservation. There is no room for individual thought after all you are only required to serve the people you represent! Good luck!
Mr. Turner, I’m not sure why the media would portray you as a “maverick”. Finally, a politician that won’t tow the party line just because it’s told to. I call that a decent politician. Secrets and gag orders are what caused the liberal’s demise in the sponsorship scandal. Open and transparant, right? Isn’t that what The Reform Party(so-called conservatives)ran on the last election? It’s seems more and more, a dictatorship. Sir, I would remain an independent and run as one in the next election. Some may call it political suicide however joining with another party would seem somewhat… Belinda???
Good for you Mr. Turner, for standing your ground and speaking your mind. I look at this government and feel that i’m watching a kindergarden play date. Like we’ve given many 5 year olds a key to the bank and said “here you go Billy, now don’t spend it all in one place”.
Mr. Turner,
I gave you my vote. I regret. It’s good to know that you have different opinion on some issues. But first of all you are a member of Conservative Party and have people’s mandate to act as such. I voted for Conservative Part of Canada, not for a guy whose name is Garth Turner. In my opinion you betrayed me, you should not be in Parlament.
In the last election I did not support the Conservative party and was frustrated with their “Green Plan”. Incredible that it was not one of their five top priorities. In fact of all the issues we face, our Environment is the only one that encompasses every facet of our lives. In short, it trumps all other issues as even the ones we deem to be central to our way of life (economic growth, health care etc.) will fade as our environmental problems continue to grow. So why does a father of two young children write to an MP who does not represent his riding. Simple… I am a new Green Party supporter and I believe you should consider their offer and give the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who voted for the Green Party a voice. What an amazing opportunity for one man…one MP. As the only Green Party member you will represent 4.5% of our population or 665,940 Canadians. As I said earlier OUR ENVIRONMENT will become a “Central Issue…even for our Prime Minister. I am not sure now if the Green Party is our political future but the growing number of people they represent will, within a few years have a say in who represents us in Ottawa.
Thanks for providing people with this chance to express our views.
Good Luck
Warren
Hey Garth,
The fact that you actually stuck to your beliefs is impressive. If only there were more MP’s like you, perhaps things would actually get done. Although I do not support your ex-party. I support your princibles.
Keep up the great work and thanks for providing some inspiration to us “common folk” that politicians really can have morals too…
Way to go Mr. Turner
I wish there were politicians like you so we can see thing being done in this great country of ours. I salute you Sir! I just wish you were in my riding and that I could 10 times You would get everyone of my vote. Thank You for your integrity
Good Luck
I think any great company or organization should applaud ‘free thinkers’ who don’t follow the party line and challenges people in charge. Like yourself, I am fiscally conservative but I feel the environment has never been a major priority of any federal government. Keep up the good work. Thank-you Garth
I’ve always enjoyed your ability to speak your own mind.I’m not surprised you were given the boot as I find the rhetoric about grass-roots as quoted by Mr.Harper to be so much hypocrisy.He’s as smug and arrogant as Jean Chretien ever was.They are cut from the same cloth.
I admire you for standing on principle. Hang in there.
Shape up or ship out. If you can’t support your party nor your collegues. get out!
If you want a biggeer story on how to shut down free thought, check http://www.sunbeltwater.com and learn about David Emerson and friends and the conspiracy to share tax-payers money with private pockets. Garth – lift the cover on this story and your blog will be a powerful instrument in uncovering corruption. See the letter from the largest law firm in Canada – McCarthy Tetrault and match the time line in the Sun Belt letter to BC Premier Campbell. Careful. you may get stepped on again.
Garth i hope you stay the way you are honest and open I wachts most of the time qp And thye are a very unhappy group If the other party ask a question never a straith simple anwers One of them need sunglasses no eye contact Dr Phill would have a hay day with them No guts who thy really arecontrolledby a dictator But in the long run it will gets up with them And give the lib lot of credit thy have done a lot for canada we have a good live and thy made mistakes that normal we all do im not perfect Lets not get this good live srewed up by a dictator Wel Garth this is my opion and my world Johanna
[...] It’s the talk of Blogtown…Harper removing MP Garth Turner from Caucus for ‘breech of confidence’ over his blogspot. We all know, ‘ya right’, more like the outspoken Turner didn’t jive with Harper’s tune, so the dance hall bouncers were bound to come out at any time. The Reform Party just doesn’t like the real Conservatives, let’s face it. But they’ve had to deal with the Lebanon evac and Afghanistan, so Turner’s turn didn’t come till now. To every season….. [...]
Buon luogo, congratulazioni, il mio amico!
Garth: Maybe as an independent you can tell the truth about our Bank, the Bank of Canada. We used it for 35 years till 1974. Our deficit at the time was 18 Billion when the banks suggested that they create all the money and help bail them out of their deregulation got them into all kind of trouble the result was by 1997 our deficit had climbed to $588 Billion, and our interest in 2005 amounted to $63 Billion.
Your old friend Andre Marentette the 3% man, the man you wrote about a dozen times while at the Toronto Sun.
Hi Gart You are so richt Mike chong is a smart young man ,but nayive.Harper dont care about any body a greet dictator .There are lots off mp in the conser party very unhappy just watch QP and be objectief and wathch there faces and body lanq Mike was not a happy camper and who the hell can do his job with a dictator he is telling them wath to do Harper forget totally we the voters are his boss and i will not vote for a srewed up man who live in the 1400 We want canada to stay for a greet country not going backwards but forwarsIm sure there is a lot more to mike chong story and i hope some day he will be just so honest to his voter than you are Thank Gart