Claire Martin: Why we need a Green Party of Canada

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      I’ve always been a runner!

      I have spent many-a-year running races that I had no hope of “winning”, but relishing the run itself, the uphill battle, and oftentimes raising money, or the profile, of a good cause.

      This particular race however—the upcoming election race—is whole different kettle of fish for me. This one—I want to win!

      I entered this race as a frustrated voter, hoping that some of my previous on-air experience with CBC and Global and my scientific background would help shine the spotlight on some glaring issues we have with our current government. As the days and weeks have gone by I have become more dumbfounded, more outraged at the sheer contempt the current government exhibits towards Canadians. 

      Let me back up. 

      I have always voted “Green”—in the past, more as a protest vote than anything else—but in recent years as part of a growing contingent of Canadians who are voicing their discontent with the status quo.

      The Green Party of Canada has deep roots as an environmental-first party; it is the backbone of who we are today. But under the wise leadership of Elizabeth May, and with smart, forward thinking members, we have grown into a rounded, well versed national political party. The Green Party has the most comprehensive, extensive platform with well-researched policies on everything from the treatment of our military veterans, to the dire need of affordable housing and a better healthcare system; from a plan to eliminate student debt, to a promise to radically cut the PMO’s budget.  Oh, and we’re the only party to stand in absolute opposition to all current pipeline development plans.  We oppose any and all pipeline proposals committed to shipping raw bitumen out of Canada. Full stop.

      But aside from all this—it is actually the Green Party of Canada’s stance on democracy that has excited me as a candidate/runner. Here’s the deal: our current government has systematically dismantled our democratic rights to question our Prime Minister on the workings of government, to have—say—a National Science Advisor, to negotiate a new health care accord, to even allow reporters to fire questions during scrums, but most importantly, our right to gather and civilly protest any number of issues. I am - of course - talking about the ramifications of Bill C51. 

      Luckily in my apprehension, I am not alone. 

      Bill C51 has been presented to us under the guise of protecting Canadians from a purported global jihad. But as time will tell, this bill may conveniently aid in another struggle: to silence dissent and quell any number of civil protests, including environmentalism, in Canada. 

      Canadians deserve a democracy in which all citizens have the right to express their views, and are able to directly participate in the environmental, economic, social and political decisions that affect their lives. 

      So as a member of the first party in Canada to decry this bill, I am running for Canadian democracy.

      Essentially—as our party slogan states—we are aiming for a Canada that works. Together.

      I’m running for the Green Party of Canada. I’m running to bring integrity, transparency and data-driven decisions back to Ottawa. It’s time voters feel good about their votes knowing there are candidates that will represent them first, above all else!

      Comments

      52 Comments

      Guilin Fish

      Aug 31, 2015 at 3:45pm

      We need a Green Party with a program almost identical to the NDP's so that the progressive vote can be divided and the conservative can win again.

      Stephen

      Aug 31, 2015 at 4:28pm

      We need a Green Party because voting Green is a more gratifying way of protesting the Harper regime than is spoiling one's ballot. Unfortunately the net effect is the same.

      RUK

      Aug 31, 2015 at 4:49pm

      We need the Green party to re-elect Harper on behalf of all of the editorial cartoonists in Canada.

      james cameron

      Aug 31, 2015 at 4:51pm

      Well. this weatherwoman should have stayed that.But if she pushes medical reform good. i again had to go to doctor to get another affordeable? prescription(I thought)only to have pharmacist ask for nearly $50.

      Ed S.

      Aug 31, 2015 at 5:23pm

      We need less NDP shills commenting and more people that want the human species to have a future on this planet to vote in the next election. The vote splitting argument is moot as votes cannot be siphoned. Let's not forget recent polls that say that less than half of all Green Party voters would change their vote to another party anyway.

      People that vote Green care about the environment, people that vote for any of the other 3 parties simply do not. Even Mulciar is lying to Canadians saying it is possible to expand tar sands and exude less GHG emissions. The scientists say the two ideas are incompatible. Who do you believe, the politician that will say anything not to offend a potential voter base or the scientists?

      Green Party is the only choice if you care about the environment at all.

      FN

      Aug 31, 2015 at 5:25pm

      Please go back to being the weather lady and don't split the vote. The Liberal candidate is a better option for defeating your local HarperCon

      Ann E.

      Aug 31, 2015 at 5:52pm

      Divide and conquer is what the Harper Conservatives count on. In contrast, Greens are committed to working with all parties to make meaningful changes happen. One Green MP, Elizabeth May, did more in the last Parliament than many others. She spoke up. She challenged. She provided reasoned arguments and proposed meaningful amendments to some of the most awful, anti-democratic legislation Canada has every seen. Green MPs represent their constituents first and foremost. So, Go Claire Go!

      Erin B

      Aug 31, 2015 at 6:07pm

      Claire to me is an obvious vote - a voice for her constituents regardless of the party. The Green Party is a great choice for the progressive voter - wishing her all the best!

      Matt H

      Aug 31, 2015 at 6:20pm

      Awesome, Claire. The fact that the negative comments on here are the same old "BUT MUH VOTE SPLIT" speaks to the fact the negativity never changes despite four Greens being elected at different levels since 2011.

      Riddle me this, friends: am I "splitting the vote" by voting Green if I would never vote any other way?

      Who owns my vote? Me? Or the local monkey people claim can best defeat Harper?

      Ken Melamed

      Aug 31, 2015 at 6:22pm

      Thank you Claire. For stepping up, for your inspiring words, and for the gravitas you bring to the Green Party of Canada. The Choice is Claire.