Canada has its first Green MP!!

Greens woo independent MP; May now in leaders' debates?
Full story.

MP Blair Wilson joins the Green party as federal electon looms
August 30, 2008

Bruce Campion-Smith
Ottawa Bureau Chief

OTTAWA – Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has wooed Independent MP Blair Wilson to her party, making him the first-ever Green politician in the Commons and dramatically boosting May’s chances of a spot in the televised leaders’ debates in a possible fall election.

A beaming May called it an historic day as she pinned a Green Party button on the lapel of Wilson’s suit jacket at an Ottawa news conference this morning.

“This is the first time anyone with the House of Commons Parliamentary seal is also wearing a Green Party button, but not the last,” May said as she announced the stunning news.

Wilson, the MP for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, resigned from the Liberal Party under a cloud almost a year ago after questions were raised about his personal finances. He has sat as an independent MP since the fall of 2007.

While a spot in the debates isn’t guaranteed, May said the broadcast media consortium that sets the ground rules for the French and English debates has no choice but to ensure she is included now that the party has an MP.

“We believe that under all the criteria that have been put forward . . . that we now have made thoroughly the case that I must be included,” May said.

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