The little hall was full of little furniture when Esther arrived – tiny little tables and chairs, tiny little blackboard, tiny little rug with red letters on it. The only human-sized thing was a Barbie head sitting on a shelf at the front of the room.
And so they put it all away, hauled out thirty metal chairs, set up a few Canadian flags and half an hour later the tiny hall in tiny Kilbride was packed to the walls, with people jammed back into the vestibule where tiny little coat hooks clung to the wall three feet off the floor.
Outside a light drizzle coated the brilliant colours of the Niagara Escarpment, and inside our second Town Hall meeting of the weekend pondered what to do with Garth. Sit as an indie? Go Green? Flirt with the Liberals? Beg Tory forgiveness, or resign?
The comments, arguments and emotions were almost a copy of those which flowed at yesterday’s meeting, down the Guelph Line in urban Burlington. But we talked a little more this time about the nature of the political system, the tension between party and MP, the iron fist of the PMO and whether or not we happen to be staring at a watershed moment in voter history.
Once again, there was visceral anger at the Conservative Party for what has happened. “I am just appalled at this,†one guy said, middle-aged in a leather jacket. “Not only have we seen the promise of parliamentary reform broken, but they have taken our MP away. When you don’t matter, we’re nothing.â€
Loud applause. Another man said having me remain an independent was no option, “since brandlessness equals powerlessness.†But a woman, supported by several others, insisted that could work. “You have only two choices – be independent or be green.â€
It could have been the Escarpment setting, or maybe it was political planning, but the Green gang was far more in evidence in Kilbride. I was lobbied getting out of my car, standing in front of the building and by people after it was over. In fact, some Green riding association execs from other ridings made the drive out to lend their support (but did not vote in the constituent poll at the end).
A very influential farm leader and long-time Conservative stood and asked what the status of our riding executive is now – and received no answer from President Pat on the other side of the room. The party has been asked, but has not answered. In fact, earlier today I heard that Ottawa pulled the plug on the association’s online voter tracking system, despite the fact these folks have bought and paid for it.
People today had a hard time understanding all this. They seemed perplexed that I would have been fired from my job in such a public way, and yet the prime minister would not tell me in person, nor his whip, nor his caucus chairman. “You open the door to let a dog out,†a woman said, “you don’t just kick him.â€
Well, we talked about lots more, including the apparent death of Reform Party populism and the inescapable fact that I might actually have more influence in Parliament as a deal-making indie than an ignored and underemployed member of the Conservative team.
And then we voted. A few minutes later, this was the tally on the tiny little perfect blackboard with the bright yellow feet:
Stay Independent – 19
Go Liberal – zero
Go Green – 18
Negotiate with CPC – 4
Resign now – zero
Don’t know yet- 6
______________________________________________________
Thank you for several kind notes about Cheka. In fact, one kind woman and her daughter at the Town Hall meeting today brought cookies for Dorothy to try and cheer her up.
Cheka had six grand mal seizures today and four lesser ones, and is in uncertain shape. We have been talking to the vet, adjusting meds and hoping. I had five events today, which left Dorothy to care for this convulsing animal and clean up the vomit, spit and other fluids. I felt terrible leaving them, but had little choice, given the week.
Cheka will be in the vet at eight in the morning, to try and stabilize things and see how much damage has been done to his surgery. I have just cleaned up after his 9:15 pm seizure and taken them to bed, each exhausted. Nobody slept last night. I will leave for Ottawa in the morning, and we will get through this all. Cookies help.
39 comments ↓
Mr. Turner,
As I realize that I am but one of what I am sure is a multitude of people contacting you I must say that I support you as a long time Conservative. I’ve been a member of the PC and now Conservative parties and I see what your doing, putting people instead of politics, as a beacon for what an MP should be. I joined the Conservatives because I believed in a Progressive Social policy coupled with an economic conservative agenda. I believed in environmentalism and I believed in the middle class and working poor. Mr. Turner I am writing you to tell you that there are many red tories watching to see your next move especially with regards to the Green party. I’ve thought about it before and if you go, I’m sure you wont be alone. Anyways I’m greatly anticipating your next course of action and I’ll support you no matter what your next move is. Cheers!
