The PenOpticon

Veteran — and now former Conservative — MP Garth Turner is about to join the Green Party. Oh, I know he’s not quite there yet, but after a couple town hall meetings this weekend, his constituents will surely nudge him into the welcoming Green fold. It may be awkward for some Conservative Milton/Burlington residents to bless Garth’s entry into the Greens, but given Harper’s poll numbers, it is hard to imagine they will demand he continue to support the party that has just ousted him. After all, Turner has never been particularly shy about speaking his mind and he is adamant that his constituents come first before partisan overseers. Presumably, that is why they keep electing him. So, when Garth crosses the floor, he will be (mostly) powered by green principles — not by high octane political maneuvering. In other words, Garth Turner is no David Emerson.

If you have a gander at Turner’s recent MPtv segments, — his thoughts about the environment and his recent interview with Green Party Leader, Elizabeth May — it becomes clear that a natural organic chemistry is forming between Turner and the Greens. And, while he is (I think) primarily motivated by principles (and he can well afford them), he is also well aware that choosing the Greens will give him a high-profile platform that will attract significant media attention. After all, should he choose to accept Elizabeth’s mission, Turner will make history by becoming Canada’s first Green Party MP. Equally important, such a move will guarantee a spot for May in the next federal election Leader’s debate.

So, how long will it take Garth to make up his mind? In this week’s MPtv interview with May, Turner asks (and almost teases) “how are you going to get somebody down here (to the floor of the House of Commons). How long is it going to take?”

You tell us Garth!  I’ll be expecting an announcement on Monday, October 23 at 10am, sharp.