Green Party leader Elizabeth May called for a guaranteed annual income that would apply to all Canadians during what was at times a tense campaign stop in the Downtown Eastside this morning.

“We need to recognize that poverty is a scandal,” May told a gaggle of reporters as haggard-looking area residents looked on. “If we choose to, we can embrace the idea of a guaranteed income to ensure that no Canadian suffers from economic hardship.”

Although May could not give a cost estimate or outline the specifics of such an initiative, she said the plan would provide a base-level income to all Canadians based on regional differences. At least part of the funding would come from scrapping what she called ‘shame-based’ provincial welfare programs.

“You have to prove that you deserve your welfare cheque. You have to hide it if you make income somewhere else,” she said, referring to existing rules that place the onus on recipients to receive aid.

Apart from her income plan, May expressed support for Insite and the recently opened Downtown Community Court. She also called for a municipal bond program that would let Canadians invest their retirement savings in city improvement initiatives.

As reporters jostled May with questions, a baseball-cap wearing man broke through the scrum to confront the national Green Party leader.

“Why do you only come here at election time?” demanded Ron Chevrier. “We only see you politicians during election time.”

“I apologize that you haven’t met me before,” said May, explaining she spends most of her time in Nova Scotia. She promised to return when her campaign ended.

The single father told May that he had kicked heroin 12 years ago after struggling through three months of treatment. He urged politicians to do more to help addicts seek similar options.

“You’re a very strong human being,” May said, clasping his hand.

During her campaign stop, the Green Leader toured the United We Can recycling depot and the redeveloping Pantages Theatre. She concluded her visit to Canada’s poorest urban postal code at the Carnegie Centre.

Earlier in the morning, as reporters gathered near the depot’s main entrance to await May’s arrival, a scruffy-looking man told the assembly to “get the fuck out of my way.”

Robert Redman, an employee at United We Can, told The Tyee that most area residents feel disillusioned by federal politics.

“I haven’t voted for a couple of years. When I see a change, that’s when I’ll start voting again.”

Geoff Dembicki is a staff reporter for The Hook.