Robbie, Nova Scotia
Dear Mr. Turner,
Please accept, from this longtime Albertan, my most sincere respect and admiration!!
You have been treated abominably by the Conservative caucus and you have behaved with grace and dignity.
I am a semi-retired sociologist … not a card-carrying member of any political party, because I need to feel able to vote my conscience in each election. In the last federal election, I voted for the Liberal party, because I greatly feared what a Stephen Harper government would bring to Canada. In the past, I have voted for both the Progressive Conservatives and the New Democrats, depending upon the circumstances and the candidate. A question of freedom of conscience. A question of freedom of speech. Both these freedoms are threatened under the Harper government, which bears NO resemblace to the Progressive Conservatives.
I would most certainly vote for you if I lived in your riding!! Since I cannot, please know that I am cheering you on here in Calgary. Whether you choose to sit as an Independent, as a member of the Green Party or as a Liberal, I am sure that you will continue to serve Canada honourably and with distinction.
Finally, please accept my understanding and sympathy in the very difficult time that you and your wife are having as you care for Cheka in his pain. My thoughts and prayers are with all three of you, as you suffer together.
Ida
Calgary, Alta
Maybe more people also voted for the Go Green option because there was more discussion of “the tension between party and MP, the iron fist of the PMO and whether or not we happen to be staring at a watershed moment in voter history.”
Matter of fact is that in our political system Independent MP have little power and receive little media attention beyond their riding–that is just reality. As for the power you might hold in a minority government as an Independent MP, just check the numbers and you’ll see that your vote would not be enough to become the Kingmaker.
As a Green however, you would not be the Kingmaker either but you could advance some of your views beyond anything we’ve seen so far from a single MP.
Garth…one of our dogs has had epilepsy since a year old…she is now 10…I empathize completely…….it’s never easy….sincere thoughts
On Topic: A disturbing trend has inflicted society today….everyone’s a victim…no one takes responsibility for their actions anymore…..
Garth, you are a master at playing the victim card….
Dear Mr. Turner – I would like to put a word in for my Member of Parliament. He is incredible. He has ongoing town hall meetings and tries to attend as many community events as he can. He is totally accesible to answer questions from his constituents and answers emails, phone calls and letters promptly and with empathy. He has helped so many people with situations. We have a lot of immigrants in my city and he has gone to bat for so many of them and many others. My MP is a backbencher and I have heard that he is listened to with respect in caucus meetings and is a formidable lobbyist amongst his fellow MPs to get issues on the agenda. Over the years he has fielded several Private member’s bills and has also been an active debater in the house when bills are presented – arguing for the rights of us, his constituents. This was often difficult under the Liberals who passed bills that hurt my city but he was and still is a constant voice for us.
He is, or was, one of your fellow Conservative MPs and I don’t think he is unique.
Just to let you know…you were not alone as a strong voice for his constituents. It is just that my MP does not seek media headlines doing it…I and thousands of his constituents will proudly blow his horn for him as he always puts us first before his ego. Our thanks has been to return him, I think for the fifth time, to be our voice in Ottawa.
And this saintly person is…..? — Garth
Funny all this talk about Garth Turner for a guy who said this shouldn’t be about Garth Turner. In fact, he said it should be a one day story and that’s it. How many days has it been now?
Mr Turner, in your Vote:
you left out the choice of starting a new political party to represent the people of Ontario. a party like the Ontario Bloc!
So, Garth, watcha gonna do?
A meesage to all Canadians:
The government of Canada is elected by us, and the elected and governing party at the moment is the Conservatie Party of Canada.
Please visit this website http://www.conservative.ca/EN/1027/ and download the Party Constitution and read it for yourselves people.(20 pages but the first 7 will give you the answers) Apparently,the constitution can not be amended or altered until the next national convention of the party. This is one of the documents that voters read and believed would be adhered to when they voted especially conservatives. ALL conservative members as well as other political stripes ruled by the governing party should expect the Conservative party to adhere to their own constitutional principles and governance issues.
