Dear Friend,
12 years ago, on May 2nd, 2011, Elizabeth May and the Green Party of Canada made history in Saanich-Gulf Islands by electing the first Green candidate to Parliament. Since then, Greens have made significant strides in Canadian politics, with more Greens elected to the House of Commons and provincial Green Parties holding the balance of power or forming the official opposition.
However, despite these accomplishments, political actions on climate change are not good enough. We need more Greens elected to hold our government accountable and push for real change.
That's why we're reaching out to you today. With a number of key by-elections coming up in the months ahead, we hope you'll consider supporting the Green Party's mission by making a donation. Your contribution will help us elect more Greens, like Elizabeth and Mike, who will fight for a sustainable future for all Canadians.
To celebrate this historic day, we've compiled stories from Greens from across Canada from that festive day that showcase the passion and dedication of our party. As Chris Tolley from Toronto said - “May 2011 was all about the future and change”.
Thank you for considering supporting the Green Party. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for all Canadians.
Chris Tolley, Toronto
May 2011 was all about the future, and change.
As I watched the election results roll in, I couldn’t help but think of the children’s book we had just bought in anticipation of our growing family. It told the tale of a tiny, brave mouse who called the circus their home. One day the mouse, fueled by courage and gumption, jumped on a box and let out a ferocious roar, scaring the tyrannical elephant and ending its reign of terror over all the other animals. Although seemingly small in stature, the mouse was powerful. And as the election desk called Saanich—Gulf Islands for Elizabeth, I realized - this was her roar. Both Elizabeth and the Green Party had stood up against those much larger and more powerful. And had won.
In that instant, the Canadian political circus as we knew it turned upside down. And that night, the Green Party, our political landscape, and the future of our country had all changed.
Bob Mackie, Salt-Spring Island
“Elizabeth knew we Salt Springers would be at Moby's pub and she thought to call us there, before she went on TV as the first Green elected in Canada. That says a lot about Elizabeth. (I ended up getting the call because I had shown up early to set up my computer to monitor results on the night. I passed the phone to Tom Mitchell. I will never forget the look on his face when I walked up with the phone in hand and casually said "It's Elizabeth".
The first words out her mouth on TV was about speaking "truth to power" and she has done so for the last twelve years.”
Asha Philar, Kitchener
12 years ago, I volunteered for the Green Party for the first time, making calls from home to support Elizabeth's campaign in SGI. I'll never forget the last 2 hours of election night, calling into the riding with so many others across the country, watching the number of remaining calls tick down on GVote. It felt amazing to be part of a growing movement, coming together to make history, to bring a real climate champion to the House of Commons.
Elizabeth's election showed me that a focused, organized campaign could produce change, even in our flawed electoral system. It was the same approach we used in Kitchener to elect Mike Morrice 10 years later!
I'm grateful for everything Elizabeth has achieved as an MP since 2011, and her relentless fight for climate action. Her election inspired me and other Greens to keep working together for a better world.
Chris Dixon, Saanich-Gulf Island
“We organized Elizabeth’s Salt Spring Island campaign in my living room on Mansell Road. We divided into teams for door to door canvassing, phone canvassing, sign installation, opening and staffing our tiny office at the midwife’s clinic et cetera. I remember the agony of waiting as one polling station counted and re-counted several times; they just couldn’t do the job, and as we all were locked into the building, the temperature started rising.
We knew most of the team was already at Moby’s and that all of Canada was waiting for our count. Finally the Returning Officer could accept the count and we were released. I remember walking into sheer pandemonium at Moby's. The house was serving complimentary oysters. Beer never tasted better and the image captures the elation of the moment when Elizabeth’s face filled the screen and she was declared our MP.”
Robin Marty, Montréal
I remember May 2, 2011. I was still a student at the University of Montreal. My political science student association was organizing an election night in a bar. During the 2011 federal election, it was the first time I was interested in federal politics and read the party platforms. The bar was divided into two camps, supporters of the Bloc Québécois and Jack Layton's NDP. When the results were announced in Quebec, half of the room and my friends were in tears at the collapse of the Bloc in the province. The other half was exultant at the orange wave. I, as a young student and French immigrant, was somewhat indifferent.
However, I remember, as we were in the late evening, that the euphoria of some NDPers had subsided somewhat after the announcement of a majority Conservative government under Stephen Harper, seeing a green box and the number 1 appear on the Radio Canada banner. Soon Radio Canada was showing Elizabeth May's election in Saanich Gulf-Island, and I seemed to be the only one in the bar at the time who was excited.
Sue Earle, Saanich-Gulf-Islands
“I remember the thrill of feeling that someone whose values I respect was getting to step up and speak for so many of us that have felt outside the mainstream agendas that prioritize corporations over environmental responsibility.
I remember being amazed at the feeling of finally backing a winner! And knowing Elizabeth’s Amazonian dedication to her values and constituents - what a good feeling of hope, renewal, inspiration and community!”
Fran McIninch, Saanich-Gulf-Islands
“I remember it was a wonderful evening. So much joy in getting Elizabeth elected. A hopeful time.”
Green Party of Canada