Let me give a brief note on two issues:
“George Bush clone”
This description of Stephen Harper was offered on this web site in a comment by a visitor. In the melee of the last few days it has been attributed to me. In fact, Craig Oliver did so today during CTV’s “Question Period” and Sheila Copps did it again in her Sun Media column of this date.
Be aware that I never wrote those words, nor would I. I do not view Stephen Harper that way, and if I did then I would have had no place whatsoever in the Conservative caucus. Harper is his own man, and is doing his best for Canada.
Back on the Hill
I have been asked if I am returning to Ottawa soon. Of course I am, silly, it’s my job. I have lots of initiatives on the go, and much work to do – in fact, a lot more now that I am an indie, and can actually table private member’s bills (as a member of the Tory caucus, all initiatives like that have to be approved and vetted by ministers and the PMO – so they hardly exist).
I’ll be back in the House of Commons for Question Period tomorrow, and I’ll be wearing hiking books and binoculars to help find my seat high in the rafters on the oppositon side of the house. Maybe I’ll take some oxygen, too. You can’t be too careful at those altitudes.
58 comments ↓
Hey Garth, further to my comment yesterday, I echo Stephen Taylor’s thoughts on this whole matter.
I, for one, would be happy to have you back in caucus. We know that you were standing up for us caucus, but we didn’t need all the gory details… details that did nothing to help us understand what was going on, but were immensely helpful to the Opposition in attacking the Government that Canada voted for on Jan. 23… a government that included YOU.
Well, have fun. Try not to get a nosebleed at that altitude. (Note that there are still a few Blogging Tories who still think the party needs you more than you need the party.)
How about it Craig Oliver and Shelia?
Did Garth say it or not??
If not, apologise.
Keep swinging Garth. You are a genuine Canadian character. I’m either swearing at you or cheering for you. It’s always interesting.
Attributing the comment to you is pretty bad, I hope that it is corrected.
May I suggest that you turn comments off on your blog but maintain the option to email you?? It is comments like those, even though they are not your own, that can lead to misunderstandings. You could also enable that the comment be approved prior to it being posted but that is time consuming.
I do like many of your ideas, hope you can continue your work with them. Continue with your town hall meetings and all your other activities but don’t let your blog be your undoing.
You should have a by-election in the riding before returning to Ottawa. You do not have the right to represent Halton. You were elected as a member of the conservative party and not as an individual.
George: Garth said a visitor to his website attributed that clone statement to Garth, neither oliver or copps said that Garth had made that statement.
Judy: This is from Copps’ column: “He used the web to openly criticize his leader, calling Harper a clone of US President George Bush…” Of course, I did not. — Garth
Tempest in a tea pot .
Doesn’t matter whether you said Harper is a Bushy clone or not the whole nation understands that he is .
Told you at the beginning Garth that this governments(?) life would be short lived .
And you responded you would be there at least a generation .
And I replied” Only if generations are measured in months “
Obviously some journalists have difficulties to understand blogs and direct participation. But your work on this website worth to be continued and spread to other MPs, bravo !
Point in check,
Hi Garth, I’m wondering what else is behind this push toward full acceptance of the Conservatives green (?) plan, that they would invite such media frenzy? Or is it that they are looking for press (at least bad publicity is still publicity)?
Conspiracy minded individuals have mentioned pressure (hot air or passing gas) from Alberta, to increase development, and therefore revenue, of the tar sands and other oil/gas development. Of course the increased burning of fossil fuels would contravene previous green initiatives.
I’ve always thought it was a good idea to keep someone in a party that keeps it in check by providing input directly from constituents, which is either pro or con to party agendas, and was floored by your movement.
I don’t think we’ve seen that last report of Garth Turner by a long shot.
Drew Riedstra, http://www.drews.ca
At least with Garth there they wouldn’t beable to hide all the facts of the war, like they did in the US this month with the attack on Forward Operating Base.
