The Freedom to Make the Choice The outrage and fury from some Conservatives after a recent floor crossing has opened an important conversation about representation — and who Members of Parliament should truly serve.

Read the whole thing at once here:

open.substack.com/pub/ragewith...

It limits the concentration of power in the hands of party leaders and reinforces a fundamental truth: representation belongs to the people.

We must remember that Members are elected to serve people, not parties.

Protecting a Member’s ability to put their constituents first ultimately strengthens our democracy.

Forcing a byelection when an Member finds themselves standing where their party no longer does would create a barrier to one of the few remaining acts of political independence.

But whether we like it or not, and whether we see it as flawed or not, in our Westminster system there is strength in being part of a caucus — an undeniable advantage to it.

When former Liberal Member of Parliament Leona Alleslev crossed to the Conservatives, many people around me argued she should have been required to run in a byelection instead of joining the Conservative caucus. I understand that perspective.

While some floor crossers may act out of self-interest, the principle at stake is larger than any one person. It’s about ensuring that Members can put their riding and their constituents ahead of their party when necessary.

I think it’s normal to have mixed feelings when someone you know—or someone you’re aligned with—crosses the floor.

But there’s a reason we elect individual candidates, and why it’s so important that Members of Parliament have the freedom to make that choice.

(E.g www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... )

The outrage and fury from some Conservatives (okay, and some folks from other parties) after a recent floor crossing has opened an important conversation about representation — and who Members of Parliament should truly serve. 🧵⤵️

Poilievre and like-minded far-right individuals make space for hate, when hate should have NO place in Canada.

When you’re looking to #BuyCanadian, look closely.
I saw this at my local Sobeys.

This is forty.

It’s been a wild decade of many adventures with more ups than downs. And I’m feeling very grateful.

Waiting for a Save Theodore Tugboat crowdfund, to bring him home to #Halifax 🤣

Love that O’Bees was carrying pies from Joanne’s Market in Mahone Bay. What a treat.
🫐🥧🥰

Popped by the Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market, Morley’s, and the Portland Street Crêperie this morning. #Dartmouth

View from this morning.
#Ottawa

🙌

a close up of a seal 's face with big eyes ALT: a close up of a seal 's face with big eyes

My jaw dropped.

Super. How much? 👀

Picture taken from an airplane above the clouds with the bright sun in the distance

Good morning from above ⛅️

Totally beautiful!

a caution sign that says caution icy surface ALT: a caution sign that says caution icy surface

We headed to the airport early this morning and it was frosty and slippery out there.
Take care friends! #halifax #dartmouth

Hiya. It’s been so long!
Nope, not radicalized yet.

Thanks!

Hiiii!

Absolutely. Looking back, these changed my life in so many positive ways!

Hi, me too? 👋

Thanks!

I miss the old school #Halifax tweet-ups.
Where are you Halitwitterati? 🐦

Sorry, I’m not sure what took me so long. 👋