OTTAWA -- Green Party Leader Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands), campaigned yesterday in downtown Nanaimo, and on Gabriola Island for candidate Paul Manly. Ms. May was the first federal leader on the campaign trail for the by-election, which was announced Sunday. Ms. May will be out knocking on doors this week with Mr. Manly.

“We’re super excited, very organized and have dozens of volunteers fanning out across the riding,” said Ms. May. “Paul Manly is a fantastic candidate who got 20 per cent of the vote in a very tight race in 2015. In this by-election, he’s in a race to win; there’s a green wave happening and voters are paying attention. People are going to elect someone they want, someone they can trust to represent their needs in Ottawa and someone who understands that we are in a climate crisis. Paul’s the person qualified and ready to do just that.”

Deeply rooted in the community, Paul Manly has recently been working in the non-profit sector, focusing on skills training for people with barriers to employment. A filmmaker, Manly holds the Green shadow cabinet role of International Trade and Investment Critic.

“There’s a lot to do. Here in B.C. we’re at ground zero for climate change, with wildfires and drought impacting many communities,” said Manly. “Finding solutions to affordable housing is another top priority; people have to be able to afford a place to live. Just as the forests and the marine environments are under threat, so too are the livelihoods and health of both inland and coastal communities. A healthy economy is deeply intertwined with a healthy environment.”

“Voters in Nanaimo-Ladysmith can do what they wanted to do in 2019. There is not a fear based campaign for strategic voting. Vote Green and elect a green MP.”

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For more information or to arrange an interview contact:

Rosie Emery

Press Secretary

613-562-4916x206

rosie.emery@greenparty.ca