Alex Tyrrell, the longtime leader of the Green Party of Quebec, confirmed on social media today that he voted for the Green Party of Canada in the ongoing federal election. But his support came with a heavy dose of criticism for the party’s current direction under the leadership of Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault.
“Those who follow my politics know I’ve been deeply critical of the party’s federal leadership and their shift towards hawkish foreign policy, support for war, increased military spending and massive tax cuts,” wrote Tyrrell.
Despite these misgivings, Tyrrell reaffirmed his support for the movement, the party’s founding values, and the grassroots candidates running under the Green banner. He emphasized that his vote was not an endorsement of the current leadership but rather an act of solidarity with the broader eco-socialist base that continues to fight for change.
“The Green Party of Canada remains the most viable political vehicle for the Canadian left,” he wrote. “My hope is that after this election we can clean house and rebuild it from the ground up with new leadership and a renewed commitment to our founding principles of nonviolence and opposition to war.”
Tyrrell criticized the broader political landscape as well, stating that all five main federal parties in this election support war with Russia. He acknowledged that both the NDP and the Greens have spoken out about the situation in Gaza, but argued that their messaging has been inconsistent and lacking in concrete proposals.
“Neither the NDP or Greens have called for hard-hitting economic sanctions on the state of Israel,” he noted.
Tyrrell described this election as one of the least inspiring he has ever participated in, citing the absence of an anti-war option on the ballot. He expressed admiration for the Communist Party’s peace-oriented platform, but pointed out that their limited slate meant they were not on the ballot in his riding.
Tyrrell’s statement adds to the growing chorus of voices on the Canadian left calling for the Green Party to return to its roots and reassert its core principles in the face of rising militarism and political centrism.
