Green party MP Blair Wilson got a vote of confidence by party leader Elizabeth May last Friday in West Vancouver.
During a whirlwind day-long tour through B.C., May ended her day helping Wilson open his campaign office.
Wilson said after two weeks on the campaign trail, things are going great and he's been overwhelmed by the positive support he's getting in the riding."The reception at the doors is overwhelming. People are environmentally minded. They want to vote Green," Wilson said. "Now and for the first time in a long time we're giving them a dynamic reason to vote Green and send a message to Ottawa and a message to the world that sustainability with respect to our environment, with respect to our economy is paramount in their minds. This is a vote for the future - a vote for their kids and their grandkids - and people are excited."
During the first two weeks of the campaign, there has been no shortage of accusations against Wilson, attacks on his credibility and on his record as an MP. Most of the attacks have come from Conservative candidate John Weston, who on numerous occasions has called into question Wilson's lack of leadership during the past two years as the member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sun-shine Coast-Sea to Sky Country.
"I would agree with Mr. Weston that this is about the last year and a half and the experience that I've gained as a member of Parliament," said Wilson. "I've been consistent on my views and I've been consistent in representing the interests of the people of my riding. People know that, people respect that and that's what they want. Twice I've voted against extending the mission in Afghanistan - once as a Liberal and once as an Independent - and they know as a Green party member I will be consistent as well and voting against extending that mission. They know that I'm a hard-working member of Parliament and that's who they want to represent them."
Both Wilson and May said they feel that the negative baggage that surrounds Wilson is not too much to overcome.
"It's one thing to say a person has baggage if there are some issues that are real. It's another thing to say a person has baggage when they've been exonerated by Elections Canada. Things have moved on -it's time to move on and recognize that Blair Wilson is a hard-working MP with really good values," May said. "The fact that people want to continue to try to throw mud - let's just remember that most of it splatters back on them. A person shouldn't be saddled forever with somebody else's attempts to assassinate their character. Sometimes good character shines through even in the mud, and that's where Blair just shines."
May said she also takes issue with opponents calling Wilson's shift to the Green party a move of political opportunism.
"Was it political opportunism when Stephen Harper lured David Emerson to cross the floor and make him a cabinet member or when Stephen Harper decided to appoint Michele Fortier to the Senate - his bagman in Quebec so he could put him on cabinet?," she asked. "Blair was sitting as an Independent looking for where he felt his values would be best represented. There is no question that the Liberal policies on some issues and the Green polices on some issues are not that far apart. There are reasons why some people might run Liberal and might run Green. I understand that and I respect that, but the fact that Blair Wilson chose to become a Green party member of Parliament - the moment he did, is why Canadians have a real choice. It's why I'm in the leaders' debates. I'm eternally grateful and in terms of this accusation of opportunism, I want to make sure the people in this riding know there have been members of other political parties representing that party in the House of Commons who over the last two years have occasionally called me and said they might be willing to cross the floor and go Green, but what could I do for them? I've always turned those people away and told them to sort it out with their party and if they can't, then become an Independent. Once you are an Independent, and you're not crossing the floor, then we can talk. I have felt very proud to have Blair join us."
