Green co-leader Elizabeth May holds B.C. seat for 5th term

The Green Party of Canada has secured its flagship federal seat in Saanich-Gulf Islands, with party co-leader Elizabeth May claiming victory in Monday night’s election. May, who has represented the riding since 2011, credited the success of her campaign to the dedication of over 250 volunteers who worked tirelessly to support her.

In her victory speech, May expressed confidence in the future of the Green Party, emphasizing that they are here to stay and are committed to making a difference in Canadian politics. Despite facing challenges in other ridings, including co-leader Jonathan Pedneault’s third-place finish in Outremont, May’s win in Saanich-Gulf Islands was a bright spot for the party.

The race in Saanich-Gulf Islands was closely watched, with polling aggregators considering it a toss-up between the Greens and the Conservatives. May, however, remained steadfast in her belief that her grassroots campaigning approach, which included extensive door-knocking efforts, would ultimately lead to victory.

In her victory speech, May highlighted the importance of being a strong opposition leader and noted the failures of other party leaders, such as the NDP’s Jagmeet Singh and the Conservatives’ Pierre Poilievre, to secure re-election. Singh conceded his riding and resigned as party leader, while Poilievre faced a deficit in his Carleton riding.

Despite concerns about being perceived as a one-issue party focused solely on the environment, May’s campaign resonated with voters in Saanich-Gulf Islands. She criticized the mainstream media for promoting a two-party narrative, which she felt hindered Pedneault’s chances in Quebec.

May also revealed that she had spoken with Liberal Leader Mark Carney, who congratulated her on her victory and expressed a desire to collaborate in the House of Commons. Leading up to the election, May defended the Green Party’s platform as being more than just environmental-focused, highlighting their innovative ideas for economic sovereignty.

Overall, the Green Party’s vote share in the election decreased, but May remains optimistic about the party’s future in Canadian politics. With a renewed focus on economic and environmental issues, the Greens are poised to continue advocating for change and making a meaningful impact on the national stage.