OTTAWA -- Manitoba NDP MP Pat Martin hopes to turn over a new leaf in the next Parliament and lead a movement for improved respect between MPs.Is this same Pat Martin who was so rude and disrespectful to Minister Oda just a couple of months ago during the so called "contempt" hearings and the disgraceful treatment of Candace Hoeppner on CBC Power and Politics? The treatment of both of those ladies were thoroughly despicable.
Martin admits he is known as a "loudmouth," but he said Tuesday he believes that gives calls by him to be more respectful of others more meaning.
"This is my new policy," Martin said, holding up a handful of party-coloured buttons he had made reading "Opto Civitas."
"I choose civility. That's the new me."
Has Pat suddenly had an epiphany? Has he decided to grow up? Let's hope so. A leopard just can't change his spots but let's see if he really has changed. It's like L.Ian MacDonald says:
But if the New Democrats are to be taken seriously, it's time for them to behave like grown-ups, and lighten up on the sanctimonious grandstanding of front-benchers like Tom Mulcair and Pat Martin.
I agree there needs to be more civility between parliamentarians in the HOC. Parliament had become a toxic cesspool with all the vitriol and petty partisanship. It might have been a result of the minority situation, I don't know but it become stomach churning.
Will Pat actually follow through? It would be nice. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, for now but on the other hand I'm not holding my breath. I guess we'll just have wait to see what happens.
