Bisma Ansari, Green Party of Canada in LaSalle–Émard–Verdun, has recently released a video speaking out against violence against women and gender diverse people. She remarks how she faces something none of her male-identifying rival candidates ever face: “sexually violent graphic graffiti.”  

Watch Bisma’s video here: 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIwVP7cRqh7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

For years Elizabeth May, Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada, has been a vocal advocate against the violence that women and gender diverse candidates experience, but also the violence experienced by LGBTQ2S+ people. The threats and harassment they endure are unacceptable and serve to silence voices that should be heard. This violence can take many forms, from online harassment to personal threats, creating a hostile environment that discourages women and gender diverse people from pursuing leadership roles.

Data shows that women and gender diverse people in politics are disproportionately targeted by aggressive harassment campaigns, often fuelled by misogyny and discriminatory stereotypes. Both candidates and elected officials report feeling unsafe, affecting their ability to engage with constituents and fully participate in the democratic process. This violence not only harms the individuals targeted but also sends a chilling message to aspiring female and gender diverse leaders across Canada.

The strength of our democracy lies in its inclusivity. We must stand up against discrimination of all kinds. Let’s Stop the Hate.

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For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press secretary

514-463-0021

media@greenparty.ca

Rod Leggett

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications

613-203-1524

media@greenparty.ca

1. At 11:45 am on Tuesday April 15th, the Executive Director Michel Cormier calls Robin Marty, National Campaign Manager of the Greens, asking whether the Green Party withdrew candidates. Mr. Marty responds that the party did not withdraw any candidates.
2. At 2:36 pm, the Green Party receives an email from Michel Cormier asking “whether the Green Party of Canada did indeed endorse all the candidates on the list submitted to the Commission.” Mr. Cormier’s letter also referenced comments made by Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault on campaign strategy found in this article: https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2156358/outremont-jonathan-pedneault-cochef-parti-vert-candidat
3. At 3pm, members of the Green Party campaign team visit the CBC/Radio Canada studios in Montreal. The Journal de Montreal reports that that afternoon Radio Canada had been asked if they could manage a 4 podium debate: https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2025/04/16/exclusion-du-parti-vert-radio-canada-a-obtenu-la-confirmation-seulement-mercredi-matin-moins-de-12-heures-avant-le-debat-des-chefs
4. At 4:22pm,  the Green Party responded in the affirmative that the candidates were indeed endorsed as per the Commission’s rules. 
5. At 6:18 pm, Michel Cormier sent another email requesting more information with a 42 minute deadline of 7 pm. In this correspondence there were two points. First, Mr. Cormier’s letter provided erroneous information about the number of candidates the Green Party had endorsed on March 31st. The second point was a request for clarification on a reference to “the rules” in a comment the GPC spokesperson made to the Globe and Mail’s Emily Haws: “The rules had always given us some strategic wiggle room, which we are using.”
6. At approximately 6:50 PM, Robin Marty phones Mr. Cormier asking for clarification on his request for clarification “on the rules” and about Mr. Cormier’s letter’s reference to the following paragraph from the same Globe and Mail article. His request was ambiguous. The paragraph in question is:  “He (the spokesperson) added that there is a ‘long tradition of certain groups (including certain political parties) in this country who do not want to see the Greens in the debate but Canadians have always wanted to see them. The Green Party has representation across the country’, he said, which is not the case with all parties.” At this point in the correspondence Mr. Marty felt he was being cornered and he was troubled by Mr. Cormier’s evasive tone over the phone. Mr. Cormier spoke as if Mr. Marty’s concerns were a trifle. For example, admitting that perhaps they did get the number of endorsed candidates wrong. His tone did not seem to correspond to the pointed nature of his requests, his quick succession of emails and deadlines.
7. At 7:05pm, Mr. Marty responds with his answers by email where he corrected the Commission’s accounting on endorsed candidates and reaffirmed that the Green Party had indeed followed the rules and that at the moment the spokesperson was not readily available to comment on his comments. 
8. At 9:29pm, the Green Party received from Stephanie Levitz of the Globe and Mail its first question as to whether the Green Party was participating in the debates. The party also received emails from Raymond Filion at TVA, David Cochrane at CBC and over a dozen more emails and phone calls late into the night.
9. In the early morning hours of Wednesday April 16th, the Green Party received several more emails asking if they were participating in the debates, including a call as to whether they were aware that their podium was removed from the CBC studios.
10. At 6:50 am on Wednesday, the Green Party received a confirmation from CBC/Radio Canada about its arrival at the debates later that day. 
11. At 7:21 am the Green Party received an email from Michel Cormier saying that they would NOT participate at the debates. 
12. Upon receipt of the email, Mr. Marty calls for further clarification but Mr. Cormier quickly hangs-up and does not answer his questions.

