Turner's Offer

To make a point perfectly clear, I do not believe Turner should have joined the Liberal caucus without first resigning and running in a by-election.

Party-centric folks will groan and ask questions like “is it practical”, given that riding associations for all parties now feel a sense of urgency to nominate candidates for an election which may come at any time. To that I reply: who cares if its practical for parties and candidates? This issue is about the meaning of every citizen’s vote, not about what’s convenient for political parties.

I will cut Mr. Turner the slightest amount of slack: his offer to resign if the Prime Minister agrees to also accept the resignations of Emerson and Khan in order to force by-elections for all three ridings while if not original nor brave at least underscores the need for legislation on the matter.

Change the rules. Make them fair and just, but make sure the scales of justice and fairness tip on the side of citizens, not political candidates and MPs.