Reply #10: Canada: Conservative PM “converts” Liberal PM Right After Election-Cleare

[autorank]

…of frustrating the voters intent. The had just elected former MP David Emerson as a LIBERAL candidate, he switches parties, and voila, the election is nullified. Oh! Canada, how could you. We’re so disappointed;)



Emerson, Harper cleared by watchdog
http://www.cbc.ca/bc/story/bc_emerson20060320.html

Last updated Mar 20 2006 11:36 AM PST
CBC News

Neither Prime Minister Stephen Harper nor International Trade Minister David Emerson broke any rules when Harper convinced Emerson to join the Conservative cabinet after the recent federal election, the country's ethics commissioner said Monday.

As Bernard Shapiro released his report on the matter, however, he called on Parliament to have a debate on the practice of switching parties.

"I believe that the discontent expressed by Canadians on this matter cannot be attributed merely to the machinations of partisan politics," he wrote in the report. "Fairly or unfairly, this particular instance has given many citizens a sense that their vote – the cornerstone of our democratic system – was somehow devalued, if not betrayed."

Three opposition MPs had alleged that Harper broke the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons by offering "inducements" to Emerson in the form of a cabinet position.