Statement by NDP Ethics critic Charlie Angus on Bruce Hyer

Official Opposition Ethics critic Charlie Angus (Timmins–James Bay) issued the following statement on today’s floor crossing announcement by Bruce Hyer:

“Today’s self-centred decision by Bruce Hyer disrespects the voters of Thunder Bay-Superior North who sent him to Ottawa and serves to fuel the cynicism that has driven voters away from Canadian politics.

Mr. Hyer was elected on a platform that specifically promised to end floor-crossing. He made that promise to his constituents and today he broke his word.

Mr. Hyer now represents a party that received only 3% of the votes in this riding during the last election – betraying the 97% of the people of this riding who opposed the Green Party in 2011 – and the nearly 50% who voted NDP.

Regardless of the rationalisations and excuses he is offering up today, Mr. Hyer clearly stated last April that he left the NDP caucus because he did not receive an appointment to the Shadow Cabinet.

Mr. Hyer has broken faith with the voters. We are calling on him to do the right thing, the honourable thing, and immediately resign his seat and give the voters of Thunder Bay-Superior North a real choice in a by-election.

That's how democracy works.

Canada – and the people of Thunder Bay – deserve better.