(Mississauga-Lakeshore, December 14, 2022) – In a by-election marked by cold weather, short days and an absentee Leader of the Official Opposition, Green Party candidate Mary Kidnew brought solid policy ideas and good spirits to Mississauga-Lakeshore.
Despite low voter turnout, with well below than 30% participation, she increased the Green Party’s voter percentage share by more than 45 points over the 2021 results
“We’re so very proud of the work Mary did! In spite of our party being on the tail end of a bit of rough patch, she’s increased our voter share and showed that Canadians aspire to a greener, fairer and more democratic society and that a real economic, ecological and energy transition is needed to deal with the climate emergency,” said Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands), the Leader of the Green Party of Canada.
Ms Kidnew plans on continuing her work with the Green Party to strengthen her community in Mississauga-Lakeshore. “We need to increase engagement in the community and that can only arise through a well being economy that truly care for people and allow us to participate. Because right now, under the current economic situation, people are spent and stretched and tired and have little time to think about the planet and the future,” Ms Kidnew said
“I am proud of all the volunteers I met on the ground, not just mine but all those fighting for democracy in this country. As I went around and connected with citizens, it just highlighted how much of a need there is in Canadian politics for voices like mine,” she added.
In waiting so long to call the by-election, ensuring it would fall in winter and shortly before Christmas, Justin Trudeau’s Liberals all but ensured a lower voter turnout – at a catastrophic 26.48% this time – that would secure their reelection. Further complicating the picture was the mobilization of 40 independent candidates by the so-called “Longest Ballot Committee” protesting Prime Minister Trudeau’s betrayed promises to reform the electoral system.
“ If the only way for the Liberals to win ridings is to engage in quasi voter suppression by forcing people to campaign and vote by minus temperatures, it’s a pretty clear sign of how low they know they stand in Canadians’ esteem,” ,” said Jonathan Pedneault, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada. “And if the Conservatives ended up losing 3.6% of their support despite their new loud and shiny leader, it’s a good sign that Canadians aren’t much interested in the division they bring forward either,” he added.
“We’re very happy with the amazing work that Mary Kidnew accomplished in Mississauga-Lakeshore,” May said. “Her voice is important and we will work hard to bring it over to Ottawa at the next election.”