Well, that was an interesting day. I received over a thousand emails in the afternoon, and more than 600 people left comments on the blog. My Blackberry moaned a little and died mid-day with a pathetic little hourglass twirling on its screen. Esther and her staff in the riding office were barraged with calls and I got home tonight in time to watch a reporter call me a “showboat†on the national news. Hey, just another day at the office.
You can see from the comments here that I have been called just about everything a politician could imagine. Several hundred times.
Do I understand the sentiments expressed by those who have trouble seeing the difference between me and David Emerson? Absolutely. In politics there is no quarreling with public perception, because the people rule. It’s what I have been saying here since getting this stress-free job a year ago.
Mr. Emerson went from Grit to Tory minister in two weeks. I went from Tory MP to indie four months ago after being turfed out. This week I joined the Liberal caucus. Same deal? Not exactly, but that’s not the point.
Rather, the point is people feel the political system is rigged against them when they vote for a person representing one party and then have no say when circumstances change. They rightly feel shut out and disenfranchised. This is why I have drafted legislation giving us some rules on floor-crossing. It’s why I’ve tabled motions in Parliament to make independent MPs as influential as those who belong to parties.
What surprised me most about the reaction to my joining Stephane Dion?
That, somehow, people think I won’t run in a by-election, that I’m afraid. Not the case. In announcing my move I challenged PMSH to call by-elections in Halton at the same time as in Vancouver-Kingsway (Emerson), in Mississauga-Streetsville (Wajid Khan) and in Quebec (Michael Fortier), because that’s the principled thing to do. We all need to be accountable to the people.
But I guess those three aren’t up to the challenge, again.
So I’m going it alone.
If I resign immediately, the prime minister can leave my voters held hostage for up to six months without a by-election and without an MP, which could well mean they’re not represented at all until after the next election. Excuse me if I do not trust Stephen Harper, but I don’t.
There is another way, which I have left for Wednesday.
I believe nobody should represent the people without their approval and support. It is the basis of our system, and the one thing that should give us all hope. I support it. I’m going to do it. As promised.
240 comments ↓
“If I resign immediately, the prime minister can leave my voters held hostage for up to six months without a by-election and without an MP, which could well mean they’re not represented at all until after the next election. Excuse me if I do not trust Stephen Harper, but I don’t.”
Give it a friggin’ rest, already. You left Harper months ago. You’re grasping at straws, and it shows.
YOU ARE A HYPOCRITE, based on your OWN BLOG.
Get over it. Better yet, resign and “bring it on.”
I am SO GLAD that I fought for my local CPC candidate and not you. Nor did I succumb to various hints to support you financially.
You are an ass. Admit it and move on, the rest of us will by, oh, 6:00 am tomorrow.
Bet this isn’t posted…
Welcome back to where you belong Garth. You have inspired many. We don’t want to lose you to the ways of Ottawa. Welcome back to the side of the people. May the Force be with you.
Just keep on showing people the leadership that they deserve and everything will fall into place as it should. I have a liberal MP who I’ve never even met and don’t know even what he looks like. The voters in Halton sure can’t say that. Judging from some of the commercials on tv there is something brewing and I wish you the best in the new challenges ahead. Hey there you are on tv again. Must be the 100th time tonight. Can’t wait to read tomorrows blog.
Good morning Garth!
Please, Please explain to us what made you choose red over green suddenly.
Besides that I wish you the best luck with your new (hopefully liberally acting) party.
Tobi
I believe nobody should represent the people without their approval and support.
*phew* — thought you’d lost that belief.
Win us back Garth.
I see the sheep are holding their breath to be “won back”, as Kevin M has demonstrated.
Is it only a minority of the population that thinks independently anymore?
Don’t listen to his words, Kevin M. Look at his actions!!
I find it remarkable that so many polititians will say what works for the day. I had thought that GT was different. But then, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. No one would really like to loose their paycheck on principle. GT says one thing and does the other. Tsk Tsk. It’s a sorry state when not even the pincipled men like GT can’t be trusted to keep their word.
jvp
This doesn’t make sense. By making such a challenge, you’re admitting that you should be in a by-election, but aren’t only because the other 3 aren’t. Please, do us a favour and look up the definition of two wrongs make a right under logical fallacy.
You’re kind of a jerk, really, aren’t you?
Somehow I doubt all of you who attack Garth would have similar words for other representatives. Would you say these things to Harper? Dion? Your own mother? All of the name calling is childish and pathetic.
I guess the old ego was ready for another 15 minutes hey Garth. I have been on this planet 60+ years and I have never heard as much usless wind from one person or seen so much clammering by the news media for such little relevancy. Garth I just want you to go away and stay away because I’m sick of the voters of this riding suffering the consequences of an MP who’s only concern is me me me. Give it a rest bud and resign.
Really disappointed in Garth.I have followed this blog for months and being a fan of Garth’s read and agreed with him on most things.Last night though watching the conference with Dion I couldn’t believe it.Though Dion seems a nice man I could hardly understand him and then Garth did his bit.Total hypocrite was my gut reaction.So many things Garth spoke against were washed away with him joining the Liberals.Enjoy the next few months Garth as the next election well be your last.Really disappointed in you.
It was interesting to hear that the Conservative party isn’t one big happy family. Muzzling his Cabinet ministers and back benchers and not allowing input or discussion in caucus is showing Mr. Harper’s true colours and agenda. Representatives from the Republican party worked on the election campaign? Well, you can bet they are behind the pre-election spin, nasty advertising targeting only one party and mini-throne speech Mr. Harper has been frantically pushing the past two weeks.
He seems to be trying to force an election.
It’s becoming harder and harder to stay non-partisan with Harper in charge.
The Hon. Garth Turner is THE BEST MP-communicator we have in parliament. You, sir, have made the right choice! I spoke to my neighbours, who are downright enthusiastic about your move. One, who does not have internet access, watched you at the weekend on Cogeco. You had mentioned that any contributions to your good self could not be deposited until the campaign started. That has all changed, and he, an oldie who lost big money on the income trust broken promise, is prepared to commit $100. which he expects you WILL NOW BE ABLE TO DEPOSIT IMMEDIATELY.
The guy said, “Garth Turner made damned good sense, when he talked about being shunned by that Control Pfhreak, Harper.” He really is peaved to the point of kidney failure after having lost $113 thousand on the Solberg/Harper broken promise on incoome trusts. He’s gunning for all the CONServatives who voted against permitting flim-flam Flaherty to appear before the finance committee.
Have an EXCEPTIONAL DAY, my friend!
I friend told me that the word went out that Tory hack Doug Finley had engaged the Young Conserative Assocation leadership to jam your blog.
Amazing guy Finley as he still has time to bribe tobacco farmers
Hang in there Garth. The us local voters will decide
Take care and all the best to you and Dorothy
A point of clarificiation, please.
Can the PM call a by-election in a riding where there is still a sitting MP?
I don’t think so. Should the PM turn into a meglamaniac, he could call a by-election in any riding if he didn’t like the face or political stripe of the current MP.
Garth, you’re playing politics! Unless Messrs. Emerson, Khan and/or yourself resign, no by-elections. The ball on this one is not in PMSH’s court!
And do you seriously expect PMSH to call a by-election today if I resign? Or would be wait six months, have a general election, and leave my voters unrepresented for the next eight months? How does that help democracy? Your advice, please. — Garth
“There is another way, which I have left for Wednesday.
I believe nobody should represent the people without their approval and support. It is the basis of our system, and the one thing that should give us all hope. I support it. I’m going to do it. As promised.”
OK then, we are waiting, what do you have up your sleeve?
You know we are all online and wondering what new trick we will witness today?
Tom
Sorry Garth, its you who has said a by-election should occur when an MP switches parties between elections.
Emerson, Khan and Harper have never said that.Demanding by-elections for the others, including Fortier is just your way of trying to deflect the fact you are a total hypocrite!!
By the Garth, your new leader Dion was appointed a cabinet minister before being elected an MP.Make sure you take him to task.
Guess your fundraising problems are solved though.
You state that your drafting legislation to cover floor crossing.
A couple of suggestions:
If an MP crosses the floor, he/she cannot vote in the House for a period of 12 months. The exception, if the party throws the MP out of caucus. Then that member should sit as an indie until the next election. Should he/she then join a party before the election is called, then they would loose their voting privileges.
Garth, A word of support. Ignore the musings of the looney right who are posting here with insults and personal jabs. YOU were betrayed by the Tories, not the other way around. Harper is the hypocrite, not you. You were a breath of fresh air in that party – and they booted you because of it. I anticipate that the Liberals will be more responsive to your environmental causes, and I believe that they are more willing to accept criticism from within than Harper’s neoCONs. Good luck to you Garth, and keep em honest.
The funny thing is Garth – it looked like even Dion doesn’t trust you based on what I saw at the news conference. Your excuse that I’ll run in a byelection when everyone else does doesn’t hold water! Lead by example! Resign! Run as a Liberal!
Maybe then you will earn back the respect of others.
I am non-partisan and not in your riding, however I do admire your courage and stamina.
Garth’s own words:
Let’s get the facts straight: The Liberal government is daily at the Gomery Enquiry being proven to be corrupt and probably criminal. The Liberal government survives only because of a deal with the NDP that lets Jack Layton write the budget. The Liberal government has gone on a $25 billion spending orgy to try and buy support. The Liberal government bribed a Conservative MP with a cabinet seat to win a confidence vote.
~Garth you according to your own archives hated the Liberals & NDP. You referred to the liberals as criminals.
NOW YOU ARE ONE!
Sorry, but wasn’t the Gomery thing the result of a guy who was in charge of the Libs two leaders ago? — Garth
Thanks for making politics fun again, Mr. Turner.
All other drama aside, I’ve enjoyed the video commentary on your website and the interviews with various politicians.
As for the vitriol posted above, you know what they say in showbiz, if you get people worked up, you’re doing your job.
No boring PowerPoint presentations for you!
Best of luck in the next election!
Garth, you had one of your little town hall publicity stunts, where the attendees, who’s opinion was supposedly taken into consideration, wanted you to remain as an independant.
Instead, you went to the best opportunity for you, not Halton, but you.
I had no problem with you staying as an indie – even after the next election. Had you asked, you probably would have gotten support for joining the Greens – that would help the nation to bring them into the political scope. I would have preferred you declare your intentions to run for the Fiberals when the next election was called.
Instead, you team up with that France-citizen, dimwitted, wife making his decisions, vague as any Fiberal PM, wishwashy failure of a former environment minister that existed during adscam and all the other Fiberal boondoggles poor excuse of the best leader candidate out of a bad bunch.
That PROVES you are doing this for 1) airtime and/or 2) a Pension. Not for Halton – don’t even start that shit.
Do yourself a favor – don’t visit my property when you are campaigning. I don’t want to tell you to get off my f’ing property
I applaud your honesty, transparency, courage, responsibility, values and integrity. I have no idea if joining the liberals is a good move politically, but this world would be a better place if we all lived our lives as mindfully as you live your political life. Well done Garth.
I want to help with your next campaign, whenever that may be.
You’re doing a good job, Garth. It’s never easy for the trailblazer.
“I’ve been a progressive conservative all my life, and I believe the voters sent me here to pursue an agenda of being fiscally conservative and socially progressive. Today, the Liberal party is as close to my PC roots as I’m going to get. For that reason, I’m joining Stéphane Dion,”
I sent you there as a Conservative Party representative. I must admit I am a bit dismayed with this move Mr. Turner. I really thought we finally had a good MP, one who stood up for his constituents, and one who always represent the voice of the people. I am afraid my confidence in our politicians and our political system is eroding. Good luck.
when will my beloved newsday be back up and running?
One of the most interesting points I read in Mr. Turner’s blog is how his Progressive Conservative leanings are most closely matched by the Liberal party. He is correct – the Progressive Conservative party is dead. The CPC is a different animal altogether. Anybody who votes blue because their grandparents did should take a long, comparative look at the platforms of the Progressive Conservative Party and Conservative Party of Canada.
That being said, do I think Mr. Turner did the right thing? That is up to the voters in his riding.
Garth, I am truly disappointed in you. I just recently sent an email out to Dan McTeague slamming him for some partisan comments because they were beneath him, in my opinion. (He had blamed the Conservatives for not protecting Canadians abroad). I told him that over the years he had proven to be a man of integrity and that I respected him despite his party colours. I jokingly said that I would vote for him if he were an independent in my riding but proudly stated that I already had Garth and my vote was already taken. Not so now…
Despite all your recent excuses and explanations, you ARE the same as David Emerson and every other MP that has switched major parties mid stream ( Liberals and Conservatives alike). You didn’t go to a fringe party, you went to a major party that, in the past, has shown either heavy handedness with its MPs (under Chretien), and then subsequently uselessness (under Martin,w ho I waited patiently to become PM..only to be disillusioned) I voted for you to represent me, initially under the Conservative agenda. I would have been happy to vote for you as an independant however going forward, because you have earned it in the last year and becuase I know you have Conserative roots and that you would vote as you thought fit. That is what you claimed. Now, I cannot and will not vote for you as a Liberal. The Libs have a long way to go before they will gain my trust again and now.. so do you as well. You should have resigned, triggered a by -lection, and taken your chances. If you had done that, I know that you would have received at least my houeshold’s 2 vote. Now you’ve lost at least two. Good luck to you, because I’m sure that you will have a tough time next election but it is of your own doing. Regards, Alex
People if you want to talk about hypocrisy, here is the hypocrisy of the Conservatives on income trusts for all to see. To David Dodge, Jim Flaherty and everyone else on the Finance Committed panels who stated that telecom companies can’t be trusts because they need to invest in technology and capital equipment, and that we need to trust corporate management’s judgement: What BCE is investing in is management’s stock options’ value. Equivalent to a tax free distribution, not to mention that BCE sold Telesat tax free to the Public Sector Pension Plan and not to mention that BCE management can donate the stock options at the inflated valuation without paying capital gains tax, and then get a another tax writeoff as charitable donations. A tax free quadruple whammy!!! So much for corporations paying their fair share of tax!
