I have been small c conservative all my life and will always vote for platform ahead of personality in the future, but if Harper accepts Emerson into his cabinet as a Conservative member, I will feel more betrayed than I was when Belinda did the same thing.
Newmarket, ON.

Posted by: Scott Merrithew at February 6, 2006 11:09 AM

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Now we will really see if Conservatives are as much about principle over politics as they claim. How loudly will we hear calls for re-votes/re-calls whenever an elected member crosses the floor? How about opportunism and bribery claims as Emerson exchanges his voting support for a platform he was opposing just weeks ago for an opportunity to stay in cabinet with all of the perks? What about all those who said you could never and should never entrust cabinet and party secrets to someone who shows such disloyalty as crossing the floor?

I'm sure the Conservative bloggers and rank-and-file will be up in arms about this in protest. No doubt.

I'm reminded of the refrain from The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again":

"Meet the new boss... same as the old boss"

It's going to be a fun 18 months for Liberals.

Ted
Cerberus

Posted by: Ted at February 6, 2006 11:14 AM

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What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

Posted by: The Fog is Clearing at February 6, 2006 11:15 AM

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Oh and another thought. Perhaps Emerson can give Harper the low down on Adscam and other Liberal scandals.

This is politics, not a garden tea party.

Posted by: at February 6, 2006 11:19 AM

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David Emerson was first elected to the House of Commons, in 2004. He attended the University of Alberta and obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics. He then went on to Queen’s University, where he received his doctorate in economics.

He's an economics guy. Not a lawyer. Has more in common with Harper since they both have similar backgrounds. It's great not to have a bunch of lawyers running the country for once.

Posted by: mikeh at February 6, 2006 11:22 AM

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Well living in the UK, I didn't realise Emerson was a new boy.

Posted by: at February 6, 2006 11:25 AM

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> if Harper accepts Emerson into his cabinet as a Conservative member, I will feel more betrayed than I was when Belinda did the same thing

I agree.
We conservatives are about integrity, among other things. We (Harper) must put up or shut up.

Posted by: at February 6, 2006 11:28 AM

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More evidence for None of the Above on the next ballot.

Posted by: Rick at February 6, 2006 11:29 AM

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I don't like the concept of floor-crossers; Emerson may be nice bloke and sharp to boot, but his political bona fides as a Conservative are somewhat circumspect.

If he was so uncomfortable with the Liberals, why did he run under their banner? This kind of opportunism, even if it does add a seat to the CPC column, is not the way to start a parliament under the banner of restoring accountability and integrity to government.

Let him run in a by-election or sit as an independent.

Posted by: Chappy at February 6, 2006 11:29 AM

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Conservative judgments are evaporating quicker than dry ice in July.

However, the keyword is 'apparently' so lets not count our screw ups before they hatch.

Does anybody want in on a blunder pool. We could all put in $5, pick a number between 100 and 300 and the person that comes closest to the actual number by the time the government falls wins the loot.

My guess is 200 blunders in 18 months.

Posted by: Ron at February 6, 2006 11:30 AM

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He's going to cross after what? two weeks as an out of power liberal? No, no a thousand times, no. There'll be another election in a year or so. He should sit as an independent til then

Posted by: Mike at February 6, 2006 11:41 AM

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Not even one day in power, and already a misstep. I'm upset about this, but I need to hear some reasoning first.

Posted by: Yukon Gold at February 6, 2006 11:46 AM

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The difference in this case is that Emerson isn't holding a balance of power, like Belinda did.

Plus, it's up to Harper whether or not to accept him, and if I remember correctly, Harper never cried out when Belinda left, other conservatives did though.

Just because some talking heads on the tube talked about how people should sit as independants when switching, blah blah. Harper never held that position.

I don't see any hypocrisy at all.

Posted by: Jonny_eh at February 6, 2006 11:48 AM

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The optics aren't as bad as Turcoat Stronach's strutting across the floor to prop-up a dying government, but leaves a sour taste, nonethless.

WHY make him a cabinet minister? Let him backbench until the next election to prove he's serious about the CPC, THEN (if re-elected) elevate him to cabinet.

