David Emerson: Media Watch
Media Highlights for Tuesday February 21, 2006 – David Emerson
Feb 21 2006 Popularity of Canada’s ruling Conservatives wanes (XINHUA) Even making news in China
Feb 21 2006 A new reason to be cynical (Guardian Unlimited)
Canada’s new Conservative prime minister, Stephen Harper, has enjoyed what is perhaps the briefest political honeymoon in the country’s history.
Canadian politicians have switched parties before, but never so quickly after an election – and they usually offer a better reason than that their side lost. The bait-and-switch move, along with other controversial appointments, provoked an intense reaction across the country, including among Conservatives. making news over in the UK, too
Feb 21 2006 In My Humble Opinion (LTV News Sault Ste. Marie)
Last night on television David Emerson said that he “wasnât very political” and had no idea that his leaving the Liberal party to accept Harperâs appointment as Trade Minister would upset so many people?
Is he for real? How could he not know that?.
People elected him in on his Liberal platform and two weeks later he was in the Conservative camp.
His constituents are outraged and rightly so.
Thereâs a reason a lot of people think politicians are less than honest. Unfortunately, Emerson has just given them one more big fat reason why they do.
Feb 21 2006 Harper says Canada anxious for softwood lumber deal but not at any price (Sandra Cordon, CP)
Beleaguered[1] Trade Minister David Emerson is consulting industry officials to find a way forward, added Harper.
Harper created a huge controversy when he wooed Emerson – a former Liberal industry minister – over to the Conservative cabinet immediately after the Jan. 23 federal vote.
Some constituents of Emerson’s Vancouver riding are upset, saying they elected him as a Liberal, not a Tory.
And some Liberals have suggested he’s a traitor.
In fact, published reports recently suggested a softwood deal was imminent last year under the Liberals but Emerson stalled it because he said he thought it wasn’t a good enough arrangement for the lumber industry.
[1]
beleaguered
To surround with an army so as to preclude escape; to besiege; to blockade.
Apropos!