If you read this document and find that Garth’s ejection from the Ontario conservative caucus is in violation of the party’s own constitution, please contact the Party Leader; Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
He needs to know more than Garth does on this blog. Further, he is accountable to YOU, the public- all of you, and he needs to ensure that HIS ENTIRE party follows it’s constitution and makes amends with Garth Turner the elected ‘Conservative’ Member of Parliament. Lastly, he needs to apologize to Halton and to Canada-publicly.
Shannon, He is definitely unique. My Conservative M.P. shows up for ribbon-cuttings at dealership openings. I have yet to see him at my door. He is a long-standing M.P. so I believe takes for granted that he will always be elected.
I e-mail him questions and comments. His assistant e=mails me back. But I don’t receive an answer except by snail mail several weeks later -by then the issue has usually been answered by Garth.
My M.P. sends me a party scripted rote letter on the topic I inquire about.
If I wanted a response from the Conservative Party headquarters I would have written to them.
Perhaps the Conservatives can save us all a lot of time by having all inquiries sent directly. to them. That way everyone will get the same computer print out with the same pat answers.
“The little hall was full of little furniture when Esther arrived – tiny little tables and chairs, tiny little blackboard, tiny little rug with red letters on it. The only human-sized thing was a Barbie head sitting on a shelf at the front of the room.”
Are you sure it wasn’t Alice who arrived, and that there wasn’t a a half-eaten cookie somewhere with “Eat Me” written on it?
Well, unlike the person before me, I don’t get any chance to talk to my MP at town hall and other meetings- unless it is election time!
Garth, sit as an independent until you speak with your constituents and find out what they want.
Keep the news coming…as best you can.
You’ve got my support… and that of many others outside your riding avross this great nation. We, the people, want a democracy! We want (and expect) our MP’s to put us first, having recognized that no political party is perfect. I also feel we want to be informed about what’s happening in Government, as you do so well! Keep up your good work.
Mr. Turner,
I am not one of your constituents, but I am one of the thousands of Canadians who have been watching your story unfold this past week.
I agree with the observation of the woman in Kilbride today – “You have only two choices – be independent or be green.” Well, by my count (having followed the votes in Kilbride and Burlington on your blog) the two are almost tied…factor in the importance of green issues to your constituency and the future of our country, and I think you’re actually down to one choice:
As an MP, you want to make the most change possible on your consituents’ behalf, and I have no doubt that becoming Canada’s first Green MP will enable you to do that.
You’ll move forward with a green platform that includes fiscal conservatism and your own unique brand of digital democracy (one that I’ve actually seen the Green’s closely associated with), and by doing so, you’ll run right into the history books and begin writing a new chapter in Canada’s political and cultural evolution.
I’d say “good luck,” but the fact is we’re all behind you, so you don’t need much of it.
Andrew.
Mr. Turner,
I realize this is completely off-topic, but would you comment a little bit about the “Suspension of Habeas Corpus”, that took place last week in US…and how it may affect Canada, especially with Harper at the helm?
For more information you can view this video clip on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igycXBseoAg&eurl=
Thanks for your time.
I think Garth has accomplished what has been his primary mission all along, which is… to focus as much public attention on Garth Turner, as is humanly possible.
Mr. Turner,
I am sorry about your dog being sick and the undue strain this is causing you and your family. I will keep you and your family in my prayers tonight.
Your response to my last posting was cute but ineffective in making any reasoned points. Your lack of responses to my specific comments and challenges speak volumes. My posts may seem like essays, but they are done with relative ease on my end, only a few minutes in fact. This is because the arguments I am making a very straight forward, simple and true. But to some, simple and confrontational truth demands too much work to be comprehended. Thus you think it must be hard and take much time to write such things.
Work demands and geography made me coming this evening to your town meeting impossible, thank you for wanting me to be there however. But I was never interested in any event which is equivalent to singing kumbaya my Garth kumbaya, Oh Garth kumbaya. Your meetings and votes still don’t carry much meaning in the way of validating your mandate now. Sorry, I remain unmoved, and I think the silent majority of voters in your ridding do as well. Alas, you will discover that soon enough come election time. I still call for you to open up your website to a broad vote by your constituents Mr. Turner. Surely you must believe in your DD platform enough to do this. But then again you are a man of contradictions of convenience lately.
