Just off to Ottawa this morning to raise my voice on a few issues, after spending some time reading the comments that were posted on this site in the past few hours. Man, this is what I love about digital democracy – the ease and freedom with which Canadians can be heard, whatever they have to say.
I intend this to be a theme today. My experiences since being elected this time around in January have caused me to think at length about the way people are represented in this country, and the way politicians clump together. I can only say this, with clarity: It’s not working. When voter turnout is declining, young people feel massively disenfranchised and MPs realize they’re increasingly irrelevant, change is required. It can’t wait.
Well, I am sure a lot of people will not be too happy with me in a few hours. So be it. The die is now cast.
The text of my remarks to the Parliamentary Press Gallery will be posted here at 2 pm, and much later, when I get home tonight, I will have some other thoughts for you.
In the meantime, please check out this morning’s headlines here. And this afternoon I will have a video message on what the heck it is I want to say, here.
81 comments ↓
You should hold
a “Behead Your Favorite Politician” contest.
Each participant would nominate their favorite politician for beheading
and explain in about 200 words why they would like to behead the varlet.
The person who makes the winning entry
would get some sort of prize.
The politician who is nominated the most number of times would be invited
to participate in a public beheading
as the beheadee.
If they decline to attend then they could always be beheaded in effigy.
Beheadees would be offered bilingual modes of beheading.
They could choose either an English-style beheading with a broad-ax
or a French-style beheading
with an assignation
with Madame Guillotine.
These beheadings would be public events
with burgers, wienies, pop, and so on being served for free.
The broadcasting rights to these events
would be sold for considerable revenues
and this would pay for the refreshments
and munchies.
Everyone would have a good time
except perhaps for the beheadees.
Hi Garth:
I have great deal of respect for you and what you stand for.
Bruce
Here we go again. Garth, you figure it is a slow news day because of the press which your pre-press release announcement has caused. Come on, you planned the hullabaloo. Please stop playing the amazed innocent. You are a seasoned journalist and you know how to create buzz.
What I am sure many of us would like to see would be an MP who is serious about his role as a servant of the voters and not an attention-grabber. You may have begun with good intentions, Garth and occasionally you have good blogs which are filled with facts. The sad truth, however, is that you insist on creating trouble and drawing attention to yourself and your bitterness over being neither leader of the party nor a minister.
I really wish you would behave with a greater level of maturity and serve your constituents instead of putting yourself front and center all of the time. You got tossed from caucus and you know why. You could make the problem go away and concentrate on doing your job. Please do not tell us that being a poop-disturber is doing your job. It is not – you really do have an issue, a personal issue, with the PM and you should either accept it and move forward or resign from parliament.
As you have said many times – you don’t need this gig. You are wealthy and you have other options. So, Garth, if you don’t need this gig, why continue? And please don’t issue another platitude about serving the people. I think we all know it isn’t true.
Garth
I’m turning green with excitement just holding my breath … come on spill the beans!
Destinies Child?
Syncro
Go get ‘em!
And forget the Green Party, I think true Canadian conservatives (oh heck all Canadians) need a new party. Let the Reform nutbars go back to their bunkers to while away the hours till Armageddon.
Fiscal responsibility, social equality, ethics, environmental concern, awareness of the larger picture in foreign policy? Who wouldn’t vote for that?
In my experienced and jaded view, here’s how this will play out. Harper, out of fear, will give in and provide the response you want. You will then not reveal the true nature of what is going down. You’ll provide sanitized info. Thanks for the “fake” exictement anyways. Did you ever consider joining a poker tour? You bluff like a pro!
Go get A day job Richard!
Or are they just paying you too much to be a ‘Conservative’ hack/troll?
Self important bozo, clueless egomaniac.
Garth the fact the media gives you so much type is because your anti-Harper not because anyone gives a damb about you.
Being a media darling of our far left media is nothing to be proud of but rather to be ashamed of.
Go green you twit, it’s where you belong, with the other twits.
I would like to hear something about the Canadian Libertarian Party today.
I doubt I will but here is their home page just in case:
http://www.libertarian.ca/
Their platform is:
http://www.libertarian.ca/english/libertarian-party-positions.html
Individual Rights
We hold that each individual has the right to exercise sole dominion over her/his life, and to live in whatever manner she/he may choose, so long as she/he does not violate the equal rights of others. Details.
