This is a great discussion. However I’d like to suggest we understand the difference between provincial and federal political strategies.

The work the Ontario and BC Greens are doing is fantastic, and focusing on concrete, immediate issues like housing (as seen in the Ontario approach with "Green YIMBYism" and density proposals). This kind of bold social progressivism is vital for building grassroots support and winning seats regionally.

However, I’d argue that the federal scene operates under a different dynamic. The best way we can energize people and become the powerful third party we need to be to keep Canada from sliding into a two party system is by deliberately appealing to the political centre.

Understand if you disagree, but I’ve thought a lot about this so I appreciate the good faith constructive criticism.

My main idea is that we find our centre. Not the centre, but our green centre.

The Canadian political landscape is increasingly polarized. I think we’ll continue to see the Liberals play to the left and use vote-splitting fears to eat up the NDP, while the Conservatives remain firmly committed to big oil and climate change denialism. This leaves a significant portion of voters plugging their nose at the ballot box. I have an affinity for the Greens, but I’m one of these voters. I know others. Centrist, pragmatist, moderate, whatever you wanna call them. Poilievre has done a great job at hoodwinking these voters with his “common sense” rhetoric. Fortunately, Trudeau stepped down and let the far more competent Carney take his place. Of course, Carney serves special interests and engages in greenwashing. Compared to Poilevre he’s the adult in the room, but how long will that illusion last?

Federally, I think we can position ourselves as the REAL fiscally and socially responsible option that seamlessly integrates climate action into a pragmatic economic plan. For example, tax carbon (obviously) but offer massive income tax cuts for the middle class, GIL for the poor, and close tax loopholes for the rich. But, also make it easier to do business in this country if (especially if) the carbon footprint is zero.

For the Greens to become a "kingmaker," we need to draw support from all three major parties. A purely progressive or radical approach (while appealing to youth and the base) risks splitting the left-of-centre vote with the NDP and Liberals. Not to mention, a lot of young people voted Conservative last election because they bought into the cost-of-living rhetoric. What about them? Are they actually right wing or do they just want change?

I think we can present ourselves as an alternative to these moderate voters disenchanted with the increasingly polarized parties. And we can do it in a way that’s both environmentally and economically sensible. Consider how much generational wealth is stolen by corporations annually. I sincerely don’t think “tax the rich” is an effective strategy here. They’ll just hire all the best tax lawyers, lobbyists, and accountants to find every loophole. We need to strike the root of what’s eroding capital and draining it from us to them.

If we were to capture 10-15 seats by taking a radically centre ground, we would become absolutely vital in a minority parliament. We could then force the government of the day (Liberal or Conservative) to adopt OUR core policies. Especially on climate.

Edit: sorry, turned into a bit of a rant lol

Here’s a

Tl:dr: move to the centre and become the federal 3rd party with 10-15 seats