Ian Gartshore

  Source: http://paulmanly.greenparty.ca/content/conservatives-are-about-be-pummelled-bc-voters-greens-surge-vancouver-island As a former political candidate I, of course, monitor what is going on politically. Not only does this personally interest me, I am also aware that just one change in policy by some government can wipe out all that I have done to improve our environment, the quality of life, the economy, and our collective future. I have been aware for some time that here on Vancouver Island (and spreading across Canada to some extent) there is a sea-shift going on. Both the provincial and federal Green Party's are being taken far more seriously. They are capturing the imaginations of many who have not voted for some time (if ever). Elizabeth May and Andrew Weaver have proven this because there the voter turnouts were extremely high. What’s more, many who have voted for other parties are now seriously considering voting Green. I have heard so many peopl...

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...