Late on the evening of October 10, 2006, Iraqi resistance groups lobbed mortar and rocket rounds into the immense ‘Forward Base Falcon,’ the largest American military base in Iraq, located 13 km south of the Green Zone in Baghdad. In addition to accurate mortar fire, Grad and Katyusha rockets were also used.
Falcon where hundreds of US troops died but the media didn’t report the facts.
Over 300 American troops, including U.S. Army and Marines, CIA agents, U.S. translators and contractors were killed or injured outright or died immediately afterwards en route to hospital or in hospital and over 125 seriously injured, requiring major medical attention and 39 suffering lesser injuries By accounts, charred and totally unrecognizable fragments of personnel were scattered over an eight block area.
http://www.freespeechwar.com/smf/index.php?topic=3607.new
(Note that there are still a few Blogging Tories who still think the party needs you more than you need the party.)
By PhantomObserver on 10.22.06 3:18 pm
There are thousands that think the party needs him. I am one of them. Different points of views, different walks of life, different ideas and different personalities is what makes a team stronger at the end of the day.
Let’s get back to work folks. This environmental stuff is just too damn political. We are doing more and more every day to make this world cleaner. Like recycle programs, Ontarioans cutting back on hydro use, people getting smarter about gas consumption, bike paths in municipalities, municipalities banning pesticide use, organic food stores popping up like dandelions (which I have my kids pop out of the ground). What we have here is too many special interest groups and too many people stuck in the 60’s preaching there tree huggin agendas) Let’s get back to real issues. Let’s get back to work
I, for one, would be happy to have you back in caucus. We know that you were standing up for us caucus, but we didn’t need all the gory details… details that did nothing to help us understand what was going on, but were immensely helpful to the Opposition in attacking the Government that Canada voted for on Jan. 23… a government that included YOU.
Christian Conservative – I could not have said it better myself. Garth – I hope you take his words seriously. I am sure that many of us (Christians like myself, people of other faiths, people of no faith etc.) feel the same way.
I would also like to commend you for your positive comment regarding Stephen Harper – he is very much his own man and he is, indeed, doing his best for our country. I have waited a long time to read something positive that you had to say about our PM. This is the Garth Turner we would like to see. You can be effective without the vitriol
And, Garth, some of your blogs gave a clear indication of what went on in caucus. Even if you didn’t quote or give any specific details, it was often obvious that you were divulging information which was to have remained in caucus – or at least it gave every appearance of being so. In politics, optics is very important. You know this and I am sure many of us, including my own mother who is in your riding, would like to see you act accordingly.
Thank you, again, for making a positive statement about our PM. Now – do what you need to do to get back into caucus. It takes a big man to make amends and I am sure you are the kind who can do this.
What ? Still no published comment from PMSH on your ousting. Is he leaving this up to his minions to take the heat. Is he orchestrating their responces while himself is hiding. It’s an old trick and certainly below even him.
Or is he leaving the door slightly ajar ?
Morris Lewicky.
Options: 1. Try to be reinstated into the party.
Seems to be that you differ in so many ways from the ruling elite, if they effectively muzzle you, Canadians lose out big time.
2. Remain an independent.
At least you could still speak your mind and keep Canadians informed on your blog, but how influential can you really be? Look at the experience of other independents. I think you have hit on
something with your blog though concerning the power of the internet. Imagine if North Koreans had access to the internet?
3. Resign and join Green Party.
You will be criticized for floor crossing but you will be given much more exposure being the first Green MP in North America. You will allow the Leader into the debates come election time which can
help to advance the climate crisis cause like it has never happened in this country before.
If your riding doesn’t like it and boots you out, do you really want to sit on the backbench and fraternize with those whose views seem so dissimilar to yours. Sounds like no fun at all. Just because
you join the Green Party doesn’t mean you necessarily agree with their whole platform either. I’m sure you have a lot of bargaining power at this point in time. I myself would like the party to lose its
fringe elements. There are some of us out here who truly are worried about the climate crisis and want something done about it sooner than later.
