CBC Radio - Why is the Emerson issue still alive?

This morning on CBC Radio The Early Edition there was a spot done on “why is the Emerson issue still alive?” Here’s my thoughts.

I’m one of those who have been standing on city street corners in Vancouver-Kingsway holding protest signs, passing out flyers and such. I find that people are always coming up to me – at protests, or even at the grocery store or at a soccer pitch (after noticing the conspicuous De-Elect Emerson button I wear) to talk about the issue. That kind of interest in an issue is pretty rare.

After listening to literally hundreds of people on this issue, I’d summarize the common concerns into three major themes.

First, many are upset at a visceral level – a cabinet minister in a Liberal government negotiating to become a cabinet minister in a Conservative government less than 24 hours after the last ballots were cast in the election is reason enough. Emerson expressed no dissatisfaction with his party or colleagues throughout his almost 2 years in government, nor throughout the election, nor even on election night. But then he was willing to discuss switching allegiances to the Conservatives overnight. Whether my party likes it or not, people here did not vote for that.

Second, many supported candidates who were supportive of at least some Liberal promises or policies – the National Child Care program comes to mind. Last spring Collingwood Neighbourhood House had a waiting list over 1000 long! Even I don’t like our party’s policy on child care – the 1200 dollar per month giveaway, less taxes, is not a child care plan – its a vote buying strategy rehashed from Election 2004, with a sexier package. Emerson defended the Liberal plan which would have guaranteed new spaces be built, and ensured existing spaces received the funding they need; now as a Conservative minister, he is duty bound by cabinet rules of conduct to support the new government’s position to cancel that program. People here did not vote for that.

And third there are democracy advocates that acknowledge the gut level and policy issues but also look at the bigger picture. What Harper did with the Emerson and Fortier appointments was create one precedent and reinforce another. Democracy advocates see what’s happened as one more step towards a completely unelected, unaccountable, American-style cabinet. People here did not vote for that.

No matter why people are upset, their concerns are every bit as important and legitimate today as they were on Feb 6 when Emerson crossed into Harper’s open arms. Harper’s crass indifference to the people of this riding reminded us all that in the minds of some political leaders, the will of the people simply doesn’t matter. Well, the people here did not vote for that and we will not lie down without a fight to the end. Its time to take a stand.

I want to express my thanks to people in Vancouver and all across Canada who, while we our doing our little bit to keep this issue alive, help us with their continued strong encouragement. Whether its a slap on the back or a thumbs-up while driving by, your support is key to this effort. Most of us have never participated in a protest before, in fact almost all of us have never participated in the political system beyond voting. We are just regular folks – your neighbours – who decided to stand our ground for the benefit of us all. Join us – new people are volunteering each week to help out – there’s so much to do.

On Sunday April 2nd, the day before parliament reconvenes, we are holding a non-partisan, citizen-driven, pro-democracy event called Walk for Democracy. We expect over 1000 people to come out and walk through parts of the riding to join us in a rally at the end. We’re planning a fun and informative event which will send a clear message to Ottawa. Details will soon be posted at www.walkfordemocracy.ca. Join us.