A column I circulated to the community newspapers in Halton this weekend.
Don’t know about you, but seems to me there’s far too much loyalty for sale in politics these days. Less than a year ago I was very critical of the fact Stephen Harper put a guy in his cabinet who had been elected as a Liberal two weeks earlier. Everybody lost in that one – the government looked unprincipled in its first week, David Emerson looked like he’d do anything for a title and a limo, and the people who elected him as a Lib in Vancouver looked hoodwinked.
A few days ago, Wajid Khan – elected as a Liberal in Mississauga just last January – stood beside Mr. Harper and gave lots of reasons why he’d suddenly become a Conservative. In fact, he’d been elected twice as a Grit, but now the people in the riding have a Tory in Parliament.
Of course, there’s my situation as well, since Halton sent a Conservative to the House of Commons and now has an independent. Some people slam me constantly for not being in Stephen Harper’s party any longer, while many others say they like having a guy representing them who is free to speak his mind. Some people, like Mr. Khan, think that being on the government benches means your district will suddenly get new bridges, highways and government buildings. The rest of us, who live in the real world, know that is ridiculous.
In fact, as I have learned, being a Government MP (at least in this government) means not being able to vote as your constituents want, not being able to speak to the media, not being able to ask questions in the House of Commons and not being listened to by the PM or his inner circle. It was interesting, as an independent, when I first started questioning the government in Parliament. I received far more attention, and information, than these guys would give me behind the caucus doors.
But the question we have to ask ourselves is simple: How best are voters going to get their voices heard and their agenda taken seriously? I mean, if most MPs are told by their party leaders how to vote on an issue, where does leave the citizens? For example, when the government pushed through a vote to recognize the Quebec people as a nation within Canada, overwhelmingly residents here told me to oppose it – in letters, emails, phone calls and straw votes at Town Hall meetings. So I did. But had I been a Conservative MP still, I’d have been forced to vote in favour, or be tossed out of the party. Interestingly enough, and to their credit, the Liberals allowed a free vote.
I think the strong-arming of MPs that I experienced, and could not tolerate, must end. How can we continue to have faith in the political system when the people we truck up to Ottawa decide it’s more important to make the party happy, then the folks back home?
It would be ideal if party leaders would loosen up, make room for divergent opinion within their membership, and allow MPs to be (within reason) independent and truly representative. Sure, not every vote will be predictable, and some days will require more compromises than others. But, isn’t that what most people face, all the time?
As you know, I was an MP 14 years ago, and did the job for about six years. I was in the government party then, too, and I also worked on special projects exactly the way I have been over the past year. I even chaired House of Commons committees that ended up recommending things the PM was against – and gave speeches in support of my position. And yet, nobody kicked me out. It was a normal and expected thing that each MP came to Ottawa to pursue causes, lobby for things the people in the riding wanted, and to influence their colleagues.
Today, sadly, MPs are expected to believe every position their parties adopted. And while that may be the way to get a title or a position or more money, it’s hardly the way to be an effective rep. You would not believe how many people, I have met in Ottawa for whom just being an MP is not good enough. Instead they lust to be in the cabinet, or to be a parliamentary secretary or have a business card with gold type on it. Or, they think the grass is greener on the other side of the House of Commons – and they switch parties.
Well, I spent most of a year campaigning to be an MP. I was elated when I became one again, and you’ll never find me grousing about the salary, the hours, the work load or the fact I have pesky voters to listen to. This is still a democracy. Voters come first. Politicians who think getting elected means they get more important than the people, need to get unelected.
29 comments ↓
Parliament should be about the best and brightest representing the constituency in Ottawa. It should be about the ideas which are best for Canada being worked toward.
Instead it has become about concentrating power in the PMO and all politics all the time.
No wonder people tune out.
All that spin makes people dizzy.
Can you imagine Dion, Harper or even Layton having a blog where they actually answer questions?
I can’t.
Thanks Garth!
NNL
Garth I have lived in Canada and the UK, and it seems to me that politicans in Canada lust for cabinet jobs more than the politicans in the UK. I have also noticed that Canadian backbench MPs don’t vote the way they want they have party whips telling them what to do all the time. I think we need a fresh party like the Green Party in the house to show us how things have to be done.
Also I would like to thank you being vocal as an MP is something that the other 307 people sitting in the house have to learn. I want my MP to speak in the house and tell people what we as a riding need.
Happy New Year Garth!
I had to laugh at your article. Once you stepped down from the Conservative Party…you had to realize it would be a matter of weeks before somebody crossed the floor to replace you. Having said that, is it me, or are MP’s crossing the floor in record numbers in the last couple of years? Maybe there is a new sense of political conscience alive as you found for yourself. I like your article nevertheless I say with a smile.
