The gloss placed by many Tories on Harper’s actions is factually incorrect, and your conclusions equally wrong, for these reasons:

• The Ethics Commissioner is a officer of Parliament with powers granted him, and an obligation placed upon him, to investigate any complaint lodged by a Member of Parliament. Investitation of a complaint is not the same as finding that a breach of ethical principles has taken place.

• Therefore, Harper’s refusal to cooperate with the Commissioner is legally incorrect for a Prime Minister, and politically inept.

• Harper’s statement that it is his right to appoint members of his Cabinet is correct, but misleading. This is not the issue. The issue is whether Harper and/or Emerson breached the ethical standards applicable. If they did, the Commissioner has to decide on a remedy.

• Harper’s defence of his position means he has placed himself above the law. This is not the position a Prime Minister should take in a democracy founded on the rule of law. Harper is not a king; the divine right died out ages ago. Nor is he an infallible pope. He is an MP and subject to the laws like every other citizen of Canada.

• Harper campaigned vigorously on a platform of reform, and rode the corruption issue into power with his narrow majority. The onus is on him to govern in accordance with his platform, which was heavily weighted towards good, clean government. His actions in flouting the law re the Commissioner do not meet this test.

• Harper is obliged to introduce legislation as soon as possible in order to bring in an appropriate accountability law, without loopholes. Once such a law is in place, it will apply in future, and replace any existing laws which are amended by the new law. Hopefully, given his campaign promises, the new law will address the issue of MPs who cross the floor.

• It is in the interests of all Canadians that government be carried on in an ethical fashion. Harper’s response to the Ethics Commissioner falls short of this standard, and should not be countnanced by specious arguments such as yours. The citizens of Canada deserve better, and every citizen – including all Tories – have a right to call Harper and others on their actions, and demand the highest ethical behaviour from them.

Perhaps the only good that will come from this sorry debacle is that we have adquate legislation passed to uphold high ethical standards for our elected representatives.

JUST DO IT AND I WILL LOVE YOU

Standing up for integrity, honour. While having to endure a rebuke from the PM. Keep up the great work Garth!

Also love to see that you are indeed following through with the Townhalls. It is about time our voice is heard.

Thank you!