Only one choice for Blanch
TRURO, N. S.–For Jason Blanch, there was never any question about which political party he’d represent.
The Amherst man is the Green Party candidate for Cumberland-Col chester in the upcoming federal election.
“I couldn’t run for another party,” he said. “I connected with the Green Party because the party policies really resonate with what I believe.
“Some people still think of it as only an environmental party, but it’s a party that recognizes all aspects of civilization are grounded in environment. Economy and environment are linked.”
Blanch represented the Green Party in the 2009 byelection and in the 2011 and 2015 federal elections. He believes he has a better chance of being elected this year.
“People are recognizing that we have to address the social and environmental crisis,” he said. “They also recognize the Green Party as a viable option. More Greens are being elected and they’re representing their communities really well. They don’t play party politics but work across party lines.”
He was pleased to see a full room during the recent party Agm/nomination meeting in Truro.
“People from all across the riding came to the meeting and we had youth climate activists speaking.
“My phone’s been ringing daily with people who want more information on the Green Party and some who want to volunteer.”
Blanch is an addiction counsellor and a member of Amherst Town Council. In the past, he has worked on environmental and social development programs in Africa.
He recently did much of the work himself in constructing an off-grid passive solar home.
When he’s not busy, he enjoys spending time with his wife and teenage children, walking wooded trails with his dog, hiking, kayaking, canoeing and meditating.
“I feel it’s important to do what I can to help,” he said. “I decided to run in the election because I want to be able to look my kids in the eye and tell them I did everything I could to make the world a better place to live.”