The Greens are ready for the federal election.
Chris George, a retired businessman, won the party’s Okanagan-Shuswap nomination after an endorsement from Keli Westgate, who also sought the position.
“Chris is an information techie who likes numbers and knows policy. He is in the best position to win this riding,” said Westgate.
George is from Notch Hill in the Shuswap.
“Environmental issues brought me to the Green Party but its progressive, realistic social policies including a guaranteed livable income, keep me Green”, he said.
“There is no excuse for poverty in Canada. Elizabeth May’s small business initiatives are the best there is. Trade deals that give foreign corporations the right to sue our government for making responsible decisions in the interests of Canada must be renegotiated.”
George added that he supports small farms, organic agriculture, local business, and alternatives to shift work in the oil sands that will provide jobs in this region.
“We want jobs that keep families together — jobs that will keep paying when the oil runs out, jobs that will fund better medicare, better education, and a cleaner environment.”
The Green candidate selection was delayed by discussion about co-operation among the opposition parties but George says the other parties responded to attempts to avoid vote-splitting.
When asked if he would continue to seek co-operation, George said he would consider “horse trading,” but that, “the Green Party is a good place for progressive Conservatives and others who are dismayed by the fear mongering and extreme hard right politics of the current government.”
“It is inspiring that other parties are now adopting policies on climate action, democratic reform and proportional representation, that have long been held by the Green Party. Change is happening and Greens are leading it.”
Local Greens were left looking for a candidate after Dave Smith resigned May 24 over what he described as irreconcilable differences with members of the local party.