The Right Honourable Stephen Harper,
Prime Minister of Canada,
House of Commons,
Ottawa, ON. K1A 0A6

Dear : Mr. Harper,

Before the January election Unitarians and Universalists in Canada may have had reason to be pleased with you promise to increase the accountability of government. We have since, however, been appalled by your acceptance of Mr. Emerson into your Party and Cabinet. Mr. Emerson, as a Liberal, vehemently opposed your policies. How is he now to be held accountable for them?

This flagrant breach of democracy particularly concerns us because of our covenant to affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process in our congregations and in society at large.

Mr. Emerson clearly did not cross the floor on a matter of principle (as Ms. Stronach at least gave the appearance of doing) but for pure political expediency, which provided him with considerable personal perks, power and prestige. The conflict of interest code requires MPs to “fulfil their public duties with honesty and uphold the highest standards so as to avoid real or apparent conflicts of interest, and maintain and enhance public confidence and trust in the integrity of each member and in the House of Commons.” Both you—the Prime Minister of Canada—and Mr. Emerson certainly appear to have broken this code.

You and Mr. Emerson both claim that Mr. Emerson can serve his constituency better as Minister of Trade than as a member of the opposition. This shows a disregard for democracy: the electorate in Vancouver-Kingsway did not elect a member who promoted Conservative policies. For better or for worse a plurality of voters wanted Liberal policies. In a democracy that wishes this, this must be respected.

Mr. Emerson has two honourable courses of action: he must either resign from the Conservative Party and sit as an independent, or he must resign as the elected member in Vancouver-Kingsway, and run in a by-election as a Conservative. The people, not you, will then choose who will represent them.

Your claim that the Ethics Commissioner cannot rule in this case because Mr. Emerson crossed the floor between the election and the first sitting of Parliament—as if ethics takes a break while the House is not in session—further displays your lack of understanding of and respect for democracy and ethical behaviour. That you have said you will not cooperate with him is a disgrace to your office.

Unitarians and Universalists urge you to persuade Mr. Emerson to act honourably, thereby restoring the respect that both Parliament and your Office deserves.

Yours truly,

Brian Kiely, President
Canadian Unitarian Council