Deputy Leader Pednault commented, in a March email to Green albertans, “As you know - because you’re one of those thorny Wild Green Roses - it takes a lot of political courage to be a Green in Alberta. And I am a big admirer of political courage.” After 58 years here, I would stress more sheer stubbornness, holding onto eco-concerns through the Klein years, and then the Kenney years, and now . . . But the positive responses I received during my 2021 federal candidacy, and even greater receptivity during my participation in Ravenmoon Crocker’s byelection this summer, gives me hope far beyond the rational!

The best part is, living currently in a city quadrant populated by new arrivals and young families and adults, I can hear the changed need for listening which has been so lacking in Alberta in general and Calgary specifically: I’d almost believe the times are a’changin’. Which is also an admission of my occasionally sputtering but stubbornly protected optimism.

This frankly sounds like a mandate for the Green Party of Canada going forward: optimism in spite of the obstacles. Not only because of our thick skin, but ALSO because, as I repeat continuously when asked why I’m in the GPC, I’m doing it because no-one else is.

Except for you folks! thanks for that.

Part of my own need to catalyze change has been my focus and learning around citizen’s assemblies (I presented a learning summary during the last VGM) and summarizing the IPCC reports for general consumption (10 videos published on Youtube so far). My social justice focus has connected me to First Nations and Inuit activists who inspire me to try and include more of their energy and wisdom into what we do as a political party; long-term goals that don’t ignore the individuals around us.

Experience & Skills 

Besides being a GPC candidate myself in the 2021 federal election, I have done presentations on the writing and interviewing pro

Contact information

Email: carey.rutherford@greenparty.ca
Website: www.careyrutherford.ca
Phone: 403-210-1041 

Nominators 

Natalie Odd 
Evelyn Tanaka 
Richard Willott