Greens must lead new style of politics: May

BY PATTY MINTZ

Kings County Register

Dressed in stylish Frenchy's clothes, Elizabeth May began her keynote address May 5 during the Green Party of Nova Scotia's annual convention in Coldbrook with a light-hearted comment on the used clothing chain.

“It's my favourite store. If you go to a regular store and you're ready to pay high prices, it shows you're stupid. If you go to Frenchy's, you work at it - you root around and find something great, and you're smart,” she said to laughter and applause from the small and casually-attired audience.

May, who noted it was her first anniversary of being publically associated with the Green Party, then switched gears and said it's up to the Green Party to stand up to the back-stabbing, name-calling, generally derisive political scene to which Canadians have become accustomed.

“We're in that moment of transformational politics and the old way of doing things just doesn't fit.

“We need a new style of politics in Canada. We have to embrace the Ghandian notion that we want to be the change, we have to embrace co-operation. We talk about changing the climate in Parliament. It needs to be changed… needs to be responsive to questions.”

May said there were times when the House of Commons was far more functional.

“It's never been as bad as it is now. It's a grim spectacle. Question period should come with a parental warning.”

But, she said, the party should “never fall into the trap of thinking our policies are the best, that we should do anything to get power. Power never trumps principle.”

In terms of the environment, May called for a “Green vision of Canada” which, locally, would promote tidal power, wind power, value-added forest operations and support for the Digby Neck quarry protest.

“Let's help protect New Jersey from more roads,” she quipped, “and invest in our rail system. We need to have Via rail service back to all the places it used to be.” She said presenting an opportunity for “someone from Manhattan to put their bike on the train and tour around Nova Scotia is the best low-carbon tourism opportunity”

She happily told supporters, “we are clearly on a roll. No matter if we're being criticized or praised by pundits, we are going steadily up in the polls.”

May, who walked slowly and leaned heavily on the cane she needs as she awaits a hip replacement, said politics are changing for the good - thanks to the Greens. Voters are starting to question the tradition of voting in line with parents and grandparents.

“What a lot of people think of as a game, some people think of as a blood sport.” She said it's up to the Green Party to “think differently about its role in public life; be a different kind of voice.”

As to why she chose to run in Central Nova, May said simply, “The main reason is, I want to win,” then joked “beating Peter MacKay is not as easy as it looks. We'll have an interesting contest in Central Nova.”

Another reason she chose to run in Nova Scotia: “I'm committed to be the first elected Green Party member of Parliament.”

May 6, Nova Scotia Greens elected a new leader - Ken McGowan, a 53-year-old entrepreneur from Cow Bay. McGowan is the young party's second leader. He replaces Nick Wright, who announced his resignation in December.