Elizabeth May – Executing
Murray Dobbin of Rabble.ca spoke with Elizabeth May regarding the evolving political landscape in Canada. The full interview can be found at Rabble.ca, but here is a sample of the exchange…
Do you think Harper has deliberately set out to discourage people from voting?
Absolutely. People thought that Harper had become more popular between the 2006 and 2008 elections but not so: 170,000 fewer people voted for a Conservative candidate in 2008 than in 2006. His larger seat count is a tribute to his ability to discourage people from voting. The 700,000 fewer people voting for the Liberals did so on the basis of attack ads. None of what the attack ads do is to make people like the Conservatives more — it’s a question of framing, first Stephane Dion and now Michael Ignatieff in the worst possible terms based on the most sophisticated marketing genius of the Karl Rove variety.All of these things add up. The next best option to proportional representation is to figure out how to — through whatever mobilization, viral, citizen grassroots campaign — to say not only am I going to vote, I am going to make sure that I talk to my friends and neighbours who I don’t usually talk to about politics and make sure they vote — not how they’re going to vote just that they vote.
One of the persistent features of progressive Canadian politics is the huge divide between party politics and extra-parliamentary politics. It’s almost unique to Canada that movement groups are so rigidly non-partisan when it comes to elections. How do we deal with that?
Well, one of the things that has to happen is that the Revenue Canada rules around charitable status have to change. Look at the David Suzuki Foundation for instance. David is acknowledged as one of the top 10 Canadians. He made a very strong comment about Harper on the CBC’s George Strombolopoulos show. Now his organization as a result of that is having its charitable tax status threatened. He cannot possibly support the Green Party.
But the fact is that you don’t have to tell people how to vote — you just have to tell people to get out and vote. The call is — “Hey people, look at the numbers. Do you think that all those people who stayed at home in 2008 would have voted for Harper if they’d gotten off their duff to vote?”
January 9, 2010
Tags: Elizabeth May, rabble.ca Posted in: News 
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Elizabeth May at Calgary Petroleum Club
Calgary Enterprise Forum organized a debate at The Calgary Petroleum Club, asking the question “Is Oil Sands Development Ultimately Irreconcilable with the Environmental Agenda?”
Elizabeth May, Deborah Yedlin (Calgary Herald columnist) and Murray Smith (Energy Minister 2001-2005) found some common ground lamenting Alberta’s dependence on coal fired plants and the lack of any clearly stated Canadian energy strategy.
Natalie Odd, a plethora of Green candidates, Green volunteers and oil patch executives enjoyed the evening immensely. We believe this recap would be of interest to every Calgarian wondering how “the other side” views the oil sands. (You might be surprised.)
November 20, 2009
Tags: CO2, Deborah Yedlin, development, Elizabeth May, environment, GHG, Murray D. Smith, oil sands, tar sands Posted in: News No Comments
Green up Your Garden
Now is the best time to plant a tree in your yard. All around the city of Calgary, garden centres are selling off their inventory at discounts of anywhere from 20-50% off. Get some friends, a barbeque, and beverages and spend an afternoon planting a tree. Trisha from Greengate Garden Centres priced out the cost of some trees at her McLeod Tr store; the cost for a small deciduous tree averages at $70 while a small conifer will run you around $90. Considering the great prices available, a young tree for your yard won’t break the bank at this time of year.
A healthy tree stores about 13 pounds of carbon each year (forestmanagement.enr.gov.nt.ca). Also, the shade and wind protection provided by a conveniently placed tree will conserve energy use within the home.
All in all, planting a tree this month is a great reason to both socialize and improve the environment in our community. Check your local garden centres for discount prices on stock!
by Erin Kornichuk
August 18, 2009
Tags: garden, Green, yard Posted in: News No Comments
Elizabeth May on a Principled Approach to Copyright
Elizabeth May co-wrote a straight.com article giving credit where credit is due on our government’s current approach to copyright reform.
The fact that these consultations are being held is a small victory for those wishing to move forward on copyright reform. One of the most leveled criticisms of Ottawa’s earlier attempt at a copyright bill, Bill C-61, was that there was a lack of stakeholder input. -Elizabeth May
Canadians can respond to specific questions on copyright reform:
- How do Canada’s copyright laws affect you? How should existing laws be modernized?
- Based on Canadian values and interests, how should copyright changes be made in order to withstand the test of time?
- What sorts of copyright changes do you believe would best foster innovation and creativity in Canada?
- What sorts of copyright changes do you believe would best foster competition and investment in Canada?
- What kinds of changes would best position Canada as a leader in the global, digital economy?
Online town halls are being held, and podcasts of earlier round tables are posted for review.
Many Canadian Green Party members are technically savvy, as we know it is innovation in technology and market based incentives which will spur Canada’s economic growth. Key to economic prosperity is a copyright policy which fosters innovation with a balance between financial incentives (the temporary monopoly granted to copyright holders), and access to public resources (when a copyright expires, and fair-use rights).
A thriving information commons is one that yields sustainable artistic innovation. User rights must be defined and extended through a flexible fair-dealing mechanism. Current laws on Crown copyright and public domain must be reformed to build a healthy information commons. Protection and compensation for creators must be ensured through a statutory-damages provision based on reasonably demonstrated loss. -Elizabeth May
What can you do to help ensure Canada avoids another C-61 fiasco?
