Markham, ON. 27 SEP, 2021.
After a frantic few weeks of campaigning, the election has come and gone. I would like to extend my thanks to those who trusted me with their votes, and to everyone who participated in the democratic process in these tough times. It is your participation that makes Canada beautiful, and though it may not feel like much, I’d like you to know that I am grateful for your support.
I would also like to say that this is not the end of our journey. Though I have not secured the Markham-Thornhill riding in this election cycle, my commitment to the Green Party, my hopes and passion for Markham-Thornhill, and my desire to fight for human rights have not diminished. I will continue, and I hope you all will join me.
Keep up Hope
It may be tempting to think that nothing has changed. Justin Trudeau remains Prime Minister, Markham-Thornhill remains a Liberal riding, and the Liberal government remains a minority government. I urge you, however, to keep up hope. This is a chance for us to take stock of our position, not a sign that we should give up on our commitment for a brighter, greener world. The Green Party needs volunteers, and your help would be invaluable to our future success.
We don’t have to wait until 2025 to reflect a positive change in our district. One of the things that our riding lacks when compared to other riding is an Electoral District Association (or EDA, for short). The purpose of a EDA is to help the party co-ordinate on the local level, acquiring funds from the party headquarters and providing avenues for volunteers to carry out events, organize movements to push forward improvements in the community. It is my hope that, with your help, we can form an EDA for the Green Party here in Markham-Thornhill to serve as the base of our movement in community, and as the stepping stone that will allow us to proceed on our journey.
Things must Change
I know that this election cycle has been frustrating for multiple reasons. The lower voter turnout certainly suggests that many Canadians were disillusioned with the system and the choices that led to this election. Indeed, I feel it is appropriate to condemn Mr. Trudeau for his choice to hold an election in the midst of the pandemic. In an era where liberal democracy is increasingly being undermined and threatened by authoritarian agitators, it feels almost criminal to me that a sitting Prime Minister would have so cravenly called an election in hopes of expanding his government’s power, and it is frustrating that he remains in office despite spending $612 million taxpayers’ money. This will surely add into the debt our future generations will have to pay back.
We must not lose faith in our democratic system just because we did not get the results we hoped for. It is clear that we have many hearts and minds to win over in the four years (maybe sooner) before a new election cycle begins. We must show that the Green Party is a better choice than the establishment parties, and the best way to do that is through civic participation, vocal action and clear communication from everyone in our community.
Looking Forward
Once again, I thank you for your time and for your faith in me. Though we have not eked out a victory in this election cycle, I hope that you will continue to look towards the future with me. We have much to change, in our community and in our country, and we cannot stop simply because the election is over. There is a lot to be done, and it has to start NOW. Let’s embrace and elevate in 2022, and in every year to follow.
Last but not least, I thank all the volunteers on my team for all the dedications they have put in, for those who saw our efforts and decided to join, and all the fellow Greens who had given me tips and suggestions on what to do and how to run a campaign. I must say, it has been an amazing journey and I met so many fabulous people who have big hearts and great visions to our future.
With all that being said, I must salute the brave workers at Elections Canada for their service in this cycle. Their work ethic is something to aspire to, and it is through their efforts that the safety and security of our elections are guaranteed.
Bring a better future to your community, join us, join the Markham-Thornhill Green Party Committee (The EDA), please sign up here.
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