It was a shockingly disappointing election night for the Green Party and its West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country candidate Ken Melamed.
He came fourth in Tuesday night’s federal election, earning just 8.9 per cent of the vote.
Although the Greens were behind in the riding from the first poll results Tuesday night, many of the about 25 supporters gathered at the Brackendale Art Gallery remained optimistic.
“We still might win,” said Ruth Simons, even after Pam Goldsmith-Jones took a hearty lead.
When it became obvious there was no hope for a come-from-behind win, Melamed didn’t blame strategic voting, rather fear and anger.
“I think it was anger at Harper,” he said just moments after his concession speech and an impromptu round of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” sung by his dejected supporters. “You know, they say fear stifles creativity and imagination, and it is unfortunate we had to suffer through nine years of Harper and even worse now that we have had to see this reversion to the status quo.
“That said, as Mr. Harper said, the voters are always right and we have to respect where it ended up.”
Glenne Campbell, who canvassed on behalf of Melamed, agreed people voted for the Liberals out of fear of another four years of Stephen Harper as prime minister. “They were totally scared,” she said, as Liberal Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau finished his victory speech on the TV screen behind her.
“One woman burst into tears when we were canvassing. She said, ‘My heart is Green, but I am just sick, I am so scared,’” Campbell said.
Melamed said he was surprised at the red tidal wave of Liberal Party support that swept the country.
“I think everybody was. The polls didn’t predict this… it wasn’t even close,” he said.
“I don’t know what is next for me. Obviously I believe very strongly in leaving a legacy that is positive, for my kids… I am really concerned where society is going and that’s why we do this in the Green Party.”
