It was principle, ultimately, that led St. Albert's member of Parliament to resign from the Conservative Party caucus on Wednesday evening.
Facing the media for the first time since his decision, Rathgeber said he couldn't in good conscience continue
“From time to time I've spoken out against the government,” Rathgeber said. “That's atypical for a backbencher.”
Rathgeber resigned from the Conservative caucus Wednesday night after the government amended one of his private member's bills against his wishes. Rathgeber's bill was aimed at forcing bureaucrats who make more than $188,000 annually to disclose their salaries. The government amended it to make the salary limit more than $400,000.
Rathgeber said he disagreed with a suggestion from the Prime Minister's Office that he should resign his seat and run in a by-election.
“I think that's a little rich coming from the Prime Minister's Office,” Rathgeber said. “I think it shows a lack of understanding how our Westminster Parliament works.”
Rathgeber said he has not given any thought to resigning from the party itself. He will however sit as an independent.
“I will use my now unchained time in question period to ask the government fair but pointed questions,” Rathgeber said.
Rathgeber, who succeeded former MP John Williams in 2007, has since been elected twice to represent Edmonton-St. Albert.
He said he does not plan to cross the floor to any other party, nor does he expect to re-join the Conservatives.
He rejected a Conservative suggestions that he resign his seat and call for a by-election.
“I'm accountable to my constituents. If I sense some of my constituents are unhappy I'll have to deal with it. I'll answer to them. I won't answer to the PMO anymore.”
Rathgeber said he has received mostly support from constituents so far, as well as from some other members of the Conservative caucus.
He is also getting a lot of support locally for his decision. Bob Russell, who has been involved with the federal Liberal party for some time, said he thought Rathgeber made the right choice.
“I think he'll still do his best and maybe he will get a little more attention,” said Russell. “I think he'll still do his damnedest to help.”
John Kennair, who ran against Rathgeber in 2007 for the Conservative nomination, also said he supports Rathgeber.
“I think Brent should represent the riding and be openly challenging,” Kennair said.