You have the freedom to work on an issue that is obviously near and dear to your heart-the environment.
4. To those who criticize you for having run for the CPC in the first place, where else were you supposed to go?
5. Resign and join liberals.
Is a cabinet position worth it? Would your integrity be more besmirched?
6. It’s great that you’re consulting your constituents. Will you really do what the majority want? How will you really know? I’ve been to lots of town hall meetings and the majority sentiment in the room
never echoes what happens at the polls. In the end you have to decide what’s best for Garth Turner. One of the reasons I like Elizabeth May is that she really is not very interested in being a
politician. She enterred politics for the right reasons. She really does care about certain issues and wants to make a difference in those areas. You have to ask yourself what issues are most
important for you to fight for. Where is Garth’s passion and where can it best be allowed to flourish.
Good Luck! I really admire your guts and that you think for yourself.
Unfortunately from someone who can’t vote for you.
Garth –
Let me make this brief. Whether you land back in the arms of the Conservative Party, whether you move to the Liberals or move to the Green side of the argument… you have my vote! I will vote for Garth Turner, not any specific political party. Garth, you are what makes a difference here in Halton, not your political affiliation. You are the MP I want to represent me and my family here in Halton. Keep up the fight. I am confident that your refreshing views on Canadian politics and your up front, clear communication style will provide you with continued support.
Michael
Halton riding
There are 3 of us . All are NDP members – one thinks go to Jack, the other two say go green, Garth.
Hi Garth,
I just wanted to let you know that I supported the Green Party as a
candidate in Mississauga during the last election and like you I am not a
fan of granola. In contrast, I’m a very skeptical minded person. For
example, I think many ‘alternative health practitioners’ are con artists.
So, please don’t think everyone in the party is an extremist.
What we want is to have Canada become world leaders in combating climate
change and creating a greener economy. We want Canada to stop making so
many compromises and be more brave when dealing with the environment issue.
You are just the kind of guy the party needs and I think it would be a very
positive move for you to join.
Adam
P.S. If you do join and I see you at any of the parties we can sit at the
same table and make fun of all the guys eating granola.
Why are you going green rather than supporting the liberals who are probably the most simular to the views of the conservative party?
What do you feel about Harper giving unconditional support for Israel in the Lebanon incident; I’m morally torn between the right of Israel to defend itself and the degree to which they seem to have escalated the conflict.
Neither the methods or idealogy of some of the terrorists, or the situation in which the palestinians are currently in, sit with me very well. I prefer Canada to silently back the US without overtly backing Israel in such a complex conflict.
All Harper really did, is help the BQ get some FREE support in Quebec!!!
The life of an Independent will be a great one, but not because you’re your own boss. You’ve already made it clear whom you think the ‘bosses’ are — good for you — the constituents and taxpayers! Freed from pure, dogmatic partisan thinking, you now can really begin addressing the concerns of everyday Canadians, rather than only ‘conservative’ Canadians.
Say, have you thought about serving as an ‘Independent’ though with a ‘brand’? Ponder Bill C-3 (Registration of Political Parties Act), sign up 250 supporters, and start a new party!
That’s what we’ve been trying to do for 2 years now and, incidentally, we’d appreciate your opinion of our effort if you check our website at http://www.democrat.ca.
Sharing the parliamentary, senate, democratic and electoral reform initiatives of the likes of Rick Anderson’s “Fireweed Democracy Project” and Duff Conacher’s “Democracy Watch”, we are building a new political party to bring direct democracy, including M.P. Recall and referendums, to Canada and Canadians.
Check out my own video presentation (to the Fireweed Conference last Spring) to see what I’m trying to accomplish: http://www.democrat.ca/en/media.htm
In terms of tactics, we are NOT in this to fight in 308 ridings and split votes nilly willy, but instead to influence other parties — maybe and especially Stephen Harper’s Conservative government since this stuff is in their background — to the point where hopefully they consider STEALING our policies. To initiate this, we hope to be registered and then run a single, strong candidate in the next election.
