Elizabeth May

I actually find that Canadians are incredibly interested in democracy, and alarmed when they realize that the Prime Minister's Office is controlling virtually everything that goes on within the federal government.

The greatest level of hostility and venom, really, is between parties closest to each other on the political spectrum.

We appeal to Conservatives who just can't see themselves voting for the corruption and the scandals and the contempt of parliamentary institutions. And of course, we also appeal to people in other parties who are disappointed in their own leadership.

I really think a minority Parliament delivers better democracy in Canada when parties are prepared to cooperate.

I'm a firm believer that if we could restore real parliamentary democracy, the best way to do that would be to get rid of political parties.

Whether we make it a condition or just through persuasion or just through popular support, whatever it takes, we really do need to shift through a system of voting where the way the Canadian public votes is the way the Canadian Parliament is formed after the election.

It's not a big deal for me to be leader of the Green Party. It is a big deal for me to represent the voters of Saanich-Gulf Islands.

There's a lot I'd like to be able to talk about with relation to Stephen Harper, particularly why is he afraid to debate in English?

One of the things I hate about politicians, I shouldn't say I hate things, but one of the things I hate about politics is people who repeat the same talking point over and over and over again.

I prefer the Greens to remain an opposition party that's able to hold the government to account.

We've certainly always been a feminist party, with strong feminist principles.

I don't love being Leader of the Green Party. It is not really something I'd recommend to a good friend. It's not fun.