Thank you all for your support with the recent provincial campaign in Vancouver False Creek. The 2009 Provincial election is over and the BC Greens have since hosted a successful AGM. The innovative policy ideas that we bring to the provincial arena are dearly needed and many will be adopted as our carbon tax has been.

Despite what the media, other parties and commentators are saying, the BC Greens made a positive contribution to the political conversation. We were the only party to propose innovative solutions to deep-rooted social and economic problems and their underlying causes and were widely recognized by media, pundits and the public for doing so. Our solutions are essential for real action on climate change, preparing for peak-oil and over population the critical moral and ethical issues of our time.

The Green Party’s future is in our own hands. British Columbian's want to move forward from the polarized partisanship of the old parties which impedes both the government and the legislature. This is underscored by the low voter turnout and the overall apathy British Columbian's feel towards government and politics. Voters are not happy with the old parties and the solutions they offer.

Although not what we had hoped for with just over 13% of the vote in Vancouver False Creek, getting the support of one in eight residents represents a significant portion of the local community.

To the extent that we were successful in this contest, it was because of you and your support of our campaign. Our two digital polls in Vancouver False Creek in early May suggested we had over 18% support but the immaturity of our identified voters list ensured that our support would drop.

The many positives of the campaign include our provincial Green Book which will serve as a foundation for future campaigns. We have already identified gaps and areas to make adjustments and the Green Book will continue to evolve and improve with each municipal, provincial and federal campaign.

In Vancouver False Creek we had a larger team, larger events and increased media profile. The experience and networks gained will be helpful with future campaigns. We helped other local candidates, supported our leader Jane Sterk and had excellent experience participating in editorial board meetings and attending television and radio debates as a campaign supporter. We have complied a entertaining three minute campaign wrap up video that captures some of the campaign.

Currently a committee is analyzing poll by poll data to help us understand the vote and compare it to 2005. Based on the results of this analysis, the BC Greens will develop a strategic plan to ensure our efforts are focused on the right goals.

Our strong provincial council of 25 to 30 is currently producing outreach kits for all regions of the province to increase membership and donations locally.

The BC Green Party needs a substantial increase in revenue if we want to be competitive. To ensure we will have sufficient funds for the campaign in 2013, the BC Greens Provincial Council has started a 2013 Election Fund and set aside $10,00 as an initial investment.

If you are not a member you can help by becoming a BC Green member or a monthly Evergreen donor.

We have two staff and a few contractors from the campaign staying on assist all 85 campaigns with their Elections BC filings. Our leader Jane Sterk is away in Europe on a holiday and will return to continue building the 2013 campaign and would like to engage with you.

On a personal level my family and I have realized a life long dream to live on the edge of the forest and we have recently moved to the north shore. We look forward to getting settled and engaging with local Greens as a federal election is likely in the next 18 months and a municipal campaign in 2011.

I am encouraged by the increased electoral success of Greens in Europe and are cautiously optimistic about the future of the Green Party of BC. More Greens are elected municipally every three years and Elizabeth May and the federal greens inspire more Green votes every federal election.

Much work must be done to ensure success and we look forward to working with you to bring our fresh solutions into the mainstream.

My sincere thanks for your support. I look forward seeing you again soon.

Have an excellent summer.

Sincerely,

Damian Kettlewell
BC Green Deputy Leader
Vancouver False Creek candidate ~ 2009
Vancouver Point Grey candidate ~ 2005