Matthew Steinbach

opinions @theotherpress.ca

Opinions
Elections 2008: The First Green MP 3) sisisew sicinvacr

 

B lair Wilson, the first Green Party MP, was
elected to the House of Commons in 2008 with the
Liberal Party. After an investigation into some of
his dealings by Elections Canada, he was removed
from the Liberal Party, even after he was cleared of
any wrongdoing. Thus he has sat as an independent
in the House for quite some time.

When the Green Party announced that
they had acquired their first Member of Parliament,
this should have been a momentous occasion for
the party. However, it was somewhat cheapened by
how it occurred. The issue is not so much around
the fact that they finally have an MP, it’s that they
did not earn this one.

Over the last few years, the party has worked
tirelessly to earn a spot in the leadership debates;
they have reached their goal of enough total votes
nationwide, but the election of one of their MPs has
still eluded them.

The election of one MP could probably begin
the election of many more Greens. However, a
floor crossing typical tends to have negative results.
Typically, there is outrage amongst local voters,
especially in Vancouver. When David Emerson did
something similar, voters led de-elect campaigns
for months. Wilson’s riding is near Emerson’s, so
we could have potentially seen something similar if
it was not for an imminent election.

However, this could hinder the Green’s

electability in the coming election. But the irony

is that the majority of the people who care and

will vote for this party do not typically support

the “establishment.” They are younger people
who want to see another party with the capability
of building a vibrant movement. Traditional
politicking does not affect their supporters as much
as others.

This move will actually help the Greens
expose their views further to others. Unless
the broadcasters refuse the inclusion of the
Green leader again in the debates on some other
technicality, this will help their party spread their
views further.

Currently when we hear about the party, it
is about the fact that they are attempting to be
heard, not about what they wish to discuss with
Canadians. This debate will help aid them in this
process.

Despite any controversy that may surround
this party at a later date, the reality is that they are
a small party that needs a chance. However, it is
doubtful that this will lead to more seats either.
Because they just have not been close enough
before, it is doubtful that this will somehow boost
their popularity. On the other hand, it could give
the party a platform for them to move forward
from. Regardless, this will continue to be a lengthy
process that will require the Greens to continue to
improve their image with the average person.

 

A Co n Q ested System By Matthew Steinbach

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commute in a reasonable timeframe while still allowing UBC students to get to

i Vancouver, Broadway Station is the one place where anyone can converge upon
any area within the Lower Mainland, either directly or indirectly. However, the bus
loop/SkyTrain station is also overrun with hordes of transit users.

When I first used this station, the bus loop had people in several extended
lines, desperately waiting for one bus—the only express bus that would travel along
Broadway. On the SkyTrain platforms, you have to thrust yourself off the SkyTrain
as so many people impatiently force their way onto the trains so that they can reach
the downtown in a timely manner as well.

The period that I am describing was when UBC/VCC students were not
in school; therefore, this situation becomes worse as the semester rolls along.

The announcement of a new bus line between 29" Avenue Station and UBC is a
welcome change, as this will enable people who work along or near Broadway to

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UBC as quickly as possible.

The issue is not one of an ample supply of buses necessarily, but of the lack
of speedy alternatives that exist in the region. The solutions all take years to
implement; however, in that time, our population will continue to expand, which
is why we can never truly have a handle on this situation. Perhaps we need to find
better alternatives in a shorter time frame for this system to supply our needs for
years to come.