Dear Friend,
It was 10 years ago this week that the voters of Saanich–Gulf Islands made the historic choice to send me to Parliament as Canada’s first Green MP.
People said that a Green could never be elected under the first-past-the-post system. They said that we were too idealistic, too new on the political scene – too green.
Since I took my seat in Parliament, 17 other Greens have been elected to provincial and federal legislatures. Across Canada, Greens continually punch above our weight, improving the health of our democracy. We have proposed and passed legislation, advocated for our constituents – we’ve also held the balance of responsibility (what others call the balance of power) and served as the official Opposition.
Time and time again, we’ve shown that a new way of doing politics is not only possible, it’s exactly what most Canadians want. That’s why when Greens get elected, they stay elected.
The pandemic has shown how much work remains in addressing inequities and closing the holes in our social safety net. And the climate crisis demands immediate, ambitious action via a Green Recovery. Now more than ever, we need to elect Greens who will offer bold leadership on these defining issues.
We have an incredible opportunity to elect the first federal Green in Ontario. Canada needs Annamie in Parliament, and Toronto Centre deserves a fearless champion in Ottawa. So let’s get her elected.
I’d be very grateful for any support you can give to help elect Annamie. If you’re able to make a donation of $100 today, I’ll send you a free copy of my book Paradise Won: The Struggle to Create Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve – a reminder of what’s possible with solidarity and collective action.
In the decade since I first took my place in the House of Commons, I’ve seen what Greens in Parliament can accomplish. We could list accomplishments, but I prefer to look to the future. I think our most important role is giving Canadians a party they can believe in; a party that gives them hope.
With your help, we can do so much more. It’s time to make history again.
Yours,
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Elizabeth May |