Media Releases
2006-01-21
Green Party urges non-voters to feel good about voting again

"To those disenfranchised Canadians, I say your vote does count", says Jim Harris.

(Victoria, Saturday, 21 January 2006) - Canadians are two days away from an election that, if recent history is any indication, only 60 per cent of voters will actually cast a ballot, said Green Party of Canada leader Jim Harris today in Victoria.

"In fact, you could fill BC Place nearly 150 times over with the number of Canadians who didn't vote in the last election. Close to 8.9 million Canadians didn't vote or three times the total number of electors in British Columbia," said Harris. "The reason is simple enough: they have become completely ambivalent towards the style of electoral politics practiced by the old-line parties."

"It speaks volumes about a system when, outside of Ontario, there were more non-voters in Canada than voters in all the other provinces and territories combined," added Mr. Harris. "And while filling BC Place 150 times over would make for one football game, it's sad to think that all these people are effectively voiceless when it comes to the future of their country."

"To those disenfranchised Canadians, I say your vote does count," said Mr. Harris. "A vote for the Green Party is a vote that will be heard. It sends a message to the old-line parties that change isn't just necessary, it's inevitable."

Harris noted that the Green Party is the only political party in this election that has invited all Canadians to read the platforms of each party and choose the plan that best reflects their hopes and dreams for Canada and their children. "We are so confident in our plan for Canada that we have also posted links from our site at www.greenparty.ca to the platforms of other parties and NGOs."

The Green Party proposes something entirely new and different. It is a party that is socially progressive, pro-environment and economically prudent. The party believes that Canadians don't have to fit into the mold of the either/or, for/against divisions presented by the other national parties.

And here's another endorsment that I thought you might like. I do. It's not for me personally but, it's still darn good.

Be a leader and vote Green: Vote with your values; [Final Edition]
Craig Rourke. Sun Times. Owen Sound, Ont.: Jan 18, 2006. pg. A.5

Editor: I am very proud to say that I am supporting the Green Party in this federal election and more importantly in the Grey- Bruce-Owen Sound riding. I know that there are a great number of people thinking of voting for Shane Jolley and I have heard many people in our community endorse Shane as being the top local candidate. Many of us are struck by his insight, and can identify with his green values.

The unfortunate thing is that these sentiments are usually followed by something that sounds like this: "I'd like to vote for Shane but." To these people I would like to say that this is your chance to make your opinion count. Don't worry what other people are going to vote, worry about who you would like to represent you in Ottawa.

Be a leader and vote Green. If everyone who wanted to vote for Shane actually followed through with it, I think we would be in a real position to make some noise. Go with your gut on this one and advise your friends, family and co-workers to do the same.

There's a reason you want to vote for Shane Jolley and the Green Party, and that is simple: because you'd like them to win. Please try and get over your fear and skepticism and vote with your values when election day comes.

Craig Rourke
Owen Sound

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