A Future Voice

(To download or print this letter as a PDF, click here.) 

Last June our Member of Parliament, the Hon. Bill Graham, stood in the House of Commons to announce his resignation. As a result, a by-election has been called for March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, in Toronto Centre. In his final address to Parliament, Mr. Graham said, “[the] people of my riding, I hope, will understand why I believe it is important that they be represented by a future voice rather than someone from the past.” I couldn’t agree more.

We are at an exciting time of opportunity for our city, our country, and our planet. It’s up to us, as citizens, to seize that opportunity. I’m running to be your Member of Parliament because I believe it’s time for government to do better, to aspire towards greater goals, and to achieve them with pragmatic and innovative ideas. I’m running as the Green Party of Canada’s candidate because I know Greens have the best plan for our country’s economy, for our environment, and for Toronto.

I’ve heard from many of you who have voted Liberal in the past that you aren’t comfortable doing so this time around. You know that even though someone has “experience,” it doesn’t always mean they have the right kind of experience. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many current and former Liberals are supporting the Green Party and my campaign, including Pierre Trudeau’s former Director of Communications Jim McDonald.

I’ve heard from many of you who have voted Conservative, but feel like your party has left you. You know that the firing of your duly nominated local Conservative candidate because he was too focused on social and urban issues sends a strong message that this Reform/Alliance/Conservative party has not only turned its back on cities, but has turned its back on all Progressive Conservatives. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many current and former Progressive Conservatives are supporting my campaign, including former provincial Cabinet Minister Phil Gillies.

I’ve heard from many of you who have voted NDP, but are discouraged by their overly-partisan and negative tone, and by their tendency to be long on grievances and short on vision. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many current and former New Democrats are supporting my campaign, including Cameron Miller, who worked directly with Jack Layton during his leadership campaign and is the past president of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association.

These individuals and many others are able to come together for this cause for two reasons. One, because the Green Party’s vision for Canada transcends old-line politics, and presents a new proposition for voters tired by the left/right battles of the past. And two, because this by-election represents a unique opportunity.

We, the citizens of Toronto Centre, have the opportunity to send a strong message for change in politics. We have the opportunity to demand that our politicians offer real
vision and realistic solutions. And we have the opportunity to make history. I’m asking for your support in this by-election so that we can create that change together. I’m asking you to vote for a future voice, rather than for somebody—or some party—from the past.

Please contact me to let me know your thoughts on the important issues in this campaign, and browse this website to learn more about myself, my party, and the exciting path ahead.

Chris Tindal

ps. Successful election campaigns are not possible without your support. If you believe in what we’re doing, please request a sign, volunteer, or donate. Generous tax credits are available so the cost to you is minimal.

6 thoughts on “A Future Voice

  1. “a future voice rather than someone from the past.”

    Building foundation for a ‘long-term’ visions that can be mutually understood and shared with the citizens is what we need for our future generation and it is what you need to do for your party instead of promising shot-term changes like everyone does during election period. If you honestly believe in progression of your party, start something now, let it grow, and make a product that people will buy into in the future.

    Making changes and improvements and being responsible for diversity in Canada will definitely help us to move forward by helping to take important parts in delivering the voices of ‘the world’ regarding international matters in the future.

  2. Hi Billy,

    Thanks for your comment! Indeed, the Green Party is the only party to take the need for longterm vision and planning seriously. If you take a look at Vision Green, you’ll see a detailed outline of the Canada we want in 2020 and how we think we can get there.

    I also think it’s important for politicians to recognize short-term needs and realities within the context of a larger vision. Have I said something specific that makes you think I’m “promising shot-term changes like everyone does during election period,” or are you just assuming that all of us politicians are the same?

  3. oh my goodness! i recognized you from a link on facebook, but i am certain i have met you before! at five oaks retreat centre a long time ago for the future quest winter reunion. wow! good for you for going into politics. i support the green party big time. there are some huge issues in this earth and it’s great to see such a young face step up!

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