The Greens received more than a million votes across the country, but that only translated into three seats.

One of those elected, leader Elizabeth May, struck a sad tone in her speech to supporters.

However, she also said that this was the best result of any Green party in a first past-the-post system.

She emphasized that two-thirds are women: herself and Fredericton East candidate Jenica Atwin.

The third Geen elected was Paul Manly in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, who was first elected in a by-election earlier this year.

The Greens were hoping to fare much better, particularly on southern Vancouver Island, but the party lost to the New Democrats in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke and Victoria.

May said that the Greens raised awareness, while pointing out that none of the other parties fared especially well with the exception of the Bloc Québécois.

She also noted that the Greens will be holding the government's feet to the fire.

"There will be crispy toes," May quipped.