Green and growing

My story about being a Green politician in Canada, and why it was the best thing I ever did.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Mission accomplished

Well, we did it. In London North Centre, Elizabeth quintupled the Green vote from the previous election and finished a strong second place at 26%, besting the Conservative candidate and the NDP candidate. The Liberals held on to the seat this time, but their popular support dropped ten points. This is the best showing the Green Party has ever had federally and is a sign of things to come.

Between this and the recent Liberal leadership convention which elected Stephan Dion as its new leader, the sands have shifted and a new possibility is emerging. Recent polls have seen a drop in support for the NDP and for the Bloc Quebecois. Within the statistical band of confidence, the Greens, NDP and Bloc Quebecois are tied. This next election will be very interesting.

I feel comfortable with this change. I think the values of the Green Party are well thought out, and well placed. Values of democratic renewal, social justice, forward thinking and, of course, taking care of our home, our planet.

Wishing you peace,
Jim