With the possibility of a fall election, the Green Party of Canada commissioned an independent poll by British Columbia-based McAllister Opinion Research in Leader Elizabeth May’s BC riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands. On the heels of national opinion polls showing the Greens gaining ground and polling very high provincially in BC, this poll shows a tight two way race in this key riding.

“It has been a year since Elizabeth May announced she was running in Saanich-Gulf Islands. The welcome has been warm, and supporters have been enthusiastic. We expect to continue rising in the polls as more people have the chance to meet Elizabeth and realize she is the best MP they could have,” said Jonathan Dickie, May’s Campaign Manager.

“We have the momentum. Support for Elizabeth is increasing and the race with the incumbent is essentially neck and neck,” said Dickie.

The poll shows May with 32% support from decided voters, only slightly behind Lunn with 34% of the vote, and within the margin of error of 4.8%, The NDP and Liberal candidates trail with only 17% of the vote, neither in striking distance of second place.

“I’m gratified by the support that Saanich-Gulf Island supporters have shown me in the past year,” said May. “Electing the Green Party Leader as MP will send a strong message to Ottawa that the citizens here are ready for a different sort of political leader, one who puts the health of the community above all else, one who will work for the renewal of democracy, one who will have a powerful influence on environmental policy in this country, one who realizes Canada needs to be a leader in the green economy. The citizens of Saanich-Gulf Islands are ready to make history.”

In the next federal election, Canadians will have the opportunity to repeat what just happened in the United Kingdom and in Australia this year: sending Greens to Parliament.

Debra Eindiguer
GPC Press Secretary

OTTAWA — Green Party members from the Ottawa area were joined by new deputy leader Georges Laraque for the Pride Parade this past Sunday.

Recognized by those lining the streets, Georges stopped frequently to shake hands, give hugs, pose for pictures, and sign autographs.

“Georges is not a career politician.” said Green Party organizer for the Ottawa Pride Parade Kevin O’Donnell. “He speaks naturally and connects with people in a very genuine way.”

“It was fun and energizing to march in the parade with Georges and so many Greens from the region” said Ottawa-Vanier Green Party riding association president Katie Gibbs. “By attending, Georges helped make this year one of our most exciting years at the Ottawa Pride Parade yet.”

The Green Party of Canada was the first federal party to officially support the inclusion of same-sex couples in civil marriage and were the first party to have an openly gay leader (Chris Lea 1990-1996).  Green Party policies include strong support for ending discrimination based on race, creed, ethnic background, political beliefs or sexual orientation.

“Everyone has the right to live their life without discrimination, without fear, and with joy and acceptance.  Greens continue to work for a world where differences in sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression are accepted and celebrated,” said Georges Laraque.

Please mark Wednesday, September 22nd on your calendar, and join us at 6:30 PM at the Blue Nile Restaurant, 577 Gladstone Avenue (just east of Percy St.) to choose a candidate to represent us in the 2011 provincial election.  One person has already been nominated, so if you or someone you know is interested in being a candidate, please contact Paul Merriam (paul.merriam@ottawacentregreens.ca).

Provincial Leader Mike Schreiner will be speaking and listening.  Everyone is invited to stay for food and conversation following the official meeting: please join us for some of Ottawa’s finest Ethiopian food.

To vote you must be a Green Party of Ontario member before September 8th. Click here to join the GPO.