To the Editor:
I write today in response to a Facebook posting by Mark Bigland-Pritchard, former Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Saskatchewan (GPS) and Green candidate for Saskatoon-Nutana in the last provincial election. In Mark's post, he strongly endorses Dr. Ryan Meili for next Leader of the Saskatchewan NDP. Mark says Meili is "the best chance we have in Saskatchewan electoral politics for a transition to a sustainable, just and healthy society... Ryan believes in real democracy... Ryan stands for indigenous rights... I also see in Ryan a combination of qualities which is sadly rare on the political scene - integrity, intelligence, dedication and compassion." I digress.
Suffice it to say that I am disappointed in Mark's endorsement of Ryan. Dr. Meili is a fine candidate for the NDP Leadership Race, but I question Mark's open posting on the Green Party Facebook site. Obviously this was an attempt by Mark to ferret out extra members for Meili's campaign. Mark seems to take for granted his former position in the Green Party of Saskatchewan and his loyalty to our Party's principles and policies, which he abandoned in a last minute rush to endorse Meili.
I've never met Meili, nor have I met Premier Brad Wall. In all of my political dealings, I take all candidates at face value, and hope that they are seeking higher office for the altruistic purpose of trying to do right by the citizens. This is why Mark's endorsement of Meili cannot only be seen as a rejection of myself but also of the GPS.
The problem with Mark's endorsement goes deeper than disloyalty to his former colleagues in the Greens. He forgets that Meili is running for the NDP. The political party that Meili wants to lead has done nothing when in government on democratic reform and very little for indigenous rights. As for climate change, thanks to the NDP, Saskatchewan is the worst province in Canada for carbon emissions, beating even Alberta. Here's a revealing fact: both the conservative SaskParty and the left-wing Manitoba NDP have privatized their respective Land Titles Crown Corporations.
Since I became Leader of the Green Party of Saskatchewan, we have increased our membership, begun organizing constituency associations, continued a legal challenge on electoral deposits for all Parties, and stood with and continue to aid the Idle No More movement. I travel all over the province to listen to people, and to educate them about climate change and to empower them and their communities to be self-sufficient and sustainable. Only by working together can we build the vision that we have for a prosperous and growing province.
The long road towards a sustainable, just and healthy society began in the Green Party of Saskatchewan in 1999 and continues today. Perhaps that's why even John Gormley suggested Ryan Meili supporters should join the Green Party. Even Gormley knows that the Green Party of Saskatchewan is the only real electoral choice for former New Democrats, among other disgruntled voters.
John Murney, Regina, SK.