Dave
MAYNE ISLAND, BC
News flash, Dave: I did not step down. I was canned. I did not leave my party. It left me. — Garth
Garth, surely the name “The Progressive Party of Canada” isn’t taken. Why not try and get those MPs who are just as p/o’d about the way Harper dictates to start a new party.
Sitting as an independant is great and all, but the rest of Canada needs a decent party to vote for.
I can’t support the Conservatives because of the theo-con side of their nature — however they are right on a lot of economic points.
The NDP needs to get rid of Jack Layton before it becomes a viable choice in my mind. The man is a devider and the final straw for me was when he called out Dion on his Citizenship.
The Green party should be allowed to debate in the next election — they have a lot of really good platforms, but I still wonder if they could govern with the Greenpeace eco-terrorist elements of their party.
As for the Liberals, they have yet to prove that they have renewed their party — over a decade in charge leads to a lot of backroom deals and dirty pool; but I do think Dion might be the guy to do this… He’ll have a lot to prove in the next election.
But the bottom line is none of these parties support Garth Turner’s style of government. They don’t support dissent or rational debate, and they don’t offer progressive tax policy without the theologic downside.
Where are our moderates?
Time for a new party Garth.
For anyone interested in the facts on MPs crossing the floor/switching parties, the authoritative link is http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/people/house/HofCChange.asp?lang=E
Kevin M on 01.07.07 5:37 pm
“Garth, surely the name “The Progressive Party of Canada†isn’t taken. Why not try and get those MPs who are just as p/o’d about the way Harper dictates to start a new party.”
“Where are our moderates?”
The Progressive Canadian Party (PC Party on the ballot) exists and has contested the last two elections.
Formed as a continuation of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada by moderates, by progressive-conservatives.
Some talk, others act. Interested in acting? Contact me at
joe.hueglin@bellnet.ca.
Joe Hueglin
Member 29th Parliament
Not quite a democracy, but hopefully someday! To be fair, as a maritimer I can tell that in the past I’ve read studies where if you followed the money it more than likely led to ridings where the party in power had a representative. This is especially evident in less populous ridings where people actually KNOW what their local rep is bringing in. To burst that bubble a good many voters vote according to who can bring in the financial goods, and in many ways their instincts are right on. The ‘goods’ usually also go to the squeeky wheel and the most represention. Quebec was ignored til they got the Bloc, the west was ignored til they got the reform, Ontario’s got the representation and the maritimes haven’t got either so get no investment at all-just some life support.
Garth,
Dan Baril, on his website, indicates he approached you during the last election to offer strategic advice, I assume.
Was he hired/compensated?
Dan has provided me with some outstanding strategic advice, and at an outstanding price. He’s a volunteer. — Garth
Garth
an election is coming calm down
every floor crosser will have to run if they wish to get re-elected
Peace
Good for him, and you. He seems like a bright guy, from what I’ve read on some of his blogs.
Garth’s political philosophy: Why aren’t we talking about me? I should be the centre of attention! I am the most important person in Canada! ME, not you, MMMMEEEE! Shame on you CTV, because it’s about me!
ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good show on Question Period today.Oliver not as grumpy and crusty as normal and Taber not as much of a smarmy bimbo.
Calming influence?????
A good place to get Question Period transcripts:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/housechamberbusiness/chambersittings.aspx?Key=2006&View=H&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=1
How is this for creating a voice for people. I am inserting my supplementary question to MPS through email:
39th PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 095
CONTENTS
Monday, December 11, 2006
Hon. John McKay (Scarborough—Guildwood, Lib.): previous intervention
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives provided Canadians with a nasty little Halloween surprise that cost them $25 billion on income trusts.
Having destroyed the savings of hard-working Canadians, Conservatives are now proposing to give them a nastier Christmas gift. Investors who converted on the strength of the Conservative promise will get a love note from the tax man. For many, the value of their investment on December 31 will be less than the deemed conversion value and tax will be payable.
Will the Minister of Finance give relief to these betrayed investors, or is that just his way of saying merry Christmas and happy new year?
next intervention previous intervention [Table of Contents]
Hon. Jim Flaherty (Minister of Finance, CPC): previous intervention
Mr. Speaker, unlike the previous government, we dealt with this issue in the interest of tax fairness for Canadians, yes, and that corporations in Canada would pay their fair share of taxes. I know members opposite do not think that is the right thing to do, but we as Conservatives think that all Canadians, whether they are corporations or individuals, should pay their fair share of taxes.
The implementation rules with respect to the income trusts should be available before Christmas.
