"We report to our employers -our constituents"
(LANGFORD) – Green Leader Elizabeth May continued her long held town hall tradition with two of her high-caliber candidates in Langford on Vancouver Island tonight. May has held town halls regularly throughout her riding, almost 80 in total throughout her 4 years as MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands. "It’s necessary to report back to our employers – our constituents,” said Ms. May.
Frances Litman, Green candidate in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke and Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, candidate in Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, have both promised to hold town halls once elected.
“We know from Elizabeth’s example that actually talking to constituents and listening to their concerns is what makes a great MP – that’s why Elizabeth was voted Parliamentarian of the Year and Hardest Working MP. I aim to be the same calibre of MP for my constituents,” said Ms. Litman.
Hunt-Jinnouchi echoed that promise, saying “Canadians are ready for a change. People are tired of Senate scandals, omnibus bills and secrecy. Only Green MPs can create a more cooperative, respectful Parliament and bring a balanced, intelligent approach to the next minority government.”
“What I heard tonight is that voters don’t want more of the same. Green MPs can make sure that issues that have been orphaned in this election like climate change, mental health, senior care, Indigenous rights, student debt and women’s issues are made a priority in parliament,” said Ms. Litman.
“Voters, especially farmers, in my riding are very concerned about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) for example,” said Hunt-Jinnouchi. “It still has to be ratified by the next parliament, so now is the most important time to send Green MPs to Ottawa. We will work collaboratively with other parties to ensure that an open and transparent debate takes place before any vote on the TPP. That’s the important role that Green MPs play.”
“Town halls are a great way of connecting with people,” said May. “They’re an amazing opportunity to talk without any scripts or talking points and without the filter of the media. Constituents can hold me accountable, right there, face-to-face.”
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca
Or
Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications
t: 613.562.4916 (200)
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447
kirsten.strom@greenparty.ca