Ian Gartshore

My friends and supporters, I want to begin by offering a heart-felt thank you . I mean it. A candidate can’t do much alone. You made all the difference. When you came to events, smiled at me in an all candidate’s meeting, donated, helped out, encouraged your friends, “liked” the Facebook page, volunteered in other ways, etc. etc. etc. –this is what made the difference ! So, thank you. While most of the province is in shock, and we would have wished for more Green votes, I see that we have actually turned a corner as a movement and a Party. This was a direct result of our hard work, dedication, imagination, fun(!) and more. Your involvement made a real difference. Together we managed to inspire a greater 30 – 65% more Green support in the two Nanaimo riding's! As someone put it, “ We are part of the change that has to occur, even when we are not aware of our contribution to it.” We can celebrate Andrew Weaver’s win. Finally there will be a different voice in Vi

As I talk with people I am hearing a common theme: they are tired of the "same old same old" when it comes to politics in British Columbia. It appears to most that the NDP will form the next government -and so we will swing back over to the left. Back and forth, back and forth. Yet little seems to improve. The other common theme I hear is that people are tired of the bickering and slamming of one party by the other. They want to hear something positive for a change. I am happy to offer positive solutions that involve working cooperatively with the other parties for the sake of our province. That bring high-quality jobs back to our local communities. That balances the interests of companies, unions and especially the majority of us who aren't either. It appears that this election will bring about some surprises. Given that people are now aware that Greens are electable (Elizabeth May, whom increasing numbers of people are respecting) the notion of voting Green this t