Guelph – Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has offered a brief apology for sharing a church-related anecdote during a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other federal party leaders regarding Canada’s response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs.
During the February 2 virtual meeting, May contributed to the discussion on national unity in the face of what she described as an unprecedented and illegal trade action by U.S. President Donald Trump. While emphasizing the importance of standing together, she recounted a moment from a church service in Guelph, Ontario, where an elderly congregant spontaneously called on the assembly to sing O Canada. The moment, she noted, reflected a deep sense of solidarity among Canadians.
However, in the same meeting, May acknowledged that she had taken a moment to share the story and offered an apology to her fellow leaders. “With apologies to the leaders, I asked to share an anecdote,” she said in her statement, underscoring that while the story was meaningful, she recognized the weight of the discussions taking place.
Jonathan Pedneault, May’s supposed co-leader was notably absent from the February 2 meeting of federal leaders. His exclusion highlights ongoing questions about Green Party leadership, particularly following the release of a Global Green News article detailing how May has resisted sharing the spotlight with her co-leader. Pednault’s absence from this important meeting reinforced the notion that May remains the party’s sole authoritative voice in high-level discussions.
May also proposed that a delegation of Canadian parliamentarians attend the Washington, D.C., National Prayer Breakfast on February 6 to convey a message of Canadian unity. She felt this initiative had the backing of all leaders present.
In closing, May emphasized that Canada must stand firm, protect those affected—including potential refugees facing harsh U.S. detention policies—and emerge from this crisis stronger, more self-sufficient, and united.