In other words, while sharing Anderson’s and Conacher’s sentiments, we will be taking an “electoral” approach versus their “lobbying” approach. However, we intend to work closely with them and others, not in opposition or competition to their efforts.
As an example, Fireweed has already cooperated with us in our public exhibits (see http://www.democrat.ca/en/wf06.htm), which demonstrates how we intend to work with like-minded democratic reformers everywhere.
How about you, Garth? Would you be interested in presenting an option at your future town hall meeting, with us or on your own “party” initiative, as an alternative to ordinary “Indie” status?
Upon hearing the news from Ottawa, it was my first impression was that you may receive several unsolicited “offers” from other parties to join them, informally or otherwise. Then again, the type of citizen-first politician you are (as with the Party I am proposing), this makes most centrally-controlled political institutions “nervous”, to say the least.
It would be great to talk to you about your prospects, but in any event I wish you the best of luck over the hectic weeks and months ahead. Meanwhile, hopefully Canadians will be well-served by a productive Parliament during that interval. That’s all we can ask for, and we all certainly deserve it.
The Democracy Party of Canada
As I’m sure you must be aware, Mr. Harper has had to run a tight ship at the moment… we’re in a minority situation, and too much dissent will only cripple us in the next election. For the record, it’s not JUST you and those who hold your views that are being asked to hold our tonuges… IT’S ALL OF US. As a Christian within the Party, who likely falls way to the other side of you in the spectrum, I’ve REALLY been holding back on what I think on the issues… FOR THE SAKE OF THE PARTY AS A WHOLE. Within a group of fellow CPCer’s, sure, I’ll let loose, but NOT when the outside is watching! Why? In the hopes that we can form a government, and then we can together, ALL OF US, discuss the issues that are at hand, and then work accordingly to implement them in a manner that’s best for the nation, not any one group.
For the record, as a Christian, I DID NOT support what some special interest groups sought to do with your nomination. Why? Again, IT WAS HARMFUL TO THE PARTY. Did I agree with them? As I oppose SSM, I’d love to have more MP’s that share my view… BUT NOT AT THAT KIND OF PRICE. We’re in this together, as people who hold “conservative” (small case “c”) values. I for one agree with you that our Green Plan has a bit to long of a timeframe to implement… I would have maxed it at 20-30 years, not 44. (But then again, I’m of the opinion that “global warming” will be slowing anyway, if not reversing, due to the changing of the sun’s solar cycle… but that’s another issue) But having you outside of the Party isn’t going to help that… were you back inside the Party, you could be lobbying to have the timelines reduced. THOSE are the kinds of headlines I’d like to see… “Turner Convinces CPC to Shorten Green Plan Timelines”, rather than “Maverick MP Thinks Harper is an Idiot”.
That all being said, I’m really hoping that you’ll consider these things moving forward, in decising what to do. I echo Stephen Taylor’s thoughts, that we need you back within the CPC caucus. In order to offer an effective option to Canada’s “Natural Governing Party”, we need to work together, to prevent the Liberal’s slow destruction of this fantastic nation of ours. It would be great to see a Press conference next week where Garth Turner, maverick MP, says “You know what? The Liberal Party is so destructive to this nation, that I’m willing to swallow my pride, keep my mouth shut in public when I should, and keep on working within the Party to advance the ideals of ALL Canadians, not just the privilaged few. For that reason, I’ve sat down with Mr. Harper, and we’ve agreed that should the caucus vote to permit me, I’d like to rejoin the Conservative Caucus.” I think, or I’d like to hope, that vote would be unanimous… for the YEAS.
Thanks for your time in reading this. I hope everything works out. To be honest, but not to swell your head too much… Canada NEEDS this to work out. You do have way more influence than you could possibly imagine… and we need you to help reverse the damage that has been done to this nation during the decades of Liberal rule that we’ve been subjected to.
