Change of Season

This fall represents quite a change of season in my life. After much careful consideration, consultating with the National Campaign Committee, time spent talking to people in the riding, I decided that Saanich-Gulf Islands is the part of the country where most voters really want a chance to elect a Green and change Parliament. So, I have packed up and have made the trek across the country to settle into my new community. The moving van arrives on Monday and I will be in my new house in Sidney British Columbia! While this puts me at the very opposite end of the country from my daughter, she is so happy and enthusiastic about the Foundation Year Programme at Kings College this year in Halifax, that we are both off on new adventures and positive about the change.

Saanich-Gulf Islands is a great place to run for many reasons – the people there embody small ‘g’ values and they are willing to make history (they will always be remembered for electing Tommy Douglas). I have worked on environmental issues in BC for many many years and feel a deep connection to this beautiful coast and its people.

The welcome I have received from the people of my new community have made this transition a positive and exciting time. Many local people have come up to me to tell me they are thrilled to have me and they are ready to work on my campaign. Of course, first I have to win the nomination. Unique to any other political party, there will be a challenger to my nomination and at the meeting on September 19th at Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, Green Party members of Saanich-Gulf Islands will choose between myself and Victoria resident Stuart Hertzog for their candidate. Yes, democracy is alive and well in the Green Party. (Let me reassure party members that, despite claims to the contrary from the other candidate, my campaign team is scrupulously following the rules surrounding the nomination contest.)

I have been overwhelmed by the positive response from Greens in Saanich-Gulf Islands and from British Columbia in general! The thumbs up from traffic cops, the “good luck” wishes from ferry staff and people in farmer’s markets, all confirm my sense that Saanich-Gulf Islands holds the green key to our future.

An election could soon be upon us soon and so please consider volunteering some time, both to your local campaign and to my campaign, if you can. This election we will make history and have the Greens in the House!

Change of Season