What I Will Say (Day 6)
The questions I got today all point in one direction. “The Layton-Harper-media-juggernaut” (quoting Rick Salutin in the Globe) has been forced to recognize that we are now in a five-party system. The news networks are giving the Greens better, if not fair and equal, coverage. We are being called “a wildcard factor” in this election and “a major player”. So I spent a lot of time in Toronto today talking about our policies on a wide range of issues. Through all this, I had the impression that what people were really interested in was what I would bring to the election debate.
This morning, we held a press conference with Toronto candidates on the subject of the Greens’ economic policies. I was piped in by a kilt-wearing Ontario Green, and I hope it will begin a trend. There’s something about entering a room surrounded by the battle music of the ancient Celts that prompts bravery and energy. I was prepared for my meeting this afternoon with the National Post Editorial board by leading Canadian economists. With the statistics these economists provided, the Green Party released a second press release today after originally focusing on the access to information request we filed to see the research commissioned by the Harper government on carbon taxes. This research showed that a carbon tax of $50/tonne (as advocated by the Greens) would not result in a negative impact on GDP. In fact, by 2015, the impact was mildly positive.
Meanwhile Stephen Harper’s campaign spins the idea that in uncertain times we need his steady hand. How is it the media has failed to cover that it was his hand that has been damaging the economy: the biggest spending government in the history of Canada, too many tax cuts and not in the right places to enhance productivity, a growing productivity gap with the US and higher inflation. Since Statistics Canada began to monitor productivity in Canada in 1961, Stephen Harper is the first Prime Minister to preside over a drop in productivity. Between Harper’s attempts to oversimplify and distort the issues, Dion’s Green tax shift and Layton’s posturing about “annoying fees”, where do the Greens fit into the debate?
While we continue to have to push for fair representation in the news, Canadians will not be able to ignore the Green Party in the next election, and neither will the other leaders. That’s one reason why I started having to field questions today about various mini-manufactured-controversies, such as the transcript from The Agenda interview of last year where it sounded as though I said “agree” instead of “disagree” when talking about politicians who decide the Canadian electorate is stupid. I said at the beginning of our press conference this morning, “Let the debate begin now” and I meant it. I don’t believe Canadians really care about pooping puffins and sweater vests. I have confidence in the Canadian electorate. The entire basis of my entry into Canadian political life is that I want to enliven the debate and focus on substance. When we look back at this election campaign with all the clarity of hindsight, we will look at a huge contrast between political styles, ideologies and policies. But by then, it will be too late to cast a ballot for change. If we do not seize this opportunity, this election, this campaign to advance the Green principles for a livable world, we may shake Canada to its core and reemerge with a country that is less than it once was.
I will say in the debates whatever Canadians need to hear to inform their decisions in this election. I want to be the voice of honesty, the truth-gauge for the other parties, a national leader whose partisan agenda takes a backseat to the concerns for our future.
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Inspiring
That's inspiring stuff Elizabeth. Truly a winning approach and attitude. I'd venture saying what Canadians need to hear is in large part what Canadians want to SAY too. They are tired of the same old style of politics, the shifty self-serving agendas and are hungry for integrity in politics and government. This you and the party bring to Canada in spades.
RE: What I Will Say (Day 6)
Elizabeth, Keep fighting and people will eventually listen!
I signed on for the first time to my Green Party account this morning and came across your most recent blog. Yesterday I officially became a member of the Green Party. When I was applicale to submit my first ticket at the election ballots I have voted Green. It was only in 2005 I decided to switch direction and vote Conversative. The only reason was based on: "Well I going to vote for change to the government with a party would have a chance of winning". I was not the only one to believe this view. My finance recently mimicked my exact words (although their is no official poll; a common trend among unsure voters). I polled several of my friends over the course of a few weeks and each of them have no confidence in the current party so they automatically decide to vote for the next major party. However I asked my finance and friends did change really come? They couldn't answer my question. Big changes have come from a PC government but in a negative impact to our society and economy. I realized real change needs a BIG CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT. Most people are afraid of change in all aspects of life.
As a Torontonian, the Green Party is growing no matter what the media depicts its presence. You are correct as people want to see you in this election debate. This metropollis including the Southern Horseshoe is built on the basis of the business hub of Canada. If you can assure business will grow and the money will keep flowing then Toronto will listen. Pretty much show them the money!!
I fully support your comments above about the media's lack of coverage towards Stephen Harper's failed economic intiatives. For example, lets take the GST reduction which was absolutely a selling tool to win voters, but how did it actually benefit working class Canadians? Well...it didn't as these taxes have been redirected into other tax programs that most Canadians overlook or frankly don't pay any attention to. I happen to be in scientific laboratory sales community; you provide a discount on a particular sale and you make your up Gross Margin (profit) on another sale.
A few days ago, Stephen was in Vaughan Ontario speaking to business leaders in the area. He repeatedly denounced a carbon tax along with lowering coporate taxes. Of course he would focus mainly of this topic as the businesses would be benefiters. And who would be the losers....taxpayers! The bottom line the Canadian public should view the Harper's government as the Bush Administration; put Big Business first and the rest of us last! If you need to use "Slam Campaigns" like the opposition leaders then do it!
This is the perfect time for the Green Party to build more awareness with the public. People are more receptive of environmental issues, sustainability and social issues. It will be the great eye opener for every Canadian! Let the debate begin. Say what you need to say for all your supporters will no doubt have your back.
Green Party's use of blogs and social networking (Facebook, MySpace..) fits like a shoe with my generation- Y. Young Greens is an excellent place to start a solid base. Although I am not a fan of text messaging/cellphone applications, it would be a great tool for Green Party to have available with their campaign.
Steady hand
I find it interesting that the communication focus of the Conservatives is the steady hand on the wheel, when the real question is, what direction do we choose? Form over substance; personality over policy; emotion over reason.
Jim Johnston,
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
Opinions expressed are my own.
steady hand my...
steady hand my...
straight to financial crisis like in the USA.. Harper is like a drunk at the wheel saying he's sober.. A bad mix, with deadly consequences.
We do not need that type of steady hand in canada, a bush wanna be.. a man that follows the policies of the bush gov't hook line and sinker...
NO THANK YOU!!
When you hear of people saying they will not be voting, ask them to consider voting green even in protest. A vote is a vote, and that's what we need.
Ask them to vote for their children's future. This is the most critical vote in the history of Canada, and we need people to stand up with one voice, united, saying "we will not take this anymore, and we will not sit quietly and go into the night while our rights are quietly taken from us."
Our National Anthem has phrases like "true patriot love", "true north strong and Free", and "we stand on guard for thee"; these words in this song invoke that patriotism that Canadians feel, and that we hold dear to our hearts.
We should not allow those that do not hold the same belief that we hold, to step all over our nation, and that in which we believe. We should stand on guard for Canada, and Stand up for the people of Canada.
With one voice Elizabeth got into the debates, and with one voice we should vote our hearts. With one Voice we should remove from power those in government that do not speak for us.
Get friends, and family to vote green because we are the only party thinking of the future.
RE: What I Will Say (Day 6)
I know that just seeing you at that table (it is a table and not podiums apparently) will be such a tremendous moment for a lot of people. Wait until they hear that you can debate, too!