Article of record:
“BCE to buy back $1.2 billion worth of its shares, representing 5% of its stock”
Published: Tuesday, February 6, 2007 | 6:18 PM ET
excerpt:
Canadian Press MONTREAL (CP) – BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) intends to buy back and cancel about five per cent of its publicly traded stock at an anticipated cost of $1.2 billion, Canada’s largest telecom company said Tuesday.The announcement came ahead of Wednesday’s financial report by the Montreal-based company, which is parent of Bell Canada, the country’s largest phone company.BCE said it had received acceptance from the Toronto Stock Exchange of its notice of intention to make a normal course issuer bid, allowing it to buy back up to 40 million of its common shares…]
Garth,even though I disagree with your political views,I totally support your decision to join the Libs where hopefully you will not be muzzled.Too bad the NEOCONS werw let out of their pens so they can monopolize this website.Keep us informed Garth.
Must have been a difficult decision, but you have to remember – don’t burn too many bridges. If you do to the Liberals what you did to the neo-cons with your so-called honesty which crossed the line on occasion, NOBODY will ever want you on their team.
One thing to be outspoken and another to have good judgment at the time.
You screw this up and you’re doomed as a politician for “any” party – keep it in mind when you babble about respresenting your constituents and your attention getting maverick garbage.
What goes around comes around – this is probably your last chance to come off as a credible person who can be trusted.
Good luck.
“And do you seriously expect PMSH to call a by-election today if I resign? Or would be wait six months, have a general election, and leave my voters unrepresented for the next eight months? How does that help democracy? Your advice, please. — Garth”
You want my advice? As one of your constiuents, I say resign. You stopped representing me when you crossed the floor. If you resigned and Harper did not call a by-election, well, that would be Harper subverting democracy and ignoring the people of Halton. Right now, you are subverting democracy and ignoring the people of Halton.
To MP (Now Liberal) Garth Turner: Garth, as being one whom has strong convictions in New Minas, Kings County, Nova Scotia…..I had voted Green Party in the last provincial election here and Liberal in the last Federal Election after being lied too by our own MP Liberal Scott Brison. But I do not intend getting lied too again. I was very happy when the Grass Roots Delegates of the Liberal Party Convention voted in Stephane Dion, he will be a house cleaner leader of our party to get back honesty in our party…….I was not going to welcome you to our party for joining on my birthday of Feb 6, 2007; in crossing the floor and becomming an Liberal from being an Independant MP but because you have I welcome you.
However in saying this, I have problems with people such as Tory-Liberal Turncoat Scott Brison…..which I do not trust, in New Minas-Wolfville NS, the floor crossing by Liberal MP Wadjid Khan, as well as the Liberal MP David Emerson floorcrossing to the Progessive Conservative Government of Stephen Harper. I do not blame you as an former independant mp, Garth; for making your choice. Yet the Liberal Party Of Canada is not some SPCA that we are in the habit of taking in strays, even though Stephane Dion may condone this action. I found out the hard way with Scott Brison as an PC MP in 1988 when I went to him with an employment problem and he did not help me then, 2yrs ago I went to him as a newly converted MP Liberal and got lied too and hurt again.
So I have to ask you, I would like a personal email from you too if you would not mind. Since you have become an Liberal MP then are you going to stay the course as an Liberal? If at the drop of your hat, that you do not like something that Stephane Dion says, will you again cross the floor and become an Independant MP again, if so you are not really a Liberal nor have our convictions. But if you have, then I welcome you……yes we hold deep grudges. I have reciently gotten my Liberal Party Card and I intend to vote Liberal atleast in the Nova Scotia Provincial Election that I believe we will have at sometime in 2008 perhaps.
Federally it will depend on the convictions of the Liberals around Stephane Dion that may change my mind about voting Liberal in the Federal Election sometime in 2007. BUT I WILL IF I VOTE LIBERAL FEDERALLY, WILL NOT BE VOTING FOR SCOTT BRISON IN MY VOTE….IT WILL BE FOR THE LIBERAL PARTY NOT OF SCOTT BRISON HIMSELF.
Excuse me if I do not trust Stephen Harper, but I don’t.
He didn’t lie about floor-crossers. You did!
I am a constituent. I no longer wish to have you represent me. Resign immediately.
Gregory Wallis
Are you getting enough attention now Garthy?
Tim D, give me a break! You know Harper will NOT call a by-election if Garth resigns. Harper will drag his heels for as long as possible and if his government lasts another year, Halton will remain unrepresented over that period. On the other hand, the next election seems to be just around the corner – way sooner than a by-election. Halton will get its chance to re-elect Garth as a Liberal with a larger margin of victory than before (Belinda style).
Me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, ….. MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE, me, me, me, me, me ….. that’s what you are all about, isn’t it Garth. Resign you fool.
Turner, you confirmed for me that you are an unscrupulous media hog, a self-promoting jackass whose interest is entirely in forwarding your own profile.
Try mouthing off in Dion’s caucus as you did in Harper’s and you’ll be out on your ass again, where you belong.
I astand by my previous statements…
It does not matter who you vote for
Liberal Curly….Consersative Larry……or NDP MOE the 3 hypocritical stooges who will do anything to promote self interest ahead of public interest.
What a public spectable……..yesterday………
I will never trust any politician from this point further…………
Mr. Turner,
you have no right to resign and leave me without representation.
Definitely, you can’t trust Harper to call a by-election, even if that crook swears on his mother he would call one.
As an income trust investor, I trusted him once, and I will regret it for the rest of my life.
He lied to my face- right here in Oakville.
I will have to mortgage the house again to make up for that mistake.
Otherwise, I won’t be able to afford to send my son to school.
Oakville, north of Upper Middle
Hi Garth,
Congratulations on your choice.
Though you were the last best hope to bring back the Progressive side to the Conservative party, that hope is now gone.
And while I believe that Jim Prentice, Brian Pallister, and Monte Solberg are moderates they will be shouted down by the attack dogs of Jason Kenny and John Baird.
I had started supporting the Liberals under the theory of “my enemy’s enemy is my allie†with the hope that after the next election there could be a revival of the Progressive wing of the party. I do not see that happening now.
Good luck, and I know you will win in a landslide.
Ray
And do you seriously expect PMSH to call a by-election today if I resign? Or would be wait six months, have a general election, and leave my voters unrepresented for the next eight months? How does that help democracy? Your advice, please. — Garth
Probably not. For political reasons as well as being accused of wasting taxpayers money since the next general election is months away!
But that wasn’t my point. What you said is that you would welcome PMSH doing the right thing, calling for by-elections for Messrs. Emerson, Khan and yourself.
My point is he can’t call a by-election in any riding unless the sitting members resigns.
Now we know Mr.Emerson isn’t running in the next election, so he doesn’t care about the political fall out of not doint the right thing. Mr. Khan and yourself, thats a different matter. Maybe you could lay the old guilt trip on Messrs. Harper and Khan if you did resign, making yourself accountable to the electorate. Now that would make a nice negative ad. against Mr. accountability SH unless Mr. Khan followed suit.
As for democracy, I know you consulted with folks in your riding before making the jump, unlike the other two. But the ultimate test of democracy for your actions is at the polls, where all your constituants get a say..that’s how our system, for good or bad, works!
So, let me get this straight. You criticize me for not resigning and triggering a by-election, but criticize me if I do resign and trigger a costly vote. Is that your position? — Garth
By Geoffrey L on 02.07.07 8:43 am – Yes, Geoffrey, let’s ban stock repurchases by companies. That makes sense.
A little historical perspective is required here. One of the largest changes in Canadian political history was the demise of a sitting majority government into no longer being a recognized political party in Canada.
That’s what happened to the Progressive Conservatives.
From Brian Mulroney to this.
Why?
Due to people like Peter McKay and Garth Turner. People who place themselves ahead of their party.
The results are clear. Wiped off the map.
The Reform Party is based on fundamental grass roots principles. That is why they form Canada’s New Government, since Canadians prefer based on the election of leadership FOR the people, not self-serving two faced oppportunists like Peter McKay and his girlfriend Belinda Stonach, not to mention Garth Turner and Scotty Brison.
Let the baseless speculation begin! And be quick about it, we have mere hours left.
Negotiated a cabinet position with Our Next New Government. Will run a half-assed campaign in three months. Campaing slogan: “HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW?!” When Halton refuses to elect a Liberal, will be air-dropped onto some other riding. Please, not mine. You’re a ton of fun, but so is Telegdi. He gets so angry! I love to watch it.
Tongue in cheek, of course.
Positive comments outweight the negative. Our extended family is rooting for you, Mr. Turner. The nasty tories have weak hearts and no ears. They are selective in their approval of honest persons but blindly follow the bully boys on the government front bench. Theirs is a small, cold tent that will never appeal to a majority of Canadians. Red is good.
Mr. Turner
I watched you move from Conservative to Independent very professionally and honourably. And last night I was thrilled to see you make the next step in your journey. Not that I’m the first to say this but, welcome to the Liberal party – I hope we can help you achieve all that you want to achieve for your constituents.
Weird. The Conservatives are now the Reform Party, the Liberals are the old Progressive Conservatives, are the NDP the Liberals and Green the NDP?
Sigh. Electoral reform is desperately needed in one form or another.
This is actually hilarious based on Mr. Turner’s brief moment of fame when he expressed outrage at David Emerson choosing to join the ‘other’ political party.
Apparently outrage doesn’t last very long.
Good for you, Garth. I have supported the Conservative Party all my life, but I promised my MP that I will vote Liberal in the next election. This is direct result of the Income Tust betrayal. And I am not alone.
I’m sorry, I didn’t read all of these, b/c it was hurting me physically.
It isn’t floor crossing. No floor was crossed. People really lack the ability to see this simple distinction. Floor crossing is when an MP elected from Party A switches parties to Party B. If an MP is expelled from Party A, and then joins Party B… that is something different. Seriously folks. Not complicated. One of these things is not like the other… one of these things doesn’t belong.
How refreshigly original, joining the so-called Liberals. While it is true that the (Regressive) Conservatives booted you out, there are any number of better things you could have done. You could have done the hard thing and stayed independent, even running for a new party in the next election. You could have joined the NDP or the Greens — one could find great usefulness in a moderate conservative, the other needs a breakthrough.
No, instead you became just another backbencher in a party that fails to live up to its name, hence its similarity to the PCs. You became just another complicit member of a party that stands solely for power, politics and blatant corruption. Great job.
At the very least, you’re trying to stand for a by-election. Seems you can stand by your principles; it made you a bad fit for the Cons, it makes you a bad fit for the Lies. Good luck on re-election, though.
By Thea on 02.07.07 9:13 am – So, if the next by-election is just around the corner, why shouldn’t Garth resign? Or, remain as an independent until then? Why? Because he wanted to secure a Lib nomination – and needed to do so now, as the Libs were preparing for a possible election soon. It is all about Garth. Look, if he wants to run as a Liberal – fine. But, he should resign his seat. He is NOT representing his constituents now. He crossed the floor, slapping us in the face. I live in Halton. Everyone I know here – all my neighbors – feel the same way.
Garth.
I think what may be the best solution is to sit as an independent until the next election, and then run as a Liberal. That way, you can still have a mandate from the people and they can choose for themselves whether they want you to be a Liberal MP or not. I think that decision would be the best for democracy, especially since the town hall meetings participants decided they wanted an indy MP. What are you thoughts on this?
Well you are nothing if not entertaining Garth. I will miss you after the next election. Stephane Dion has doomed the Liberals to a nothing west of Kenora Ont. party and you have doomed yourself to a spectacular political flame out. If you like fishing, the you and Stephane can spend a lot of time together sometime after June.
HYPOCRITE. You wanted Belinda to resign, you wanted Emerson to resign. I can see your word is worth exactly what your financial advice was in 1999 – zero.
My commitment to represent voters first, and a political party second, put me in conflict with Stephen Harper and ultimately led to my leaving the Conservative Party.
Garth – your criticism of the PM caused your ouster, not your commitment to the voters. Let’s quit putting a false spin on it.
In politics, integriy is everything.
You agreed to serve the people as a Conservative. Then you whined and whined in the media. You couldn’t get along with the Conservative Party. You are a big boy, you knew what you were doing. Then you became an independent. Again, all I heard was your whining.
Now you are a Liberal.
I am tired of all the air time you are taking in the media. You can’t possibly be serving anybody with all the time you are wasting. You have no integrity.
Do the right thing and resign. Nobody will miss you.
Tim D on 02.07.07 9:22 am
Read my post again.. they are lining up their tax free ducks, when the rationale for allowing telecoms to convert was that they would be paying out income trust distributions at the expense of investing in technology and capital equipment. Corpoate tax leakage? Investment in technology and capital equipment? I guess they don’t need R&D tax credits yet. A tax free quadruple play for BCE corporate executives at the expense of average Canadian shareholders. Does anyone know what the tax leakage is from this sweet deal as compared to say $1.2 billion in income trust distributions?
Here is my problem with what you have done. You have been so outspoken and critical of Harper and you take every opportunity to slam him and the party. True or false? Peter VanLoon (Sp?)on Mike Duffy said the Ontario MP’s voted unanimously to have you removed from the party and the initiative did not come from Harper. Is Peter lieing? True or false? You have been the most critical member opposed to changing parties without first going to the electorate. Were you lieing or is the mumble jumbo of your explanation and trying to throw the ball back in Harper’s court just a poltically accepted form of deception. Garth when you speak so loudly and so frequently about the high road – your fall is much further. The people who hate Harper or are so partisan may very well support you in this. However you will have a difficult time proving to the majority who base ethics on words and actions that you are the model and example of a higher standard. I saw your interview on CPAC and frankly you don’t lie very well and your argument has more holes than a fish net. I think you moved to the Liberals because it guaranteed as the incumbent you will be the Liberal representative to run in the next election. It allows you to raise money and gives you the best chance of winning in the next election. You want to stay in the game because what happened to you was so personally devastating you have something to prove. Ture or false?
