Green Leader Elizabeth May makes election decision

NEWS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY OF CANADA

************************* May to run in Saanich-Gulf Islands

SIDNEY (September 8, 2009) - Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, announced today that she will seek the nomination for federal election in the B.C. riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands.

“Green leadership springs from this place,” said May. “The people here and the values they hold dear are the very heart of our movement. I will be so proud to stand for those values and help to create the change our country needs starting right here in Saanich-Gulf Islands.” After listening carefully to Green supporters from across the country, May made her decision in consultation with the Federal Council of the Green Party. “It was really the wave of support from voters that has been so impressive,” said Catharine Johannson, Green Party political campaign manager. “We have had people from every corner of the riding contact us and urge Elizabeth to help them dump Mr. Lunn. He is a tough opponent who has shown he will take divide and conquer politics to a whole new level. But I think that it is just that kind of politics that needs to meet Elizabeth May.” In response to the calls of local activists, May spent much of the summer meeting with voters from Salt Spring Island to Sidney, Mayne Island, Pender Island, Saturna as well as throughout the Saanich Peninsula.

The National Campaign Committee fully endorsed May’s candidacy, impressed by the diversity of grass roots support and her connection with local green values. British Columbian voters seem set to make an historic statement in this election.

With recent published polls showing the Green Party under May’s leadership topping 24 percent in popular support province wide, the decision to help boost that momentum by running in B.C. came naturally. “I am excited by this challenge,” said May. “Ever since Mr. Lunn fired the head of our nuclear safety commission I have wanted to hold Mr. Lunn to account for that shameful behaviour. I have the courage of conviction and I’m prepared to stand up for the values people hold in their hearts. That’s what it will take to win.” The nomination meeting will be held September 19 at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney.

“Democracy is alive and well in the Green Party of Canada, and voters here are already joining up in unprecedented numbers to ensure Elizabeth can get to work here quickly to create the change we want,” said local Campaign Manager John Fryer. “I am so excited that Elizabeth has chosen to run here in Saanich-Gulf Islands,” said former Saanich-Gulf Islands Green candidate and former Deputy Leader Andrew Lewis. “We need her in the House of Commons to speak up for moving Canada into the new Green economy and to ensure that the environment is a key consideration in government decisions. This is a chance for our riding to make history in electing the Green Party Leader and to help get our politics back on track.” *************************