Government’s Role
We hold that where governments exist, they should be stringently limited both in their structure and in their operations. Details.
Civil Order
No conflict exists between the individual’s rights to life, liberty, and property, and the government’s obligation to maintain civil order. Details.
Social Concerns
Government interference in current social concerns such as pollution, consumer protection, health care delivery, and poverty exceeds the level required for the protection of individual rights. Details.
Defence & Foreign Policy
A Libertarian government would adopt a policy of non-intervention, abstaining totally from foreign quarrels and imperialist adventures. Details.
Trade & Economy
The only proper role of government, in this context, is to protect property rights, enforce contracts, and adjudicate disputes, providing a legal framework for the protection of voluntary trade. Details.
This is going to be an interesting day. I’m looking forward to what Garth has to say.
And I can’t resist the following comments to Durward:
1) The word _your_ should be _you’re_
2) The word _damb_ should be _damn_
3) Your writing style suggests that you, sir, are a pissant.
For Durward (are you Harpers little sidekick?) – Ah so refreshing to see juvenile comments and panning of the media as far left nonsense. My this IS exciting to see something new from the extremists in our country isn’t it? Of course this must mean that the news is all lies and we are controlled by some power. You must have a great facination with the left. I mean only someone who is learned as a far right or left) ideologist would pan something that they do not agree with, rather than accepting that maybe thier views differ from the majority or the truth.
I think that is what Garth is talking about here. The fact that if one has a view that differs from the rest or speaks towards any sort of truth, they are shouted down until the noise and retorhic (sp?) drowns out any sense of normal discourse in our country.
Ya’know I could not stand Trudeau, but I find myself thinking that at least in those days one could agree to disagree. And not be branded a traitor for doing so.
This is a country of many ideals and ideas. To differ is what makes us Canadian.
Go Garth. Keep ‘em honest.
As for Durward. Your such a, um, help me here Durwood – thats it, a Right Twit.
Make it a good shot Garth, this is probably your last real shot.
Is there any wonder now why the majority of your fellow CPC MPs did not want to sit with you anymore?
Those MPs were also elected by the people.
I notice you voted to tax income trusts as did the CPC, Bloc and NDP.
I had thought some of the previous commentators might weigh in. If they did, I’ve sorry I missed it. What did that one BC fellow have to say to you after he first thought you were on his side, but then voted the other way?
Did you edit out his comments? We all know you talk about letting the people speak here, unless you decide to delete what they say.
Turner Party of One: Your table is waiting. Today’s special: Ham.
I suspect that the senior Conservative brass have Turner that he either quit politics or quit the web log.
Bottom line the neo conservatives are not happy about Turner and his blog. More importantly they are definitely not happy about the fact that average Canadian voter can respond and say almost what ever they want about the current state of Canadian politics.
Turner has written the PMO and asked Harper if he supports this view. I suspect Harper is behind this motion and in fact is threatening Turner will a new act that will effectively shut down these types of electronic exchanges for all MPs.
This is about freedom of speech and more importantly freedom of elected MPs to voice their opinions outside of parliament.
Obviously it does affect Turner and more importantly it does affect all Canadians
You’re certainly not disappointing Garth. You’re proving again and again that its all about you. Keep it up, its good entertainment. I do expect this post to remain as you have stated that Canadians can be heard.
…the ease and freedom with which Canadians can be heard, whatever they have to say.
Oh, one more thing, I believe that you’ll be announcing that you’ll run for the Greens in the next election.
This better be good…
I am tired of the political BS that goes down every single day..
This IS Canadian politics, however…. Bracing myself for all the double talk, and backpeddling… Woot!! I am so Excited… wake me when it’s over…
Ahh, the comments page of a public political blog. It’s like a train wreck in slow-motion! If this page is a representative sampling of the population, then I say give ‘em heck, Garth!
I love having an “embedded” journalist in the House of Commons. And I really appreciate that Garth allows commenting on his website — very rare among politicians, since they can’t control the message. I wish Garth’s critics would bear that in mind while phrasing their criticism.
What an idiot you are!
Good riddance.
You’re an even better “loss” than Bitchlinda.
Sure, Jaya, whatever you say. I can put you down as being against freedom of expression, right? Obviously, you do not accept any point of view other than your own, right?