[...] What surprised me most about the reaction to my joining Stephane Dion? [...]
This is VERY GOOD NEWS.
I also hope to re-join my Liberal brethern, once my sentence is served.
I used to think you were just outspoken. Now I realize you are the worst of all possible things a politician can be. A hypocrit.
Your 15 minutes are up.
Don’t fret about the departure of Clown Garth to the Liberals
Personally, I think it’s been a great swap for the Tories.
Three egomaniacs – Turner, Brison and Stronach to the Liberals
for Emmerson, Khan
Using a sports analogy, the Liberals came out on the short end of that deal
Garth don’t let the ATTACK DOGs discourage you. If everyone understood the economics of campaigning like I do they would know how the Conservatives tried to knee cap you financially by taking the money you raised for them and how the financial cards are stacked against you as an INDIE. I accept your assessment that the Green Party is not the best political situation for you and that the Liberal Party will work the best for your Constituents and your political financing campaign.
No one can question your transparency which is a model that should be followed by all candidates and MP’s. Never mind HARPER’S HERD. Don’t make yourself the issue by resigning keep the focus on the IT fiasco and the environment.
Remember their are sharks swimming in every political fish tank in this country so keep your snorkel on at least until the next election.
You have been shitdisturbing ever since the CPC passed you over for a cabinet position. You have been going on about Emerson forever. Imagine being passed over in favor of a Liberal!!!! To everyone else, this is just ancient history.
Hell hath no fury like a millionaire businessman spurned.
Why join the Green Party when it is obvious that you would still be just a backbencher at the end of the day. No matter how you try to reinvent or elevate your suspension as a personal battle to a mortal combat with PM Harper, it is fairly obvious to even the casual observer that your sights have always been on a cabinet position.
Those who think you have principles should ask why you boasted about taking the “cream” of the volunteers from the local conservative organization after the board supported you and tried to resolve the issues between you and the Ontario Caucus.
They should ask you why you would take experienced volunteers from an existing organization if you really believe in direct democracy through the web. Anyone who has worked on an election campaign knows that you win through developing an organization and that you win on the ground. It is easier to cherry pick someone else’s organization than it is to start from scratch, and train volunteers.
As an independent what did you have to offer? One issue….income splitting which will disproportionately benefits high income couples. As a liberal, you benefit from a full party platform and money to run your campaign. You will also have access to the volunteer team so it won’t matter if some of your former volunteers are disenchanted.
We can all do the math. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why our multi-millionaire media/real estate tycoon MP just joined the Liberals.
Business is business.
Hang in their Garth. Don’t let the name calling get to you. Now that you’re a liberal, you can expect to be called such terms as: pro-crime, hug-a-thug, anti-freedom, anti-American, communist, pinko, Castro-loving, tree-hugging, tax-and-spend-liberal, etc. Just remember, the day after the election, they (the voters) will call you something else – their elected MP.
C’mon Garth. Be a man of your word – don’t be a lying hypocrite. You said you were a Conservative for life, for crying out loud. Give up your seat and let the good folks of Halton decide your fate. Don’t make it look like what you’re doing is obvious political opportunism.
Failing to do that, please give us the juicy details of the LPC caucus meetings and see if you can find out what’s in Stephane’s knapsack. I’m betting soda crackers and brie.
this will go down as the biggest blunder of your political career. You showed me you have no backbone.
Jerry
The Liberal leader Stephane Dion spoke yesterday of the necessity of the Liberal Party to “point in noe direction”–a pointed reference to Garth’s independent, outspoken, and ‘let the people’ decide approach.
Whatever happened to an MPs right to dissent, to speak on behalf of his contituents if it bucks party line? Whatever happened to free speech?
Another politican with his head in the Ottawa clouds. You think you are THE ONE.May be you should have kept your mouth shut for the good of the party.You are a show boater and I would not trust you as far I could throw you.
Very, very funny editorial cartoon in today’s Hamilton Spectator.
Politics and accountability at the most basic level…You could have remained an independent. People actually understood that you didn’t leave the party. If you disagree with motions put forward by PMSH you vote against him as an independent. Your position, your voice. That actually resonates with people.
Your move does not change the numbers in Ottawa. The Liberals must still team with other parties to get things done. Your one vote as a Liberal does not change the result….and you still could have maintainted some credibility.
The only thing you have assured is that you will recieve the nod from the Liberal riding association to represent them in Halton next elcetion…good for you.
I just don’t get what it does for us?
As a former Progressive Conservative, I welcome you to the Liberal Party!
Our old party abandoned us and the only logical place for us is the Liberal Party.
By the way, your treatment on the Bill Carroll show this morning was appalling. Carroll is nothing but an uninformed blowhard.
Keep up your good work!
Stop making excuses Garth! We know that your Liberal masters are giving you this spin to hide behind the Emerson, Fortier and Khan situations. Here’s some food for thought on how low you’ve sunk: AT LEAST GARY CARR *RAN* AS A LIBERAL WHEN HE SWITCHED PARTIES. Of course, you know full well that the local liberals would rather have him before you because hhis only principle is not centred on The Garth!
Hi Garth, just thinking, you can now expand your digital democracy movement to include some of your new Liberal MP colleagues. I know that the Liberals are much more amenable to having open communication with the Canadian public.
The time is now for MPs to communicate directly to the world instead of through some paid juvenile hack on a crappy Blogger site. You’ve done the right thing by staying with WordPress. Did you know that people who blog on blogger don’t even “own” their own content?
Anyway, I have suggested to my MP that he start up a blog and have offered my services on design, media, content, etc. He is interested.
Let’s build the MP presence on the blogosphere!
-R
“Do yourself a favor – don’t visit my property when you are campaigning. I don’t want to tell you to get off my f’ing property
By Dan from Milton Who Voted for You on 02.07.07 8:06 am ”
Dan with comments like that I don’t thnk anyone would want to visit you on your property. Grow up man.
Stephen Harper’s image as a principled, effective leader toke a fatal hit when he outright lied about not taxing income trusts. To stem revenue loss, he could simply frozen all future corporate convesrsions and grandfathered the existing ones, which he praised in October 2005. Let’s not forget that “loss of tax revenue” means less dollars hoovered from the pockets of taxpayers, and this in a time of billions of surplus. Congratulations on restoring my faith in at least one politician in Ottawa.
So, let me get this straight. You criticize me for not resigning and triggering a by-election, but criticize me if I do resign and trigger a costly vote. Is that your position? — Garth
On this one you’ve backed yourself in between the rock and the hard place. It shouldn’t matter how close to an election an MP thinks they are, if they cross the floor they should resign. As you’ve said, its the correct thing to do and let the voters decide.
Then the issue falls on the PM. If he thinks the next election is close, then the decision to hold off on a by-election would seem the thing to do. The MP does not trigger the by-election, he sets up the opportunity for the PM to call one. As you’ve pointed out the likelyhood of PMSH calling a by-election is slim to none, and, as they say, slim left town on a one way ticket.
However, as in the case of Mr. Emerson, if the jump takes place imediately following an election, the by-election should take place and the MP can be rightly accused of wasting taxpayers money.
In your case, who really knows when the election will be. If the PM calls for a by-election and then shortly thereafter a general election, it will be the PM and not the MP who will be accused of wasting taxpayers money.
The problem is the date of the by-election is at the discretion of the PM.
As a suggestion, if an MP crosses the floor, he must resign. If a MP resigns, for whatever reason, a by-election must be held within 6 months unless a general election is called in the meantime. Even with these rules there could still be circumstances where an election could be closely followed by a by-election, or vice-versa, and money wasting accusations will be laid, but the discretion of floor crossers resigning and the PM calling by-elections will not be descretionary.
Emily wrote:
Positive comments outweight the negative. Our extended family is rooting for you, Mr. Turner. The nasty tories have weak hearts and no ears. They are selective in their approval of honest persons but blindly follow the bully boys on the government front bench. Theirs is a small, cold tent that will never appeal to a majority of Canadians. Red is good.
You seem to subscribe to the Liberal math policies too. Your statement of positive outweight the negative is an absolute lie. Re-read them again, you will find the majority disapprove, some comments are neutral, the minority approve.
Also, from what I have seen 3 households in his riding will not vote for him, and 1 or 2 will seeing they did not have enough knowledge and foresight to invest properly and lost tons on income trusts.
Lieberal math – you practise it.
HEY GARTH!
Before you start filling out the pension forms, can you add a picture of you shaking Liebral leader “Celine” Dion’s hand and post it with the pictures of Emerson et. al.
You are all in the same boat – at least praise (or chastise) yourself the same way.
Garth, fix the bottom of your webpages:
Copyright © Hon. Garth Turner, P.C., M.P
Should be
Copyright © Hon. Garth Turner, Turncoat for hire, M.P soon to be unemployed
I have to admit, I’m disappointed with this outcome. I thought you would wait until just before an election is called to announce joining the Greens. This would have avoided any issue of hypocrisy, and also would have the added benefit of the media including the Greens in the next nationally televised leaders debates. From the poling you did in Halton, your top two suggestions were stay independent, or go Green. I can understand your value of being effective for your constituency, but would this not hold true for Emerson, & Khan (I can’t say Fortier, cause he never had a constituency)?
In the end I respect your decision far more than Emerson’s, & Khan’s (and Harper’s for Fortier). You obvious explored independence, and took the time to compared your values and effectiveness with the Greens. Most importantly, you continually involve, educate, and consult your constituency. Fear & anger come from ignorance. What we all learned from your journey, is that the current system is flawed. Thank you for being brave enough to take this journey, and good luck with the new floor crossing legislation.
I would still be proud to have you represent me.
As I read the comments regarding your move to the Liberal party I am saddened to see how entrenched Canadians are in support of their political parties. Let me start out by saying that I have voted Liberal, Conservative, NDP and Green over the years. I am not married to any political party, I vote for who I think will do the best job for Canada at the time. As a result, I hope you can appreciate that my comments are NOT politically driven (as most of the comments I have read so far.
I have been watching you over the last couple of years, and I tend to agree with most things you say and do. Your decision yesterday was no exception. My dream is that the next election will see the Liberals (under Stepane Dion) win, and the Green Party (under Elizabeth May)in the official opposition. I believe that these two people, repesenting these two parties are very likeable visionaries and are exactly what Canada needs right now. I also think that you will be a very good asset to the Liberals and will help us get to where we need to be in the 21st century.
Best of Luck.
It’s funny how all of the little sycophants on the board bow to your words.
Words are cheap Garth. Actions are the only way to prove the measure of a man.
And your actions show you to be an opportunistic court jester with zero political importance other than creating some carnival sideshow for us to laugh at. You are not a member of parliament, you are a paid monkey. Please show me where you stand firm on any issue other than shooting your name and mouth off.
I won’t be holding my breath.
Like I said, I can’t wait to start working in Federal politics – just to bring at least a little more integrity to the place. I have never in my life witnessed a more morally bankrupt society than that perpetuated by the Federal Liberal party. They rely on what they view as the stupidity and malleability of the average voter to win elections, whilst those of a thinking persuasion at least attempt to sway votes using beliefs, rights, and individual strength and pride.
Garth is nothing but an egotist with really no credentials to back it up. A notorious loudmouth with no sense of duty, except a duty to raise his own profile a few bars. A lackluster speaker, writer, and only “popular” due to childish and ineffectual antics.
Just think about men like Winston Churchill or Ronald Reagan. They were true men. You sir, are nothing more than a mouthpiece of your own snake-oil show.
Thank god you left, pun intended. You’re true colours are showing and they were always the wishy washy red of the VALUELESS AND UNETHICAL LIBERAL PARTY.
YOU WERE VOTED AS A CONSERVATIVE PARTY MP, N0T A PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE PARTY MP, AND YOU KNEW THAT GARTH.Party discipline is one the most important facets of good leadership and PM Stephen Harper has shown to be an exceptional leader. Ask John Manley and Paul Martin how much more freedom the Liberal Party gave their MP’s when Jean Chretien was PM. You’re a hypocrite which characteristically fits in perfectly with the Liberal Party.
THANK GOD THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY WON’T HAVE TO DEAL WITH YOUR INSUBORDINATION AND BELLIGERENCE TO PARTY DISCIPLINE, SINCE IT’S THE SAME TYPE OF BEHAVIOUR WHICH RESULTED IN YOUR FEDERAL PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE PARTY GETTING OBLITERATED OUT OF EXISTENCE IN 1992. SAY HELLO TO FELLOW RABBLE-ROUSERS, SCOTT BRISON AND BELINDA STRONACH.
Let’s see if you at least have the decency to post this so that your constituents, of which you claim to serve, have the oppurtunity to read how some people feel.
This is today’s Toronto Sun Editorial – it is so a propos, and hilarious, as well. Too bad that it rings so true.
EDITORIAL: Inspired by Garth’s example
Inspired by yesterday’s floor-crossing example of Garth Turner, and before him Wajid Khan, David Emerson, Belinda Stronach, Scott Brison and Bob Rae, we here at the Toronto Sun editorial department have an important announcement to make.
After much thought, soul-searching and consultation with our families, we have decided to join the Toronto Star editorial board.
We realize that for 35 years we’ve disagreed with most Toronto Star editorials and have often told you they’re all bug-eyed crazy over there at One Yonge. Or, as we like to call it, Comedy Central.
And sure, they mostly back Liberals and we mostly back Conservatives. But, hey, that doesn’t mean they’re not nice people. And we were just kidding about that Comedy Central thing. Everyone knows the proper name for the Star’s editorial board is: “The Alien Space Command Centre”.
So beam us up, Prichard. Or is it Honderich? We can never tell over there these days.
Anyway, we figure if Garth Turner can go from Toronto Sun business editor, to Tory MP, to Tory cabinet minister to Tory MP — again — to independent MP to maybe thinking of joining the Greens to Liberal MP, anything’s possible. We also realize that, just like many of Garth’s constituents, some of you, our loyal readers, may be feeling betrayed by our decision.
