Most people like Greens, as they care for the planet. But often people don’t vote for them, as they think that their vote will be wasted. Recently, England elected 4 Green MPs who thankfully are in government, to help stop the terrible policies that Labour are about to enact, ripping up the countryside to build more homes by relaxing planning laws, even though there is plenty of brownfield land to build on. Chris Packham is appalled, as should all of us be.
If you feel that we’re always going to be left with the same political landscape, know that in Canada, things are far more hopeful. The Green Party of Canada has had a lot more success politically than Greens in England. And Elizabeth May is the leader who is at the forefront of making climate issues a reality in Canada. With a history as a struggling waitress and single mother (while also being an environmental activist), she is kind of like our version of Caroline Lucas (who understandably got tired of being the lone Green MP and has now gone off to do other things).
Just like Caroline (who was instrumental in creating a ban on the sale of seal fur – often from Canada’s hunts) when a Euro MP, Elizabeth May has yielded big results including bringing a Bill that banned keeping cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in captivity.
Just like recently in England, the Canadian Green Party managed to defy an unfair voting system to gain results, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Alongside fellow MP Mike Morrice, the party even has its own shadow cabinet with some innovative ideas: There are potential ministers for:
- Disability inclusion
- Indigenous affairs
- Seniors
- Diversity
- Electoral reform
- Mental health
- Emergency preparedness
