mithridates

Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Location: President's office, Korean Space Agency
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Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:57 am Post subject: Conservatives andd NDP in Canada just got a bit stronger |
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A Liberal MP that had been advising the PM on Middle East issues was told to make up his mind today about which party to support so he joined the Conservatives. With the extra seat it also means that they can pass a non-confidence vote with only the NDP's support, something they couldn't do before. Interesting day.
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Liberal MP Wajid Khan has crossed the floor and joined the Conservatives, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Friday in Ottawa.
The defection shifts the delicate balance of power in the 308-seat House of Commons, increasing the chances for the Conservatives to pass legislation.
"We have built a party that welcomes all Canadians," said Harper. "That's why I'm proud to announce that Wajid Khan, the representative from Mississauga-Streetsville, is joining the Conservative caucus."
Harper said Khan put Canada before his party after the alleged terrorism arrests in Toronto last year when he offered to help the Conservatives.
Harper then named Khan, a former fighter pilot in the Pakistani military, as his adviser on the Middle East and Afghanistan during last summer's Mideast crisis between Israel and Lebanon.
"He will continue as my advisor on issues related to the Middle East and Central Asia," Harper said Friday.
Khan said the Conservatives' commitment to new Canadians helped influence his decision.
"I have noticed that more and more Canadians are excited about joining the Conservative party... I came to the conclusion that my ideals and priorities and those of my constituents would be better served in the Conservative party," Khan said Friday, alongside the Prime Minister.
"I was very pleased when Prime Minister Harper agreed that I should join Canada's new government."
Khan said his former Liberal party was at odds with his values.
"Quite frankly, the Liberal party has moved away from people like me -- people who believe in free enterprise, support for families and a stronger, more assertive Canada on the world stage."
Khan said he informed Liberal Leader Stephane Dion of his decision on Friday.
"I respect Mr. Dion but I feel that Canada needs a leader and that leader is Prime Minister Stephen Harper."
Dion had told Khan to choose between his party and the Conservatives. |
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