Come home, Garth. Come home.
“This is about freedom of speech and more importantly freedom of elected MPs to voice their opinions outside of parliament.” It is not about freedom of speech. It is about how one uses that freedom. We may have freedom of speech but we do not have freedom from repurcussions from the use of that freedom.
Look at what happened over Peter McKay’s alleged remark a little while back. He was exercising (allegedly) his freedom of expression and he was pilloried. The whole thing became misconstrued and used. Garth exercises his freedom and he is ousted from caucus. Same thing, different reactions.
“Bottom line the neo conservatives are not happy about Turner and his blog. More importantly they are definitely not happy about the fact that average Canadian voter can respond and say almost what ever they want about the current state of Canadian politics.” –Neville
No kidding. Remember the number of hits Garth’s website get? Could that be some failed attempt to jammed Garth’s website?
Yes, that’s exactly what I mean, OMANKO MITAI. Thank-you kindly for illustrating.
Such polite debate from the regressive conservatives here (how I miss the conservative party of my parents generation). I look at those who are so extreme (like Omanko) and wonder how the Greens get called nuts when parties with members like that exist.
Garth, I wish you luck, and I’ll drop by around 2 to read what you have to say, but after the media frenzy buildup, I think it’s gonna be anticlimactic.
Stacks
I admire your openness and analysis. Best of luck – with whatever your cooking up in Ottawa.
With love from Newfoundland,
C
Congrats on the upcoming press conference. Though if you were announcing your intention to marry Belinda, you could have just taken out an ad in the Globe and Mail.
I make no bones about being a New Democrat, but, I believe Canada has the ability to be the best example of democracy in the world. Political parties limit themselves to a set of values that all members have to toe the line on. That seems unrealistic. Ideas, good ideas do not always restrict themselves to party lines.
They have also become intransigent in considering recommendations from other parties when considering legislation. Again totally unrealistic when you consider, as Garth mentions, that youth are not turning up to vote because they do not believe their voices are heard. When governments are elected by less than a 33 percentage of elegible voters, a policy of exclusion which ignors the majority of citizens, can only serve to give you bad government.
There should be no line in the sand separating political advise to a government. Let’s hope that all leaders will allow their parties to remove the blinders that have hampered good political debate and open the doors to a government that sets policies by and for the people. To coin a phrase.
Someone above mentioned Income Trusts. As a “leftie” and a participant of trusts in my investments, i totally agree with the new position.
To have the corporations take a tax holiday and defer it to the dribble and drabs of income that seniors above the age of 69 get, is totally cheating the people of Canada. No where or no one except maybe the Bronfman’s, could expect such a tax gift. It’s a non issue. The value that they dropped was on paper and made the product attractive to new buyers. Within a few months the value of the individual units will remain solid.
Distributions will be affected only by the amount of tax paid by the corporation. That’s fair taxation.
Does this mean you are in support of Fair Vote?
Are you a member of Fair Vote Canada?
Salvage: You said:
“And forget the Green Party, I think true Canadian conservatives (oh heck all Canadians) need a new party. …
Fiscal responsibility, social equality, ethics, environmental concern, awareness of the larger picture in foreign policy? Who wouldn’t vote for that?”
You are DESCRIBING the Green Party. CHeck out their platform. It is socially very progressive, and fiscally conservative. They have MANY ex-Progressive Conservatives (who were left without a home) in their party.
Hi Garth, I hope this whole thing is not so you can throw your old party under the bus on the way out. That would be a pretty childish thing to do. People should not throw dirt on their former partners. If the secrets or whatever you are going to say is so bad it would probably come out of the woodwork eventually anyway and not make you look like a self centred person. If this is what you are doing I wouldn’t want you on my team for anything. Regards
Garth,
I thought you understand parliament politics! Anyway, I recommend “Yes, Minister” and “Yes, Prime Minister” for your benefit. Oh, they are also available in video stores, probably in the “Antique” section.
Yes, voter. — Garth
Dear Garth:
It’s very sad to see the way things have become politically in this country, and that our current Federal Government obviously has no idea on how to govern. As career-conservative, I am unhappy with the policy direction (or lack of direction) the Harper Government has taken in running this nation. And as a Red Tory, I also feel betrayed.
People of the Middle Class unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains! Long live the Revolution!
