Blogging the Hill: Garth Turner and the Canadian Parliamentary Blogosphere

In: Canadian political science review: CPSR ; a new journal of political science, Band 2, Heft 3, S. 103-124

Abstract

Canadian parliamentarian Garth Turner was expelled from the caucus of the
governing Conservative Party in 2006. Turner was ousted because comments on
his blog allegedly breached caucus confidentiality. While political blogs are
mainstream in American politics, the study of Canadian political blogs is in its
infancy. This research addresses one aspect of political weblogs: blogging by
Canadian parliamentarians through a case study of Garth Turner Unedited. While
most current Canadian parliamentarians are online with their own web sites
promoting the constituency and party activities, Garth Turner is only one of a few
parliamentarians that embrace blogging in its full capacity. The research
demonstrates that the blog has become a virtual community for political
participation and expression.