Good Sunday Morning!
As I work wearing several different hats – as an MP, as a climate activist and as a leadership candidate – life goes on. Amidst much joy in my life through blessings of family and friends, I have been experiencing recent loss. Two dear friends, likely known to many of you, died this month.
On October 4th, we lost one of the kindest and most generous women ever. Dona MacKie was the loving and much-loved wife of Bob MacKie. Bob has served in many capacities in the GPC – as President, as British Columbia rep on Council, as dedicated volunteer in SGI and key to getting this newsletter sent out for years. Keep Bob in your thoughts as he goes through the tough days of recent bereavement.
This last Wednesday another dear friend and stalwart Montreal Green volunteer died. Michel Sigouin passed from this life after a brief and aggressive cancer diagnosis. Michel was a mainstay of every strong federal Green campaign in Quebec. When any candidate needed help, Michel was there. I spoke with him the day before his death. He was so calm, so brave. And he had faith. His strongest wish was for us to keep fighting. Sending much love to his wife and family and to all those who loved him. It is a long list.
Reflections on love and loss also touched my work in the House as we paid tribute to the late Bill Blaikie. Bill was an MP for thirty years and then became part of the Manitoba NDP government. Wednesday, I was honoured to be among the six parliamentary speakers. I first met Bill Blaikie in 1987. We shared many adventures over that long friendship. I loved him and will miss him.
To my surprise, CBC As it Happens ran a clip that night at the 34:40 mark: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-2-as-it-happens/clip/15943440-plea-de-coeur
This YouTube links to my whole speech (including our marching together, and getting tear-gassed together, at the Seattle WTO). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyIG7GVRCXk
Greens were also active this week pressing for action on water – and climate – stressing the link between the two:
Elizabeth May: Canada needs an independent Water Agency – YouTube
As well, Mike Morrice was recognized by the people who mean the most to him. He has been waging a crusade to eliminate poverty among the disabled. We have worked together, of course, but Mike was thanked as “family” by the champions in Disability without Poverty. C-22, the act to create the Disability Benefit, moved through second reading with unanimous support! We will keep working to strengthen it!
Yesterday, I had a grand time in Calgary with Jonathan Pedneault, local friends and supporters. We experienced our first snow on the ground! Later today, Calgary podcaster, Chris Brown, will be hosting all leadership candidates (6:30 pm ET, 3:30 BC) You can watch here: https://youtu.be/c5VLJPpF_aU.
All for now,
Elizabeth