I do believe that MPs should represent their constituents, including the ones who didn’t vote for you Garth.
The best way for you to do this is to get back into caucus. The best way to get back into caucus is to shut down this blog, like your fellow Conservative MPs did theirs.
I would think that a very small % of commentors here are from your riding.
This blog is serving the opposition well and your constituents poorly.
Garth
Going Green – what a bold choice. Although I’m to in your riding and usually vote conservative. I think it would be a brilliant choice. Go for it.
Garth:
I’ll make this quick as I know you’re inundated with e-mails– I hate the Conservatives!! –
Aside from their stance on crime, I don’t have much respect for the party itself. However I must say that your recent actions in standing up to issues you have concerns with, and being unafraid to say so regardless of the repercussions is what politicians SHOULD be all about. Along with Chuck Cadman (who I had the honor of meeting shortly before his death), you’ve given me a renewed sense of hope for this country
I strongly encourage you to go Green. All the best.
Rajit
Surrey BC
Hello Garth,
I would like to encourage you to consider becoming an MP for the Green Party – and to discuss this option with your constituents. Although I don’t know you, it appears to me that many of your ideas are very in-line with policies of the Green Party – and this country desperately needs some political leadership wrt the environment. I would encourage you to seriously consider this option if the Green Party approaches you formally.
I admit I have been a member of the Green Party since 2004, so I am not impartial (but who is). I joined the Green Party out of frustration as none of the other political party’s seemed interested or capable of addressing in a coherent and consistent manner pressing issues such as climate change. .
I am a Vancouver lawyer and consider myself a fairly mainstream person – although the Green Party is small it is currently attracting a wide cross section of Canadian voters. I believe that if you discuss sitting as a Green MP with your constituents – you will find many are supportive.
Amber
Vancouver BC
“It’s not easy being Green, but it’s a hell of a lot better than being Conservative!” (anon.)
Of course you know you have been screwed. The PMO has gone too far. Harper is a control freak – unfortunately.
I’ve been a Conservative since my first legal age vote in ‘57.
I’ll stay Conservative in spite of Harper’s control freak attitude.
If you go to the Green Party – soyonara.
“You should have a by-election in the riding before returning to Ottawa. You do not have the right to represent Halton. You were elected as a member of the conservative party and not as an individual. ”
Actually, when you vote, I believe it is an individual you are voting for, at least in my experience.
The cpc membership is getting antsey
Garth: I commend you for your stand regarding the environment, but I think you cut off your leg to spite a sore toe. Your strength is as a financially responsible Conservative and you are now out in left field with no one to work with. I am a Conservative voter who once voted Green provincially and may do so again. However do not think that you can simply jump to the Green party without going before your constituents in an election. As much as I would like to see a Green party MP or MPP to push the environment, they must earn there strips by election, no other way allowed. Keep up your version of internet blog political democracy, maybe someday the control freak’s will catch onto to it’s power. Good luck if you choose to run for the Green party. I would vote for you if I lived on your riding.
“I would also like to commend you for your positive comment regarding Stephen Harper – he is very much his own man and he is, indeed, doing his best for our country.”
Richard, Garth said Harper was his own man and doing his best….he didn’t say that what he was doing was good enough or any good at all…simply that he was doing his best. Where I work, we have a mentally challenged individual that delivers the office mail….he is his own man and does his best…reminds me a lot of Harper.
Hi Mr. Turner!
I am a member of the Green Party and a big fan of Elizabeth May. I don’t know if you have made any disicsions yet, but I hope you come to the Green Side. You would be a welcome addition to the team. You have spoken about being putting voters first. I believe the Green Party is the only party that is truly for the people.
Whatever your disicsion Mr. Turner, I am glad to see someone in parliment is finally willing to stick their neck out to say what they believe is right, not just to say what you think we want to hear.
Thank you!
