June 14, 2018 · 0 Comments
By Jasen Obermeyer
Last Thursday’s Ontario general election was filled with historic results, both good and bad. In the case of the Green Party, it was certainly good.
After never-ending coverage and heated discussions that could give Donald Trump a run for his money, the provincial election saw PC leader Doug Ford secure a majority government with 76 seats. The NDP secured 40 seats to form the Official Opposition, while the Liberals, led by Kathleen Wynne, saw a historic drop to only seven seats, losing official party status for the first time in the party’s history.
Perhaps the biggest historical moment involved Mike Shreiner, leader of the Green Party, who received the majority of the votes in Guelph riding to secure a seat at Queen’s Park. This marks the first time in the Ontario party’s history that they have won a seat.
“This whole campaign has been a win-win for me,” said Dufferin-Caledon Green candidate Laura Campbell to the Citizen during election night. “This is a change election.”
“It’s a very exciting night in Guelph,” Mr. Shreiner told CTV Toronto. “We’ve made history.”
He added that, “When people see elected Greens in action, they see that we do politics differently … they want to elect more Greens.”
Ms. Campbell said having a seat at Queen’s Park “is huge for us,” as there will be another voice a the table and different options for citizens when election time happens. “I’m super excited for what’s to come.”
She described the Green Party as “incorruptible,” and come debate time for the next election, they will be there to further help spread the word
Ms. Campbell added that she plans to run again in four years, and will still be around actively with the party. “I’m not going anywhere.”