The remaining correspondences of April 16th and 17th between the Green Party of Canada and The Leaders’ Debates Commission have all been made public.

The last point the Green Party wants to raise is that The Leaders’ Debates Commission does not have a Commissioner, apparently since David Johnston left the post. Its website states: “The role of Debates Commissioner is being held by the highest-ranking staff member of the Secretariat of the Commission who is authorized, in accordance with OIC 2024-0598, to exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the Debates Commissioner in case there is a vacancy in that office.” https://www.debates-debats.ca/en/about/commission/

We thus wonder who is making the final decisions, who is ultimately responsible? Is it the Advisory Board? Is it Mr. Cormier? Who should be held accountable? What is the Commission’s appeal mechanism?

Canadians deserve answers. 

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For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press secretary

514-463-0021

media@greenparty.ca

Rod Leggett

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications

613-203-1524

media@greenparty.ca

Please find the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s costing here: https://www.pbo-dpb.ca/en/epc-estimates–estimations-cpe/45

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For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press secretary

514-463-0021

media@greenparty.ca

Rod Leggett

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications

613-203-1542

media@greenparty.ca

In refusing to allow participation of the Green Party of Canada in the leaders’ debate, and in only informing the Green Party of Canada of its shocking reversal at 7 am the morning of the debate, and in moving the debate up by two hours, the party was denied the opportunity to seek injunctive relief in Federal Court.

Along with turning its back on its own rules and caving to external pressures, propagators of fake news get to participate in the leaders’ debate and shape national discourse, but not a party who has a proven track record in Parliament and two sitting MPs. 

Canadians deserve an explanation.

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For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press secretary

514-463-0021

media@greenparty.ca

Rod Legget

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications

613-203-1524

media@greenparty.ca

“As global tensions rise and revisionist powers—including Russia, China, and the United States—threaten democratic norms and international stability, Canada must no longer remain passive,” said Jonathan Pedneault, co-leader of the Green Party of Canada. “We must assert our sovereignty at every level—from defence procurement to international diplomacy—and build a coalition of democratic nations that can collectively resist authoritarian pressure and safeguard shared values.”

The Green Party’s foreign and defence policy proposals are grounded in Canada’s longstanding commitment to peace, human rights, and multilateralism—but adapted to meet the urgent demands of today’s geopolitical landscape.

Greens propose a strategic foreign policy fit for a new era by: 

• Building a Global Democratic Alliance: Greens propose forming a new bloc of democratic nations—including the EU, UK, Norway, Ukraine, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines—to coordinate economic, diplomatic, and security responses to growing threats from authoritarian states. Such an alliance would have a combined GDP of US$39.3 trillion – larger than the US at US$25.5 trillion – and an estimated 5.8 million active military personnel, more than four times the size of the US military and roughly the equivalent of the total number of Chinese, Russian and US troops.
• Reforming Defence Procurement and Industry: Greens will immediately suspend the $80 billion F-35 deal and the $10 billion Boeing surveillance contract, exploring alternatives with European and Canadian partners, including Bombardier. The Green plan includes revitalizing domestic production through an expanded national shipbuilding strategy—from Halifax to North Vancouver via St. John, the Gaspé Peninsula, Lévis and Sorel-Tracy—and retooling the Canadian defence sector with Canadian materials and talent.
• Enhancing Refugee Protection and Immigration Infrastructure: Greens call for the immediate suspension of the Safe Third Country Agreement due to US human rights violations, and for major investments in refugee resettlement, IRCC staffing, and local integration programs. Refugee protection is a legal duty and a moral imperative.
• Economic Sovereignty and Resource Security: To protect Canadian workers and industries from foreign interference, Greens will end the “rip and ship” model and create strategic reserves through Crown corporations. With “Saving Canada Bonds” and CPP investment, Canadians can directly invest in their own economic resilience. Greens will also repeal U.S.-influenced IP restrictions to restore Canadians’ right to repair and modify the tools they own.
• Human Rights and International Law: The Green Party condemns all violations of international law, including mass displacement and occupation. Canada must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and forcefully condemn the ongoing genocide in Gaza, implement sanctions and a two-way arms embargo with Israel and recognize Palestine. It should also work more actively to address ongoing large-scale conflict-induced humanitarian crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and assist a democratic transition in Syria. 
• Strengthening Canada’s Global Role Through Aid: In the face of American withdrawal from global leadership, Greens propose a substantial increase in international development funding to support democracy, peace-building, and climate resilience.
• Building a Fit-for-Purpose Canadian Defence: Greens reject NATO’s arbitrary spending benchmarks. Instead, we propose revising Canada’s military doctrine to prepare for a new era of uncertainty, including strengthening Arctic and infrastructure defence, building strategic ammunition reserves, and training a National Civilian Defence Corps to protect the country in the event of occupation or domestic disruption. Greater cooperation with European allies and civilian preparedness campaigns will be key pillars of this shift.