For the record I am posting our last thread of conversation as I haven’t seen any satisfactory responses to my comments and challenges, and I think you owe your voters the answers.
ORGIRNAL POSTING BELOW:
Mr. Turner,
My responses to your answers and questions regarding your town hall meeting yesterday. Thank you for responding. Your responses are in quotations.
GARTH: “These are comments by someone who was not there, and are completely false. The meeting yesterday was populated by hard-core Conservatives, soft Liberals, Greens and people who are fairly apolitical. The debate was intense and challenging. I think you would have benefitted by being present. The vote was a true tally of opinion, and every whit as valid as a ballot at election time.â€
GETREAL: Mr. Turner I read the blog of your meeting, and it certainly didn’t capture what you are saying here. So either you choose (surprise surprise) to document whatever you thought was in your favor or your memory had a small lapse. The vote is NOT VALID because these people didn’t give you your MANDATE from the last election to begin with, you are switching your allegiance to represent views you weren’t given the vote to represent. It is also not clear and you can’t even present any evidence that these people actually reside in our ridding, so equating this to election time ballots is truly a stretch if not dishonest. If you want their mandate resign and run a by-election. Stop running away from the core issue. I will try to make one of your meetings, but I don’t have your luxuries and I have to work some long hours to meet by obligations. Besides isn’t your DD platform about access? I don’t have to be there at all to make my views known, or even to listen to you. Seems to me you selectively discount what DD is all about when it serves your interest sir.
GARTH: “I have joined no other party, and at this point have no intention of doing so. I did not ask the Green Party leader to call me – that was her initiative. So, relax. Right now I am consulting with the constituents of Halton, and will continue to do so. Your own opinion has been notedâ€
GETREAL: That is irrelevant sir. If you stand by your stated words and principals you should not even be giving this consideration. I don’t care if you consider my opinion or anyone else’s. When the ballot box opens you will know my opinion, and it is clear you fear that because you would run a by-election if you didn’t to silence your critics. Until then, be true to your own words and standards, because it is clear the only thing you listen to is the sound of your voice, and others only when they are an echo of you.
GARTH: “More evidence you should have been there. Many people discussed the scenarios under which they would prefer me to resign.â€
GETREAL: Discussing scenarios and telling you to resign are two different things. But it would be great if you could put up an unedited video of your little meeting to put all criticisms to rest.
GARTH: “While elements of this idea have merit, it is tantamount to running an entire election campaign, for which a budget of hundreds of thousands of dollars will be required – for enumeration of new areas (huge), voter list vertification and tabulation, and independent audit. As well, it disenfranchises offline voters. I think it might make more sense to wait for a general election that could be just a few months away.â€
GETREAL: Your arguments about costs have some validity, but everything else you are saying is totally invalid and you are being selective about the capabilities of your DD platform again to meet your interests. Don’t run an audit, don’t announce in the paper, but still open up the vote to your website and display everyone’s name and address for each vote, and combine that with what you are doing in your meetings. If your meetings are the exclusive means of collecting votes on this issue, you are disenfranchising many more people! As for the general election being a few months away that has no bearing for the issue at hand.
GARTH: “QUESTIONS:
Do you have any regrets for any of your actions and words?
None.
What have you learned in all of this?
To always, always do the right thing and ignore those who will tear down, no matter what.
What were your mistakes and what could you have done better?
I’ll think about that. Say, how about you?â€
GETREAL: Mr. Turner the response to your first question truly saddens me, and the same with the second question. You are being a very arrogant person. You have called people that disagree with you, some very hateful things, if you can’t regret that then your service to the public has no value. If you can’t accept that people that will disagree with you on some issues can still be people of conscious and deserve respect then you don’t understand what real democracy is all about. Ignoring people no matter what because they are tearing you down also demonstrates you don’t know what your job is all about. You are in public office, you have to consider very critical views and your actions and words will be torn down. You have to very seriously examine the basis of all criticism, you can’t just ignore it. This answer proves your hypocrisy! You are stating what you accuse your adversaries of. As for your last question, maybe what I am saying will be some input to it. As for my answer, it is not for me to answer. I am not the MP of your riding; YOU ARE grow-up and stop being a facetious sir.
