Peter Goldring Maverick Watch

Peter Goldring rejoins the Conservative caucus and promptly expresses an opinion contrary to the position of the government.

Goldring said there are incidents where an MP who leaves caucus should reaffirm his or her support in a byelection, but not in Rathgeber’s case. “From time to time there are issues and there are scenarios where you will step aside from the caucus for the benefit of the caucus or on a matter of standing on your principles,” he told Power Play. “I don’t think that’s reason to be running in another election and putting the taxpayers through the probably hundreds of thousands of dollars it would cost to do so. He’ll be up again in the next election in two years’ time, and that’s the time he can be tested by the electorate.”

Mr. Goldring’s position at least has the benefit of being in line with Stephen Harper’s previous position.