“The world is shifting rapidly, and Canada cannot continue to rely on old assumptions and fragile alliances,” said Elizabeth May, Green co-leader. “What the Greens are offering is a bold, peace-driven, independent foreign policy rooted in justice and sovereignty, while continuing its work with multilateral organizations like the United Nations. Canada can and must lead—not with weapons and fear, but with principle, courage, and vision.”

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For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press secretary

514-463-0021

media@greenparty.ca

Rod Legget

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications

613-203-1524

media@greenparty.ca

Today as the NDP federal leader campaigns against Saanich Gulf Island MP and co-leader of the Green Party of Canada with the NDP candidate running in her riding, the Green Party wants to remind voters that the NDP has never stood for climate action. “Jagmeet Singh has never been willing to risk angering the Alberta NDP by opposing pipelines nor the BC NDP by condemning fracking,” said co-Leader Elizabeth May. 

While Jagmeet Singh has voted with the Conservatives in Parliament against the carbon tax, David Eby returns to the NDP’s “Axe the Tax” roots, a slogan the BC NDP trumpeted long before Pierre Poilievre borrowed the three word jingle.  

British Columbia was once a leader in climate action, particularly under the leadership of former Premier Gordon Campbell. Campbell established the “Gold Standard” of climate pricing by introducing Canada’s first carbon tax. Campbell’s tax was revenue neutral – every dollar taken in by the government was used to reduce provincial income tax.

“Gordon Campbell recognized the urgency of the climate crisis,” said Green Party co-Leader Elizabeth May. “He saw the devastating pine beetle outbreak, which was caused by warming winters allowing the pine beetle population to explode. It cost the province billions. Typically, a deep winter freeze would have limited the growth of this destructive pest, but the absence of such conditions allowed it to devastate an area of lodgepole pine forest twice the size of Sweden and ultimately spread into the boreal forest.”

The NDP’s campaign to “Axe the Tax” lost them the 2008 provincial election. B.C. voters supported the carbon tax. When the NDP did become government, the province soon departed from progressive climate policies. Former Premier, the late John Horgan, decided to keep some carbon tax revenue, using only some of it to reduce income taxes. And then the B.C. NDP started subsidizing fracking and LNG, driving up Greenhouse gas emissions. 

The repealing of the carbon tax further exemplifies this concerning trend. It is a disappointing regression for a province that once led the charge in climate action, and it undermines the commitment needed to address the climate crisis effectively.

“We urge all British Columbians to voice their concerns regarding this critical decision that jeopardizes the province’s environmental future,” said co-leader Jonathan Pedneault. “It is essential for the government to prioritize effective climate policies and reinstate leadership in the fight against climate change all while building a prosperous economy.”

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For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press secretary

514-463-0021

media@greenparty.ca

Rod Legget

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications

613-203-1524

media@greenparty.ca

“I am running as the Green Party of Canada candidate for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun because I believe in a future where our communities thrive, where people feel heard, and where we take real action to build a better tomorrow,” said Bisma Ansari. “I am committed to championing sustainable solutions on the issues that matter most to our community—the rising cost of living, environmental protection, healthcare, social services, and public transit.”

Ansari has led business and creative teams at a global consumer products company, sits on the board of directors of a local company, and serves as board president of a local foundation supporting youth and families in need. Her experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors has shaped her vision for a more equitable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible Canada.

Green Party Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault highlighted Ansari’s ability to bridge business leadership with grassroots activism. “Bisma understands that economic prosperity and environmental responsibility are not opposing forces, but essential partners. She is ready to bring fresh, solution-driven leadership to Parliament, and I have no doubt she will be a tireless advocate for the people of LaSalle–Émard–Verdun.”

Ansari’s platform includes meaningful climate action, improved social services, and policies that support an inclusive, green economy. She is committed to protecting the natural environment, advocating for affordable housing, and ensuring that all Canadians have access to better healthcare and public services.

Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May welcomed Ansari to the team, praising her dedication and leadership. “Bisma brings an impressive track record of innovation, strategic thinking, and deep community engagement. She understands that strong social policies, a healthy environment, and an equitable economy must go hand in hand. The people of LaSalle–Émard–Verdun deserve a representative who will fight for them, and Bisma is exactly that person.”

