OTTAWA, Jan 6: Pakistani-style politics was witnessed in Canada’s House of Commons on Friday when an opposition Liberal MP crossed the floor and joined the ruling Conservative party.
The parliamentarian who changed the loyalties was no other than Wajid Ali Khan, a Pakistani Canadian.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was prompt in welcoming him to the Conservative Caucus.
“Despite our past partisan differences, I have always been impressed with Wajid Khan's intelligence, inspiring life story and his obvious love of our country,” said the prime minister in a statement.
“We have built a party that welcomes all Canadians. That is why I am proud to announce that Wajid Khan, the representative from Mississauga-Streetsville, is joining the Conservative party.”
Mr Harper said Wajid Khan, a former Pakistan Airforce pilot, put Canada before his party after the alleged terrorism arrests in Toronto last year when he offered to help the Conservative government.
The prime minister then named Mr Khan as his adviser on the Middle East and Afghanistan during last summer’s Mideast crisis between Israel and Lebanon.
“He will continue as my advisor on issues related to the Middle East and Central Asia,” he said.
Wajid Khan said in a statement that the Conservatives’ commitment to new Canadians helped influence his decision.
“I have come to admire the prime minister and his government over the last year,” he said.
“Eventually, I came to the conclusion that my ideals and priorities, and the interests of my constituents, would be better served if I sat as a Conservative MP.”
Wajid Khan refuted claim of his critics that he changed the party to get a job.
“That’s not true. I’m not seeking any job. I’m already doing a job,” said the prime minister’s adviser.