To all of you, we say … who cares? This isn’t about you! This is about us. Us, us, us, us, us. Or, in Turner’s case, me. Me, me, me, me, me.
By the way, does anyone else find it ironic that Turner, a Conservative who is now a Liberal, won his Halton riding last year by defeating Gary Carr, a Liberal who used to be a Conservative MPP? We do.
Shortly after David Emerson defected from the Liberals for a cabinet seat in Stephen Harper’s new government last year, Turner wrote on his blog: “If you want to be a Liberal, be elected as a Liberal. All those things have honour but the honour is bestowed by the people, not by the individual.” Except, of course, when you’re Garth, apparently.
Finally, we should point out that unlike Garth did with the Liberals, we haven’t actually asked the Toronto Star’s editorial board if they want us.
But we figure if they’re anything like the federal Liberals and Tories these days, they’ll take anybody.
Thanks for your integrity, Garth. I am also a former PROGRESSIVE Conservative who is now a Green and also encouraged by Dion’s approach.
Rocking the boat can be a useful thing. Though I believe in teamwork and accepting some compromises to support the team, the mindless self-promotion of the neocons scares me. We really need creative minds in Ottawa. Your experiments like this blog are really useful practical research that may strengthen our democracy.
PS.
What you seem to be saying is that a floor crossing MP should resign, unless he thinks that the PM won’t call a by-election and give the opportunity to get re-elected!
Should have thought of that before crossing the floor, or before slamming Emerson, Khan, Stronach, Brison et al.
they are lining up their tax free ducks, when the rationale for NOT allowing telecoms to convert was that they would be paying out income trust distributions at the expense of investing in technology and capital equipment.
Garth you have more support now than the CONservatives ever thought possible. I look at the shrill protests on your blog as a sign of how weak and narrow-minded PMSH’s ‘new’ Government is.
Good luck to you.
The CBC article about your defection has you quoted as saying that you can do more good with the Liberals than as a “lone wolf.” I was going to make a spurious comment on the lines of “how dare you propagate the stereotype of wolves going it alone,” but then I did a little research and discovered that your situation actually has a lot in common with wolf pack dynamics – particularly the bit I gleaned from Wikipedia about how wolves prefer submissive positions in group heirarchies to a lack of social interaction. So once again, a backfired joke has left me in the uncomfortable position of actually holding a relevant political opinion.
I blame global warming.
Congratulations Garth on your ‘principled’ move.
As a very concerned MP who has worked hard for the interests of Canadian taxpayers and now as a member of the Liberal caucus, you will want to find out some unanswered questions concerning disposition of some of our hard earned taxpayer’s dollars:
Please help us to find answers to the following:
1. Where the missing 40 million dollars from the Sponsorship program went.
2 When you do find the answer to No. 1 above, we expect that you will request that criminal charges be laid accordingly.
3 What are the names of the 12 Liberal party candidates who received $12,000 cash each from a Liberal fundraiser in a recent federal election from stolen Sponsorship funds?
4 Upon you obtaining the identity of the names as in No.3 above, will you request that criminal charges be laid against them for knowingly accepting stolen money for their campaign funds?
5 In as much as Stephan Dion requested that the individual who distributed the funds as in No. 4 above be allowed to regain his membership in the Liberal party, will you too recommend that his lifetime ban from the Liberal party be dropped?
You have a history of working hard to help the taxpayers financially, to reduce their tax burden, I expect that you will do so again in helping to recover much of the stolen Sponsorship funds and also to bring justice to those who were involved in this massive theft of public funds and the manner in which it was kicked back into Liberal party coffers.
6. Do you agree that Mr. Dion should renounce his French citizenship?
Good luck in getting re-elected.
Sincerely Daisy
Garth: I am disappointed…but NOT surprised. Can you possibly maintain the same independence of voice and spirit within the whipped ranks of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition? If so, wonderful. If not, do not expect to be welcome there for long. WE will ALL be watching you. As you yourself put it, THE PEOPLE RULE.
BTWTFDIK
Tory hack Doug Finley had engaged the Young Conservative Association leadership to jam Garth’s blog with negative comments.
typical torie tactics.
I applaud you Mr. Turner for putting your voter’s interests FIRST. It’s unfortunate, but all to expected, that the neo-conservative henchmen have hit your blog with their vitriol spew. I’ve been a Progressive Conservative my whole life, but like you, do not trust the far-right agenda of the Harper mob… it’s the hidden agenda that they aren’t sharing with us that really scares me.
Steve just isn’t up for the job; he’s just not a leader.
I’ll always remember the picture of Harper dropping off his kids at school and shaking his daughters hand…..that says it all.
Good luck to Liberals everywhere. You are going to need it. Hey, you want him..be my guest.
A word from the wise, make sure you feed the dog that bites and stroke its fur nicely. Better give this one a top cabinet position and keep him reeelly reeeely busy.
I can understand why Garth goes Liberal.
Money, position, a platform to run on, and a chance to win rather than vote splitting with the CPC and having the Liberals go up the middle.
Why does the Liberal Party who would win if they ran a stray cat want Garth Turner. One blogger aptly describe him as a “dirty bomb in the Liberal Party”.
Has Mr. Dion lost his marbles?
It’s quite possible this is all a big misunderstanding. Due to his extreme difficulty speaking English, it is quite possible what Stephane Dion offered is not what Mr. Turner thinks he said.
You’ve lost my confidence, vote, and respect forever. You’re nothing but a thieving Liberal to me now.
Joining the liberals makes perfect sense for you, Mr. Turner. For the rest of us here in Halton and Burlington it shows that you are the exact same lying two faced scumbag your new party is made of. If you think you stand a chance on another election, let me remind you you were elected because run under a blue flag not because you are Garth Turner.
Thank goodness you have finally come to your senses and joined the Liberals. Your knowledge, experience, and political fare is just what the Liberals need, and ultimately strive for! Congrats!
Rebecca
Mr Turner has truly joined the party with the closest values to his:
Deception
Power
Half-Truths to look good
No princple beyond what others do
Stealing from Canadians to fund Party interest
Welcome to your new home Garth, hope you enjoy it!
Like you, Garth, I supported the CPC. I voted CPC. I wanted a change. And what did I get? More of the same. Emerson and Khan cross the floor and they’re embraced. An unelected Senator is given a cabinet post. The $100/month for child care? It didn’t create any spaces. We were hoodwinked, all of us. I’m following you to the Liberals, Garth. They may not be perfect but they’re a darn sight better than what we got in this latest devil’s bargain.
Hi Garth, Which conservative MP do you think should step down to allow Michel Fortier to be able to run in a by-election? His by-election is alot more compicated to have then Mr. Emerson and Mr Kahn as he does not have a seat to resign. If a Conservative did step down to allow Mr. Fortier to be able to run, would that not disenfrancise the voters in that riding as their elected Member is now not there elected member anymore. How is that demorcracy? Regards
Garth, Dont be disheartened by the comments by people. Conservative Propaganda i tell you
“Then we voted on that, too. Whether I should join the Green Party (21 votes), or join the Liberals (0 votes) or run in the next election as an Independent (49 votes). It was a moment of validation for which I was very thankful. Those few minutes made up for another week of Ottawa pretention, controversy and conflict. I am more convinced than ever that I am on the right path, giving people voice even when it has meant losing my political family.
I sensed in this one room on this one night in this one growing suburban town on the fringes of the great metropolis that it is possible to regain some lost shards of democracy. People want to matter, and they’re willing to support one discredited MP who clearly has an uphill battle ahead of him, because he represents a little hope. There is as much excitement now about politics in Halton as there is disappointment with our leaders in Ottawa. Whipped votes, backroom deals, forced allegiances, captive MPs, excessive discipline and the suffocating conformity of our great parties – it all has voters casting for something else to believe in.
Maybe it’s the Greens. Maybe, as one woman pleaded, it is a new “honesty party.†Maybe it’s a bunch more Indies like me, working for the people and nothing above the people.
We’re all not quite sure yet. But we’re getting juiced.”
Speaking of backroom deals, Joe Volpe??, Garth how desperate where you?
Congrats on your decision. You are the only MP in Ottawa that I pay attention to and I am in not even in your district(Newfoundland to be exact). I wish I could vote for you as you’re the only one on the hill with sensible logic.
Your constituents did not vote for a Liberal. You should have remained independent until an election was called. Your duty is, as you’ve made clear, to resign.
Of course you won’t, and you’ll make the inevitable excuses. It’s too bad, because I followed you career for a long time. I was a boy when you ran for the PC leadership, and was impressed by you. Even bought one of your books. I was delighted to see you back in politics. But the last year has really been a disappointment.
You talk the talk of representing your constituents. But you walk the walk of representing yourself.
My thoughts are that the same people who are supposedly ‘outraged’ you’re not resigning for a bi-election are the same ones who would be outraged if you did step down, because you would then be getting time off to have a vacation while the voters of Halton have no one to represent them.
Garth – I can’t imagine how difficult a decision this was. I do have a question, in regards to the possibility of having a by-election. Wouldn’t it be an even further disgrace to the Harper Party of Canada if you did resign, and demand for an immediate by-election…and have Dion on Harper’s case very single day about not respecting democracy and not calling a by-election? I know it leaves your constituants without a voice, but I would imagine it would put Harper on the spot, and force him to act sooner rather than later…
Or paint him as un-democratic, un-transparent, and afraid of you???
I guess you should change the tag at the bottom of your blog pages now then:
Copyright © Hon. Garth Turner, P.C., M.P. – Member of Parliament for Halton, Ontario
P.C.?
Edward, who flew you in overnight? Who’s the dolly around here?
If Garth can do the honorable thing and stay true to his very well known principles and at the same time be a Liberal, than he’ll get mine — and a lot of others — support. Everyone who knows Garth knows its never been about the party — because he’s not a party-first MP, he’s a halton first MP to a fault.
However, that said, over the last 6 months, we’ve gotten to know him very well and we’ll know when he’s selling out to the Liberals.
Last night he voted contrary to his previously stated position using specious reasoning like sending signals to the PM — I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come, but maybe it is, only time will tell.
Is there room for a representative MP in Ottawa? It will make an interesting case study.
However, Edward, for all the things we can accuse him of, failing to listen to people is not one of them.
Here’s hoping you do the right thing Garth.
Somehow I doubt all of you who attack Garth would have similar words for other representatives. Would you say these things to Harper? Dion? Your own mother? All of the name calling is childish and pathetic.
I AGREE WITH JODY!
Garth, I’m curious to see what your “other way” is. I really hope it’s not a petition.
I think it’s a little disingenuous to suggest that your situation is different from other floorcrossers. You made yourself an Independent when you resigned from the Conservative party. You crossed the floor, you just dallied in the middle for a while.
Hello Garth. I like this blog.
I do have a couple of questions. First, given your views on how the people of a riding should have the say in which party represents them, I’m wondering how you voted on NDPer Peter Stoffer’s Bill C-251 (an act to prohibit MP’s from crossing the floor). This bill was soundly defeated, as the CPC, Bloc, and Libs largely voted against it. It would seem, on the issue of electoral reform, that you’re joining a party that does not share your beliefs.
Second, while I appreciate your reasoning around switching to the Liberal’s after four months of deliberations, I do feel that your invitation (or challenge) to the Prime Minister to call immediate by-elections for all ridings of MPs who either switched parties, or were appointed, is hypocritical. While it may be your belief that this would be proper, I feel that you should also include in your challenge that you, yourself, in your own riding, will lead the way….in other words, I feel your challenge to the prime minister should be to issue an immediate by-election call for your own riding, without the added qualifier of the other ridings in similar situations.
Good luck. Sincerely,
Mark (admittedly my own bias is for the NDP; I’m an NDPer who wonders why the mice keep voting for cats)
Who are all this people that never blogged here before?
Garth,
Are you still going to vote for what you feel is best for the people of Halton, or are you from time to time going to vote the way Sephan Dion tells you to because you have to tow the party line? This is where I see you compromising your principles. Thats why the media call you a maverick and you admit yourself that your a pain. In my opinion, your a very blue Liberal. I don’t see a lot of love for you there either. Good Luck.
Resign and run in a byelection – live by your prinicples. You can assist your constituents on an informal basis in the few months before the general election, so you don’t have to abandon them. (In fact, it’s a bit egomaniacal to say that they’d be *abandoned” if they don’t have you.) Let’s face it, life goes on with or without any single politician.
Resigning is the only honourable way.
Otherwise, you’d better have something REALLY good up your sleeve for Wednesday. I thought I’d seen it all in terms of hyporcisy, but so far you take the cake. I trust, though, that Stephane Dion knows what he’s gotten into, and that you two have a plan for this not-unexpected reaction to your change of allegiance. Perhaps some kind of poll or survey of your constituents – but how to make it fair and legitimate?
A third way? What was wrong with the first way, sitting as an Independent?
Spin, spin away Garth. Doesn’t change the fact that you joined another party BEFORE going to your voters… something you decried yourself. Nobody’s buying it Garth.
This will go down as the biggest blunder of your career.
This is my 3rd attempt to post this.
Jerry
You speak and write well. But you’re full of crap.
I voted for you as a Conservative not a Liberal.
I put a sign on my front lawn and campaigned for you as a Conservative, not a Liberal.
I don’t support the Liberal party.
I didn’t vote for the LIberal party.
Does my vote count for nothing?
Garth,
I’m neither Liberal nor Conservative, however, I do applaud your decision to join the Liberal party.
I only hope that Stephane Dion will not try to silence you and keep you from posting to your blog and speaking your mind.
Cheers!
/r
Bill Muskoka, I don’t approve of the name calling on either side. Every human being has dignity and worth.
However, while you sanctimoniously chastise those who call Garth by non-flattering labels, you have for months dones the same to others. It is surely a case of the pot calling the kettle black.
Why, just yesterday, you referred to the Prime Minister of Canada as “the Fuehrer.” Surely that sort of name-calling, innuendo and ad hominem attack is more American than Canadian.
Let’s all take a good look in the mirror and forsake these childish, immature tactics.