Bethany
Aurora Ontario
From the CBC… in a story about upcoming byelections – “…. Harper appointed Michel Fortier to be Minister of Public Works and Government Services.
When he was appointed, Fortier said he would run in the next general election, but he will not contest the Montreal-area riding of Repentigny….”
Now why am I not surprised. Fortier being named a senator so that Harper would have a Montreal cabinet minister, but now that a byelection opportunity gives Fortier the chance to make good on hsi promise to run for a seat, he has all of a sudden had a change of mind. He’s learned well from the Mule Skinner.
“Where I work, we have a mentally challenged individual that delivers the office mail’
Yea and he signs your paycheck Frank……mental midget
Jakie Chans said, “Doesn’t matter whether you said Harper is a Bushy clone or not the whole nation understands that he is.”
What a load of tripe.
Sounds a lot like your kid when he wants to do something you won’t allow, he says, “but all my friends are allowed!”
There are a lot of well-reasoned and elequent arguments put forward in this blog. Interesting stuff, most of it, but this kind of mindless name-calling crap is so boring.
So now my opinion:
As a card-carrying conservative I am deeply dissappointed that Garth was tossed from the party. Having said that, I am beginning to understand some of the reasons why. Understanding doesn’t mean agreeing, however. Also, I can see why the Greens are after him I hope he stays independent and eventually negotiates his way back into the CPC. Of course this should happen as a result of compromising on principles, but rather as a compromise on process. There are less blunt ways to dissagree with the party line and a smart guy like Garth should be able to walk that thin line, while staying out of the soup. To sum up, I hope Garth sticks to his principles, continues to develop his internet connections with Canadians, and eventually when the time is right, re-take his seat on the government side of the house.
You see Garth..Frank is a perfect example of what i mean…….
Correction to my post:
Should have said, “..should NOT happen as a result of compromising on principles…”
Sorry about that..
Hey Mr Turner
It’s nice to see that there is finally a MP who is able to represent his constituents and their interests as opposed to the interests as their party leader.
I have a suggestion for you. You were elected as a Tory, but in reality you are a Red Tory. There used to be a Red Tory representation in the house, but that changed when the PC party was swallowed by the Reform and became the neo-con Conservatives we know today. The only reason Harper’s party is so high is because there is no Red Tory representation, and many of them simply choose to go vote conservative. There are three main leftist parties in Canda, but only one main right-wing one. Why not give Canadians another option and make/join a new Red Tory/Progressive Conservative party for the many Canadians who are fiscally conservative but have a social conscience. Regardless of whatever you do though, you have my support Mr. Turner!
Hey!
neutralsam..
This reference is, to my mind TOTALLY unsubstaniated:
“Falcon where hundreds of US troops died but the media didn’t report the facts.”
Absolute BS!
http://www.freespeechwar.com/smf/index.php?topic=3607.new
This website is as VERY suspicious….
IS my source any better or my reliable?
I don’t know…
I trust this source and I trust this post:
I am not sure where you get your info from but I prefer to go STRAIGHT to the horse’s mouth when it comes to DISINFORMATION coming out of Iraq:
He is FROM:
Camp Pendleton CA
His Occupation:
2847/0622/0627 Cpl, USMC
THAT’s the United States Marine Corp.!
He says:
posted October 22, 2006 08:54 PM
I’m in Iraq right now and I can tell you that article is a straight up load of shit. I’ve been in the heart of Al-Anbar for the last year and have never seen anything like this site claims. I was with two different infantry battalions in Haditha and they averaged 2-4 casualities of any kind a month. Furthermore, FOB Falcon is nowhere near the largest base in Iraq. That alone makes me seriously doubt that there is any factual basis to this article. Habbaniyah is also not the largest hospital. In fact I dont even think Habbaniyah has a hospital. Balad aka Camp Anaconda is the primary medical center. I sense alot of tinfoil was used in the fabrication of this article.”