Choices. . .
#1 remain independent, get swept away in the next election.
#2 retire. . .
#3 rejoin the cons.
#4 be a floor crosser and join another political party.
#5 Start a new political party(Ontario Bloc!). . . . . . . . . . And bring some vastley needed real change to Ontario and Ottawa.
Good luck with the announcement Garth, and I hope you can make a dent in the system so our electoral and governing systems can be revamped.
To those who wish there was a federal Progressive Conservative Party, Elections Canada has ruled that no other federal party can use the word “Conservative” in its name while the current Conservative Party is registered(although EC did allow the Canadian Alliance use “Conservative” as part of its name). Progressive Conservatives, who have remained loyal to their party philosopy, are now registered under the name Progressive Canadian.
Inky Mark (as well other Saskatchewan MPs) opposes party policy on the Wheat Board and has even suggested that Chuck Strahl is only promoting the government policy because Stephen Harper has ordered him to do so. This also represents a caucus “leak.” Will Inky Mark be ejected from caucus for such an obvious break from party solidarity?
What I liked about the old PC Party was that while people like Garth Turner and I could disagree on many issues we were still welcome in the party. According to some former PCs who have stayed with the new party little or no disagreement is allowed even at the constituency level and everything is controlled from the center. Stephen Harper made it clear years ago is that this is how any party led by him would operate so anyone disagreeing with the leader does so with full knowledge of the risks. Harper also made it clear that he opposes the traditional form of decision making through consensus building.
Those of us who understood what was happening never supported the new type of politics that went far beyond mere concepts of party solidarity to centralized dictatorship.
Jim: bills are bundled and voted on in batches. Garth undoubtedly looked at the bundle, weighed pros (pension splitting) and “cons” (income trust taxes”) and decided that the former outweighed the latter. Two steps forward, one step back. It’s really not that complicated.
Re:
“Of course to those of you babbling in the dark and thinking this all just a bunch of Garth ego, I have this to say-
Get your facts straight people!”
Way to tell ‘em OV.
Congratulations on shaking up the US Patsies in Ottawa, Garth. Hope your announcement has something to do with the North American Union that nobody ever talks about:
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/june2006/210606cfrplan.htm
It’s nice to see the Conservatives on here showing their true colours, whining and name-calling like 12-year-olds.
This government and these neo conservatives are a joke. Next election, I’m voting for the Green Party. I don’t care what you do, Mr. Turner, just for God’s sake, don’t rejoin the Cons.
Just Another Fiefdom!
It’s just human nature…when in government people seek to “keep control”. Controlling information flow is a big part of creating and maintaining a feifdom.
Your blog activities cuts through the fiefdom like a hot knife through butter. I expect they will try to “buy you off” since trying to scare you off has not worked.
Keep up the good work!
JJ
Honour, Courage, and Integrity.
Hi Garth, I’m surprised that so many people here say they wouldn’t want you on their team. I’d take ya, and 50 more like ya, too. Not only because you’re showing a bit of Web savvy, but also because of your candour and your willingness to communicate with your constituents.
I’m not afraid of the truth and I imagine a lot of other people here aren’t either. I guess I have to wonder, then, why politicians are afraid of it. I think all politicians should have blogs. Cabinet meetings should be Web cast. Headlines from parliament should be RSS’ed to my cel and detailed minutes from decisions-made at PCO should be posted for all to read. I want to know what’s going on in government so I can trust the decisions coming out of it. I also, from time to time, would like an opportunity to weigh-in on those decisions before they are final.
Tell me, Garth. Why should there be secrets in government? What decisions could politicians be making that the Canadian public cannot know about? Is it a politician’s job to stay in power. Or is it a politician’s job to serve the people?
Best,
-R
Well, Garth, you seem to be having far more fun over the last few weeks as an indy rogue than you did in the first 9 months as a backbench rogue.
Have fun with… whatever you doing.
Garth Turner = Paparazzi. Good to see an MP’s salary go to good use
Give ‘em hell Garth. No candy coating. I can’t wait to find out a little about the seedy underbelly of the political machine. Sadly, I fear that any crap draped on the Conservatives will probably apply to any political party in this country.