As the campaign unfolds, Bisma Ansari is eager to connect with residents, hear their concerns, and work together to build a stronger, greener, and more just future for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun.

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For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press secretary

514-463-0021

media@greenparty.ca

Rod Legget

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications

613-203-1524

media@greenparty.ca

“This is about giving everyday Canadians a fair break,” said Green co-leader Jonathan Pedneault. “Too many people are stretched thin, while the biggest corporations walk away with record profits and sweetheart tax deals. This policy puts the money back where it belongs—in the hands of the people who earn it.”

The measure will inject an estimated $47 billion annually back into the pockets of Canadians—strengthening household finances, boosting local businesses, and reducing reliance on debt. It will be fully funded by restoring the general federal corporate income tax rate to its pre-Harper levels and eliminating two thirds of costly and poorly targeted federal corporate subsidies.

“While half the country is choosing between rent and groceries, Canada’s biggest corporations are paying lower tax rates than nurses and teachers,” said Green co-leader Elizabeth May. “This is not just unfair—it’s economically reckless. The Green plan restores balance, boosts communities, and protects the services we all rely on.»

The policy proposal comes from one of GPC’s 12 platform priorities: Fair Taxation, which aims to close unfair tax loopholes and take action to ensure the ultra-rich and big corporations pay their fair share to relieve the strain on low and middle-income Canadians.

Economic Rationale

In 2023, Canadians collectively earned $1.9 trillion but spent over $2 trillion, including more than $400 billion on housing. This imbalance, driven in part by stagnant wages and rising costs, left households relying on debt and drawing from their savings. Meanwhile, Canadian corporations—especially Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations (CCPCs)—reported hundreds of billions in net taxable income, paying a federal tax rate of just 15%, well below what most working Canadians pay on each additional dollar they earn.

A return to the corporate tax rates of the late 1990s, combined with the reduction of unproductive corporate tax expenditures, would restore fairness and fiscal balance while ensuring this reform is revenue neutral.

A More Equitable Tax System

Under both Liberal and Conservative governments, Canadian individuals have shouldered a disproportionately large share of the country’s tax burden. According to the federal government’s 2022–2023 Annual Financial Report, individuals paid nearly $208 billion in personal income tax, more than double the $94 billion paid by corporations. This is despite the fact that corporations benefit heavily from public infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and billions in tax credits.

This Green Party proposal reflects a simple principle: if you benefit from the system, you should contribute to it fairly. When half of Canadians are struggling with housing costs and one in four faces food insecurity, bold and redistributive action is not only fair—it’s necessary.

The last major reform of Canada’s tax system took place in 1967. Nearly six decades later, it’s time for an update that reflects today’s economic realities and puts people first.

Addendum

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For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press secretary

514-463-0021

media@greenparty.ca

Rod Legget

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications

613-203-1524

media@greenparty.ca

“Where others cave under pressure, Greens stand firm. Our way of doing politics is by putting our bodies on the line for change and walking the talk,” said Jonathan Pedneault, Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada. “Olivier embodies this principle perfectly. He has taken personal risks to sound the alarm on the climate emergency. We are proud to see him now bringing that same determination to the federal political stage.”

Olivier Huard, who has run five times for Québec Solidaire in Repentigny, has shown remarkable resilience and dedication to climate justice. His commitment to environmental causes and his willingness to take personal risks for the greater good reflect the courage and conviction that are sorely lacking in Canadian politics today.

“I am running for the Green Party because I believe Canadians’ priority right now is to end fossil fuels and transform our state—currently held hostage by the oil industry—into a resilient country with a clean and sustainable economy,” said Olivier Huard. “Polluting corporations must take responsibility for the consequences their activities have on our health and our environment. Only the Green Party has the courage to stand by its principles and propose what must be done without compromising our collective future.”

As Canada faces escalating crises—climatic, environmental, economic, and security-related—the Green Party remains steadfast in its commitment to real action, bold climate leadership, environmental protection, and community-focused solutions. With candidates like Olivier Huard, the party continues to prove that integrity, action, and courage are at the heart of its vision for a better Canada.

“I know firsthand what it means to risk everything for your beliefs,” said Elizabeth May, Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada. “I have been arrested for defending the environment. I have undertaken a hunger strike for justice. I have always believed that real action must be brought into politics. That is exactly what Olivier has done, and that is exactly why he will make an excellent Member of Parliament.”

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For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press Secretary

514-463-0021

media@greenparty.ca