We in the Green Party have been saying for quite a long time, the (neo) Conservative Party under Stephen Harper are NOT representing the old Progressive Conservatives, a party which no longer exists since being absorbed into the Canadian Alliance.
And here is a former PC Cabinet Minister who agrees.
We also believe that the supporters of the Reform movement, a grass roots movement who wished to make some fundamental changes to the system, would also be comfortable with the Green Party as we work for needed reforms to our voting system, honesty and integrity in government, a representative Parliament, and a system where MP’s work together for the betterment of Canadians.
Link here.
Former Conservative cabinet minister supports Greens
Published: October 07, 2008 6:00 PM
Updated: October 07, 2008 6:48 PMA former cabinet minister in the Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney has come out in support of Nanaimo-Alberni Green candidate John Fryer.
Frank Oberle served as the Progressive Conservative MP for Prince George-Peace River from 1972 to 1993 and was named Minister of State for Science in Technology in 1985. He also served as science minister and minister of forestry.
However, Oberle said he has no time for the party bearing the Conservative name in this election, and he’s throwing his support behind Fryer.
“I’m a progressive Conservative,” he said at his Nanoose Bay home Tuesday. “I spent 21 years in parliament and suffered through the demise brought on by the Reform Party on a rather fraudulent promise of fundamental change in the system. I don’t have a party I can vote for, because the Progressive Conservative Party no longer exists.”
Oberle cited promises of recall legislation, fixed election dates, Senate reform and referendums as reasons why many supported the Reform Party, none of which have come to pass with the current Conservative government.
“The last time [the Conservatives] phoned me for money, I asked them about what happened to all these things,” he said. “I told them to go to hell — I’m a Progressive Conservative.”
Although Oberle said he agrees fundamental change is needed in Canada, he doesn’t see the Conservatives as providing the change needed in the 21st century
“Now, I look at the party that promises to look at fundamental reform and I happen to think the Green message in today’s world is on the right track,” he said. “The Green Party has been offering their solutions to this thing for the last 15 to 20 years and the people who vote for them are totally disenfranchised. Their voice needs to be heard.”
Oberle said he decided to make his support for the Greens known after discussions with Fryer and after seeing Green Party leader Elizabeth May on the televised debate. However, he stressed he has known and respected her for quite some time.
“I know and resect her quite well,” he said. “In addition to this, who could be more qualified to be a member of parliament than this fellow Fryer? I mean, by far. He is an incredibly competent and qualified person … Any major party would be proud to have him as a key member.”