Participate in Canada’s copyright consultations.
Volunteer your time to help elect Green Members of Parliament. (Oh you might have seen that one coming!) Green MPs such as Calgary Centre’s Natalie Odd will join NDP’s Charlie Angus in protecting Canadians from the danger of one-sided, innovation stifling, lobbyist driven copyright “reform” bills.
The entertainment industry is adjusting to online distribution models, and the sudden ability to meet the demands of niche markets. Defending the status quo on copyright, or worse, allowing lobbyists for outgoing distribution models to use copyright to stifle innovation, will result in fewer of the emerging businesses being profitable Canadian ones. Smart copyright legislation will put us ahead of the pack.
August 14, 2009
Tags: copyright, Elizabeth May, innovation, Natalie Odd Posted in: Policy No Comments
Green Party at Marda Gras
The most common question we’re asked this morning? “Aren’t you guys dead?”
We’re tabling for the morning shift here at Marda Gras (on 33rd Ave SW in Marda Loop), and it is indeed a fine day to be outside.
The “dead” party we are being asked about is the provincial green party. Natalie Odd is a Federal Green Party candidate for the riding of Calgary-Centre. The two organizations do not have anything to do with each other. It is certainly helpful for us to learn not everyone is aware of this fact. They have always been different parties, with different constitutions.
And offered up by Alvin Shier of Canmore, “Your riding offices should have phone numbers that can be found in the phone book.”
We then picked up our Natalie Odd brochure, and sure enough… no phone number. As Alvin points out, not everyone uses a computer as their primary means of communication. We’ll get on that and update our materials once we’ve got a Calgary number.
If you’re attending Marda Gras, be sure to stop by and say hello. We’re looking for feedback, and happy to talk politics.
August 9, 2009
Tags: Calgary, Marda Gras Posted in: Events No Comments
Elizabeth and Victoria Cate on Twitter and Social Networks
While traveling between Calgary Stampede breakfasts where Elizabeth and her daughter Victoria Cate were volunteering to flip pancakes, tweets began to fly from animal rights activists concerning Elizabeth’s involvement in the Calgary Stampede.
This turned out to be an interesting example of how Elizabeth and Victoria Cate team up on communication. Victoria Cate was monitoring Elizabeth’s Twitter account, and alerted her mom to the tweets. Elizabeth says the point to communicate is that she is flipping pancakes, not watching calf roping or any of the events which would distress an animal, that Calgary Stampede has community events which are distinct from the sporting events. Those posting to Twitter were not making a distinction between the two.
Victoria Cate was able to respond to the concerned “Twitter followers” within 15 minutes of their first tweet of concern.
A tech savvy daughter. Who knew?
July 8, 2009
Tags: Calgary, Calgary Stampede, Calgary Stampede Breakfast, Elizabeth May, Facebook, Social Networks, Twitter, Web 2.0 Posted in: Campaign No Comments
Elizabeth May – An Amazing Fundraising Event
Elizabeth May is one of the best speakers in Canada. Many people, especially Conservative voters, agreed that Elizabeth won the Leader’s Debate during the last election. Seeing her up close and watching how she presents herself and Green Party ideas it is easy to see why she was so popular with all Canadians.
Elizabeth May is still very approachable, kind, and considerate. You too can see her in action and meet her in person October 2nd, 2009.
- Adrian Textor, Calgary Centre Green Party CEO
July 6, 2009
Tags: Calgary, Elizabeth May, fundraiser, Green Party, video Posted in: Campaign No Comments
Natalie Odd Speaks at Fundraiser
Natalie Odd explains her interest in the Green Party and her experiences in Calgary Centre riding. Natalie ran as a Green in Calgary Centre in 2008, and this year we’re ready for a breakthrough.
July 4, 2009
Tags: fundraiser, Natalie Odd, video Posted in: Campaign No Comments
Elizabeth May and Natalie Odd – Call for Volunteers
Before yesterday’s fundraiser kicked off, Elizabeth May sat down with Natalie Odd to help craft our call for volunteers. Thanks to Elizabeth’s participation we now have a decent stash of video footage on the topic. We’ll be editing down versions shorter than this one, unless 8 minute commercials make a surprise comeback.
What’s that? You think it could use some music? Sounds like someone is VOLUNTEERING to write some!
(But seriously, feedback is always welcome.)
July 3, 2009
Tags: Calgary, Elizabeth May, Natalie Odd, video, volunteers Posted in: Campaign No Comments
Enjoy some Wine and Cheese with Elizabeth May
Join us for an evening with Canada’s Green Party Leader, Elizabeth May!
July 2nd 2009 (Thursday), 7 PM to 9 PM at:
La Joie De Vivre, 1008 14th Street SE, Calgary AB
(403) 237-0537
Tickets are $30 for non-Green Party members, and $15 for members. Venue proceeds will be donated to the Servants Anonymous Society of Calgary.
Please rsvp by emailing calgarycentre@greenparty.ca or join the Elizabeth May Wine & Cheese FaceBook event.
If you’d like to help promote this event (aside from telling friends and family) we’ve got a promotional flier you can distribute. Coffee shops and community centres might have message boards you can post the flier on.
Thanks for any help, and hope to see you there!
June 21, 2009
Tags: cheese, Elizabeth May, fundraiser, La Joie De Vivre, wine Posted in: Events No Comments