This has the aroma of the sorry bunch we just turfed; I thought we were pushing integrity above everything else...

mhb23re

Posted by: MHB at February 6, 2006 11:54 AM

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Way to go Mr. Harper! Way to back up with actions what you were saying all campaign about integrity and accountability, by telling that wannabe-defector to go pound sand! No floor-crossing hacks for this government, nosiree!

..

Whaddaya mean, that's not what happened? Is somebody at Tory HQ really that STUPID?! I bought my CPC membership the day after Belinda crossed the floor; I viewed it as the last straw for a Liberal party & government that had gone so far down into the sewer that everything about it was covered in shit. Now on the first day in power for a Tory government, we pull the same move in reverse? I smell a new stink coming out of Ottawa. Smells quite like the old one, albeit not as strong.

Yet.

And here we thought we wouldn't have as much to talk about with the Libs finally gone. Silly us.

Posted by: Ian in NS at February 6, 2006 11:55 AM

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I too am VERY disappointed not only in the appointment of Emerson, but also of Fortier, who is unelected.

This will cause a great deal of "I told you so" comments coming from people that were cynical of the CPC, and, rightly so. Even good explanations for the moves are not going to cover over the fact that the CPC just pulled the same moves as the Liberals that convinced many voters to stop supporting the Liberals.

Given the anger felt by the supporters of the CPC about the crossings of Stronach and Brison, I don't understand the Emerson move. Given all the discussion about the need for an elected Senate, I don't understand the Fortier move.

CPC supporters need to become vocal about their disapproval of these moves and then see how responsive the new CPC government is. You can bet that the people that don't support the CPC will be.

In the end, my biggest concern is about creating an even more cynical electorate. If these types of mis-steps continue, I won't blame people for saying "they're all the same" about politicians.

Posted by: Active Listener at February 6, 2006 12:02 PM

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I, for one, have worked hard to make sure the Liberals did not win the election. I hope all the conservative blogs hammer Harper on this.

It is the stupidest thing he could do.

Posted by: Gary McHale at February 6, 2006 12:03 PM

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This faux "moral outrage" I'm reading is so transparent that it's hilarious. So is the lazy cynicism bemoaning how it's "all the same." The liberals are only whining because this time they're not leading the dance. If overeager liberals desperately grasping at any straw they hope is a "blunder" is the best opposition they can make a show of then I look forward to a long reign as Prime Minister for Steven Harper.

Posted by: Anemone at February 6, 2006 12:06 PM

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This (Emerson) is very disappointing.

Harper has to work with the Senate as it is, not as he wants it to be, so I don't mind the Fortier appointment.

Posted by: Ontario Conservative at February 6, 2006 12:10 PM

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Harper had not been sworn in when Emmerson crossed the floor, he was still the P.M. elect, so technically...the Liberals were still in power when Emmerson did so.

I agree, this faux "moral outrage" in these comments is laughable.

Posted by: at February 6, 2006 12:15 PM

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Ah well...at least Emmerson is actually qualified to do something in the house. Unlike B.S crossing..which was simply a political bone for someone with zero experience and was clearly a power move by her and the Libs.....Emmerson is quite qualified for the job.

Get over it

Posted by: at February 6, 2006 12:19 PM

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I think there should be a by election, if I was in his riding I would want it for sure.

Poll on the subject:

http://plattytalk.blogspot.com

Posted by: Platty at February 6, 2006 12:22 PM

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I think I'll take this opportunity to quote Kate.

"heh heh heh heh heh"

Posted by: Liberal Ron at February 6, 2006 12:24 PM

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In power for less than 2 hours and it starts. Where are the words, "Accountability, Integrity and Ethical?"

Makes me sick.

Posted by: Michael at February 6, 2006 12:27 PM

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To the anon posters. At least put a name to your post if you think you have something valid to share, gives it more uh, credence.

It is a question of integrity. You seem to miss the point if the local area voted for a certain candidate representing a certain party, what gives the elected rep the right to switch horses?

Sit as independant. Or the candidate in question hold a townhall to see if that is what your constituents want.

Isn't this why we have a democracy in the first place? For the people, by the people. Oh wait that is the US...

