David Emerson: Media Watch

Media Highlights for Thursday March 2 2006 – David Emerson

Mar 2 (Murray Dobbin, The Georgia Straight) Emerson not at B.C.’s service

The end justifies the means: that’s the “new” ethics of the Stephen Harper government, and David Emerson’s defection fits the mould perfectly. The only excuse that Harper can come up with is that former Canfor Corp. CEO Emerson will be “good for B.C.”. Never mind the continued anger over Emerson’s disdainful response and Harper’s arrogance: just what is the evidence that Emerson will be good for B.C.?

Mar 2 (Editorial, The Richmond Review) This watchdog won’t be leashed

In an age where crossing the floor for one’s personal political aspirations has become commonplace (Vancouver-Kingsway MP David Emerson, take note), [Delta-East Richmond Conservative MP John] Cummins has stood out as a shining example of what politicians should endeavour to be.

Mar 2 (Matthew Burrows, The Georgia Straight) Legal action gets mixed reviews

Cameron Ward told the Straight there are at least three potential legal issues arising from former Liberal Emerson’s defection to the Conservatives two weeks after his January 23 election victory. “He may have violated Section 482 (b) of the Canada Elections Act; he may have committed the tort or civil wrong of misrepresentation at common law; and, thirdly, his conduct may have violated the constitutional rights of the Liberal voters in Vancouver Kingsway as set out in Section 3 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”

Ward was referring to three different legal avenues explored since Emerson’s decision to join the Conservative cabinet. Section 3 of the charter guarantees Canadian citizens “the right to vote in an election of members of the House of Commons”.

Mar 2 (Hugues Duguay, Letters, The Globe and Mail) The waiting game?

Longueuil, Que.—Re Emerson Plans To Run For Tories In Next Election (March 1): If the electors of Vancouver Kingsway want to be represented by a Liberal, I suggest they bide their time and keep electing David Emerson. The Liberals are bound to win an election at some point. Mr. Emerson will then most likely defect again, and will be greeted with open arms by the Liberals.

Humourous, possible, but not probable, and should the federal or provincial Liberals take on Mr. Emerson in the future, they deserve to lose, and will.