What Bill Casey's situation can teach us about MMP

Despite Peter MacKay's assurances that no would be "fired" for their budget vote, Bill Casey is now out of the Conservative caucus. Casey was first elected in 1988 and was one of the veterans in Harper's caucus. I'm not sure what will become of Casey now, presumably he will sit as an independent unless or until he joins another part or the Tories forgive him.

The one part of any party's electoral platform that I now regularly distrust is anything to do with giving backbenchers a greater roll. Everyone talks about it, it doesn't get done. Backbenchers are, for the time being, simply cattle to be herded into the Commons for a vote.

Interestingly, one of the principle critiques of mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) is that the "list" candidates would be entirely beholden to the party. How does that differ from the state of affairs in the House today? On matters that the parties consider important, MPs are not allowed to vote their conscience as it is. A "list" MP could just as easily be booted and find a home in another party or as an independent. Come election time, s/he could attempt to get on another list or stand as an independent. Same difference.