As Canadians head to the polls on April 28, 2025, the Green Party faces a challenging election landscape, having been excluded from leaders' debates that typically provide crucial visibility. Elizabeth May, the party's co-leader, remains optimistic, asserting that the Greens are "more needed than ever" amidst a political climate that has seen their support wane.
The Green Party is focused on retaining two key ridings: May's long-held seat in Saanich-Gulf Islands, British Columbia, and Mike Morrice's Kitchener-Centre riding in Ontario. May, who first won her seat in 2011, has seen her share of the vote drop significantly—from nearly 55 percent in 2015 to just under 38 percent in the last election. Despite these challenges, she emphasizes that she has never taken her position for granted.
"The outcome in my riding was more uncertain in 2011, and I'm hopeful that we can return to Ottawa with a bigger caucus this time," May stated, reflecting on her previous electoral battles. However, she faces formidable competition from Conservative candidate Cathie Ounsted, Liberal David Beckham, and New Democrat Colin Plant, all of whom are vying to unseat her.
Adding to the party's challenges, the Leaders' Debate Commission recently removed the Green Party from participation in two televised debates, citing that the party failed to meet specific criteria. According to the commission, the Greens did not have candidates in 90 percent of ridings, failed to poll at least four percent support 28 days before election day, and did not have a sitting MP at the time of dissolution. In response, the Green Party announced plans to challenge this decision in court, arguing that their exclusion undermines democratic participation.
May's co-leader, Jonathan Pedneault, remains hopeful despite the setbacks. He predicts that the Greens will not only retain their current ridings but may also gain four additional seats, including the Quebec riding of Outremont, where he is running. Pedneault also has his sights set on Fredericton—Oromocto in New Brunswick, Guelph in Ontario, and Nanaimo-Ladysmith in British Columbia, where former Green MP Paul Manley is seeking to reclaim his seat.
Political science lecturer Stewart Prest from the University of British Columbia describes the Greens' exclusion from the debates as a "blow" to their visibility. However, he also notes that this situation has provided the party with a type of publicity they might not have otherwise received. Prest suggests that while the party has legitimate grievances, it may also need to reflect on its long-term strategy, especially given that other left-of-center parties have begun to adopt parts of the Green message.
In her campaign, May has been vocal about the Green Party's broader platform, which extends beyond environmental issues. She asserts that neither the federal New Democrats nor the Liberals can be considered credible voices on environmental matters. "If anyone looked at our platform in this election, we have the most innovative ideas for economic sovereignty," she emphasized. May believes that the Green Party has a vital role to play in Canadian politics, particularly as the country grapples with pressing environmental challenges.
As the election draws near, the Green Party's ability to navigate these obstacles will be crucial. May's experience and determination, coupled with Pedneault's predictions for growth, suggest that the Greens are not ready to concede their place in the political arena. With a focus on innovative policies and a commitment to environmental issues, the Green Party hopes to secure its future in a landscape that is increasingly competitive.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 28, 2025, capturing the essence of a pivotal moment for the Green Party as they strive to maintain their presence and influence within Canadian politics.