Man, if you have this much time to write essays, then you sure have enough time to come out at a Town Hall meeting and talk to actual voters. Will I be seeing you today at 4 pm in Kilbride? — Garth
So, you did not come out, and you apparently have nothing new to add. You have not tired to be constructive, and you denigrate those who are. This is my last response to you. Life’s too short for nihilists like you. — Garth
Hon. Garth Turner,
I am a Canadian Youth who actively participates (as a Young Liberal) and have full awareness on the happenings in politics across the nation. Regardless of your future political affiliation and career as an MP, I support you one hundred percent.
Garth, my thought are with you with respec to Cheka. Stay strong.
Also stay strong with respect to those who would deride you. I disagree with John G. You are NOT playing the victim card, and it is clear from you actions in face of both personal and professional adversity that you ARE taking responsibility.
Best wishes from Vancouver.
Garth, I would hope that as you have reached a crossroads in your carreer that you would consider the oportunity that you have been given by the conservative party. Their ejection of you from their caucus has given you the unique chance to contribute to the democratic process. I hope that you will give serious thought to joining the green party as it would provide you a chance to become more vocal than an independant and would permit you a higher profile as an MP. It would also grant the green party some debate time for the next election and provide the chance for you to become the voice of over a half million voters that voted green in the last election and do not as of yet have a voice in office. I’m sure you will make the right choice for Canada!
Garth – it looks like you need to announce something really soon – stay independant until the next election or resign and run as a Green MP under Elizebeth May’s leadership. The option to return to the Conservative caucus, I think, is fairly closed.
BTW: I would like to ask all these Green supporters, who have come out, what are they doing in their personal lives to lessen the environmental damage?
On Question Period yesterday, I noticed that Elizebeth May was wearing a heavy gold chain and had her hair processed with highlights. The gold was mined somewhere (destroying something). The chemicals to process highlights in one’s hair is harmful to air we breath and in the manufacturing of these chemicals. This may sound petty, but, if one puts oneself up as environmental saviour, one will be judged by one’s actions. Just some thoughts.
BTW2: Over the last several months, when I have travelled to Toronto, I noticed many younger people riding in SUVs and minivans – mostly with 1 or 2 people and mostly speeding over 100 KM/hr. Seems that there is a lot of “bad, bad Alberta” and “it’s not me” out there.
Mr. Turner,
I liked how you posted the results from your last town hall meeting.
It’s interesting to see how your constituents would like you to go.
I believe this issue is now much bigger than you or them. This is a turning
point in Canadian history. If you decide
to go with the Greens, then they will have their first seat and their first step
towards overt legitimacy with the
Canadian public.
Thus… What would the Canadian public like you to do?
My suggestion? (is go Green, laugh)
My suggestion? Definitely put a voting booth up on your website. Allow
Canadians, in general, to say where they’d like
you to go.
PS: I love your blog. I think you are one of the only politicans on the hill
who is actually in tune with Canadian
society!
Garth
So much for more freedom for individual MP’s. I wonder how free the free votes are going to be.
Sorry, I didn’t make your town hall meetings to discuss your recent suspension from the Conservative caucus. I think they made a bad mistake, with you in the caucus, you were an example of MP’s being free to speak their minds. Now they look almost as bad as the Liberals and have probably blown their chances for significant gains in Ontario. Pity, because I think they’re on the right track on most issues.
I am a member of the Conservative party, but might not renew next year after having been an Alliance and Reform supporter without joining either and having been a Progressive Conservative member before that and have recently (last election) started making contributions to the party (my last previous contribution was in 1988). My contribution for this year is currently suspended and they will be so advised the next time they phone or e-mail me.