Posted by: tomax at February 6, 2006 12:29 PM

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Can I make a subjective observation?

Remember the rumoured misdeeds going on with TGP?
Remember that Emerson was in the thick of that?

Would it be a stretch that the inticement to get Emerson to cross wasn't the cabinet post, it was immunity from prosecution.
He knows where the dead bodies are, and he knows who the other liberals involved are as well.
If this guy did a Belinda walk to save his hide, I'd like to see it proven out.
The TGP issue is a ticking timebomb, Emerson not only has the mandate to clean it up now, he has the motivation of saving his reputation when the dead bodies start showing up.
If Harper is smart he already has a signed and undated letter of resignation from all of his cabinet MP's, Emerson included.
If past misdeeds start getting leaked to the media, Emerson is expendable and he knows it.
Not only that, but the other people that where aiding and abetting with the TGP issue also know it.
Now add up the score:
-1- The liberal leadership race just lost another first string candidate.
-2- We now have an experienced MP in one of the cities the MSM said the CPC "failed" to elect even one MP.
-3- We have a head start on cleaning up one of Chretien/Martin's stinking piles they created.

Some political capital got spent today I will admit, but the return was invaluable.

Posted by: gimbol at February 6, 2006 12:30 PM

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My outrage ain't faux -- it's bona fide. Count me out of the faux column.

Posted by: Chappy at February 6, 2006 12:33 PM

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I have just written my (CPC) MP expressing my outrage.

Here is a quote from my email:

"This shows all politicians are sli*e. That includes you. If you want to prove me wrong, resign and sit as an independent. You can vote with the cpc when it fits your principles, you can work hard for the people of this riding but on principle you should loudly protest the actions of your party strategists and leader."

I feel like my vote was stolen from me. I started the election campaign firmly believing I would vote Green again since I didn't believe any other party deserved my vote.

But Harper won me over and convinced me that he was going to bring in a new era. That he would work hard to rebuild our trust that government was working for us, rather than working us over and stealing our money.

Today, all my hopes for a different kind of government have been dashed. I naively thought things would be different this time. My first political memory was Trudeau winning the leadership. I was seven. Since then, except for Clark who barely counts, I have lived under Prime Ministers who were lawyers. Those who were in power more than a few months were from Quebec and eventually shown to be scoundrals who couldn't be trusted. I am so tired of being disappointed in leaders but allowed myself believe this Western economist would be a different sort of Prime Minister.

sigh...

Posted by: KJH at February 6, 2006 12:38 PM

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To tomax, try sticking to the issues instead of attacking people's character. This isn't an issue of "integrity" or anything. I'm interested in how the Harper government actually runs the country. How he delivers on his promises, undercovers wrongdoing in previous administrations and handles taxpayer's money. Partisan politics is cheap and an utterly irrevelant sidetrack.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 6, 2006 12:39 PM

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Re: Emerson
Now go back and re-read "Cowardice, Honour and Sinking Ships" from Feb 2.

Posted by: Monty_inBC at February 6, 2006 12:46 PM

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Sorry. Feb 5, at this moment item 6 in archive.

Posted by: Monty_inBC at February 6, 2006 12:48 PM

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Anon, speaking of sticking to the issues:
"I'm interested in how the Harper government actually runs the country"

Uh, why don't you just ask the man? What a concept.

As for being off topic, integrity and representing the people who voted them in go hand in hand. As far as I'm concerned crossing the floor is a lost vote, to any side.

The Liberal Party of Canada does not have integrity. Period. Whether this person has the background or 'technically' crossed while the transition was happening is a moot point.

Maybe being a closet Liberal clouds one's judgement of character?

cheers
tom

Posted by: tomax at February 6, 2006 12:57 PM

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I'm withholding judgement until Harper and Emerson make their explanations, but unless they address the electoral issue of crossing the floor, then I see it as the same thing Belinda did.
The issue is that people nominated and elected a party candidate to represent them, and in both cases they were betrayed. It's a matter of principle, regardless of balance of power or other circumstances.

Integrity required that Belinda hold a by-election to confirm her decision to join the Liberals. The latest election confirms that she would have won, but this way she has sacrificed her integrity.
Sheila Copps proved that it can be done properly.

