Green Party leader Elizabeth May is welcoming MP Blair Wilson to the Green Party as the first Green Member of Parliament in Canada. Mr. Wilson, MP for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, will serve in the Green Party Shadow Cabinet.
“Today we make history,” said Ms. May. “I am grateful for Mr. Wilson’s principled belief that the Green Party deserves a voice in Parliament and for his firm commitment to democracy. With a Green MP sitting in the House of Commons, it will now be impossible to exclude the Green Party from the televised leaders’ debates in the next election.
“I am also pleased that Mr. Wilson has agreed to join our Shadow Cabinet as Immigration Critic. As a past member of the House of Commons Immigration Committee, he is well-qualified for this role and brings expertise to this position that will prove invaluable to the Green Party.”
Mr. Wilson has served as an Independent MP since autumn of 2007.
“Not only do I embrace the policies of my new party, I will feel that all my past difficulties are justified if, by my actions, I can make a real difference by ensuring Elizabeth May is included in the leaders’ debates,” said Mr. Wilson. “There is a democracy deficit in Canadian politics and this is one step in restoring effective democracy in Canada.
“Democracy is threatened when legitimate national leaders are barred from what is arguably the single most important political event in an election – the televised debates. It is shocking that the Green Party was excluded from the debates in the past, but by joining the Green Party, I can help guarantee that this travesty will not be repeated in the next election.
“More now than ever before, it is critical that the voice of the Green Party is heard. I am looking forward to working hard as Canada’s first Green MP.”
show hide 5 comments
Wow…this is great news! I’m pleased we will now be included in the televised debates. However, I’m concerned about his past shady dealings and whether he may be a liability to us.
Trust no one and expect nothing that way you will never be disapointed.
Two issues
1. this is not the best way to get an MP and although cleared by elections Canada his past will follow him. However considering the unfair media bias against our involvement I can’t say I blame May for going this route.
2. The Powers that Be have changed the rules before and I won’t believe May is in the debates until I see the debates. they can easily change it to 1 Elected MP, and ignore this development, or just up the tally to 2,3,5 seats for debate.
Patience Grasshopper!!!! Wait and see what will happen, don’t assume we’ve won.
frickin’ A!!!!
Calm down GAB, drink the mead and celebrate a little. Wilson is now guaranteed a place in the history books.
As a former Conservative Party member and fellow engineer, I wish you luck in the campaign. I regret I cannot vote for you since I’m in a different riding.
———–
Well thanks for the vote of support in any case! Perhaps you have friends in Newmarket-Aurora?
–Glenn
I do have friends up there and will try to convince them to vote for you!