(October 2008) There’s a new face on the political scene in Ottawa and it’s Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada. Often described by media as a no-nonsense candidate with a “shoot from the hip” approach to politics, Elizabeth has been turning heads and attracting voters right across the country. The initial decision to exclude her from the Leader’s Debate, was perhaps one of the greatest windfalls for the Greens as voters across the political spectrum stood up to shoot “foul”. Once included, Ms. May made it clear why the NDP and Conservatives might not have wanted her at the table. Bright, sincere, energetic and confident Elizabeth May has shown Canadians she’s a leader with a futurist approach and realistic vision on more than just environmental policy. I spoke with her moments after she stepped down from the train and rallied the “troops” in Toronto’s Hockey Hall of Fame…
Mb: So why did you decide to take a train on your campaign rather than a plane like the others?
EM: For a number of reasons. First of all, because far less carbon is emitted in my travel by taking the train. And secondly, it is a more efficient and a pleasant working environment for the entire trip. I also get to see the scenery and it’s gorgeous.
Mb: So what’s the main goal of this election?
EM: Change. My main goal is to make sure Stephen Harper is not the prime minister at the end of the next election.
Mb: So given you’re not the next Prime Minister are you suggesting people vote strategically?
EM: Strategic voting just doesn’t work. I won’t say, ‘You’ve got to vote Green if you believe in our policies.’ I’ll say, ‘Here’s our policies, figure out what you need to do.” I’d rather have no Green seats and Stephen Harper lose, than a full caucus that stares across the floor at Stephen Harper as Prime Minister, because his policies are too dangerous.
Mb: So who would you vote for?
EM: Well I’m of course my first choice. Mr. Dion would be my second. We have to have the kind of leadership that recognizes climate change and will do something about it. I’m more committed to climate action than I am to being a successful leader of the Green Party or being Prime Minister. The Green values around the world have always been towards a shift in values towards co-operation over competition, to sharing over greed. We don’t want everyone voting Liberal, we want to elect a lot of Greens but when I ask myself what’s the best end result of this election, I can’t help but think it’s a Liberal minority government with enough Greens and other party members to keep them honest.
Mb: What about the war in Afghanistan? What should our role be?
EM: We need to restore Canada’s role in the world as peace keepers and not an adjunct of George Bush’s war on terrorism. We must also redirect our resources to another critical area, rapidly building up logistics capacity within the Afghan National Army. When our combat tour of duty in Khandahar province ends in 2009, this critical non-combat role will be an invaluable continuing contribution from Canada. Mr. Harper must give up his empty rhetoric and focus on rebalancing the mission. We’d also have a continuing role in Afghanistan but within a transformed U.N. mission, legalizing and regulating the poppy trade for medicinal use, and bringing in more Islamic nations into the peace-keeping, security efforts in Southern Afghanistan through the U.N.
Mb: What else is important to you?
EM: Poverty and hunger are priorities for Greens, but the Green Party will not simply strive to reduce the poverty rates in Canada, we want to wipe poverty out for good. Most Canadians find it unacceptable that in a wealthy country like Canada, 15 percent of Canadian children still endure the hardships associated with inadequate income. No child should be faced with inadequate nutrition or go to bed hungry.
Mb: In one quick sound bite, what do you want Canadians do know or do?
EM: On Oct 14th, no matter what you else you’re going to do get out and vote