David Emerson should do the right thing to confirm his decision, and if he doesn't, his lack of integrity is exposed.

If Stephen Harper accepts him as a Liberal member in his cabinet, that is a bold and honourable move. Otherwise, it is a serious misstep on his first day as Prime Minister of Canada.

Newmarket, ON

Posted by: Scott Merrithew at February 6, 2006 01:00 PM

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The question is: Was there a quid pro quo? There clearly was for the CPC turncoats -- both ended up as Cabinet ministers and immediately became potential leadership candidates. Also, wasn't Martin's turnaround on gay marriage a sort of payment to Brison for hopping over the line?
Clearly, Emerson will not be a future leadership candidate for the CPC.
While it's not especially pleasing, I am reluctantly willing to take a wait-and-see position here. If Mr. Emerson handles the portfolio skillfully, it will be a plus. If he's a bungler, it will be a very large minus. And if Mr. Emerson's defection leads more people to the conclusion that the CPC really is not a "scary" place to be, then it becomes a significant plus in the end-game goal of keeping the platformless, power-for-power's-sake-only Liberals out of government.

Posted by: bob at February 6, 2006 01:13 PM

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The worst part about this is how loud people inthe CPC cried when stronach crossed the floor. Many vowed that they would see changes made to stop anything like that happening again, well maybe they meant after they handed out the favours first. It wouldn't even be so bad if harper and his handler's didn't focus on the the issue so much. However, they did and now all their talk of honesty and itegrity has been shown for what it is; campaign strategy.

I can still see the video of a sad peter McKay whining about Belinda's betrayl digging up potato's with his dog. How I wished that the dog would have run away as well lol.

Posted by: Fred at February 6, 2006 01:13 PM

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MPs have crossed the floor long before Belinda thought of it. Iam somewhat disappointed that a liberal was allowed to cross the floor into a cabinet seat. It looks bad. However, its not a betrayal at the 11th hour in order to prop up a corrupt government.

I had thought that if a liberal chose to cross the floor, they could sit as a backbencher. But in the end, alls fair in love and war. What goes around comes around, and the Goose is home to roost.

Posted by: Curtis at February 6, 2006 01:32 PM

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Get over it .
Emerson probably made up his mind after he found out how the Dingwall case was close.
Final straw .....
Now Vancouver proper has fed representation.
Worth the gamble if you ask me.
Thanks to all

Posted by: banjotom at February 6, 2006 01:34 PM

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While the optics of this don't look good; I'd like to hear from Mr. Emerson as to why he crossed the floor.

Did he feel so ashamed of the past Liberal campaign that he could not stomach them any longer? Is he leaving a scandal laden sunken ship for one with integrity? Why did it take this long to arrive at this conclusion? What dark ugliness did he become aware of in the past few weeks to induce him to switch? What "last straw on the camel's back" broke him down?

Perhaps one distinguishing characteristic is that he is doing this at the beginning of the new government mandate rather than well into the government's mandate like BS. Further, I didn't see anyone in Mr. Emerson's campaign have an endorser hail from the NDP, join the Liberals and endorse the BQ a la Buzz Hargrove. While BS appears to be in search of a consistent political philosophy we would like Mr. Emerson to explain somewhat more expansively his decision to leave the Liberals.

As PM Stephen Harper tells it, Mr. Emerson was right of center ideologically, and so considers this Liberal lifeboat operations as he selectively 'shops for talent' across the city state regions of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

In any case we'd like to hear from Mr. Emerson to be more expansive on his decision to leave the political toxicity of the Liberal party. Note how many potential candidates for the Liberal party leadership have indicated 'no compelling interest'. What glaring flaws are the public not privy to as yet?

Posted by: Hans Rupprecht at February 6, 2006 01:38 PM

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Methinks the outrage by numerous respondents above is somewhat justified, but with a caveat:

We don't really know the extent of the Liberal disarray, but undoubtedly its in total free fall. I would expect that in the next few months, several more Liberals, and several more Bloc members, will cross over to the CPC. Sure, some elected Libs, (Scottie & Belinduh) are stuck with their poor choices and haven't a hope for a political future, and some like Bill Graham are shortly to come acropper (very few Liberals know about his keeping a teenage male prostitute on the side). With the 10 P.Q. Conservatives elected, and 5 receiving cabinet posts, Bloc members can see their power base disappearing.