If you don’t like others doing it to Garth, then don’t do it to the Prime Minister. One life is as valuable as the other. It is as simple as that.
Have a good day to one and all!
Just a note to say that while i doubt I would vote for you for my own poltical reasons and I live in BC. It is indeed refreshing to see a man who hold principles over poltical expediency. Go Garth Canada needs potlicians with Principles and a backbone and you seem to have both in spades
I hope those of you who suggest that Mr. Turner should resign his seat and request a bye-election have likewise written to Mssrs. Emerson, Fortier, and Khan. And I hope you’ve contacted PM Harper with the same advice. What’s that? You haven’t? Pity.
I have often heard a joke in my circle that Jessie Jacksons ego is so enormous that the only inspiration he would need to shoot off his mouth was to open the fridge door to give a speech to a ham sandwich.
Clearly, your ego is surpassing even that of Jessie Jacksons. I’m starting to think you need to see a shrink because you are sounding delusional with all the self justifying crap your rolling off that toungue of yours.
You,of all people want to introduce floor crossing legislation. You’ve really lost it now.
SSSSOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Fresh from their income trust promise betrayal, the CONServatives go on a full front assault of Canadian taxpayers with expense account abuses.
Trust tax grab will fund the next Tory platform
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Opinion/557253.html
Tories targeted for luxury tabs
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/557741.html
Peter van Mortgage looked positively forlorn while saying he was making no attempt to justify the exorbitant expenditures.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9mibZYpVPY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xsGijo8qmw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON0pKGdLjxk&eurl
Let’s clear something up neocons. The CPC and PMSH THREW Mr Turner OUT OF CAUCUS. Mr Turner did NOT wilfully leave the CPC. That being said, if you neocons in Halton want to have a case of the *ss with someone, have it with the CPC for ejecting YOUR MP from their ranks. Mr Turner DIDN’T cross ANY floor, he was slammed TO IT by PMSH and the CPC. For a party that claims to be open and above board, the control freak PMSH sure seems to make every effort to counter that by his words and deeds.
Mr Turner, you and I have traded “jabs” on this site before, but in this particular instance, I am fully in support of your decision. PROGRESSIVE Conservatism has done some GOOD things for Canada, but CPC (read pretend American Republican Party) has NOTHING to contribute that is positive or complimentary to Canadian values, IMHO.
You’ve attached the condition of the other by-elections because you know he won’t do it. You won’t resign your seat because, like the other switchers, you’re a coward and you’re addicted to the trough.
Sara, indeed I would say the same things about Stephane Dion. The guy is a weener with zero testicular fortitude. The last thing we need is an emasculated socialite who cries “Dees ees unfaiuh!” in a falsetto running this country.
I find it interesting to read the comments in this blog. On one hand you disagreed (vocally) with your colleagues in caucus and published private conversations, (which I assume you felt was in the best interests of your constituents), and for this you are asked to leave caucus. Then you sit as an independant which gives you the opportunity to vote your conscience and voice your opinions without “interference” from any party or leader and then you decide that your allegiance now lies within another party that requires confidentiality in it’s caucus. You see my confusion…. you have given up the independance to say what you feel may be of importance, and when you may say it…. allowing someone else to dictate to you. Perhaps you can clear this up for me?
I’m a little disappointed that you did not (or could not) take the reigns of the Green Party, Garth. It would have been nice for it to have a leader with your credentials and devotion. There is definitely room for a new party which is fiscally conservative, socially progressive and environmentally sensitive…
Best of luck to you and hope you can effect real change in your new role.
As delightfully droll as the barbs about “P.C.” in the footer are, I suspect they stand for “Privy Counsellor”. For one thing, there is effectively no “PC” party. You’re thinking of the CPC party. For another, political affiliations are not titles, like MP, MD or CPA.
Garth’s Words:
“I know some of you may have heard that I have a blog. Do not fear,†Mr. Turner told Liberal MPs and senators.
“I understand the rules of the game. I understand completely we have to move together as a team. We can’t be a hundred people running in a hundred different directions.â€
Geez, am I missing something here Garth?
Why couldn’t you be a team player with the party we ACTUALLY voted for? You are such a hypocrite, by your own words and principals you should resign and rerun regardless of what others do or do not do. Don’t be so egotistical to think we ‘need’ your representation. You have done nothing for us and everything for yourself as your latest political maneuver has demonstrated.
You will lose, we already have cynical and opportunistic politicians, last thing we need are ones that are glory seeking hypocrites on top of it.
Let’s see if you post this Mr. Digital Democracy. Let’s see how critical you will be of your party and system now.
The Liberals WILL try to silence Garth.
Garth will not be silenced – that would like telling my wife to get by with 3 pairs of shoes.
Garth will be booted from the Liberals too.
Garth the victim.
Garth the Martyr.
Poor Garth.
Grow up Garth
Stay off my property too you pro-crime, hug-a-thug, anti-freedom, anti-American, communist, pinko, Castro-loving, tree-hugging, tax-and-spend-liberal!
Glad to see (from just above) that I’m not the only NDPer in here. You, as a moderate conservative, could have had a useful role in a left-wing party.
I do agree that you should divulge how you voted on Bill C-251. Did you try and help ban floor-crossings? Have you practised what you preach? It is truly ironic that you, being opposed to floor-crossings without by-elections, would go to a party like the Liberals.
This so-called “liberal” party deals with floor-crossings as they deal with election promises: if it is right but to their detriment, they ignore it, and if it is wrong but serves their interests, they permit it. As you could not tolerate the totalitarianism of the CONservatives, I cannot believe you would condone the duplicity, equivocation and arrogance of the LIEberals.
I think people have stood beside you these past few months becasue you’ve taken the higher ground. People generally admire that in a politician because it is rare. You’ve shown that you will not stoop to the level of the majority of MP’s in Ottawa by putting the party first, the people second.
But when you say things like you won’t do the right thing and resign to run in a by-election simply because PMSH might not do the right thing and call a by-election, you are in fact stooping to their level. Doing the right thing should never be contigent upon others also doing the right thing, you simply do it because you should. If you resign and PMSH does not call a by-election, then he’s the one who has to be judged for it. I said that I would vote for you no matter what party you aligned yourself with, and I still stand by those words, but you first have to give me and the rest of your constituents the opportunity to cast our ballots.
WHAT A SELF SERVING PERSON YOU ARE .ITS TURNER WORLD .ALL PEOPLE WHO CROSS THE FLOOR SHOULD HAVE TO BE RE ELECTED THESE ARE YOUR WORDS. BUT ALL YOU SAY IS WELL THE OTHER GUYS WONT SO I WONT. GIVE ME A BREAK IF YOU REALLY WERE A MAN OF YOUR WORDS AND WANTED TO BE BETTER THAN THE REST OF THE FLOOR CROSSERS YOU WOULD RUN. BUT I SEE YOU LIKE THE ATTENTION AND ARE GUTLASS SO YOU WILL GET INTO BED WITH WHO YOU THINK WILL GET YOU BACK IN POWER. I WOULD HAVE HAD A LITTLE BIT MORE RESPECT FOR YOU IF YOU WENT TO THE GREENS BECAUSE AT LEAST THEN YOU WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN IT FOR YOURSELF AS THEY WILL IN NO WAY FORM A GOVERMENT BUT BY GOING WITH THE LIBERALS I SEE IT AS I WANT POWER AND SELF SERVING .WELL HAVE A NICE DAY TO BAD YOU PICKED A DEAD HORSE TO RUN WITH THE LIBERA THEFT PARTY
Congratulations! Now you’ll be able to represent the small investor and retirees that were royally screwed by the Conservative attack on income trusts. The farmers in the West, and the Western provinces can sure use the help too. The Wheat Board issue and the redistributing resource revenue issues aren’t going away either. How could the Conservatives go from being a party of such promise, to being a pariah among their former core supporters. Politics, greed and unholy alliances sure changed Stevie.
re: David comments 02/07/07 1135
Hidden agenda? The Conservatives clearly stated their priorities and then followed through and made the changes necessary to get the job done. (at least they are trying but the Liberal majority in the senate is continually playing games and stalling legislation) On the other hand, Liberals say one thing then do something completely different (e.g. Cancel the GST, Drop freetrade, NEP, wage and price controls). Who has a history of hidden agendas?
David also stated that because Harper shook his daughter’s hand at school that it “says it all”. Huh? I dont know about David but any child I know around that age would not want their parent to hug them at school especially with the media around. If a non issue like this influences David in selecting a political party it is no wonder he supports someone like Garth Turner. Hmmm, I wonder what Garth’s hidden agenda is? Will Dion be able to get Mr. Turner to keep his promise not to release caucus secrets? Mr. Turner is just taking advantage of a system for his best interests and not for the people he represents. Hopefully the people of Halton will boot him out in the next election.
This seems appropriate time to remind Halton voters of Garth Turners own words, on this blog, from December 2005:
‘The federal Liberals do not deserve to continue to govern this country.
The sponsorship debacle; the gross incompetence exhibited by those responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars; the disturbing lack of ethics among Liberal politicians; twelve years of sheer arrogance from various and sundry Liberals; lies about the GST; the patronizing attitude of Liberals toward Canadian parents (beer & popcorn, anyone?); the nasty and bordering-on-racist comments from Liberal candidates against their competitors (that ugly “Switched at birth†Olivia Chow/Chow Chow dog photo and writeup on a Liberal website); the gun registry boondoggle; Paul Martin flying foreign flags on his shipping company’s ships in order to avoid Canadian taxes; the dishonesty and hypocrisy of Liberals carrying on ad nauseum about two tier health care while conveniently ignoring the fact that B.C. and Quebec already have booming private health care industries; the gutting of the Canadian armed forces; the gleeful stirring of anti-American sentiments while being weak-willed and spineless when it comes to resolving legitimate disagreements with our largest trading partner.
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that I am of the view that it is time to oust this corrupt and ineffective government.’
Garth, I haven’t followed your blog in the past, but keep doing what you do. It’s refreshing.
I get the impression reading through some of these comments that people are looking through party coloured glasses and not seeing the clear picture.
Liberal, conservative, or whatever. It shouldn’t matter as long as you stand by what you believe and stand up for the people in your community.
People shouldn’t vote for you based on what team you’re on, they should vote for you because your views match theirs.
Best of luck in a bi-election (if it’s called) and in the next federal election.
Congratulations Garth. You are needed in Ottawa as a spokesperson for the people, no matter what Party you represent. Keep up the good work.
My first posting disappeared. I wonder why?
I asked a question about Garth Turner bragging in the local paper about cherry picking volunteers which he boasted were the “cream” of the Halton Conservative Assocation after the board supported him and attempted to mediate a reconciliation with the Ontario Causus.
Despite the rhetoric about direct democracy, Garth Turner knows that elections are won on the ground by a well managed organization and that it is easier to cherry pick volunteers than to build an organization from scratch. How does one describe this kind of activity? Principled, ethical, high-minded?
What effect does this have on the Ontario PC Party? Anyone familiar with this community knows that the same volunteers must work together in the upcoming provincial election? Since the riding boundaries have been changed, Ted Chudleigh faces a very difficult election. How can these volunteers work together in a cohesive and unified way to re-elect a very good MPP?
Where is the integrity or principle in splitting a local organization that has taken years to build. Mr. Turner only moved back to Halton to run in the last election. How can a man repay the tireless efforts of volunteers who worked for his election by undermining their organization?
Perhaps, there is a supporter of Garth’s who can explain how such actions fall under the heading of some high minded principle. While one can support members who vote their conscience like Mike Chong, one should not confuse populism with principle.
One thing is clear. Garth has always wanted a cabinet position which is why he found the Emerson appointment so difficult to swallow. Running for any other party than the Liberals would assure him a position on the back bench.
I imagine that the local liberal association will be forced to take Garth Turner especially as all nomination papers must be signed by the leader. Halton liberals will get a replay of the Sheila Copps/Joe Volpe nomination.
It will be interesting to see whether the volunteers will be able to follow Mr. Turner. I doubt that Garth will miss them if they cannot.
Once again, you are making demands that are impossible. I thought that you would have corrected yourself overnight but i see that is not possible.
Fortier does not hold a seat in the House of Commons, hence he may not ‘resign’ and force a bi-election. Thus, even if Harper wanted to hold a bi-election in Quebec it would require a member from Montreal-area (Liberal or Bloc) to resign in order to allow a bi-election.
As I said before, very sneaky of you to demand the impossible.
It’s great to see you leading by example Garth. Not! You poor pathetic man.
Garth, you have handled the Conservative attack dogs on here with grace and dignity. As a Liberal, I know from experience that as a party,we have both a left and a right wing, and through internal debate they balance each other out, to the benefit of everyone. We welcome your addition to our discussions!
“I voted for you as a Conservative not a Liberal.
I put a sign on my front lawn and campaigned for you as a Conservative, not a Liberal.
I don’t support the Liberal party.
I didn’t vote for the LIberal party.
Does my vote count for nothing?”
Yeah, your vote counts for nothing. Your vote counts for nothing because you didn’t vote for a human being, you voted for a party. You don’t understand democracy. Discussion over.
Q:
What’s the difference between a limp, wet noodle and Garth Turner?
A:
The noodle has at least some integrity.
Mr. Turner,
put your money where your mouth is (WAS) – resign , do not hide behind 6 months of no real representation, behind other similar turn-coats etc. Show your integrity (or lack of) now!
RESIGN – RUN again – VOTERS WILL TELL YOU WHETHER THEY WANT YOU AS A LIBERAL.
Marek Vecera, Oakville
I don’t understand why you chose to break your own ethics, go against the advice of your constituents and join the Liberals now.
You should have announced your attention to run for the Liberal nomination of Halton, and then, if you were lucky enough to get picked over a REAL Liberal, run for office next time.
That way, you wouldn’t have to resign now and you wouldn’t look like a massive hypocrite who cares more about getting re-elected than listening to his constituents.
Garth, if you refuse to resign immediately, then I at least challenge you to run for the Liberal nomination in the region of Halton. Somehow, I think you’d be in for a rough ride.
