September 18, 2009

To the Leader and Federal Council members of the Green Party of Canada

The executive team of the Green Party of Canada, Ottawa South EDA is asking the Leader and other senior decision makers within the GPC to formally voice its opposition to a general election.  Current posturing by the leadership of the federal parties in parliament to entertain the possibility of yet another untimely election offers an opportunity for the GPC to differentiate itself from them in the eyes of the Canadian public. 

Firstly, it is evident that most Canadians do not want an election and it is unlikely that the resulting parliament will change substantially in make up; except that another $300 million of public money will have been wasted and most parties will be even further in debt.  

Secondly, there are no substantial issues on which to justify running an election.  The parties are exactly where they were 12 months ago.  Holding an election at this point is a complete folly.

From the GPC website one is given the impression we are all eager to get this show on the road.  It is disappointing that no opposition to an election is being demonstrated.  The desire to help win our Leader, Elizabeth May, is understandable but having to go through the expense and turmoil of a nationwide election campaign to achieve this goal is unrealistic. 

The party might realize a better result for Elizabeth through a by-election when voters often express their voting preferences differently without too much risk overall for the party that they normally support. 

Therefore we respectfully urge the party leadership and Federal Founcil to reconsider its public position and to stand opposed to a general election.  This does not mean that we should not continue to prepare for an election; we have to be ready.  But it will give us an opportunity to say "told you so" to the other parties and will likely enhance our public image.

We trust that you will give serious consideration to this proposal and look forward to hearing back from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely,

The Executive of the Green Party of Canada, Ottawa South EDA

Colin Hine, CEO

Pieter Helmke, Financial Agent

Michael Pilon, Membership Chair

Manuel Costa, Executive Member at Large

Qais Ghanem, Executive Member at Large and Nominated Candidate