EDMONTON - Edmonton East MP Peter Goldring has changed his caucus affiliation from the Conservative party to Civil Libertarian after being charged with failing to provide a breath sample to police in December.
Goldring voluntarily withdrew from Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s caucus after being charged when he was pulled over Dec. 4 on his way home from a fundraiser.
Goldring, who has represented Edmonton East since he was first elected in 1997, hasn’t spoken publicly about the incident. He or his lawyer are expected in court Jan. 25 to offer a plea or ask for more information.
In 2009, Goldring opposed proposed legislation changes that would allow police to screen all drivers with roadside breathalyzer tests, whether or not officers suspected the drivers had been drinking.
“It is safe to say everyone is opposed to drunk driving — but there are civil liberty issues involved,” Goldring wrote in an article posted on his website at the time. “There is the presumption of innocence and the right to not self-incriminate.”
Harper comments on charges against Edmonton MP
Prime Minister Stephen Harper commented for the first time Friday about driving-related charges laid against Edmonton East’s veteran member of Parliament.
MP Peter Goldring withdrew from Harper’s Conservative caucus a month ago after he was charged for failing to provide a breath sample to police. He was pulled over on Dec. 4 after a fundraising event.
Harper declined to comment on the specifics of Goldring’s case but said his government considers drinking and driving to be a serious issue.
“This is an issue we consider one of our highest priorities,” he said.
Goldring, who has represented Edmonton East since 1997, has since changed his caucus affiliation from the Conservative party to Civil Libertarian.
The next court date in the case is scheduled for Jan. 25.
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