Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

The Hook: Political news, freshly caught

Former Green leader calls Wilson welcome 'error'

While MP Blair Wilson's jump to the Green Party just before Conservative leader Stephen Harper called the election provided an argument for including Green leader Elizabeth May in the coming televised debate, the move's not sitting well with at least one party member.

“I am not supporting Blair Wilson's candidacy,” said Christopher Bennett, who served as the provincial Green Party's interim leader after Adriane Carr stepped down and before the party replaced her with Jane Sterk. “I am in no way supporting Blair Wilson's campaign for re-election . . . In no way am I supporting him publicly or privately.”

Bennett is a new father and is not working on anyone's federal campaign, though he said he supports Adriane Carr in Vancouver Centre and Conservative Andrew Saxton, who he compares to former prime minister Joe Clark, in North Vancouver. “These are the only two I've decided to support,” he said.

He declined to answer questions about why he so emphatically does not support Wilson, though he did say he thought the Green Party made an error welcoming Wilson to the fold.

As it happens, I'd reached Bennett by accident. For a couple days I've been trying to speak with Wilson to confirm whether or not it is true that as a member of the Liberal caucus he failed to support calls for a ban on offshore oil and gas exploration. He hasn't returned calls.

On September 16 the Green Party's election machine in B.C. put out a list of media contacts that included a cell number for Wilson. But when I tried the number I got Bennett. Did I mention Bennett doesn't support Wilson at all?

Asked about Wilson's position on oil and gas, Bennett said, “I'd heard things like that, but I've never heard it from Blair directly.”


What have we missed? What do you think? We want to know. Comment below. Keep in mind:

Do:

  • Verify facts, debunk rumours
  • Add context and background
  • Spot typos and logical fallacies
  • Highlight reporting blind spots
  • Ignore trolls
  • Treat all with respect and curiosity
  • Connect with each other

Do not:

  • Use sexist, classist, racist or homophobic language
  • Libel or defame
  • Bully or troll
  • Troll patrol. Instead, flag suspect activity.
comments powered by Disqus