Stand Up For Democracy Now: Emerson And The Crisis Of Citizen Democratic Rights

Furthermore, Mr. Emerson campaigned as a Liberal, spoke as a Liberal, placed lawn signs all over Vancouver-Kingsway announcing he was a Liberal candidate, collected donations as a Liberal, and citizens relying on those pronouncements elected him as their MP. To the shock and dismay of voters Mr. Emerson, at Mr. Harper’s invitation crossed the floor, and this in my view is not only in violation of the ‘doctrine of fairness’ but is a blatant breach of the ‘doctrine of legitimate expectations’. Harper campaigned on the theme “Stand up for Canada”, but before Parliament is even called into session he disregarded that theme. Therefore it falls to us, as citizens of Canada to “Stand Up for Democracy”. While it is proper that the NDP has referred this matter to the Ethics Commissioner – that is no effective remedy – likely it will take many months, even a year for a decision to come down from that office. The political remedy that is required is for both Mr. Harper and Mr. Emerson to resign and should that appeal to integrity fail, then the only resort is to seek a remedy in the courts of this land, a remedy that will protect citizen rights. Indeed if citizens of Canada value democracy they must not depend on politicians to advance or protect it, they must be prepared if necessary to look to the courts for protection of their fundamental rights. Peter Dimitrov