Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will continue her lonely struggle in the House of Commons after being elected in Saanich-Gulf Islands on Monday.
Despite high-profile candidates in Greater Victoria and a campaign that drew national attention, May鈥檚 party failed to add to its seat count. Her former colleague in Parliament, Bruce Hyer, who had joined the Greens after sitting as an independent, is gone, coming fourth in Thunder Bay-Superior North.
The party鈥檚 proportion of the popular vote dipped to just over three per cent, lower than its 3.9 per cent in 2011 and less than half what it received in 2008.
While the results are certain to be a disappointment for the Greens, May鈥檚 principled and articulate presence in the House of Commons will continue. Parliament will be the better for that presence.
Her fellow MPs have recognized her as a fine debater and a hard-working member. She is probably the only MP who reads every bill cover to cover. Her honesty, dedication and work ethic are qualities we would like to see in all our members of Parliament.
Her performance in the House and on the campaign trail brought the Greens attention out of proportion to their numbers. Excluded from a leaders鈥� debate, she used Twitter to insert her comments into the discussion.
If nothing else, her latest campaign should be reason enough to include her in future leaders鈥� debates.
91原创s are fortunate that the voters of Saanich-Gulf Islands have sent Elizabeth May back to Ottawa.