T. V.
While I am certainly a fan of much of what the Green Party has to say I am loath to support a party that seems to have such a tight focus. Parties that have narrow platforms also have a bad habit of attracting fanatics. Tunnel vision is counterproductive even if you agree with the vision. The reality is if we want to preserve the environment we are going to need industry’s cooperation and I can’t see the Green Party securing that.
I’m sure you can point to much of the Green Party’s platform that speaks of policy diversity but I don’t think your party isn’t going to attract the top minds needed to implement those policies outside of the environmental scope.
Furthermore I find these “specialty†parties (for lack of a better word) to be a bit frustrating, they siphon off votes from the leftwing parties who could be doing more to advance your cause if you were part of them.
So yes the environment is important and protecting is certainly vital to our future but there is so much more to government. It’s my wish that all these splinters would coalesce to become a far greater force. Sort of a united we stand deal.
The Conservative Reform Alliance Party is an example of this. The rightwing gathered up and hammered various conservative factions into a functioning party.
Er… well sort of… jury is a bit out on that one.
The left needs to do the same thing (but better) because the way I read the numbers that’s what put Stephen Harper into power; not their unity but rather our disarray.
I have no party affiliations, though I lean left.
I look forward to whatever it is you will say later today and, more importantly, what others will say in response. I suspect you may air some grievances with the Cons and Mr. Harper and that can only be a good thing for Canada.
I hope also that your conscience will be cleared by saying whatever it is you are about to say. I’ll check back later this afternoon to see what’s up.
My best to you.
I live in Alberta, for awhile when the Reforn Party was new it was about transparency and openess. I thought this was supposed to be carried into the Conservative Party. But I guess not. Mr Harper believes in a closed door government. If you are not on his side you are part of the problem.
To attack Garth Turner as he had the guts to buck Mr Harper is nearsighted. Sooner or later Mr Harper is going to step on you (if he hasn’t already, with the Income Trust debacle).
Keep up the good work Garth, make sure that you keep enough friends to get re-elected when the Harper Governement finally shoots both feet off.
Greg
Good job Garth! A restoration of grass roots democracy and a stand for the independence of MPs to speak out for their constituents is a good thing for Canadian politics. I can see by your varied feedback that people like it or can’t help themselves but to get involved anyways. We’ve had enough one-voice governments in Canada. And MPtv is brilliant!
Er, Alison – the CPCs are name-calling? To what, exactly, are you referring. The CPC has not made any disparaging comments about Garth – by maintaining discretion the party is accused of being secretive.
You only know one side of the story, so do not presume to make judgments.
Well Garth, I, for one, look forward to your comments. Government is supposed to look out for the interests of the people, not major companies/businesses.
Most people do not even know how a candidate is picked to run; I suspect they would be very surprised to learn the truth behind the process.
It would be nice if all Canadians could listen in on what is said in party caucuses – I think it would be quite enlightening as well as entertaining.
I sometimes think the our politicians think the Canadian voters to be unintelligent sheep; that the party leader expects his caucus to be as well, does not surprise me in the least.
God forbid a party member actually had an original idea and the audacity to voice it, especially in public.
It is not hard to tell which replies hear, and elsewhere in this blog, are made by officials of the Conservative party. They may hide behide nics, but their words betray them.
Good luck this afternoon Garth, may we always hear the dissident voice speaking out and may we never be so complacent that we drown them out with prejudice, hatred and ignorance.
P.S. on a personal note, myself being a dog owner, I hope your dog is feeling better
)
I voted for Garth, did then, still would.
I voted for the Conservatives, did then, would not now.
Policy wonks, ego tripsters and power/control freaks amongst the lackeys, lapdogs and minions that surround Harper are exactly the same as the Libs except the colour of the tie is different.
100/1 odds there will be stories of disgusting patronage, backroom deals that favour the few and ineptitude hitting the press soon…either due to or in spite of Garths position.
Good for you Garth!
You seem to me to be delighted in the attention that your getting yourself lately. In typical modern day political fashion, it’s all about you, alot of unsupported hearsay and almighty finger pointing. Have you thought about joining the Liberal Party! Seems like a good fit Belinda I mean Garth.
Garth, I agree with almost everything you say and do. You are a social democrat and a fiscal conservative. Can we start that party(hopefully it is the greens). I think most canadians agree with those ideas. You stand up and speak your voice. Better than being a yes man. Or in the conservative party, I don’t talk unless the PM has allowed me to state the party line man.
