I'm guessing that there are still a few unpacked boxes tucked into the corners at 24 Sussex Drive. And already, Prime Minster Harper is going to be investigated by ethics commissioner. The preliminary inquiry will "look into what influence may have been wielded in the decision by former Liberal David Emerson to cross the Commons floor and join Harper's Conservative government cabinet."
This is precisely why I voted for the Green Party.
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Gotta love it. The Ethics Prime Minister being investigated by the Ethics Commissioner for enticing an elected parliamentarian to walk away from his voters and join another party.
“Superficial criticism” my foot!
It will be very interesting to see just how much of this investigation is made public, and how cooperative Messrs Harper and Emerson will be.
I am sure the voters of Vancouver Kingsway would like public disclosure of the materials provided to and part of the Ethics Commissioner’s investigation.
By the way, I wonder if the Commissioner will be calling for evidence from others directly involved? I could just imagine the number of disaffected Liberal party members who volunteered time and money to elect Emerson, relishing in his statements of opposition to Mr Harper’s New Tories, who would now welcome a chance personally to explain to the Commissioner just how much they feel cheated by the defection of their MP.
Must be at least a dozen voters who would like to explain their dismay, perhaps hundreds ...
Could be a long hearing.
Hello Curiosity! Welcome to my little world, and thank you for your comments!
Although I don't live in Canada at the moment - and consequently do not pay Canadian Income Tax - I am appalled by the prospect of how much money will be spent on this inquiry. Canadians are getting hosed AGAIN!
Think.
Vote.
Green.
Miniature Rose, is Harper’s baby being thrown out with the dishwater?
Harper campaigned and won on the basis that the Liberal government was corrupt, and he and his new government were going to clean up Ottawa. His ethical responsibility program struck a chord with many voters who were appalled by the corruption, shown in the Quebec adscam, and general indifference shown by Martin and his cabinet to ethical issues. So voters gave Harper a slim margin to carry out reforms and clean up Ottawa.
Now, out of hubris, Harper is fighting a legally appointed Ethics Commissioner and assuming a position of being above the law.
This politically disasterous move by Harper risks his government, removes from his party the ethical advantage which brought them into Ottawa, and, most of all, reveals Harper as the man many voters thought him to be before the election – rigid, convinced of his righteousness, and intolerant.
Harper’s response is inept and troublesome. Are there no advisors who can make him see that his tactics on this are lose-lose?
He will not win this one. Nor is it important that he does; what he should be doing is carrying out the promises he gave voters, and instituting as soon as possible realistic, workable and effective ethics rules for Ottawa, without loopholes ...
Voters will hold him accountable if he ends up using bait-and-switch tactics on the ethics issue; he won’t get repeat business from them come the next election.
Well put, Curiosity.
While somewhat disappointed to see the Conservatives win, I really didn't think it was going to be all that bad. With a slim minority, I would have anticipated a focus on bringing forth legislation which would entice the voters to elect a Conservative Majority the next time.
It seems as though Harper is using Mulroney's playbook at this time.
Bleh.
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