Music

Stephen Harper protest song leads to scientist's suspension

by Jesse Locke

Tony Turner is an environmental scientist employed by the Canadian government who moonlights as “a mainstay on the Ottawa folk music scene.” His protest song “Harperman” listing off a series of slags at Canada’s rock dad has now led to Turner’s suspension.

The six-minute recording with a backing choir, double bass, and Turner on guitar contains memorable couplets like “Who’s the king of secrecy? / Who has slashed the CBC? / No money for PTSD / Accuses good judge Beverley.” Wielding the power of rhyme, the chorus continues “No more Cons, Cons, Cons / We want you gone, gone gone.” It may be the most audacious Canadian song-based activism since the glory days of the Raging Grannies.

According to the CBC, Turner’s anti-Tory anthem has seen him accused of having “violated the departmental code of values and ethics in that the writing and performing of this song somehow impeded his ability to impartially study migratory birds.” OK. Diane McIntyre, who sings a solo in “Harperman”, told the Ottawa Citizen that the government’s response to suspend and investigate Turner contributes to “muzzling” and “the politics of fear.”

Stephen Harper is currently campaigning for re-election with the polls opening on October 19. Watch the video below: