Weaver Forecasts Green Win In Vernon Monashee

BC’s Green Party leader brought his green bus to Vernon for some main-streeting, with just over a week to go in the election campaign.

Dr. Andrew Weaver campaigned with local candidate Keli Westgate, and says their support is growing.

“We’re the only party that’s actually recognized the emerging economy. We just got endorsed by Greg (Dave) Krysco today. He is the creator of Club Penguin, a major success story in the tech sector,” Weaver told Kiss FM and other media at the Green’s Vernon office, the former tourism centre on Highway 97 south.

Photo: Green Party leader Andrew Weaver and candidate Keli Westgate (centre) meet with supporters in Vernon (Pete McIntyre photo)

Several dozen supporters were there to greet him.

Weaver, the party’s only current MLA from the Oak Bay-Gordon Head Victoria riding, says Vernon-Monashee is a riding where he thinks Westgate can upset two term Liberal incumbent Eric Foster.

“Absolutely. Eric has been there for such a long time. People want change. They look to the NDP and they don’t know what they stand for, and they see someone like Keli, and they see someone who is young, vibrant and dynamic, and recognizes the importance of strong economy at the same time,” adds Weaver, who says Mainstreet polls show his party leading on Vancouver Island, and with 24% support provincially.

A Global/Ipsos polls out today suggests the Greens have 14% support provincially.

“It’s not one that we put any stock in, and the reason why is the Ipsos-Reid is an internet based poll with a group of people who are part of survey, a select group of individuals. The Mainstreet one is one that actually has cell phones in it. It is an accurate source.”

Weaver doesn’t buy the claim that a strong Green Party is just helping the Liberals get back into power.

“The people that are suggesting that are the NDP because they’ve had 16 years to inspire with a vision to get behind, and they’ve failed each and every time.”

Local candidate Keli Westgate says Weaver’s appearance helps her campaign.

“It’s going to increase the momentum that we’ve already had. We’ve been feeling a huge surge of support since the leaders debate,” says Westgate, who agrees with Weaver that she has a chance to win the riding.