Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, I would also like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year. All members of the Green Party would like to thank the MPs and the entire parliamentary team. We are all very grateful for the hard work of those who have been mentioned by my colleagues. I ...

Green Party condemns destruction of world-renowned Department of Fisheries and Oceans libraries

The dismantling of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans library system has taken a dramatic turn, with thousands of valuable books and scientific documents, some dating back to the 19th century, being sent to the dumpster over the past week. The Green Party of Canada today voiced its condemnation of this reckless destruction of scientific ...

Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act (Bill S-10)

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, I would like to say for the record that the hon. parliamentary secretary is in no position to criticize the hon. member for Winnipeg Centre for asking multiple questions, nor interrupting with heckling when an opposite member attempts to answer. He did both earlier in questions to the official opposition. Since ...

Your Opinion Matters – Save Democracy from Politics

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Town halls coming in January

Twice a year I host a series of town halls throughout Saanich-Gulf Islands.  It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to hear first-hand what’s on your mind, be it a local issue or a national one. I’m excited to announce a new series of nine town halls that will be held in January.  Be sure to ...

Prescription for a healthy democracy

Staying healthy takes good nutrition and exercise.  To rescue democracy we need to exercise our democratic muscles, and get issues out in the daylight.  The boldest step would be to ban political parties altogether. Seeing that there will be significant opposition to that, some more modest steps will make a big difference. Here’s Dr. May’s ...

What to do about the Senate?

The Senate of Canada, unelected and lacking in legitimacy to exercise the powers it has in theory, was supposed to function as a body for “sober second thought.”  In fact, until recently, the worst one could say about the Senate was that it was a waste of money.  It did, in fairness, often do useful ...

Background: Our system of government

We think we know it.  We take it for granted.  However, the influence of US politics and the creeping erosion of our parliamentary system leads me to believe that we need a refresher course. Canada is a Constitutional Monarchy.  Canada is a Westminster Parliamentary democracy.  The Governor General represents the monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who ...

The creeping corruption of our system

STEP ONE: Growing power of political parties One of Canada’s leading experts on democracy is Prof. Peter Russell, Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto.  His slim volume, Two cheers for minority government, makes a brilliant primer on the current threats to our democracy.  Russell writes that the main culprits are political parties and excessive ...

Winter 2013 – Save Democracy from Politics

I believe that the best way to stay in touch with voters is direct and face to face.  Every year, twice a year, I am available at town hall meetings in every part of the riding.  I love these chances to meet with you and hear your concerns.  Thank you to all of you who ...