“I guess you should change the tag at the bottom of your blog pages now then:
Copyright © Hon. Garth Turner, P.C., M.P. – Member of Parliament for Halton, Ontario”
P.C.?
By David (From Toronto) on 02.07.07 12:14 pm
David a little education goes along way. P.C.= Privy Council not progressive Conservative as you might assume. When one is made a cabinet minister one is also made a member of the Queens Privy Council. Regards
You speak and write well. But you’re full of crap.
I voted for you as a Conservative not a Liberal.
I put a sign on my front lawn and campaigned for you as a Conservative, not a Liberal.
I don’t support the Liberal party.
I didn’t vote for the LIberal party.
Does my vote count for nothing?
By Halton Voter on 02.07.07 12:44 pm
So next election vote for Conservative again if you want, nobody is stopping you.
In the meantime blame Harper and his “so called” Conservative Government for booting Garth out of the party. He never left to cross the floor.
By Geoffrey L on 02.07.07 10:16 am – do you have any understanding of how corporations work?
You’re a hypocrite, Mr. Turner. It would be interesting to watch you direct your sanctimonious blathering at your newfound soulmates, but somehow I suspect you’ll find a way to hold your fire for a while. And by the way, Garth, if you want to stand in a by-election, you have to resign. It’s not legitimate for you to demand that other floor crossers do the same as a precondition to your doing so – to the best of my knowledge, you were the one who made an issue of this, not them. Now’s your chance to set an example. Harper’s got nothing to lose by calling a by-election in your riding. Who knows, maybe you’ll win!
By Jim on 02.07.07 12:58 pm – Hey Jim, no, I have not written to those others. Then again, they are not my MP. Garth is.
The Progressive Conservative party is reincarninated under the Progressive Canadian Party, we have adopted exactly the same constitution, and aims and principles as the aforementioned.
Now of course the Conservative’s will dismiss us, as they dismiss anyone who doesn’t fit their bill. But progressive conservatives still exist – some join the Liberals, other join us.
The joke of the day, a principled liberal. That is like emergency exit in a prison. Speaking of which, I hope you will be serving your life sentence with the rest of the liberal thugs when this country finally comes to its senses and locks you there.
….how many voters in Canada voted in “a human being” instead of a party? Most, I’m sure.
Get over yourself!!
I had your lawn sign in also and will NEVER place a red sign in my lawn, as it represents “a Party”……..
It will be Blue next time, regardless of which “human being” runs as political choices reflect a fundamental way of being and thinking.
The new Blue may not be the old P.C., but Red represents theives and crooks.
How does it feel beginning a new phase of politics knowing so many people in the riding feel angry and cheated?
An opportunist,hypocritical,ego-maniac of the highest order, you get what you deserve…good luck with the Communist Party the next time the political winds blow hard up your riding.
It’s a shame you did not decide to take a really bold step and join the Greens. It had a great potential to re-invigorate our stale democracy.
I am disappointed by Garth’s move to the Liberals but not surprised.
I am disappointed because as he indicated, unless you are a member of one of the elite private clubs, which is what the major parties are, you are treated as third rate. It is a sad day for those of us hoping to see a renewal of democracy.
Garth will fit well with the Liberal Party because, in spite of what the media say, it is economically a right wing party. The major difference is in social policy because it does not idealize capitalism and religious fundamentalism as do the new Conservatives.
While the Liberals may not be a perfect fit for Progressive Conservatives they have at least maintained an open door while the new Conservatives has closed the door on former “progressive” Conservatives.
Let’s be ABUNDANTLY CLEAR HERE.
The income trust betrayal will not go away. Too many dirty CONServative fingers were in this pie. Solberg, Harper, Flaherty, Pallister, Wallace, Ablonczy, Rick Dykstra and Dean del Mastro.
After the BETRAYAL they ALL attempted to block public access to information under the ALL NEW ACCOUNTABILITY ACT. They provided blacked-out pages as an answer to a freedom of information request.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3djmzKpnHBI
the good people of Halton need not worry. Garth Turner will never win this riding as a Liberal. Then, his sad pathetic ego will go quiet once and for all and we can all move on.
I also find it humourous to read Liberals sticking up for Garth and encouraging his move to their troubled, coniving, irresponsible, scandal ridden party. he’s ALLLLLLLLLL Yours.
southernontarioan said: “Fortier does not hold a seat in the House of Commons, hence he may not ‘resign’ and force a bi-election. Thus, even if Harper wanted to hold a bi-election in Quebec it would require a member from Montreal-area (Liberal or Bloc) to resign in order to allow a bi-election.”
Uh, wait a minute. PM Harper PUT Fortier in that position, so it’s unfair to ask Fortier to get himself elected? And you don’t recognize the absurdity in what you just said?
A Garth quote from the Globe and Mail:
“I understand the rules of the game. I understand completely we have to move together as a team. We can’t be a hundred people running in a hundred different directions.â€
Ain’t it amazing how a few months in the wilderness will change a man’s perspective. Too bad for Garth that he didn’t experience this miraculous conversion before he was turfed from the Conservative party. Oh well, better late than never. Welcome to the Liberals Garth. I hear they don’t hanker to pension splitting too much. Pity. But they love moral ambiguity. I’m sure you’ll be right at home.
Should have sat as an independent until an election was called, then run for the Liberals.
This is what sucks about politics – most appear to be in if for themselves!
“Stay off my property too you pro-crime, hug-a-thug, anti-freedom, anti-American, communist, pinko, Castro-loving, tree-hugging, tax-and-spend-liberal!” – Gary V on 02.07.07 1:21 pm
Ah, the screech of the overwrought wingnut!
Hey Garth – saw you on mother-corp last night sitting beside your new buddy – Stephan. I took special note of the fact that he said he expected his members within the party to behave as a team and not betray the inner secrets to the public.
I don’t know, Garth old boy, but I’d start worrying about that if I were you, especially with your public announcements that Stephan has agreed to “accept you the way your are, even though you are a pain.” Yeah …I heard you on Breckenridge (CHQR – Calgary) last night, and you were pretty matter-of-fact about the whole deal.
Seems to me your “pain” is about ready to begin!
bigmomma – Calgary
“So, if the next by-election is just around the corner, why shouldn’t Garth resign?… Look, if he wants to run as a Liberal – fine. But, he should resign his seat. He is NOT representing his constituents now. He crossed the floor, slapping us in the face.” – Tim D
Harper slapped you in the face when he kicked out your elected representative from caucus. Garth is representing Halton just as he did before. Like it or not a Liberal will be elected in Halton in the next election, so why not Garth? Garth resigning won’t help you get a Conservative MP, who is a clone of Mr. Harper. If you want one, move to Calgary Southwest.
Stop trying to make yourself feel better and making pathetic attempts to justify what you have done. You betrayed the voters of your riding, and are yet another leading example of why floor crossers of ANY party should not be allowed to continue on in the House of Commons. If you are so committed to “your voters” (which, by the way, is an intensely cocky way to refer to the citizens of Halton riding) then lead by example and resign your seat. If you don’t trust “PMSH” (another arrogant way to refer to the Rt. Honourable Stephen Harper) to call the by-election then you should have remained as an independent and ran as a Liberal in the next General Election. Well, if you ever form a Fiberal government, will you make sure to pass along an envelope stuffed with cash my way?
“I voted for you as a Conservative not a Liberal.
I put a sign on my front lawn and campaigned for you as a Conservative, not a Liberal.
I don’t support the Liberal party.
I didn’t vote for the LIberal party.
Does my vote count for nothing?â€
Take your complaints to Harper who decided that you didn’t vote for a Conservative and that your vote is worth nothing. You should include mention of David Emmerson, whose constituents according to Harper also voted for nothing, and a mention of Michael Fortier, who doesn’t have constituents but got to be a cabinet minister. Ya, actually start your complaint with that: “Mr. Harper, cabinet ministers should be elected by Canadians.”
This is VERY GOOD NEWS.
I also hope to re-join my Liberal brethern, once my sentence is served.
By Pinnochio on 02.07.07 10:23 am
Pinnochio, I have asked my wife to bake a cake with a file in it and I’ll deliver it to you soon, you need to break out, you are needed as Garth’s campaign manager, lol.
CASSANDRA, I had troubles posting today also. I posted 3 times to get the one message up, when it did post it posted all 3 one after the other, now later I see several posts between each.
Jerry
Garth. I’ve followed your work religiously since your defection. But even as a former member of the liberal party – I was really pissed when I heard you went RED. You are buying into the same brand of party control that you yourself rejected only four months ago. Yes, Stephan Dion is not as dictorial as Harper – but the institution is the same – and the liberals are so out dated – they are just plain OLD. You had a chance to do something which truly would have altered the political landscape in Canada – and enshrined your legacy as a Canadian who FORGED NEW AVENUES OF GOVERNMENT. (GIVING THE GREENS A VOICE) And yet, for reasons that you have not addressed, you have instead chosen to perpetuate the same bull-spit that has been slung from the Commons on to the people for the past 30 years. My analysis of this odd behaviour is as follows . . . the only reason you went Red is because for all your blathering about GREEN Thinking – you feared being cast in the light of the outsider. You want back in Cabinet . . . you heard Dion at the convention – his 3 pillars -and you believe going RED is the best way to advance the environmental agenda and your personal success. But, my FRIEND, you have forgotten the object of what it is you should have been persuing – NEW ideas. A new philosophy. A new theoretical principle by which government and society interact, not just with one another, but with the entire globalizing world. Your small mindedness in this decision is setting the progessive aspects of governance aside – in the name of personal gain. Garth, you could have been the first GREEN MP IN THE ENTIRE WESTERN WORLD – YOU, in this instance, are a FOOL.
I’d say your career is just about over there Garth. Have you considered car dealing?
Hi gart you did the richt thing you dont belong with narrow minde peple You cant mix relion with politiek never works that mine opion Keep up the good works you will never lose honesty never fail good luck in you new party
When Prime Minister Harper expelled you from caucus he said that you are not the type of conservative that belongs in the Party that he heads; which begs the question: If you aren’t the type of conservative that belongs in the Conservative Party then exactly who is the type of conservative that belongs in that Conservative Party?
Anyway, even though I think that not facing the voters is wrongheaded of you I understand why you will not be resigning to run in a by-election unless the date of the by-election is set.
If you do pursue legislation to make consulting the voters mandatory if an MP switches Party affiliation during a session of Parliament I would suggest the following guiding principles:
1. The configuration of Parliament that the voters send to Ottawa is sacrosanct.
2. Any expulsion from a Party must be well documented so that it is justifiable in a court of law.
Guiding principle #1 says that if the voters of Canada sent 124 Blue, 103 Red, 50 Turquoise, 29 Orange, and 2 Purple, to Parliament that is exactly the way it will stay unless the voters are consulted in a by-election. If anyone changes Party affiliation (including voluntarily sitting as an Independent), or is forced to change Party affiliation then they must face the voters.
Guiding principle #2 ensures that there is a documented and justifiable reason for expulsion that will hold up in a court of law just as any employer must be able to justify dismissal. This is especially important as it will change the configuration of Parliament, which is sacrosanct, and therefore cause a by-election.
You have caved to the all might dollar Garth. Your just looking out for yourself and NOT the people of Halton.
Pathetic really.
“Yeah, your vote counts for nothing. Your vote counts for nothing because you didn’t vote for a human being, you voted for a party. You don’t understand democracy. Discussion over.”
Like HELLO, this human being is going to be running for a POLITICAL PARTY. Wake up and smell the mendacity.
Being a member of the Liberal Party of Canada should entail a belief in a certain set of principles, a philosophy of shared ideas not just a belief in one’s fitness to be the ruling class. Otherwise, one may as well be voting for the Baath Party.
Surely, the Liberal Party stands for something? If there are no beliefs… if there is no vision for the future of Canada…just what is the point?
Garth Turner has the unique talent of creating a major distraction from focusing on the issues that affect Canada. Any party would be well advised to avoid such a demogogue.
A.M.,
“Your vote counts for nothing because you didn’t vote for a human being, you voted for a party”
That is precisely what happened here last election. A mere 9 votes won the seat. People will vote for a ‘party’, but most voted for the person.
Consequently, the Conservatives picked up a Liberal seat, but the real result was a lot of votes were cast for the Green and NDP candidates because the former incumbent had seemed to burn out, and he was liked very much. People know when the time has come for change. He has left politics and the area.
He lost my vote because he started sounding like a spokeperson for the PMO instead of replying to specific questions asked of him.
I wish all ridings had such close results. That shows the true democratic process at work. it would also mean the damn MSM would have to actually wait for a final vote count instead of playing Karnac the Magnificient every bloody election.
Exit polls are UNDEMOCRATIC! They serve no one but the MSM too impatient to wait for the people to speak, and the egos of those who have to only party minds!
I wonder how many people could get elected based on their actual ability to serve the people and knowledge of the issues, rather than the colour and affiliation of their yard signs?
Garth,
Tough decision man….Thanks for at least flirting with the Greens for a bit.
Don’t sweat some of these nasty posts, you’re not quite the “poor pathetic man” that some have styled you….I’d rather call you an intelligent and highly principled MP; better than most.
Best of luck, I’m sure you’ll sweep up Halton next election.
“I understand the rules of the game. I understand completely we have to move together as a team. We can’t be a hundred people running in a hundred different directions.” – Garth, today
Change of heart there Garth? Bah!
Or maybe it should be ba-a-a-a-a-a-ah.
I see that you have finally accepted what so many of us have proclaimed for the longest time. If you CHOOSE to be a part of a political party, there has to be a modicum of cohesiveness. I guess it was only when you were on the outside looking in that you finally learned this.
How does that crow taste, by the way?
“I understand the rules of the game. I understand completely we have to move together as a team. We can’t be a hundred people running in a hundred different directions.” – Garth, today
Change of heart there Garth? Bah!
Or maybe it should be ba-a-a-a-a-a-ah.