What you do is your decision. My decision is who/what I am likely to support. You will have my support as an Independent or as an unsuspended Conservative. You will not have my support as a Liberal or an NDP. You might, but probably won’t have my support as a Green. I think you can further your digital democracy better as an independent.
You recently won the Conservative nomination for Halton, has that been revoked or what?
There’s my two cents worth.
Bob,
Milton (Halton riding)
I’m pretty certain that residents of BC’s West Coast can’t vote in the
Halton riding, but as a general Canadian I did want to thank you. Your
words and actions illustrate a man of some integrity — to himself and to
his voters at large, but also to the country. Every time I see a public
example of a thinking, conscious person in the world of politics, I sit up
and take notice. It’s really a bit of a shock.
Garth, the current situation with top-down political control cannot stand.
I have seen enough orchestrated information from all three of the major
parties, although Canada’s New Government(tm) seems to have it the worst
right now. I am thanking you today for resisting it, for still keeping to
your own beliefs and those of your constituents, and for fighting these
battles with modern (digital) tools. I think most Canadians will agree
that you are the better for it.
I don’t give your marching orders, but I do hope you’ll stay indie or go
Green. Canada could use a few hard looks at it’s political system.
Democracies generally need agitators, and our parliament in particular
desperately needs more voices.
Thanks again,
-Joseph
BC
Assess your situation objectively with the criteria of how you can best serve you constituents. Judging from popular opinion, it appears you have two options to choose from: (1) act as an independent, or; (2) act as a GPC representative. Choose the one that will give you the best opportunity to act as a voice for your constituents, give you the highest profile, the most power, and generally enable you to contribute the most meaningfully. You will be able to judge this better than I.
That is all. Good luck with your future and be proud of staying so principled.
Hello Mr Turner
My sympathies that this sort of thing should be done to you by the sitting government, its a terrible pity that they cannot seem so be able to listen to a voice of reason, even from within.
Plainly, there are a good number of things not being addressed by the Harper government to the thoughts of Ontarians, and “conservatism” must be addressed by different means than the Harper group offers.
My best personal regards, you remain an MP that I can respect, trust, and listen to…
John
Hey there Garth,
I’m writing in from Kitchener On, a 3rd year Conestoga College student. As well I am another Green Party supporter. I’ve been reading up on a bit of the environmental issues facing my generation, and I’m glad to hear that you do have an environmental conscience. In that respect I would like to see you make the move to the Green party, and perhaps be the catalyst for change.
In response to: “BTW: I would like to ask all these Green supporters, who have come out, what are they doing in their personal lives to lessen the environmental damage?” by Catherine.
There are few things that I try to do. I avoid uselessly wasting
- water : shorter showers, and recently purchased a water conserving showerhead which will force my 4 roommates to use less as well.
- electricity : I purchase only energy saving bulbs when old ones need to be replaced. Turn lights off when not being used. Moved my computer to a outlet controlled by a switch, so now I can cut all power when it’s turned off (because a computer that’s ‘off’ still consumes electricity)
-Gasoline : I don’t drive. I can’t afford it because I am conscience of my budget and do not encourage debt. When I do drive (thanks mom and dad) at home, I respect efficient speeds 80-100km. Perhaps my first car will be a gasoline engine, if I can, perhaps it will be a hybrid for obvious reasons; however, instead of cruising as a hobby, I will still prefer hiking.
This is what I’ve been doing, and I try to do more to lessen environmental damage. I try my best because it saddens me that the ‘first’ world is responsible for this catastrophic disaster in the making in which seemingly nothing is being done quick enough. What I do see, when watching the news and the highlights, or rather the lowlights of the House of Commons is embarrassing. It’s sad that the highlights of the House of Commons are merely the bickering from all sides of parliament. There is less constructive criticism, and even less cooperation than that which could come from grade school children. It would likely take hell to freeze over before these things could happen for the overall good of Canada. However I am thankful that I am in Canada, and that we do have the forum in which we can develop our democracy, if clear-headed and self-less thinking were more common. I hope Garth that you are more like that later, and I hope you cherish the earth and wish as well for a better environment for your children and future generation’s health.
