Newfoundland Greens react to new leader Annamie Paul

Green Party of Canada supporters in Newfoundland and Labrador are delighted with Annamie Paul’s ascension to leadership of their party. Paul, a human rights lawyer, is the first Black, Jewish woman to be elected leader of a major party in Canada.

Annamie Paul, the newly elected leader of the Green Party.
Annamie Paul is the newly elected leader of the Green Party. Paul, a human rights lawyer, has made history as the first Black, Jewish woman to lead a major Canadian party. Photo courtesy of Annamie Paul’s official website

Yumna Iftikhar
Kicker

On Oct.3, the Green Party elected Annamie Paul as its new leader – and some party supporters in Newfoundland and Labrador couldn’t be happier.

“I am confident that she is the right choice and will encourage diversity,” Catherine-Sarah Dziadura said.

“I think it’s a good idea to have a fresh face going into the next election,” Scott Rogers, also a supporter of the Green Party, said.

Annamie Paul is a human rights lawyer and the first Black, Jewish woman to become the leader of a major political party in Canada.

“I hope her win will encourage further diversity within Newfoundland’s government,” Dziadura said.

Dziadura wants Paul’s win to lead to more diversity in provincial politics.

 “Her win is also important because it encourages more women, more people of colour and individuals from every religion to get involved with politics.” 

Dziadura believes Paul’s win will inspire other minorities to aim for prominent roles within Canadian government. She feels it is of critical importance that there are people of various backgrounds in both the provincial and federal government.   

“Her win is very important because the government and Canadian politics needs as much diversity as possible to tackle all issues – with input from all walks of life,” Dziadura said. “Her win is also important because it encourages more women, more people of colour and individuals from every religion to get involved with politics.”

Catherine-Sarah Dziadura, a supporter of the Green Party.
Catherine-Sarah Dziadura, a supporter of the Green Party, is happy with Annamie Paul’s win. Dziadura hopes for more diversity in Canadian politics. Yumna Iftikhar/Kicker

“It is important that everyone from every background is represented,” Rogers said. “Canada is such a diverse country culturally, that it is good to have people from all walks.”

Rogers emphasizes diversity in Canadian politics but stresses the importance of a capable leader who understands issues the public faces and who works relentlessly to create change. 

Rogers is a Green Party supporter because of its take on climate change.

“They seem to be the only party that is really concerned,” Rogers said. “They actually have some policies in place and if they ever got in . . . that would help.” 

Annamie Paul has continued to speak about what she and her party deem a climate emergency. Her policies include measures to protect land such as environmental protections in mining and a ban on fracking.

Rogers hopes Paul’s win is a step towards more prominence for the Green Party.

“I am hoping it will bring the party up a little more in their status, they boost up to the next level and in another four to five years… maybe up to a point to be the official Opposition,” Rogers said.

Paul is running in an Oct. 26 byelection in the riding of Toronto Centre.

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