In a twist of electoral irony, Green Party co-leader Elizabeth May may be facing the consequences of her own ambiguous stance on strategic voting. Just days ago, Global Green News reported on a video in which May encouraged Canadians to vote for a “progressive candidate,” even if that meant not voting Green—language that many interpreted as a subtle nod to strategic voting against the Conservatives.
Now, according to a recent Facebook post in the “Green Party of Canada Supporters” group, that very thinking may be costing May support in her home riding of Saanich–Gulf Islands. Longtime Green voters, fearful of a Pierre Poilievre government, are reportedly considering voting Liberal in the next election.
“I am hearing from staunch Green supporters that they are going to vote Liberal… because they’re terrified PP will get in,” writes Barbara Stowe, who identifies as a local Green supporter. “They’re telling me, ‘we have to hear the Greens say that.’ Please, please, take this seriously.”
The post reveals a growing unease among May’s base about the Green Party’s ability to hold the balance of power in a potential minority Parliament—and skepticism about whether the party would actually use that leverage to support a progressive government.
The situation raises important questions for the Green Party: Has its leadership muddied the waters too much on voting strategy? And if even May’s safest seat is at risk from her own messaging, what does that mean for the rest of the party?
