Our current environment minister John Baird hails from this riding. He has been an obstacle to progress in the fight against global warming, and he needs to go. John Baird has spent more time telling us why we can't reduce emissions than he has trying to get the job done. He doesn't seem to appreciate that sound policy consists of more than pointing at the previous government and saying "they didn't do anything either!"
Voters in Ottawa West, yours is a race with national importance, and we're hoping you can make us proud. We urge you to work together to support the candidate with the best hope of unseating Mr. Baird -- David Pratt. Please ask your friends and neighbours to vote strategically on October 14th as well.
Please keep in mind our recommendations are based on a review of previous outcomes, election prediction sites and the commentary of pundits and constituents. Every riding is unique, and recommendations based on regional polling trends do not necessarily capture that. You are best situated to make the call on who to vote for. The most important thing you can do is talk to your friends and neighbours, assess the local race yourself, and make an informed decision as to who has the best chance of keeping the Conservative out of office. Work together!
Other sources to consider when making your decision:
Please see our suggestions on the "Get Involved" page. For some additional tips on how to encourage voter turn out and support recommended candidates, check out The Department of Culture.
We encourage you to support the recommended candidate, but they have to realise you are doing this because you want action on climate change. Please keep the pressure on over the next two weeks! For information on how host a climate change town hall and for a tips on writing letters to candidates, visit Vote Environment 2008.
This is a tough call, and we don't take encouraging people not to vote Green lightly. Read more here.