Green Party MP Elizabeth May made a pit stop at Grays Cafe in Sidney on Wednesday (March 26) afternoon for a much-needed sandwich and coffee after a long, coast-to-coast start to her day.
May, who has represented the riding since 2011, confessed she hadn't eaten since 6:30 a.m., having spent the early hours in meetings with Green Party members on the East Coast.
Outside the cafe, she stopped to chat with some residents like the familiar neighbour she is in Sidney which she has called home since 2009.
"One of the things I love about the Saanich-Gulf Islands riding is the people," May explained. "I have such engaged, committed and effective citizens."
She highlighted her non-partisan community meetings which consistently draw large crowds. During these meetings, May dedicates time to updating constituents on current bills she’s working on followed by an extensive Q&A session.
"People come equipped with such interesting questions and they contact me between meetings," she noted.
As she gears up for the upcoming federal election on April 28, May is prioritizing top concerns voiced by her constituents: housing affordability and availability and health care access, particularly the shortage of family doctors.
"These are not abstract issues for voters here, but I think a lot of that is now eclipsed by the question of what can we expect next from a White House that's erratic and unpredictable – not our ally and friend in the way they used to be."
When voters head to the polls, May hopes they will have one word in mind: "Canada, because we are a sovereign nation. There's no question we're under threat, and pulling together could be the remaking of our economy.”
She believes the country can overcome inter-provincial trade barriers and reshape its economy to be stronger, more self-reliant and create higher employment rates.
As Canada’s longest-serving Green Party MP, the 70-year-old remains a leading voice on environmental policy and climate justice. She says her core beliefs have remained unchanged since she was 17.
"I believe in democracy. I believe in the power of one. I believe that citizens mobilizing at the grassroots in any community can change a government decision – and now I know it to be true. And I've always believed in God.”
May expresses excitement about using her extensive experience if re-elected.
"When I got elected in 2011, I told the constituents here, I'll be able to hit the ground running. I know how Parliament works. I know the rules and how to get things done."
When asked about her prediction for the election results, May responded, "I hope Canadians win, because we don't elect a prime minister, we elect a parliament."
She believes a parliament that will best serve Canadians in 2025 is a minority government that "forces us all to work together and stay focused on Team Canada, not promoting our parties or ourselves over others."
