Technically speaking, this backbench nobody is not part of the government. All he is right now is someone hoping to get re-elected, just like those he is running against are hoping to get elected. So, what he says carries as much weight as anything a Liberal, NDP, Green (or whatever other nutbar party you want to pick) says. You know, like the Liberal candidate who doesn't think sexual assault offenders should be put in jail, or the Liberal candidate who thinks Aboriginals are "dead beat feather heads".
Let's not even start talking about good old Hedy Fry, shall we? That could spin into a whole 'nuther thread about "stupid things politicians say" and yet she continues to be a member of the Liberal party of Canada and continues to run for re-election for them.
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