Here is his post:
Follow the WHOLE thread:
http://www.battlefront.com/cgi-bin/bbs/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=9&t=020619
(If anyone really cares about the TRUTH anymore….)
I am not a Garth Turner fan, but I appreciate your honesty in clarifying that that Harper comment was not yours and that, even though you may do the job differently, you acknowledge the obvious, that Harper’s his own man (or would never have been able to unite the party and win the election) and that he’s doing his best to advance Canada’s interests and policies he believes in.
Garth, you should just start the ONTARIO BLOC.
This way you would be leader of a party that is there to represent Ontario.
Another poster said: “You do not have the right to represent Halton. You were elected as a member of the conservative party and not as an individual.”
As long as we do not have proportional representation, we (i.e. our electoral system) are pretending that voters vote for the individual, not for the party, that party affiliation is just incidental.
(See http://fairvotecanada.org/en/about_fairvoting for info about Fair Voting and faults of our current process.)
If we are playing by such rules, we might as well apply these rules to the whole game. Consequently,
1. You have the full right to continue representing Halton in your current position (i.e. as independent).
2. You have the right to join any party whose views agree with your own.
In the Emerson affair, crossing the floor was unethical because Emerson did not suddenly discover that he did not support Liberal values; rather, he misled voters into believing that those were his values and then gave them up in exchange that benefitted only himself.
You, on the other hand, have not changed your views since running to represent Halton; you were kicked out for holding the same views that you ran with. Furthermore, you would not be changing your views if you joined, for example, the Greens, since many of your views coincide with their platform.
I think the way our electoral system is set up would justify you either remaining an Independent or joining a party whose views you (mostly) share.
And dude, you said you’d be wearing hiking boots, carrying binoculars, and perhaps oxygen as well. This I have to see. Don’t chicken out now. It wouldn’t be your style.
While principles are important, and cetainly adhering to constituents desires is paramount, to be really effective in Parliament, instrumental in real change that this country needs so desperately, one cannot do it from an Independent seat. I do not believe the party acted in good faith with Garth and I think their ‘excuse’ is flimsy at best and manufactured at worst.
For whatever underlying reason Garth got turfed, it would be wise indeed for the PM to invite Garth back into the caucus. It is the party who have erred, not Garth…
And it is in the best interests of both parties, mostly the CPC in their seat challenged minority government who would benefit most and not just from the seat count but in the eyes of the nation.
Andrew ON Said:
“You do have way more influence than you could possibly imagine… and we need you to help reverse the damage that has been done to this nation during the decades of Liberal rule that we’ve been subjected to.
By Andrew on 10.22.06 6:31 pm”
And I agree with every word in his post. The nation needs this fixed for the good of all of us.
“You should have a by-election in the riding before returning to Ottawa. You do not have the right to represent Halton. You were elected as a member of the conservative party and not as an individual.”
Check you ballot, the parties are never mentioned once. You *are* voting for an individual. To say he doesn’t have the right is hogwash, enough people put an ‘X’ beside his name, which gives him the right.
Mr. Turner:
I just wanted to thank you for standing up for your beliefs. I wish more MP’s were not just “trained seals”- doing whatever their party whips tell them to do. I will not pretend I am a Conservative party supporter but nor have I ever voted for the green party. That being said I hope you do decide to join the Green Party. I think it would be great for the country because it would open up debate about a lot of things- especially independent thought!
Thank You: Dave
Garth:
Canada needs more MP’s with a backbone.
Cheers,
Dan McLaren
Prince George, BC
How can you be sure that’s the truth, we’d be greated as liberators, remember that one or any of the other lies the governments been spreading since taking office?
They do have the military monitering the web and spreading propganda.
Believing them has gotten the world in the shape it’s now in.
Frank – you are quite disgusting.
Tom
During an interview today on ABC’s This Week, President Bush tried to distance himself from what has been his core strategy in Iraq for the last three years. George Stephanopoulos asked about James Baker’s plan to develop a strategy for Iraq that is “between ’stay the course’ and ‘cut and run.’â€
Bush responded, ‘We’ve never been stay the course, George!’
