Green Party of Canada Makes Inroads

By Steve Auger, BlogOnSmog	Sphere: Related Content
The Canadian Green Party made inroads in Tuesday's federal election, increasing their popular support to 7% (745,000 votes) compared to 4.5% in the previous federal election.  Overall, the election resulted in another minority government for the Conservative Party.
Leader Elizabeth May and the Green Party had momentum in their favor heading into the final weeks of the campaign with the environment being the top priority for most Canadians.  But the world financial crisis put the environment on the back burner.   Another unfortunate circumstance had both the Liberals and the Green Party promoting a "green shift" in taxes .  This resulted in vote splitting between the two  parties.     The final tally saw the Conservative Party winning 144 seats out of a total of 308, the Liberals got 77 seats, the Bloc Quebecois 48 and the New Democratic Party (NDP) at 37.  Two independents also were elected.  The Liberals had one of their poorest showings in history and will undoubtably trigger a leadership review for Stèphane Dion.  The Green Party did not have any success getting candidates elected but the significant increase in popular support sent a clear message that the Green Party has arrived. As for Elizabeth May, she ran a spirited campaign against the very popular Defence Minister Peter MacKay in central Nova Scotia.  She chose to run in this riding because it is where her home is located.   She could have run in a less challenging riding and probably won a seat.  Hat's off to Elizabeth for not compromising her ideals.   She has announced that she would like to stay on as leader into the next election and I for one hope she does.  She made a strong showing and impressed throughout the campaign.   Of note were her outstanding performances in both French and English debates, with some reporters indicating that she won the English debate. Congratulations to Elizabeth May and the Green Party.  Keep up the good work!
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