Geoffrey Laxton (Income Trust Investor, Poor): previous intervention
Mr. Speaker how can the Honourable Member say that the Conservatives are dealing with the income trusts in the interest of tax fairness for Canadians when they have erased billions of dollars worth of equity in senior’s retirement accounts that they can not write off as a capital loss, nor can they write off the taxes owing on deemed conversions to income trusts in the first place and furthermore how can the Honourable Member claim that corporations such as BCE and Telus converting to income trusts would not pay their fair share of taxes, when in fact they shall pay no tax until at least 2011 by remaining as corporations and not converting to the income trust structure?
Garth,
I would like to add my compliments to you for your appearance on “Question Period.” In my opinion, you added to the higher quality of discussion than is usual on that segment of the program.
Garth,
I look forward to you kicking ass in the next election. Have you heard whether or not Khan’s constituents are planning a rally to call for his resignation or anything? I did some searching online but didn’t find anything. I hope that this riding, which hasn’t voted blue since ‘88, doesn’t just let it go.
Seems as if “Ace” is not dealing with a full deck.
LOL
Scientists find stem cell source in amniotic fluid
POSTED: 9:18 p.m. EST, January 7, 2007
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/01/07/stem.cells.ap/index.html
Scientist: NASA found life on Mars – and killed it
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/01/07/mars.life.ap/index.html
Garth,
It seems your opinion regarding crossovers has widespread support. Voter disdain is running roughly 3:1
While doing the Google, I came across an ad for a surplus parachute.
FOR SALE: ONE PARACHUTE, NEVER OPENED, ONLY USED ONCE.
Mississauga — Wajid Khan’s defection to the Conservative caucus is nothing but political opportunism (Khan Jumps Ship To Join Tories — Jan. 6). Mr. Khan has opted for influence as a Prime Minister’s aide, while ignoring the wishes of the constituents that elected him as a Liberal. Without real roots in his riding, Mr. Khan was transported into Mississauga-Streetsville to run as a Liberal. I’m sure that voters will have no hesitation transporting him out of office if he chooses to run again here.
This new defection, along with those of recent memory, involving David Emerson and Belinda Stronach, violate our rights as voters. Such defections must not be allowed to continue. If MPs find they suddenly cannot support the party that provided them with the support to get elected, then they should resign and face a by-election. As for Mr. Khan, as stated by a campaign organizer, this was a “day of betrayal” and a day that will not be forgotten by his constituents or by those within Canada’s Muslim community.
“Some people, like Mr. Khan, think that being on the government benches means your district will suddenly get new bridges, highways and government buildings. ”
Garth, can you please provide us with evidence that Mr. Kahn stated that he thinks that Mississauga will get bridges, highways, and government buildings? I’m sure that all of us are looking forward in receiving this substantiated evidence.
Peter MacKay surprise visit to Afghanistan.
What follows supports the argument there is widespread corruption. It’s a long read … both articles comprise 17 pages. More available if you’re willing to pay $5.95/article.
“Yet no one I spoke to advocated giving up.” B.R. Rubin
http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20070101faessay86105/barnett-r-rubin/saving-afghanistan.html
http://www.foreignaffairs.org/19891201faessay5991/barnett-r-rubin/the-fragmentation-of-afghanistan.html
Joe Hugelin, if your party is the party of moderates, they must be in small numbers as independents often have more votes than the “Progressive Canadian Party”. It causes me to doubt your claim of moderation.
Hi Catherine, below is part of Khan’s speech that is available on the CTV website (it may be on other’s as well).
-Quote-
I also want to get things done for the City of Mississauga, the region of Peel and the entire GTA on the issue of infrastructure and transit, public and community safety, air quality and the environment. I can’t get these things done from the opposition benches, but I can as a member of a government with a proven record of getting things done for Canadians and their communities.
-Unquote-
Here is the link to the site:
http://politicsblog.ctv.ca/blog/_archives/2007/1/5/2622787.html
This type of thinking is also called “Pork-barrelling” and should not be tolerated. To think otherwise is saying that unless your riding votes for the winning side, you get crumbs for the ruling party. Now that doesn’t seem very democratic to me. Does it to you?
CODY,
You may find what you are looking for on mikewatkins.ca
Once a used car dealer, always a used car dealer. He obviously believes Bullshit baffles brains. He is s wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Kahn begone! Hopefully in the next election.
[...] [1] Mr. Turner’s blog was one of the reasons for his ejection from the Conservative caucus; his take on the jumping of Khan can be read here and here, and I link to The Turner Report in my blogroll under News and Politics. ===== * ===== [...]
Thanks for the link Concerned for Canada. How dare he take advance of us, taxpayers to provide the Greater Toronto Area with infrastructure and transit, public and community safety, air quality and the environment. He should just stick to his constituents in his portion of Mississauga.
For your readers and voters try this on for size Have all canidates state on TV and talk shows they will serve as elected or resign and run in bye-election. We the taxpayers can demand it and tell them they are only as good as their word. I plan to call the talk shows and local TV stations demanding they ask them next election in my area.