I see that you have finally accepted what so many of us have proclaimed for the longest time. If you CHOOSE to be a part of a political party, there has to be a modicum of cohesiveness. I guess it was only when you were on the outside looking in that you finally learned this.
How does that crow taste, by the way?
Mr. Turner, in my view, you did the right thing. Alternatively, you could have formed your own political party, and been able to provide your supporters (across the country) with tax receipts, and participated in the leaders’ debates. Maybe another day.
Regards
Stephen Best
Re Zak: “But, my FRIEND, you have forgotten the object of what it is you should have been persuing – NEW ideas. A new philosophy. A new theoretical principle by which government and society interact, not just with one another, but with the entire globalizing world”
——————-
I think in the end you are going to see that Garth did do this.
What I can tell you is that on a Mike Duffy Live on CTV’s NewsNet last year,
Garth Turner and NDP MP Peter Stouffer were Duff’s first guests when Stouffer spoke about Bill C-251, his private member’s bill, noting that half the Conservative caucus voted for it, while no Liberals did. The bill provided that those desiring to cross the floor would have to resign and run in a by-election under the new party or sit as an independent for the remainder of that Parliament.
I leave it to Mr. Turner to produce the evidence that he opposed Bill C-251 while he sat right next to NDP MP Peter Stouffer on Mike Duffy Live.
By Cassandra on 02.07.07 3:31 pm
Otherwise, one may as well be voting for the Baath Party.
Er, Cassandra, I is outa soap. But I still support Garth’s move to the Liberals. You will notice me when I get into closer proximity.
Let us refresh ourselves with Garth’s statement of one year ago:
“I am a democrat who believes everyone in the House of Commons, including the cabinet members who make up the government, should be elected. They should sit in Parliament as they were elected. If they decide to change parties, they should go and get re-elected.
“It would be a great idea for Mr. Emerson to do that, and hopefully he will decide that’s the right course of action. Given his new high-profile and powerful position, one would expect voters would be impressed enough to elect him as a Conservative. But maybe not. That’s their choice.
“I am not demanding the guy resign today, given the fact he has just been handed huge duties and Harper surely had sound reasons for his decision. But it would look very good indeed on David Emerson to say something like this: Yeah, I understand the feeling of those people who are disturbed that I switched parties. I have decided my real home is with the Conservatives, and I am honoured to serve the PM, but I also realize it’s not all my choice. So after I’ve proven my worth in this job, and when the time is appropriate, I will go back to the voters.
“End of story. Canadians are reasonable, even forgiving. Just be reasonable back.
“What am I going to do about? Lobby for Parliamentary reform of the kind the prime minister promised and the Gomery Report recommended. More free votes. More powerful MP committees. An elected Senate. And more accountability, which should include legislation that, as Brian Mulroney used to say, means you dance with the one that brung ya.”
Your attempt at defending your move is pathetic. I hope the voters in your riding throw you out at the earliest possible opportunity. We used to think you were different — a man of principle. Now, I don’t know how you can look at yourself in the mirror.
Bill Pettersen, you may want to state some facts, when you debate. Fact is that the Ontario CPC caucus voted to kick Garth out. Fact is Garth bad mouthed MPs (Liberals and Conservatives). He pointly stated that only selfish, self centered, MPs go into Cabinet and into Committees. He pointly stated that MPs don’t work hard and don’t deserve their compensation.
Now the real question – looking towards the next election. Will a strong Green candiate run in Halton? How will Garth and Elizabeth May reconcile this fact?
to DAVID PC MEANS Queen’s Privy Council for Canada..not progressive conservative
Your recent defection and emphasis on words like ‘Me and I’ used in your speaches over the last 24 hours clearly indicate that you are looking after yourself and not Canada. Turn(er)coat or Traitor best describes your action. Don’t expect my support in the future. You and the Liberal party deserve one and other
Leave it to the Libs to gladly pick up the Conservative trash. Turner will bluster and blog and attempt to make it look like he is doing it for his constituents. Garth did it for Garth…….he has nothing in common with the agenda of the Libs and on Adler, still paints himself as a Conservative. Potshots are all he has left.
“Though Dion seems a nice man I could hardly understand him…” When I see comments like that one I wonder how people can live with themselves. That is so ignorant. Welcome Garth.
Congratulations to Mr. Turner for joining Canada’s natural ruling party.
One of the necessities of defeating the
CONS is fund raising, both needed for Mr. Turner’s defence from CON attacks as well as for the overall good of the Liberal Party of Canada.
I urge all posting here to sign up,and send your generous donations to the Liberal Party of Canada.
https://www.liberal.ca/join_e.aspx
“Being a member of the Liberal Party of Canada should entail a belief in a certain set of principles…. Otherwise, one may as well be voting for the Baath Party.”
“Surely, the Liberal Party stands for something? If there are no beliefs… if there is no vision for the future of Canada…just what is the point?”
Hmmmm…. I guess that means there is no point in the Conservative Party existing, given their floor-crossing record? And that voting for the Harper Tories is the same as voting for the Baath Party.
Speaking of demagogues, yikes – the Conservatives can hold their own in that department, starting from the top down.
One thing for sure: he** hath no fury like Tory scorned (think Peter McKay).
“Yeah, your vote counts for nothing. Your vote counts for nothing because you didn’t vote for a human being, you voted for a party. You don’t understand democracy. Discussion over.â€
Thank you for my afternoon smile. Arguing in favour of independent MPs by arguing that the voters of Halton don’t have a right to express an opinion.
Just what is your idea of democracy? The Soviet Union?
See ya in the gulag!
MIKE,
You said:
“Uh, wait a minute. PM Harper PUT Fortier in that position, so it’s unfair to ask Fortier to get himself elected? And you don’t recognize the absurdity in what you just said?”
By Mike on 02.07.07 2:45 pm
Mike what you said is equally absurd and ridiculous, but also quite ironic too.
1. Because Fortier is not an MP, he cannot resign his seat as an MP thus creating a vacancy in the House of Commons wherin a by election could be called. He cannot resign a seat that he doesn’t have Mike, therefore the gentleman who pointed this out to you is perfectly correct.
2. It is ironic that the only seat that Mr. Fortier could resign is his unelected senate seat where the Liberals are resisting the Prime Ministers goal of creating an elected Senate. If and when the Prime Minister is successful in this regard, only then could Mr. Fortier resing his seat and seek re-election without someone else having to resign to create a necessary vacancy in which a byelection could be called.
Now Mike are you going to tell us that you wish that we do not have an elected senate but that we continue that long historically, undemocratic, Liberal dominated bastion of patronage called the Canadian Senate.
It would be interesting to hear Garth’s views on an elected senate now that he has adopted their “principles”.
Lewis
By Geoffrey L on 02.07.07 10:16 am – do you have any understanding of how corporations work?
By Tim D on 02.07.07 2:12 pm
Yes, I understand how corporations work. The question is: Would you rather receive $1.2 billion in income trust distributions or have a corporation buy back shares if you are an average shareholder?
“the natural ruling party”
One cannot help but think of the saying among the Iraq Sunni “For me, power, for you weaping and tears”.
Where has the party of Lester Pearson and Pierre Trudeau gone? Is this all that the Liberal Party has to offer after such an illustrious history.
Canada needs a strong party system.
We need parties of ideas and direction. I had hoped that Stefan Dion would be able to turn around the Liberal Party.
We need all the best ideas of both left, right and centre to create the best public policy.
The Liberal Party needs more than money. It needs to be rejuvinated by ideas. Without focus and direction, it has little to offer but past glories.
Turn your passion into a renewed direction rather than the ignominious and petty barbs of name calling and invective. These are truly a waste of time.
What are we doing wasting our time thinking about Garth Turner. He is just a mosquito back bencher. The only thing worth discussing is the future of our country.
No single individual is more important than our country. No matter how amusing, eloquent, or outspoken. The bottomline is that the Liberal Party either has something to contribute or the public discourse is poorer for its complete lack of direction.
Come on Liberals. Get going and fix your party and forget this little fat guy.
Mr. Turner you are an idiot…worse then that you are a predictiable politician….no wait..worse then that, you are a typical politician whose party threw you out and now you have found the lord in the alternate party. I’m sorry that we ever created the job that you now fill however even on our worst day I’m sure we had higher ideals in mind then a lifeless twit like you.
“Harper slapped you in the face when he kicked out your elected representative from caucus. Garth is representing Halton just as he did before. Like it or not a Liberal will be elected in Halton in the next election, so why not Garth? Garth resigning won’t help you get a Conservative MP, who is a clone of Mr. Harper. If you want one, move to Calgary Southwest.”
By Thea on 02.07.07 2:57 pm
Well, how very intelligent, Thea. No, I won’t be moving. And, no, Garth got himself kicked out of caucus. Funny thing, every OTHER Conservative MP seems to be willing to work with their conservative colleagues. No one else got kicked out. Look, we elected a Conservative. It was one thing to say that he got kicked out – and sit as an Independent. But, to ACTIVELY go against the will of the people of Halton by joining the Liberals. Well, that is just wrong. And, given Garth’s previous cries against crossing the floor, clearly and utterly hypocritcal.
I look forward to another reasoned response from you, suggesting I move.
By the way, how long have you been a Liberal party apologist?
I’m a faithful reader of all comments and blogs posted in different media; Globe and Mail, your blog etc….and though I very rarely post I have found that the Harper sheep can only express their views by name calling, cursing and spewing out vitriol. Regardless of the subjects in question, you can almost always tell who the Harper faithful are by their mantra “LIEberals have done nothing in 13 yearsâ€.
How can Garth’s so-called floor crossing be compared to the other “floor-crossers� They were not kicked out of their old parties. They crossed from one major party (I would not even consider Independent a party) to another for PERSONAL GAIN.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t Emerson offered a cabinet post? Minister of International Trade? How about Wajid Khan – special advisor to PMSH for the Middle East and Afghanistan? May as well include some others, even though they were re-elected after their “defectionâ€; Belinda Stronach – Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal. Scott Brison – Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister with special emphasis on Canada-U.S. Relations. What did Garth gain besides his voice being more relevant by being part of a major party and being better able to represent his constituents?
Those that are calling Garth a hypocrite (hypocrite adjective: a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings) do you really believe going from an Independent to a Liberal fits this description? And yes, I’m sure Garth is ready for a by-election with the surety of PMSH that one will be called, and not leaving the riding in limbo for half a year with no representation.
Way to go Garth!
What, the Libs haven’t STOLEN enough cash to get them through? Gee isn’t that too bad. I guess we should all just fork out more.
Natural ruling party indeed….
Liar, Liar, Liar
“I urge all posting here to sign up,and send your generous donations to the Liberal Party of Canada.”
Surely you jest. Who in the Liberal Party of Canada with any significant degree of authority within the party has taken responsibility for Adscam? Now you go on a public forum and beg for more?
There is an old saying that we get the government we deserve. The ignorant and often viscious diatribes that are posted on this blog go a long way to explaining how our current government got into power. Heaven help us as a country if this is representative of the Canadian population at large.
Garth – you gave it your best shot as an Independant and I respect your decision to join the Liberals even if I still wish you could have remained a free agent. I say this as another ex Prgressive Conservative who is appalled by this present government. I know who I won’t be voting for but I still struggle with voting Liberal. I have high hopes for Dion – just hope he lives up to them. Including a maverick like yourself gives me encouragement that he is prepared to listen to others’ opinions – unlike Harper.
Best wishes and good luck!
I still think Garth is thinking long term. When Dion doesn’t win the next election, his party will be itching for a new leader. Gee, I wonder what the next line-up of Liberal leadership candidates will look like? I guess Garth will be the one saying, “Stephan, you didn’t get it done!”
Well Garth, that’s just me trying to be funny, so don’t take it too badly.
Cheers.
Guess the posting mechanism is either broken or Garth doesn’t like me anymore. My attempted posts seem to dissappear into cyberspace somewhere.
…and I’m not even trying to be nasty!
Seeing as Garth won the previous election over the Liberal candidate by a very, very, slim margin, I expect that Garth as the new Liberal candidate will do exceptionally well.
And those of you who cannot understand Mr. Dion’s English need to get out of your small towns and interact with Canadians. How small-minded of you!!!
And there are several sitting M.P.’s whose English is imperfect and accented.
Why, some days, I can barely understand John Baird.
This blog is really the pits today. I have tried to post several times and get nowhere.
RE: “Canada’s natural ruling party”
If this is all that is left of the party of Lester Pearson & Pierre Trudeau, it is a sad day indeed.
I have voted Liberal, Conservative and NDP and believe that we need all the voices in a democratic country. What I have read tells me that the Liberal Party needs ideas and human capital more than it needs money.
Start rebuilding your party and forget about Mr. Media mogul. Canada needs parties of ideas and vision not backbiting, acrimony, and misdirection. Mr. Turner is just a distraction from the real problems facing our country. We need the best ideas from all of the parties.
It’s hard to be just a backbencher even if you get a six digit figure salary which is far more than the rest of us earn but we still hear this peanut whining and carping rather than getting to work and getting the job done.
It must be real tough working with others when you’re used to kicking butt and getting your own way. Well, stop holding your breath and having tantrums and someone might even take you seriously.
To “SLG”, is it wrong to actually want to UNDERSTAND what my PM is saying. You call me a bigot and then proceed to call be a right-wing “nutbar”. By definition, that makes you the bigot, not I.
bigot
noun a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion.
By Geoffrey L on 02.07.07 10:16 am – do you have any understanding of how corporations work?
By Tim D on 02.07.07 2:12 pm
*****
Yes I do. The question you should be asking is if telecoms shouldn’t be be trusts because they need to invest in technology and capital equipment, and that we need to trust corporate management’s judgement of investing in their company, why are they buying back shares?