SALVAGE, Have you read the Green Party platform? It is extremely broad and well balanced. They are not the one note wonder that so many people like yourself make them out to be. They have well thought out Social, Fiscal, yes and environmental polices, not to mention foreign affairs, the military, and so many other issues. Please get it out of your head that they are only about the environment. They are not. Please read their platform and see for yourself. You might even like what you see.
Daily Kos in the US is changing the democratic party from the inside, it can raise money, raise issues, and create new tides. How about Daily Garth?
[...] Garth Turner speaks out against party politics It was not quite as earth shattering as people had made it out to be, but Garth Turner just held a press conference in Ottawa where he announced, amongst other things, that he is resigning from the Conservative Party of Canada. A few weeks ago he was suspended from Caucus, which means he is no longer allowed to sit as a conservative MP, but he was not actually removed from the party. Party membership is open to anyone, including you and me, should they want to align themselves with the values and policies of the party.So what exactly prompted this move, and what are the other topics that Garth spoke on today?Well let me step back even a bit more than he did in his statement today and give a quick rundown of how someone gets elected in Canada. [...]
Well, it turns out the press conference is a bust. I was checking Stephen Taylor’s blog this morning and he predicted what Garth would comment about and he was on the money.
Wow you drove all the way to Ottawa just to say what you said this afternoon?
Bravo for your speech….
It is quite clear to many voters that Political reform is needed in Canada to ensure that the public to instill confidence in the system.
I am still very upset as to what happened in my father’s riding regarding the undemocratic appointment of Michael Ignatieff who is a Harvard professor with no business experience…..has not lived in Canada for 30 years….yet suddenly feels entitled to go the prime minister’s job……forcing the Liberal membership in his riding…….to accept his appointment and not nomination…….which resulted in upsetting many people in the riding…..that resulted in the Liberal neighbourhood riding president to openly endorse the pc and ndp candidates.
That being said….Garth…..reform similar to whats happening in Brazil a participatory democracy….bottom up and not top down – top down…..is a dictatorship with the pretense of democracy…..
I do not want to deal with an MP who will ignore my letters……my phones……..and even issues such as Carolyn Bennett who believe it or not is so wrapped up in health issues……does not even take the time to discuss taxes……which on every taxpayers mind………..and a common topic on your blog……….
People are not having children garth because of our high taxes…….that is why the government is addressing the issue of immigration…….to ensure a qualified workforce……..with children…unfortunately many of these immigrants are going to major cities of Toronto and Federal government is ignoring the people of toronto and other areas…….who are fed up with high taxes…….that should be spent on our city……..
We want to be treated fairly…….and not as second class citizens with the privelege of voting these idiots once every 4 years………
This is not democracy……it is dictatorship.
Money is NOT the root of all evil – THE LOVE OF MONEY is the root of all evil. Love people – use money.
Power does not corrupt – THE LUST FOR POWER corrupts. There are many people with little power who would sell their souls for power. That is corrupt thinking, that is corrupt behaviour.
The Harpercrats have clearly shown, BY THEIR BEHAVIOUR, that they have sold their souls for CONTROLLING POWER.
They fear Garth, simply because he does NOT fear them.
As within, so without. The Harpercrats will be consumed by their fear, until they are but hollow puppets of the Dark Side.
Garth, you are our Jedi Knight. Independent. Principled. Fearless.
Long may The Force (aka The People) Be With You.
BWDIK
Salvage, the Greens are not as much the one trick pony people often believe. They’ve managed to put together a pretty comprehensive philosophy that informs all their decisions, it’s not just about the hole in the ozone layer. They (*) have even managed to form governments elsewhere. Not that I’ve voted for them yet.
(* Of course, “they” are not the same Greens as ours, they just share the same stated philosophy. I’d get pretty nervous if they all started linking up!)
For those of you who want the other side of the story, check out Stephen Taylor’s blog, where he gives more revealing answers to those 10 questions. http://www.stephentaylor.ca/archives/000713.html
Apparently Garth knows why he was kicked out…
Terra – What a classy putdown for Durward! So precise, and yet your punchline is a classic. I laughed.
Oh, you forgot to tell Durward that he ended one of his sentences with a preposition.
