Elizabeth May makes history in Saanich-Gulf Islands

The voters of Saanich-Gulf Islands (SGI) have made history, electing Canada’s first Green Member of Parliament. Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party, defeated Conservative Cabinet Minister Gary Lunn in a close and hard-fought race for the riding on Vancouver Island.

“I want to thank the voters of SGI for choosing respect, for choosing a positive vision for Canadian politics. Together we will make history and change Canadian politics,” said Ms. May. “I also want to thank the Green candidates and volunteers, who worked so hard for the last 37 days. Most of all I want to thank everyone who voted Green.”

The undemocratic action of the broadcasters limited the choice of Canadians in this election. Immediately following the 2008 debate, when Canadians had a chance to see Ms. May, Green Party support increased. Following the 2011 debates where Ms. May was excluded, support began to drop immediately. As a result, across Canada, the overall Green Party vote declined, although there were still strong showings in ridings such as the Yukon, Victoria, Vancouver Centre, Dufferin-Caledon, Calgary Centre, Okanagan-Shuswap, and Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

“In 2008, I was able to show millions of Canadians what a truly positive and forward-thinking party looks like, and our vote went up significantly. In 2011, the TV networks decided positive messages do not make for good TV, and 4.3 million Canadians were denied the chance to hear our positive vision, and our vote decreased. There is a direct correlation,” said Ms. May.

“Despite this, the Green Party achieved our goal for 2011. We now sit in Parliament, and we can no longer be denied our place in any aspect of Canadian democracy,” Ms. May continued. “On this foundation we will build and we will show Canadians there is a real alternative to the old parties. The Green Party will continue to grow, addressing the critical issues the other parties ignore.”

Paul – Ontario

Ok Elizabeth – where do we go from here please?
http://profiles.google.com/deadlypear Nicole Bottles

congratulations elizabeth. we are all so proud! a green in ottawa…this is just amazing. best of luck in the house of the big C. :p xox
Goalieequeen00

So glad to see green in parliament. Congrats Elizabeth May. I know you’ll do great things.
Pat & Peter

Congratulations, Elizabeth!!! … So delighted and relieved you’ve won. It was wonderful to watch you as you gave your victory speech with that huge ear-to-ear smile!nnThere can be no doubt that the Green Party was excluded from this election up to and including on election night when the party status bar for the Greens on CBC was gray… You will make everyone take notice, things will change for the better and we predict the fortunes of the Green Party will as well. You are THE bright light of election 2011!nnAll the best as you get settled into your new role as the Honourable Elizabeth May, MP!nHugs,nPat & Peter, Fergus ON
http://www.petertretter.com/ Peter

Very well done! Grats!
Georgealston

the apparent manipulation by the so called free press is what appalled me..everytime they interviewed stephen harper it would include a sound bite of warning of the big bad coalition..disgusting !
cendrine

This is the best news — Congratulations Elizabeth! Thank you for your perseverance!
http://profiles.google.com/webmasteractor Adrian Richards

Green Party will be attracting a lot of attention in Parliament!nWatch as other MPS “Switch” and join you Elizabeth!nI predict by the end of 2011 You will see at least one and possibly twonwill be asking for your blessing! n
Geri Ramsay

I’m delighted that SGI has chosen you Elizabeth! What I’m now wondering is how, over the next four years, can SGI exemplify the benefits and potential of adopting and integrating a Green Platform? What do you need from your constituents? I would like to see a meeting on Salt Spring where you can explore what residents need from you as our representative and in turn, what you need from us that when provided would support the party’s progress.
Sharon Danley

I am thrilled that through almost impossible odds and deliberate denial of Canadian’s rights to hear you debate, you still gain the first Green seat in Canada. I am also thrilled that Parliament will be a better place because of you and the responsible, ethical, professional tone you will bring to the house.nnI passionately hope the Green party will continue pursuing legal action toward the consortium as they have to be made accountable for their unthinkable actions by denying you and Canadians their right to hear you in the debates.nnI’d also like to know how it is that party found in contempt of Parliament could still run.nnMy prayers and best wishes are with you into this new adventure and I am ver proud that you are representing my vote in Parliament.
Nye

Elizabeth, in the riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands, you had an incredible opportunity. And through all of your hard work, you made it come true!nnCongratulations :)
Barbara

Thank you all to the good people of Saanich-Gulf Islands who made this happen! nnElizabeth, we just heard you on the radio.nnProportional representation, evidence based policy, civility in the House of Commons….whoa, maybe politics isn’t as depressing as I thought.nnThank you all.
Khaynes

-looking forward to learning more about the Green Party ideas… (-Voted ‘otherwise’ because I hadn’t heard enough about the Green Party …Now that they have a seat in parliament, we nnwill have the opportunity to listen and learn more about them. That’s what I love most about our country… Long live democracy! n
Sharon Danley

I am so very proud to be a Green member in Toronto and so very proud that despite the bullying of the media consortium, palpalable neglect for the Greens by media in general and the other leaders, you achieved the Green goal Elizabeth. Can’t think of a better person to represent the Greens or Canadians.nnI remain at your service.