My point is that Canadians can expect to see an honest, hard-working, effective government for a change. I wouldn't be at all surprised to have Stephen Harper achieve a majority even without another election. All it would take is more Liberal scandals - and I'm sure we haven't seen the end of them! - as the CPC gets their hands on the books, and the Canadian electorate sees how extensive corruption has spread throughout the former government.

Lastly, people still haven't realized how capable this Stephen Harper really is. Merging the right into a coherent, effective force, weaning some Alliance blow-hards out of the mainstream, and running a kick-ass successful election campaign mean that we have a highly intelligent PM to be proud of.

Posted by: Alienated at February 6, 2006 01:42 PM

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Well thank god. I thought the Conservatives had won the election. Imagine my surprise and glee when I woke up this morning to find out we actually re-elected the Liberals!!!

What? you mean we didn't elect the Liberals? Then what's all this talk about floor crossing for Cabinet posts? I was convinced that the Conservatives wopuld govern with integrity...Silly me...

Meet the new boss....hehehehehehehe

Posted by: Dave at February 6, 2006 02:33 PM

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Dave:
You need to get a grip and not hold your breath so long.
Give the new PM a break people and let him govern for heaven's sake.
To all Conservatives out here; not all Liberals are evil and Emerson is immensely talented and brings a much needed perspective to the table.
I say take him, get over it, and let them govern.
To all Liberals and other Harper critics SAME ANSWER

Posted by: banjotom at February 6, 2006 02:54 PM

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An absolute surprise for sure, but lets wait for the explanation from both Mr.Emerson and PM Harper before any clear judgment can be made. On the surface it may look strange, but it may turn out to be an astute political move without coming into conflict with ethical issues.Mr.Harper never made any PUBLIC statement about the defection of Stronach, which happened under completely different circumstances. The Cabinet seems to be a VERY STRONG one which can take on the difficulties of governing without too much of a problem.

Posted by: Jon at February 6, 2006 04:04 PM

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banjotom

give the new PM a break??? Are you kidding?
not even a day into his mandate, and he's already behaving like the previous government.

I can understand his appointing Emerson now. In a week or 2 his "integrity and accountability in Parliament" act (and believe me it's an act) will have passed, and he may actually have to perform with integrity and accountability.

Meet the new boss...

Posted by: Dave at February 6, 2006 04:07 PM

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I have no problem with Emmerson...who brings a wealth of experience..crossing over.

The B.S. defection had all to do with power...and B.S. attempting to catapult herself to a position in a cabinet. Her defection was for the good of herself and the Liberal party.

Emmerson jumping ship is a benefit to Canadians only as the bonus to the Conservatives is minimal at best.

To compare B.S to Emmerson as well as the implications...is apples and oranges.

Posted by: Ownshook at February 6, 2006 04:22 PM

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well I'm sure glad Ownshook is around to peer into our elected officials' hearts.

Without him, we would never have known that BS was all about power. Never mind that as CEO of Magna Corp, BS probably had more power than ANY elected official.

He also informed us that he had looked deep into Emmerson's soul and deduced that Emmerson is only looking to help us poor Canadians. That we were stupid enough to not elect his Liberal cronies is of little importance to him. Emmerson is doing the great and altruistic thing, by going against the will of his constituents and saving Canada by joining the Conservatives. Emmerson knew that without him, our government would surely fail, casting us into an existence not unlike modern-day Kabul. Faced with these dire consequences, Mr. Emmerson put aside his own interests to do what's good for all of us, whether we like it or not. What a sacrifice! What a fine example of leadership! What a piece of shit.

Meet the new boss...

Posted by: dave at February 6, 2006 04:34 PM

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and it gets better:

David Emmerson on election night:

"I'm going to be Stephen Harper's worst enemy," he warned. "We're going to stir the pot and you better believe we are going to make a heck of a lot of noise."