//
I may not agree with Garth all the time (at this point, I’m starting to think he loves the limelight), but I truly admire the fact that there is a politican who has a thick enough skin to weather all comments, whether good or bad.
though I have never been a conservative I must commend you for standing up to the Emperor and his pseudo Imperial Court.
So Garth’s got “The Hill Surrounded”
Hats off to CTV for not sticking around for the whole thing.
No real joy in watching a grown man unravel in front of the entire national media.
I keep thinking about sports and how they trade or get rid of those those that are disruptive or don’t play as team or have their own personal often twisted agendas. I wonder who we could trade you to then lighting struck we could trade you to the democrats in the states and maybe get a couple big macks in exchange. May not be good deal for them but would be great for us. So tired of your flawed logic, Grow up life is not all about YOU!
Oh, oh. . it was choice #1
“#1 remain independent, and probably get swept away in the next election. ”
I put the probably in there that should have been there for the first post.
A lack of independent thought and inquisitive minds on Parliament Hill inhibits innovative solutions and dilutes democracy. Garth Turner has started an interesting debate. Let’s see where it goes.
Are you for real? No wonder the Conservatives wanted to dump you. You should not be part of any organized party or organization.
Why not quite politics and save the Canadian taxpayer some money.
Don
I think your message to the news conference today is one Canadians needed to hear. The Party system does not work well when it disallows free votes, MPs are directed on how to vote and in Committee, some Members waste valueable time trying to gain recognition for their party or on a particular issue. I think the NWT consensus government is one more Canadians need to look at and consider and how that might be adopted in both Provincial and Federal politics.
Thanks Garth for your efforts to establish income splitting for seniors. It is a good Bill and makes alot of sense. Hopefully, the Finance Minister will take this a step further and allow income splitting with all spouses.
Might as well bash the Conservatives, why not? Liberals are a much more honest bunch
Garth – you are really out in the cold; look at your options:
NDP – Never will gain power in this century. The beatnik Toronto party.
BLOC – Absolute waste of taxpayer money.
GREEN – Geesh, only in Canada.
Cheers Mate!
Well well, finally a politician with some balls who actually believes that he represents the people who voted for him!!!!!! I am amazed and delighted. It is indeed unfortunate that Mr Turner was uncerimoniously booted from the Tories caucus. They, and every other party in Canada seems to think WE the voters owe them something after we elect them. It seems there are a lot of them posting here, crapping on the only honest (or close to honest) politician I have ever seen. We in Canada need a new political party. Not just a green one, or a labour one, or a lawyer run one. We NEED a damn party for the people!!! When the majority votes them in, then they do what the MAJORITY of Canadians want, not what a few immigrants want, or what special those purpose groups want. What we have now is a rule by secrecy government, just like the Liberals had. Everything they do, spend, say, vote for, and travel to, should be made public immediately, not by fighting for 10 years under the silly access to information act. That’s a joke. So keep up the good work Mr Turner, and stick it to the man. LOL.
Garth, If you want my vote ! Stop letting insurance companies deduct my childrens tax free disability benefit from my disability benefit calling it MY income.
That means TAXPAYERS are subsidizing the profits of private companies. On the backs of the disabled. I end up with less because I have children. The ministry of finance says its OK because its in their(InsCo) fine print. When did private companies POLICIES over ride a government instituted benefit.
talk is cheap now a days. This is not government for the people. Prove yourself with the issues your buddies are scared of GARTH !
Seems these posts are being scanned a deleted by a backroom non elected person so as to not let all people have a say. some hypocrite , lier you turned out to be. It goes on my website tonight.
Ed: Every post but one (out of about 300) made it onto the site today. — Garth
I guess I wasnt patient enough SORRY !
Its too easy to get pissed off these days with people of power. Again though I cant stress enough to you about the treatment my government has allowed insurance companies to inflick on people going through a disability it must stop. Ask ANY disabled person about just getting the benefit from them. If I treated a dog, an immigrant, a women like this,OH but there are laws to crush my life to prevent me . funny isnt it, Over 250,000 disabled and NOT ONE VOICE. I say again again SORRY !
Hands in my pocket ,hands in my pocket!The feds are all the same! blues or reds, orange or green they want the same thing .Your money.And lie, cheat to get it!We need more people like GARTH TURNER! A real person not a robot!