800 People Rally in Sidney to Make History by Electing Elizabeth May

Sidney, BC – 800 Green Party supporters packed the room tonight at one of the largest election rallies that has taken place so far in BC. More people rallied tonight in Sidney in support of Elizabeth May than those who rallied in support of Stephen Harper last Saturday, where it was reported that 500 people showed up in Campbell River.

“There’s no question that the momentum is here, in Saanich-Gulf Islands. What a tremendous show of support tonight to make history by electing Canada’s first Green to Parliament as a new voice for a sustainable economy and an end to the ultra-partisanship that has degenerated Canadian democracy in recent years,” stated Ms. May. “They say the definition of insanity is to do the same things but expect different results each time. The same goes for politics – how can we expect fundamentally different results if we always vote for the same parties and politicians every time?”

Hundreds supporters dipped their thumbs as they entered the room in green veggie-dye ink at the rally, to show their voting intentions for Ms. May. The action emulated the ink-dyed forefingers of voters after casting their ballots in many developing nations, which has become a symbol of emerging democracies around the world.

Ms. May was joined by Georges Laraque, deputy Green leader and former NHL star, and a host of other speakers (see below), including musician Bill Henderson of the band Chilliwack, who played a new song he composed for May’s election.  Speaker after speaker sent similar messages that sending Elizabeth May to Ottawa as the first Green to be elected to Canadian Parliament  would infuse Canadian democracy with a fresh new voice for a sustainable economy  and greater decency and respect in Canadian politics.

The latest poll in Saanich-Gulf Islands shows Elizabeth May in the lead with 45% of voters stating they were “most likely” or “leaning towards” voting for May, with 38% for Conservative Gary Lunn and 9% for each of the Liberal and NDP candidates. See: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/Green+poll+puts+Elizabeth+lead+riding/4678040/story.html

“Around the world, from Europe to Latin America to Australia to New Zealand, nationally elected Greens have diversified the political voices to create healthier democracies and more sustainable economies for the future,” stated Ms. May. “Being the only national leader of a political party running in Saanich Gulf Islands, I will have a disproportionately prominent voice in Parliament and in the media for the concerns of the local people than any other candidate running here. I welcome all former New Democracts, Liberals and Conservatives for Conservation to join with me this election to make history by sending me to Ottawa.”

Speakers at the rally included:

- Elizabeth May (National Green Party Leader)

- Georges Laraque (Deputy Green Party leader, former Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers NHL player)

-  Bob Simpson (BC Member of the Legislative Assembly, Cariboo North, Independent MLA)

- Guy Dauncey  (Award winning author of “The Climate Challenge” and Editor of EcoNews)

- Vicky Husband (Order of Canada and Order of BC recipient, local conservationist)

- Fraser Smith (Sidney business owner, Rotarian, and Chamber of Commerce board member)

- Des Kennedy (Gardener, Author, Activist)

- Bill Deverell (Script Writer, Author, Lawyer, Journalist)

- Arthur Black (Humourist, Columnist, Author)

- Lorna Crozier (Poet, Author, UVic Writing Department Chair)

- Ken Wu (Conservationist)

The Greens are working to ensure a Smart Economy, Healthy Communities, and True Democracy. CLICK HERE to see the party’s platform.