There’s more that I could say, but this was merely supposed to be a comment. Garth, you should respect the people of your constituency, but if you need to make a tie breaking vote for which way you carry out your term, think of all those in Canada that voted for the Green Party that don’t have a voice and their voice that should be heard in the debates for the next general election.
Signed,
Opinionated but willing to listen.
Garth, my suggestion as to how to decide between your two best options is to have your cake and eat it too.
Start by saying that per your beliefs you will be sitting as an independent until the election is called. Take advantage of this time to table the heck out of every private member bill you wanted to get in there that gets quashed. This is a great opportunity as the other parties might support your bills even if they don’t agree with them just to bug Harper.
But announce (if this is a route you wish to go) that once the next election is called you will be joining the green party and standing as their candidate. That way, the green party still gets their standing MP for a brief period of time (hopefully getting them into the national debates for the first time… even if you don’t go green, please use your media contacts to get them into the debates!) and you won’t have broken faith with your principles about floor crossing (since we all know nothing will get done between election call and election anyway).
Just imagine if every MP worked this way… politics would be a rather different thing than it is today!
I’m sorry you got dumped and that I could not make it to your meeting to add my 2 bits to the discussion. There is no way you are going to be able to statisfy all of your voters, some vote purely on party, some on personality and personal beliefs, this is truley a lose lose situation for both you and the local constituents. I did vote for you despite Harper but would not vote Conservative again after slighting us and declaring us irrelevant in the electoral system. We need electoral reform and a more grass roots responsive political system. For what it is worth I would support you again if you went Green. I don’t think you would win, but that said we need change desperately in both the overall political landscape and in enviromental awareness. The splash you could make from that one act might just be worth the risk of ending your political career.
It would also make a good book to if you don’t give away to much of the story ahead of time on the blog;)
Reform populism died with the back-stabbing of Preston Manning. I can’t remember the exact quote, but I remember Preston Manning telling a journalist before the last election that Harper had criticized Manning for talking to citizens about issues and encouraging their input complaining that “we have spent our lives studying these issues, they haven’t even spent fifteen minutes on them”. Very telling comments about our Prime Minister…arrogant,anti-democratic and disrespectful of Canadian voters. Keep leading the way on digital democracy Garth, other MPs will be forced to follow.
Mr. Turner,
I am 24 years old, and thus, an heir to a country whose future has recently fallen under serious question. I trust you recognize the particular level of influence you can play in how well we prepare for this future.
The comments you made regarding the CPC policy towards climate change is evidence of your understanding of the gravity of the situation. The issues of climate change and the looming energy crisis will be the greatest challenge mankind has ever faced, and the political hubris and ignorance towards this fact is extremely frightening to someone who will inherit this mess.
There is only one party in this country that truly acknowledges the need to address these issues with sufficient urgency; the Green Party of Canada. By making the decision to joint the GPC, you will bring this voice, uninhibited, into the House of Commons. You will assure a prominent role for the GPC in the next federal election and subsequently more seats and more influence.
The green choice will result in the greatest benefit for both your constituents and the people of Canada. There is nothing for it! This country can not afford to delay any longer!
Dear Garth
It is true that I disagree with almost everything you have posted on your weblog so far, as well as your strong views on what I consider a one-sided view on issues related to immigration, refugees, and marginalized groups in Canada.
However, I would like to take my hat off to you for your ability to courageously stick to your principles (regardless of whether I agree with them). You principled style of questioning you own government -and party- on specific decisions and policies you do not agree with raises politicking to the required level where it should be at in an advanced society like ours
Harpers’ blunders and failure to understand that there is always more than one solution to a problem is a clear indicator of his inability to lead Canadians into the future.
We, as one of the best nation states to live in the world, should have leaders that are visionary but with a solid appreciation for limitations; strong but flexible enough to explore different views; principled but yielding when it comes to issues that have potential to polarize people. We deserve leaders who are able to detach themselves from existing biases, prejudices, SIG agendas, and a one-sided view of the world within which we constantly move. We need leaders that can govern by consensus and are able to articulate positions that are born out of a clear understanding of where Canadians are and want to be.