Posted by: Dave at February 6, 2006 04:43 PM

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Glad to have enlightened you Dave.

Let me also help you with one other thing....BS having more power than any elected official? Clearly you have been mislead or are confusing private enterprise with the government. As CEO of Magna..her input in Canadian politics and the direction of the country...was nil.

Nice spin however...I didn't say I looked Emerson's soul and surely did not assume I knew why he did what he did. I gave my opinion on the implication of his defection.

I am also puzzled how you can mock others opinions but hold your own above reproach:
""integrity and accountability in Parliament" act (and believe me it's an act)

We all owe you a debt of gratitude Dave. Really, we do. Without you..we would never have known that the accountability act...is in fact...an act. I am impressed that you can see through the smoke and deliver us the truth.

Posted by: Ownshook at February 6, 2006 04:56 PM

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David Emerson on jumping ship:

"I fundamentally went through the thought processes many times over, and came to the conclusion I can be more helpful to the people of my riding, the people of my city, the people of my province and the people of my country doing this, as opposed to being in opposition and trying to become a powerful political partisan which I have never been," Emerson said.

I am sure glad Emerson is around to fill in the details.

Posted by: Ownshook at February 6, 2006 05:47 PM

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Dave:
I bet you did fine in theater arts.
Can you not debate an opinion without attacking everyone?
Here ?
All the time ?
In Canada??
I'm not making this up.
LOL

Posted by: banjotom at February 6, 2006 05:50 PM

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This is not a Belinda move.

He didnt cross the floor to rescue a government that was down for the 10 count. that was Belinda's betrayal, She went from a leadership candidate in the conservative party ... to a cabinet minister and a leadership candidate in the liberal party.. If she doesnt get the liberal leadership, jack's job maybe up for grabs.

Posted by: Curtis at February 6, 2006 05:55 PM

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Blinda Stronach & David Emerson are those persons, who deeply are ignoring the consciousness of people. The anarchy in their minds are expressed in their words.
Blinda & David are believing that the scene of the politics is the studios in Hollywood for the films.
They are foolishing themselves more and more if they are continuing these kinds of actions,
Neither Blinda Stronach nor Mr. David Emerson are responding to emails of people, who are writing them for their problems.

Blinda & David are the carbon copies of Mr. Paul Martin who played with the lives and the rights of people.

Blinda & David are reflecting the opportunistic ations of Paul Martin; they show how they are shooting into brains of people by their media viruses.

Blinda & David have a protein shell of media, which covers them; the real goals of Blinda & David are to integrate their virulent minds and actions into the genome of the econmoy of Canada.

They know very well for enhgancing of their wealth, they need to occupy the kingdom of the politics; and by occupation of the politics and government, they inject their virulent genes into departments and all institutions.

Blinda & David are not honest and what they want is the wealth beyond politics.

They are part of giant octopus for deprving of the honest politicians for working to people.

Blinda & David are crossing the floors not for people and people's rights but also for transmissioon of their virulent genes into the government's genome; these virulent genes are commanding to all parts of this government for listening their codes.

People need to be aware of these tricks and lies.

Every politician, who wakes up early morning, has a plan for his or her own pocket or interests.

Blinda Stronach, who drpped ou her studies in York University in the first year, has no inetnetion to be productive for people; she wants to reach to her maximal selfishness and interests.

She was not able to live with her husbands and boyfriends; her ego has no limits.

She does not respect any rules.

Without any qualification and education, she wants to be a leader!

Many people are saying, Blinda needs to be sent to a primary school for learning of the alphabets.

How can we accept this lady, who is famous because of the wealth of her father, can inject her virulent genes into the genome of our vgovernment?

WE need the qualified and educated people who are honest and want to work for people and people's rights.

Blinda & David need to understand this point.

Posted by: Andy at February 7, 2006 02:06 PM

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There's only one thing that makes this move for the people. A 5 billion dollar check. My hunch is it will be here quick. Emerson was very involved with the softwood issues and is the best person and most qualified. He worked in the industry and knows new agreements have to made on both sides.He will solve this, Mrs. Harper didn't raise no dummy!

Posted by: Ben at February 8, 2006 10:44 PM

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