Federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May delivered a message of hope and change, addressing a large crowd Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound on April 24.

Following a meet-and-greet, May gave a speech addressing what she believes to be the biggest issue facing Canadians: citizen disengagement and the democracy crisis. May stated that in the March 17 byelections in northern Saskatchewan, Vancouver and Toronto, 72 per cent of eligible voters did not exercise their right.

"At the heart of the climate crisis is the democracy crisis," said May, paraphrasing another environmental leader, Al Gore.  She blamed recent government scandals for disillusioning voters and distracting them from what is really important.

"I'm worried that we get caught in another election where no serious issues are discussed."

May also had harsh words for the Harper government, laying blame on them for perpetuating a negative view of politics and disrespecting the institution of democracy.

"Our government is the most anti-democratic government in the history of our country," said May, mentioning a 300-page Conservative rulebook for heads of committees detailing ways to obstruct hearings that was leaked to the media, the recent attacks on watchdogs like the nuclear safety commission and the government's recent lawsuit against the opposition leader and Elections Canada to back up her statement.

"I never thought a politician would chance attacking Elections Canada."

In spite of her attacks on the government, May expressed her desire to wait for the next federal election.

"Going to the polls when Canadians don't want an election is not a great idea," said May. "We need the Canadian voter wide awake, paying a lot of attention and really aware of the fact that the next federal election in this country will be the most important in our history."

May delivered a message of hope for both her own party and Canada's future.

"So often, politicians focus on fixing problems. We have to focus on what we know we have right," said May. "Our time frame is not until the next election. Our time frame is to ensure a liveable world for our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren."

The audience at the event consisted of people from all age groups, some not yet old enough to vote but no less hungry for change.

"There are big problems and a lot to change," said Laura Campbell, the Youth Female Chair of the Green Party in Grey-Bruce Owen Sound. "It's great to see all the organizations at our school and people that are so concerned. I think our generation will step up and do something."

The evening ended with May echoing Petra Kelly's words: "In our life, we must do the impossible or face the unthinkable," garnering applause from the audience.

The Grey-Bruce Owen Sound Greens meet again on June 5 to select their candidate for the next federal election.