These are all traits that Harper and his posse simply seem to not understand!
Again, I salute your resilience and hope that you can take ample time to positively reflect on what governance should be like in multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi–ethnic systems.
Please stay the course, Garth, and always question the status-quo but with more respect to others who may not necessarily share your views on important issues. The same people that nevertheless appreciate and support your quest for a better Canada where we can all live, work, and prosper together in peace and harmony.
Kudos,
Ali Cheaib.
The issue as I see it is about the right of an MP to create dialogue in a transparent way about issues that matter to his constituents like the environment or the use of our money.
It hearkens back to the age old question “Is the government here to serve the people or are we the people here to serve the government. I know where you stand on this question Garth and I admire you for it
Catherine,
Being Green isn’t about living in a tent powered by solar energy eating only raw food and collecting rain for drinking water. There are tonnes of small lifestyle changes one can make that might have an impact. Another thing being Green isn’t about is being holier than thou with respect to “who’s greener”. Elizabeth May might have a gold chain, and might have highlights, but you must remember that we are polluting the world just by EXISTING. Should she stop breathing, going to the bathroom and washing? What she is doing to PROTECT the environment way outweighs her infractions. Plus, you don’t know that the gold chain is actually gold or where it came from anyway. I think that one can excuse a few millilitres of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia when you have spent your life devoted to environmental causes. As an environmentalist, i don’t feel the need to make excuses for the fact that I enjoy being on the computer, which uses energy, or eating meat once in a while, which uses a lot of energy, or showering daily. I have made changes to my life that lowers my ecological footprint overall. For example by not using the dryer all the time, taking stairs instead of elevator, public transit, composting etc.
Also, people aren’t dogging on Alberta citizens for polluting, its the tar sands. Sure, some young Ontarians drive SUV’s, and it sucks (although hybrids are coming out), but most noteable Alberta CO2 comes from the tarsands, not young ALbertans driving SUV’s, so its a moot point. I have found in the past that people are afraid of environmentalists, and perceive them all as being radicals. This leads them to picking apart any kind of environmentally damaging behaviour, no matter how minor, as being hypocritical. Therefore, mere EXISTENCE is hypocritical. Its time to choose your battles and know that these people are here to try to make your world healthier so YOU don’t have to worry about it further than noting Elizabeth MAy wears gold and who Belinda’s doing on any given day.
By the way, I’m all for Garth going Green, I think it would be historic. The Green policies would let him retain some of his fiscal conservatism. Plus, I thought I read something about proportional representation somewere, something the Greens are all over. I understand if he doesn’t go that path, his responsibilities are to his constituents and ultimately it is their choice. GOod luck!
Whooee! GarthFeller, I’m a Green voter an’ I’m a solibrafiscon like yerself. The Green Party’s the onliest solibrafiscon party in Canadee an’ I reckon it’s more Canadee’s natural rulin’ party than any others. Anybuddy who’s looked at the GPC platform oughta know it ain’t all granola an’ windmills. Anybuddy who ain’t looked at the GPC policies oughta take a good look before they put ‘em in a box.
Yores trooly,
JimBobby
ok.. ive left a comment almost everyday this week.. but i feel compelled.. so heres another!
The greens would love to have you on board, Elizabeth is running for London, we are sending an army down there and actually financing it with some money for once (27 000 *) what we spent last time… and finally the same as the other parties.
you and elizabeth can sit in the house and show the other parties what real MP’s look like, talk like and act like!
If you ever have a problem with our little green party, your free to say it man, no whip here!!
DUDE as one right wing Green to another.. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?
[...] town meetings over the weekend, and took a poll at one of them concerning his next steps. These are the results: Stay Independent – 19 Go Liberal – zero Go Green – 18 Neg [...]
Catherine, we should all, regardless of political affiliation, do what we can to protect the environment.
However, the does nothing to change the substance of the political arguments being made by the Greens for protecting the environment legislatively, and the reality that the Clean Air Act is a smokescreen.
Go Green Garth !