But there is a Green Party voicing ecological concerns for citizens across the country. In some electoral districts, a growing Green presence is having significant impact on the debates. Perhaps in the near future, Green values will find their way into the policies of the governing parties across North America. Andy Shadrack, who teaches political science at Selkirk College, represents the electoral district of Nelson-Creston in the mountainous and rural southeast of the province. As many alternative-oriented people live in this area, the Green vote in recent elections has been among the highest in North America.
Many Greens run in the election in a purely educational role.
I believe it is possible for Greens to elect someone under the current electoral system by explaining how Greens would address day to day problems. Other Greens see our role as that of holding fast to a principled point of view regardless of whether or not Greens obtain votes. I think this is a mistake, as I believe elections and other politically active moments are times when you can have a dialogue with the population about practical ways we can change the way we live. I am increasingly opposed to those who think we can build platform and policy away from a constant dialogue with the people who either support us or who are at least open to our ideas because we share the same concerns. In this context I think Greens need to spend a lot of time talking to both environmentalists and regular voters about how we could build a society based on sound democratic and ecological principles.