Progressive Conservative MP Scott Brison's defection to the Liberal party Wednesday brought swift condemnation from Tory Leader Peter MacKay.
Mr. Brison said he is crossing the floor because the Liberals under Paul Martin better reflect his values now that the Tories have merged with the Canadian Alliance. He said he could not, in good faith, remain in the newly established Conservative Party of Canada, although he voted in favour of the merger.
However, a vitriolic Mr. MacKay said the timing of the MP's defection, two days before the Liberal government is sworn in on Friday, represents “a completely cynical, manipulative move by Mr. Brison to enhance his own personal career ahead of those of his constituents.”
The Nova Scotia MP, who is gay, said the new Conservative Party does not serve his more moderate ideals.
Liberal Leader Paul Martin, right, listens as Nova Scotia MP Scott Brison speaks to reporters at an Ottawa news conference on Wednesday. (Fred Chartrand/CP)
“I have no interest in being part of a right-wing debating club where we get together at conventions and debate how to privatize sidewalks,” Mr. Brison said from Ottawa, where he held a press conference with Liberal Leader Mr. Martin.
“I'm interested in playing a role in a centrist, modern political party,” he said.
The defection is a major coup for the new Liberal Leader, who will take over as prime minister on Friday and a blow for the Conservative Party of Canada. Mr. Brison had been touted as a possible leader of the new party.
Mr. Martin said Mr. Brison will make a “tremendous addition to our team.”
“Scott informed us yesterday of his desire to join the Liberal Party rather than become a member of the new Conservative Party. It is my pleasure to announce that he will now sit as a member of our Liberal caucus.”
Mr. Martin encouraged other MPs to join his “financially responsible, socially progressive and forward-looking government.”
Mr. MacKay, however, suggested that Mr. Brison was crossing the floor because he was bitter at having lost the June Tory leadership bid. He suggested his defection would be rewarded by Mr. Martin on Friday.
“It's really quite irreconcilable what he has done today. The real question then, has to be what's the motivation. Perhaps what we'll find out is on Friday, if there is some reward.”
He said Mr. Martin is trying to hurt the new Conservative Party by plucking Mr. Brison.
Mr. MacKay also denied that his party is slowly being drained of its talent, even though Mr. Brison is the fourth Tory to drop out of the new Conservative Party.
Former Tory leader Joe Clark said he cannot run for the new entity in the next election. New Brunswick MP John Herron and Quebec MP André Bachand also said they will not run under the new party's banner.
Mr. Martin said Wednesday that he has not heard from Mr. Bachand, who is also rumoured to be considering a leap to the Liberals. Another MP, Rick Borotsik, has also expressed his reservations about the merger.
“I hope that Mr. Borotsik will choose to stay active and involved and play a role.... Mr. Borotsik and all members of the caucus have to commit themselves to this new effort,” Mr. MacKay said.
The Tory Leader said efforts by Mr. Brison and others trying to paint the new party as a rigidly right wing movement are engaging in fear-mongering.
Mr. Brison, a businessman and investment banker who is open about his homosexuality, said at Wednesday's press conference he is uncomfortable with some of the Alliance MPs' views on gays — most recently, comments by Larry Spencer, who said that he would support a bill that would make homosexuality illegal.
He said that he wants to be in a party that supports diversity — the Liberals — and added that parties aligned with some intolerant ideas on issues such as homosexuality will never form a government.
“All progressive conservatives now face a choice as to which political party in this new political landscape best reflects their personal values and beliefs,” the Nova Scotia MP said. “I've made my choice.”
After the announcement, Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm said the Mr. Brison's move to the Liberals is a blow to the newly formed Conservative Party of Canada.
Dr. Hamm says he's profoundly disappointed because he fully expected Mr. Brison would be a voice for moderation in the new party. Jim Prentice, the only candidate who has come forward so far to run for leadership of the new Conservative Party of Canada, also said he was dismayed at the announcement.
With a report from Canadian Press
