[GMMAC]

Think it's a question of degree and/or dogmatic adherence to principles vs. realpolitic.

There are some quite legitimate qualitative differences between what Harper's done and the Librano$ habitual modus operandi:
It could be argued that in Emerson's and especially in Fortier's case that he did what was necessary to provide Canada's 2nd & 3rd largest urban areas with Cabinet level representation.

Plus, Harper made it quite clear that Fortier's appointment was merely a stop-gap measure to allow him into the Cabinet & that he'd be resigning same & running to gain a Commons' seat from the Montreal area at the first possible opportunity: a pretty far cry from Martin & Chrétien cavalierly opting to ignore popularly elected Senate choices from Alberta.

While Emerson's decision to cross the floor is a bit more questionable, seemingly it's light years morally removed - at least in circumstances - from Belinda's back-stabbing move to prop-up a corrupt government about to fall.

On both I think Stephen put the nation's best interests ahead of whatever his personal convictions may be and thus passed the first test of his being "Prime Ministerial".

[youngtory]

If he wanted to put the country's best interest ahead, he would not have done exactly the same thing as the lieberals, it makes him no better than Paul Martin. There are lots of talented MPs in his caucus,thus there's no excuse none whatsoever. As for the appointment to the Senate just to give a guy from Montreal, 10 Conservatives were elected in Quebec. Why give it to him??

[fanfan]

Plus, Harper made it quite clear that Fortier's appointment was merely a stop-gap measure to allow him into the Cabinet

The media did not make this clear in their reporting. You should have heard Michael Harris (CFRA 580) lambasting Harper, calling him every kind of hypocrite.

[rasblue]

Harper is setting up the next election already. It will be Greater Toronto Area vs. the ROC (rest of Canada)