Hi Garth: At one time before the last election, I thought SH deserved a chance to be the PM. But was I wrong! I can understand politicians have to tell a few convenient lies here and there. But he and his cronies lied blatantly (income trust) in order to cheat me of my only opportunity to choose who should represent me in government. His recent born-again environmentalist conversion is a result of him looking at the recent polls. A true leader shouldn’t allow polls to tell him how to govern. His new disciple, Wajid Khan, in my opinion, is quite a “masterpiece”. Mr. Khan said his reason to join the Tories was to be on the governing side so that he could get things done. So far, what has Mr. Khan done? Zilch! Moreover, the report that he wrote about the Mideast which was promised to be made public, is still muzzled by his boss. Where is “transparency in government” as promised in the last election? Garth, I wish you the best of luck in you new “home” in Ottawa. Please continue to express your opinions as you see fit. Thank you.
Garth works hard for the people of Halton. I’d rather have an MP who is considered a maverick working his ass off striving for the needs of the people in this community then some meek wishy-washy yes man who the people rarely see. When it comes down to it, I don’t care what colour Garth is as long as he keeps representing Halton as he has been and THE WAY ALL MP’s SHOULD.
IT APPEARS THAT TORY HACK DOUG FINLEY HAS ENGAGED THE YOUNG CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP TO JAM GARTH TURNERS BLOQ WITH NEGATIVE COMMENTS.
typical harper and tory tactics.
all you do is expose yourselfs for what you really are.i love it !
While the Greens made an offer to Mr. Turner, the NDP clearly said they would not be interested.
On October 18, 2006, Jack Layton said, “I don’t see a place for Mr. Turner in the NDP. His policies are quite reactionary on a number of fronts and, besides, we think before anybody switches parties they should go back to their electorate and see what they have to say. We’ll be happy to face off with Mr. Turner in any by-election that might take place.”
It’s interesting that even in dismissing Mr. Turner, Jack Layton assumed Mr. Turner would go to the electorate in a by-election first, rather than simply join another party. Layton was too kind, apparently.
I just wish the Liberals and Conservatives would merge. There really is no difference between these two parties, and it would save us all this floor crossing nonsense. What a waste of time. Just admit you have the same interests (growing the gap between the rich and poor), work out your differences, and merge, for god’s sake! Perhaps call it the Conservative Party of Liberal, or the Liberal Conservative Party. Or try a total rename, like the “Big Business Party of Canada” (the “Big One”, for short). Then we could have a real election, with real choice, between the NDP and the Big One, instead of the inane distraction of floor walks, and squabbles, between Canada’s two aristocratic political parties (Lib and CPC).
So Garth, please work on having a mass floor crossing between these two parties, which, hopefully, would end the floor crossing once and for all.
Thanks,
Mark
IT APPEARS THAT TORY HACK DOUG FINLEY HAS ENGAGED THE YOUNG CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP TO JAM GARTH TURNERS BLOQ WITH NEGATIVE COMMENTS.
typical harper and tory tactics.
all you do is expose yourselfs for what you really are.i love it !
By don bool on 02.07.07 9:56 pm
It all balances out with all the spamming I have seen today and yesterday on trust message boards asking people to come to this page to praise Garth in hopes he will as a Liberal convince them in the next government to grandfather the trusts for 10 years not 4.
I won’t suck up to the liars for the sake of my trust investments.
Jerry
At least Turner had the guts to relaize that Harper and his Alliance/Reform/Christian coalalition was nothing more than a ministry being dictated by a dangerous man with extreme right views. Wake up people the Tories that you knew are gone. Ralph Klein is a Tory, Peter Mckay is a Tory, Harper is an evangilist. Smart move Turner.I’m voting Liberal and have since Stockwell Day.
Based on many posts it would seem that some want an American political party system…ONLY two choices, and that leads to where? DUH! cause it will not rate and Eh!
Facts Catherine?
Bad mouthed MP’s? Called them lazy and said they don’t work very hard?
Have you looked at the attendance record of some of these “hard working” individuals? Some of these folks can’t even be bothered showing up for votes.
How many spend much of their time “fact finding”, at the taxpayers expense? How many cabinet ministers run up extravagent limo bills or leave their limo’s running while at hours long meetings?
Look at the actual number of days the house sits, against the number of days some MP’s actually do “constituency work” and see if you think all MP’s deserve their HUGE paychecks?
I sure wish I could earn a salary like theirs, with the number of work days in Ottawa they have and the number of “constituency days” some can’t even be bothered showing up at their local offices for.
Stating obvious facts like these got Garth kicked out by the Ontario Caucaus? Why? For letting the “cat out of the bag” on their cushy lifestyle?
Don’t think for a second that PMSH didn’t have a say in Garth being booted. Deflecting blame/credit to the Ontario coalition, in a government run by a control freak like PMSH is just laughable. I don’t believe the Ontario caucaus had the freedom, independent of PMSH, to do such a thing. Not for a SECOND!
Forgot this tidbit for Catherine.
Check out http://www.howdtheyvote.ca/member-stats.php?s=aw&o=dd for typical attendance of MP’s.
In the 38th Parliament, the top absentee party was the CPC with 10 out of 20 top spots. Independents took 3 of the top 20, the Bloc had 1 and the Liberals had 6.
Let’s break that out into percentages shall we? 50% of the poor performers were CPC members, 30% were Libs, 15% were independents and 5% were Bloc. The top two performers were CPC members, with a combined absence total of 259 sitting days.
Garth called MP’s lazy and said they didn’t earn their pay?
Given that the parliamentary calender affords roughly 135 actual sitting days, and that the AVERAGE days absent for the top 20 absentee parliamentarians in the 38th parliament was 67.8 (worst offender, a CPC, had 134 absences and the best performer of the top 20 had 38), that should surely back up Mr Turner’s contention that a great many parliamentarians are LAZY and DON’T EARN THEIR PAY.
Facts Catherine? There are some for you!
Garth. Shame on you for letting the “cat out of the bag” on this cushy arrangement! LOL!
- clark did it (raising gasoline price), mulroney did it (gst)and now harper has done it (taxing income trusts). it seems they never learn.
“At least Turner had the guts to relaize that Harper…was nothing more than a ministry being dictated by a dangerous man…blah blah blah…with extreme right views.”
By Albertan on 02.08.07 12:26 am
Hold on there cowboy! I thought he was KICKED OUT? Thereby forcing him to cross the floor join and the adscamming crooks. Either way, he has found his rightful home.
btw: keep up the ‘dangerous, religious, right winger’ talk. It played so well with the electorate last time.
Ahmed–fortress Toronto
I lost a little money when Steven Harper decided to betray his own words on income trusts. What I lost more of was my belief that perhaps Harper was a man of his word. I am not a Conservative by politics but rather I feel if a man can stand in front of me and tell me his beliefs and stick to them then he is a man that Canada wants. This man is not Steven Harper!! It is evident that his ownly purpose in life is to get elected. Harper is a man with no back bone. He has suddenly turned “green” wanting us to believe that he would be a good steward of our environmental concerns. What a load of bunk. If the Conservatives ever got a majority the country would go down the crapper in a hurry.
I applaud Garth Turner for showing the rest of the country what a free minded Member of Parliament stands for. Party politics are no reason to blindly close your eyes and let leaders off the hook for their lies and misdirection. Bravo Garth! Perhaps you are the thin edge of a new wave of politics that actually asks it’s leaders the hard questions and holds them accountable. Let’s hope so.
Hopefully, the furour has died down. But in reviewing some comments sent to your blog, I do not see some critical questions answered.
If you feel so welcomed in a “Liberal caucus”, why did you not feel likewise as an elected representative in our Parliament? Why must the “independent voice” be sequestered into rooms hidden from our nation?
And finally, was part of your frustration due to reduced support to “independents” that is available in “Major caucus rooms”, such as more staffing, financing etc.?
I note that you do say that you are appalled by your discoveries of inequities for independents in our Parliamentary system. So I am left puzzled why you would not fight for those out in the open instead of joining blockaded doors. The media reports that Mr. Dion has already warned that you must accept that their party will take on focused pre-ordained agendas. This contradicts the democratic principles of using independent thoughts to come to the best resolution to a problem, not pre-ordained agendas that become challengeable only by one vote.
You do not have an accurate view of things. Nobody warned me about anything, and there is no pre-ordained agenda. As for independents, I have filed motions in Parliament to reform the way they are treated in terms of committee and legislative work, to crutail the power of political parties and to reform campaign financing. I will continue to work to make indies equal to party MPs – a process that could take years, but will hopefully turn out the right way. Until it does, any indepedent will find, as I did, they are severely disadvantaged in many ways. — Garth
“Bravo Garth! Perhaps you are the thin edge of a new wave of politics that actually asks it’s leaders the hard questions and holds them accountable.”
Ahm..he joined the Liberal party. So I’m guessing not.
Bill Petersen…at least 2 of those Conservatives, Stinson and Chatters, were in the fight for their life, battling cancer, for heaven’s sake.
In fact, for some of those critical votes, they came back from their sick beds to participate, all the way from B.C.
Chuck Strahl was also going through his own battle with a particular type of lung cancer.
Am not realy amazed at the hypocritical comments from the neocons here. Hey, they’ve been trained by their American counterparts and they’re afraid that the Cdn public, finally like the Americans, have seen through their deceptions.
Good luck Garth.
“Do I understand the sentiments expressed by those who have trouble seeing the difference between me and David Emerson? Absolutely.”
So do I. David Emerson never stated his opinion on the issue of those who get elected to represent one party and then sit with another. Neither did Khan. Neither did Stronach. That’s why you, Garth, are worse than any of them. Your opinions on the matter – as it relates to by-elections – is quite clear. That’s what makes you the ultimate hypocrite, Garth.
“In announcing my move I challenged PMSH to call by-elections in Halton at the same time as in Vancouver-Kingsway (Emerson), in Mississauga-Streetsville (Wajid Khan) and in Quebec (Michael Fortier), because that’s the principled thing to do. We all need to be accountable to the people.”
Let me see if I got this straight…
Is it your view that what Emerson and Khan have done (not having faced their constituents in a by-election) is wrong and unprincipled and to show how much you differ you will do the same as them if by-elections aren’t called for each? Hmmm. I agree with you, Garth … you are unprincipled.
How hard is this to understand: I will resign immediately,with a binding commitment from the PM that he will immediately call a by-election. He has refused to do so. — Garth
Garth’s political future will soon be coming to an end. This recent stunt of his will be the last to get any significant public attention.
Garth has reched his “jumping the shark”moment. It’s all down hill from here.
NEWSFLASH – Dion’s dog was seeking mental help yesterday after Dion decided to change his name for the THIRD time in as many months. Apparently the dogs NEW name now is Garth.
How hard is this to understand: I will resign immediately,with a binding commitment from the PM that he will immediately call a by-election. He has refused to do so. — Garth
Garth, how come you didn’t say this before you joined the liberals, or any time during the past year when you were complaining about them not resigning? You seem to misunderstand Jon’s question but seem not having a hard time trying to be real aggressive and avoiding answering the question(s) directly.
I would have been 100% satisfied if Emerson had given this response. — Garth
Congratulations on extending your political life….well orchestrated and flawless execution. You and I both know that the public reaction is immaterial…you get to be in the spotlight for a while longer, and draw a ludicrous salary for nothing. Bravo!
Just to clarify, Garth. A media posting at CBC I read suggested that Mr. Dion said to them (not you)”… But the Liberal leader also spoke of the necessity for the party to “point in one direction” — a pointed reference to Turner’s frank, often outspoken demeanour in the Tory caucus. …”.
Does this become your excuse for not standing up for the independent voice now? What about the Canadian laws promising “equivalent voice” and making us all “equal before and under the law”? If our Parliament is so blatant in treating our elected so differently despite these laws, why are you not charging partisan politicians for creating new laws that took away our rights in voice?
Equivalency is not based simply on colour or religion. Indeed, our highest laws forbid the use of our courts and elected positions to favour anyone on the basis of “social status” and “political beliefs” as well as “religion” and “race”. So, do you not find it strange that you quickly abandon the difficulties you admit to again of “working as an independent” for the comfort of more perks and potential than what a lowly independent voice gets?
Seems that yet, once again, another politician chooses to buy personal comfort over elected duty.
The last time I looked at the Criminal Code, any elected or hired government official who used tax dollar paid positions to manipulate their way into places they were not voted to violated the Criminal Code sections forbidding use of office for personal gain.
Until now I was willing to accept some of your arguments that you were ineffective as an Independent. Now I know why. You care not about elected duty only your personal comfort.
Thank you for clarifying for me that what you did was wrong, if not indeed Criminal.
Ah, that we were all elected like Stronach the Monarch, Brisson the Bison, Dennis the Menace Emerson, CON Kahn and L’il Ol’ Lonesome Garth! Then maybe we could all abuse tax dollars to choose where we would sit in Canada’s Parliament to gain in personal comfort and influence.
When will Canadians get politicians of integrity who are made accountable on a daily basis? Maybe when they finally stop allowing elected lawyers to bamboozle them into thinking that the Criminal Code charges of influencing cannot be used because corrupted politicians have passed new laws making them seemingly unaccountable.
Last time I read our Charter, our 1948 UN Declaration and the Criminal Code, this was forbidden as “using position to gain in influence”. Maybe some Canadians will finally start to insist that the Criminal Code be applied for all of you manipulators who destroy the credibility of our electoral system?
OOOPS! But haven’t our Prime Ministers Chretien and Harper themselves complained that our courts are full of Liberals and Conservatives? Might be why you people feel you are above the laws of influencing to gain in personal comfort or position?
Good Grief… so what?
If they were/are that ill that they cannot fulfil their function, resign and let a by-election fill their seats with someone who can do the job.
Did their taxpayer benefits cease for the days they could not do their job? Did their salaries?
When I am very ill, my employer surely DOESN’T continue to pay my salary, but then I am blue collar and actually work for living. Maybe that is why!
Perhaps we should pay MP’s an hourly wage for the time they ACTUALLY WORK. Perhaps that is the solution!
Public service is public service. If an individual, for some reason, cannot serve in their capacity they should RESIGN!
Congrats Mr. Turner. I respect your comitment to try and do what you think is right for your constituents and the Canadian people in general. Good luck and keep up the good fight for the little guy.