In the same house Greenpeace held their initial meeting 40 years ago, some of the founding members gathered this morning to officially endorse NDP candidate Mel Lehan in the riding of Point Grey.

The riding has been held by the Liberals since 1996 when Gordon Campbell was elected.

Lehan said Campbell has been detached from the riding and feels this will convince residents to vote NDP in the upcoming provincial election.

"As I go around knocking on doors, I'm finding people don't even know Gordon Campbell is their MLA," Lehan said.

"They know he is the premier but they don't have a clue he is their MLA, he has been so absent. They just feel neglected."

Founders of Greenpeace sat on a couch at 2775 Courtenay Street and explained to The Hook that the reason they’re supporting Lehan is because they feel he can truly make a difference within Point Grey.

“The world today, it’s different. We can’t just be thinking of ourselves, we can’t be isolated, we have to have a big picture and we have to have a vision for the future. Mel sees that,” said Barbara Stowe, long-time activist with the environmental organization.

According to the Greenpeace members, Point Grey is an electoral district that is in need of a sense of leadership, community and vision.

“This riding desperately needs your help and your leadership,” 88-year old Dorothy Stowe said to Lehan.

In his speech, Lehan thanked the founding members of Greenpeace for their endorsement and their long-term commitment to the environment.

“I feel very, very honoured that these people who looked the crisis in the face 40 years ago, who did amazing work, have come together to join me today,” said Lehan.

The BC Liberal Party's response to the Greenpeace endorsement was minimal.

“It’s within their right to support a party of their choice and we believe we have a very solid plan laid out to address climate change and environmental issues," said Chad Pederson, spokesperson for the party.

"But that is up to the public to decide.”

Morgan J. Modjeski is a reporter for The Hook.