Here’s even more proof we can’t trust what comes out of their mouths, who wanted to follow this man to war???
Garth,
It is very interesting to watch the many viewpoints, opinions on what you should or shouldn’t do, and where you should make your next political home.
It is pathetic too listen to the likes of a Frank or a Judy trying to convince you to move in with the Libranos. If you have few or no political principles, certainly you should consider the Liberals as they have the least principles of the 4 or 5 political options. I can just see you working closely with Red Robert Rae as their leader, or for that matter with any of the other clowns who are currently vying for the Librano leadership.
The dippers do have principles albeit of the strong left wing, socialist variety. The Greens have one major principle that of the environment at all costs and although they claim to be fiscally conservative they are far from it. Wwhen you do some research, why is it that they extract most of their votes from the dippers?
If on the other hand you do have strong Conservative principles as I believe you have in the past decalared, then your only political option is to resolve to become a team leader, that is, stop undermining both the party and it’s leader, and humbly go back to the caucus. If your pride does not allow you to do this then your only remaining option would be to resign and retire from politics. If on the other hand principles do not matter, and you are weighing who has the best offer, bearing in mind I am sure that none of them will tolerate you undermining either their leader or their party’s public positions, then go to the “highest bidder” so to speak.
Looking forward to your decision in the near future.
If Stevey Harpo is so much his own man how come he goes to Brian Mulroney for advice on how to dress ?
Too funny watching Harpo and Pee Wee McKay march around Afghanistan in their Possum Lodge vests .Courtesy of Red Green .
Garth
Make this your number one agenda item and you will continue to be elected no matter what your political stripe is.
The government’s progress in improving financial information used for decision making remains slow and unsatisfactory, according to the Auditor General of Canada Sheila Fraser, in her Status Report tabled today (May 2006) in the House of Commons. In addition, some departments and agencies still have to address long-standing weaknesses in their internal financial controls.
“The federal government handles billions of our tax dollars every year. To do this well, it needs good financial information,” said Ms. Fraser. “I am disappointed that departments and agencies have been slow to improve the quality of their financial information, and I regret having to repeat this year after year.”
The report notes some improvements in internal financial controls and in the number of senior financial officers with professional accounting designations. The chief reason for the unsatisfactory progress in improving financial information, however, is that departments and agencies are still not using accrual financial information as a regular management tool.(quote from the 2006 Auditor General’s report)
Lewis…you are a Conservative ‘in the know’. How about a comment on why Fortier (you remember him – the guy Harper appointed to the senate after saying he would not appoint a senator) who pledged to run for a seat in the H of C is now refusing to run in the Montreal byelection. Guess a CPC promise isn’t really a promise after all eh.
why is esther still running your errands? Isn’t she a sitting member on the Halton Conservative Party Board? Who’s paying for these meetings?
Esther runs the best constituency office in Canada, and is my trusted and competent lieutenant in the riding of Halton.
She has also been a life-long Conservative, and what she does in her own time is her own business. So, buzz off.
Who paid for the Town Hall metting? I did, through my MP’s budget. It cost $18.62 an hour in rent.
Frankie Boy,
You are not very bright are you. Now read this slowly.
Fact: Mr Fortier, who you for some strange reason seem to be obsessed with, stated very clearly that he would run in the next Federal Election. He did not say that he would run in the next bi-election. Surely as a supposed school teacher, you have better reading skills and comprehension than what you exhibited. Give it a rest little boy.
Jakie Chans said, “Doesn’t matter whether you said Harper is a Bushy clone or not the whole nation understands that he is.â€
What a load of tripe.
Sounds a lot like your kid when he wants to do something you won’t allow, he says, “but all my friends are allowed!â€
Gee! great respons there Doug .
Typical brain dead answer from an uneducated neo-con twit .
Grow up moron !