My Candidacy Has Been Approved

This morning, I learned that my application to participate in the Green Party of Canada leadership race has been accepted following a successful appeal.

My campaign team and I are overjoyed at this opportunity to fight for the values we hold dear: social and environmental justice, diversity, non-violence, and participatory democracy. We’re excited to be part of a diverse and dynamic field of candidates, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with them during this race.

This process has proven that the Green Party does politics differently. Unlike the secretive vetting process used by other parties, I was given the identity of the vetting committee members and a list of their concerns. During my appeal, I was given the opportunity to submit a written statement, and to participate in a candid discussion with the appeal commitee.

I applaud the appeal committee’s decision to place its trust in party members. This outcome sends a strong message to progressives across this country that the Green Party is the home of grassroots democracy. I encourage everyone in this country who wants to be part of a progressive, democratic party to join the Green Party today.

I’d like to thank the many party members who spoke passionately about the need for a fair process. I am also grateful to my fellow candidates, who offered their support both publicly and privately. This party’s commitment to democracy and collaboration runs deep.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to my wife and two children, who were a source of strength for me during the appeal process.

From today our campaign moves forward, more ready than ever to champion the causes of social, environmental, and economic justice in Canada and around the world.

Showing 11 reactions

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  • Ron Medway
    followed this page 2020-08-07 15:33:08 -0400
  • James Ker
    commented 2020-06-21 16:12:47 -0400
    First of all I’m delighted your candidacy is a go. Second, some leading questions from the viewpoint of a privileged senior:

    1 ) You were very gracious toward the vetting committee about how fair they were in hearing you out as your appeal was before them. Is this the kind of classy move we can expect if you become the Party leader or are you just making nice til you do?

    2 ) Do you see Party leadership as more of a soapbox or as a path to uniting all Greens in Canada, whether or not they’re Party members?
  • David Woodbury
    commented 2020-06-15 07:29:18 -0400
    I am also curious, what was their rationale?
  • carsinogenic
    commented 2020-06-14 13:37:05 -0400
    i echo Patty Moss. Why did u have to appeal?
  • David Woodbury
    commented 2020-06-09 07:20:10 -0400
    Great! Congratulations! We need a strong, clear democratic socialist voice in the party!
  • Alessandro Bruno
    commented 2020-06-04 15:22:16 -0400
    I can finally have someone to support in Canadian politics again. I look forward to your win – and I mean the big win. I think people are ready for you now.
  • Patricia J Moss
    commented 2020-06-03 10:59:24 -0400
    It would help me, and perhaps many of your supporters to know what the reason was behind their initial decision to not allow your candidacy.
  • Dianne Varga
    commented 2020-06-03 02:15:46 -0400
    Sjeng Derkx — I saw your post. Go here to donate! /donate
  • Sjeng Derkx
    commented 2020-06-03 02:08:12 -0400
    Fabulous! Where is the link to the donation page for your campaign?
  • Dianne Varga
    commented 2020-06-02 18:03:58 -0400
    I’m so glad to hear that the party ultimately provided a fair appeal process and that you’re back in the game! Onward!
  • Dimitri Lascaris
    published this page in News 2020-06-02 16:10:55 -0400