Jen Hunter
Jen Hunter began her political career by winning the Green Party of Canada’s nomination in the federal riding of Ottawa Centre – a riding that has been strongly Green for the past two elections.
This time, the Green candidacy race was “unusual,” according to Anouk Hoedeman, the party's riding CEO.
Of the four candidates running in the election, three dropped out of the race. On the night of the vote, party members had two choices on the ballot, one box beside Jen Hunter’s name, and one beside ‘none of the above’.
About 25 party members turned out to vote – 24 voted for Hunter.
One individual who didn’t vote for Hunter later sent her an email, saying: “I just want you to know, I support you, and I’m glad you are a candidate. I voted ‘none of the above’ because I was hoping we would have more than one person on the ballot.”
Hoedeman said the main reason some of the candidates dropped out of the nomination race was the uncertainty about the timing of a general election. Though a spring election seems unlikely, Hunter appeared to be the most enthusiastic candidate, insisting on preparing immediately and building on the party’s past success in Ottawa Centre.
Hunter, 39, admitted she was totally blown away by this “funny and crazy” nomination race.
As a businesswoman, Hunter created the organization The Learning Catalyst in Ottawa, where she now works as a professional facilitator.
The Queen’s University graduate in political studies officially joined the Green Party of Canada one year ago, but said she has been a long-time supporter.
A long-time activist, the Ottawa native became the first international board member of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a 3,200-kilometre hiking trail in the United States.
Hunter said she thinks she can gain support from people living in Ottawa Centre and reach those who do not normally cast a ballot on election day.
In her eyes, transportation is the key issue in Centretown. The candidate has observed that residents use their cars when they could easily use other options in the downtown urban area.
Hunter replaces candidate and one-time deputy leader David Chernushenko, who earned more votes than any other Green in the 2006 federal election.
The two-time candidate obtained more than 10 per cent of the vote – more than 700 hundred residents.
Hoedeman pointed out that Chernushenko’s votes made a huge difference for the party. When a candidate receives at least 10 per cent of the votes cast, Elections Canada reimburses up to 60 per cent of the election expenses in the riding.
“For the first time, we have money in the bank to prepare for next election,” said Hoedeman.
In Canada, the support for the Green Party typically comes and goes, according Aaron Freeman, a law professor at Ottawa University and the policy and campaigns director for the non-profit organization Environmental Defence.
As Canadians seem now to be more preoccupied than ever by the environment, Freeman expects “a big jump” in environmental concern, and therefore Green Party support. He predicted that the level of concern will rebound in record form.
Hunter will run against Conservative candidate Brian McGarry, Liberal Penny Collenette and current NDP MP for Ottawa Centre, Paul Dewar.
Both the Green Party CEO in the riding and the new candidate are confident for the next election.
“Every election, we do better,” said Hoedeman.
“It’s not unrealistic that the Green Party will win a seat, and chances are it will be in Ottawa Centre.”