Greens fight for survival as federal polls predict worst results in recent history

Polls suggest that the Green Party is facing a tough battle to maintain its presence on Canada’s electoral map come election night, but co-Leader Elizabeth May remains optimistic, citing the party’s ground game as a key factor that could defy the odds.

May, a seasoned politician running for her fifth term, shared that she has been so actively engaging with constituents by knocking on doors that she has developed a workplace injury. She humorously mentioned that only her left hand can continue the door-knocking duties as her right hand is too sore. Despite this setback, May is determined to fight for the survival of the Green Party in an election dominated by the Liberals and Conservatives.

The current polling data does not paint a rosy picture for the Greens, with the party hovering around two per cent support according to CBC’s Poll Tracker. This is the lowest level the party has experienced in recent years, raising concerns about their electoral prospects. Analysts are predicting a challenging outcome for the Greens, with slim chances for co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault to win the Montreal riding of Outremont.

May is facing a tough battle in her own riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands, with political experts describing it as the “race of her life.” Despite the party’s efforts to revamp its image with new leadership, messaging, and branding, the Greens are struggling to break through in a campaign dominated by affordability issues and concerns about Canada’s sovereignty amidst the U.S.-triggered trade war.

Climate change remains a top priority for many Canadians, with around 70 per cent expressing concerns about the issue. However, the Green Party’s momentum from the previous decade seems to have waned, with a lack of impact following the party’s rebranding efforts. The party’s perceived focus on long-term climate solutions rather than immediate relief for voters’ pressing concerns has been a challenge for their electoral prospects.

The Greens were dealt a blow when Pedneault was excluded from the federal leaders’ debates due to a technicality regarding the number of confirmed candidates in ridings across the country. May criticized the decision as unfair and unhelpful to both the Green Party and voters, highlighting the party’s limited resources compared to other political entities.

As the election campaign progresses, the Green Party is also trying to overcome internal strife that marred its image under former leader Annamie Paul. With a significant drop in vote share, the Greens are at risk of losing ground to the Liberals, who have made environmental issues a central priority under former prime minister Justin Trudeau.

Despite the challenges facing the Green Party, there is still hope for their continued advocacy for climate action and resilience in Canada. Maintaining a strong presence in the political conversation is crucial for ensuring that environmental concerns remain at the forefront of the national agenda. As the election day approaches, the Greens are gearing up for a tough fight to secure their place in Canada’s political landscape.