New Canadian Green Party Leader Says Renegotiate NAFTA

That threat could be used as a lever to improve the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Elizabeth May told cheering delegates in her acceptance speech Saturday. May, elected with 65 per cent of the votes at Saturday's convention, said NAFTA works for the U.S., but not for Canada. Alluding to the Conservative government's recent proposed settlement of the long-running softwood lumber dispute, May said Prime Minister Stephen Harper has demonstrated that "if you push us hard enough, we'll finally say 'uncle.' " While Canada has won many legal rounds in the softwood fight, the government opted for a negotiated solution. "We're not against trade," but it must be fair, May said. http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/08/26/greens.html <><><><><> [2] 'We will win seats' says Green Party winner CTV News Longtime activist Elizabeth May won the leadership of the federal Green Party on Saturday, and is now hoping to finally get some MPs elected into the House of Commons. "My promise to you as leader is to set a tone of mutual respect, inclusiveness and love that will keep the party together," May said in her victory speech. May won with 2,145 votes or 65.3 per cent of the total valid ballots cast. "I believe firmly that this party is going to grow from the grass roots up from the young people out and up," she said. http://tinyurl.com/qfr43 - <><><><><><> [3] May wins Green Party leadership Canadian Press Ottawa — Green party members chose a high-profile newcomer given to splashy activism at a leadership convention Saturday. Long-time activist Elizabeth May, a former Sierra Club executive director, won by a decisive victory over environmental consultant David Chernushenko, a business-friendly party stalwart in the mould of departing leader Jim Harris. Ms. May won with 2,145 votes, or 65.3 per cent of the valid ballots cast. That was a two-to-one margin over Mr. Chernushenko, who collected 1,096 votes or 33.3 per cent of the total. http://tinyurl.com/ovm5p [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on August 28, 2006]

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