I am announcing today my candidacy for Leader of the Green Party of PEI.
Since being elected MLA for District 19 Borden-Kinkora I’ve really enjoyed representing my district and working on solutions to improve the lives of those living in District 19 and throughout the Island.
When I ran in the byelection last year, my sights were set on earning the trust of District 19 voters to represent them and show my commitment to the task. I have worked hard over the past year to do this.
Since being elected, my eyes have been opened wide to how many serious issues our Island – and Islanders – are facing: access to healthcare and housing; the rising cost of living; access to long-term care; the protection of our valuable land; and so much more. While Islanders struggle, the King government has failed to invest in real solutions. Millions of Islanders’ tax dollars have been spent on initiatives that provide no benefit to Islanders, while our provincial debt grows to unsustainable levels.
I’ve listened to Islanders, heard their concerns, and presented many of their thoughtful ideas to the King government as potential ways to help address some of our province’s challenges. However, this current government has made it clear that it's not interested in listening, and is not interested in doing what’s best for the Island or for Islanders. This is not a government for the people.
As Leader of the Green Party of PEI, I would take up the challenge of fighting for Islanders across the province. I commit to working transparently and providing fiscally responsible investments into solutions that benefit the lives of all Islanders.
My vision, as Leader, is to truly engage Islanders at the decision-making table, and to offer new and bold ideas to move our province forward.
Our Island has been governed in secrecy and mismanagement for far too long, and we are now confronted with the consequences of that wasteful spending. It is time for leadership with a real plan for our beloved province. I am seeking the opportunity to work with Islanders in developing that plan as we build a better province for everyone who calls our Island home.
Matt MacFarlane
MLA, Borden-Kinkora
