My name is Brenda Sayers, and I am a proud member of the Hupacasath First Nation on Vancouver Island.
Nationally, I was the Hupacasath’s portfolio holder for the Canada China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) court challenge. We took the Federal government to court to stop the ratification of the Agreement, because it was a threat to the rights and freedom of First Nations and all Canadians.
While traveling across our great Nation on the Canada-China FIPA tour to raise awareness, it was blatantly visible that MP’s were not speaking for their constituents.
I want to listen to the constituents of the North Island – Powell River riding and bring their voice to Parliament. They deserve representation on every issue. After FIPA wound down, the opportunity arose to be the candidate for GPC and it was the natural next step. I want to continue serving the people; for me it is the highest honour.
As a First Nations woman, I am proud to be the Green Party candidate for the North Island – Powell River riding. I have already received a tremendous reception from various groups of people that have previously never voted or have had low voter turnout, including: First Nations voters, young voters, new voters, and Intermittent voters.
Although the Green Party is a broad multi-issue party, the issue of climate change is of particular importance in our minds and hearts.
The Green Party is the only federal party to oppose any and all schemes to bring raw bitumen, mixed with diluents, through fragile wilderness to risky tankers.
Given the current political landscape in Canada, it is highly unlikely that any of the parties will win a majority government.
After the election, the Green Party would be willing to collaborate with other parties to form a strong coalition government.