Elizabeth May’s new co-leader Jonathan Pedneault is facing criticism after posting a tweet that appears to whitewash Canada’s colonial history by framing the country’s founding as “many battles” against “hate, division, and violence” rather than acknowledging its origins in colonization, white supremacy, and the brutalization of Indigenous peoples.
“Canada was, is and will always be a challenge thrown at the face of history. We were built by dint of many battles. Battles against the elements and against the lowest inclinations among humans; hate, division, violence.”
Jonathan Pedneault’s Tweet – February 2, 2025
He then turned his attention to Donald Trump, calling him a “small man” who “will never succeed in bullying us,” before concluding with a statement about Canadian unity and resilience.

Ignoring Canada’s True History
Pedneault’s depiction of Canada’s founding as a noble struggle against hate and violence completely omits the actual historical reality—that the country was built on the violent displacement, dispossession, and oppression of Indigenous peoples. Canada’s history is not a story of battling against “hate, division and violence” as he states, but rather one of systemic colonization, land theft, and genocide.
His remarks are especially troubling given the ongoing struggles Indigenous communities face today, including the effects of the residential school system, the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and continued land disputes. Pedneault’s framing erases these realities in favor of a romanticized, nationalistic myth that is simply not grounded in fact.
A Pattern of Tone-Deaf Messaging
Pedneault’s revisionist portrayal of Canada’s history is the latest in a series of missteps since his controversial return to Green Party co-leadership. As Global Green News has previously reported, Pedneault has largely been absent from party communications and has yet to engage meaningfully with key issues since reclaiming his leadership position.
His latest tweet suggests he lacks awareness of the country’s foundational injustices, raising questions about whether he understands the progressive values the Green Party claims to represent.
Will the Green Party Respond?
Pedneault’s mischaracterization of Canada’s history directly contradicts the work of Indigenous activists and scholars who have long fought to correct the false narrative of Canada’s “founding.” Given the Green Party’s stated commitment to truth and reconciliation, his statement should demand a serious response from party leadership.
With Pedneault already facing scrutiny over his lack of visibility and engagement, this latest blunder only adds to the concerns about his ability to lead a party that prides itself on social justice and historical accountability.