Olympic Mayor Ken Melamed to run for Greens in West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country

OTTAWA ­– Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands, is pleased to announce that Ken Melamed, former Mayor of Whistler, BC, has won the party nomination in West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country. Melamed has also been named the Green Party’s new Shadow Cabinet Critic for Finance.

An environmentalist, sustainability speaker and local small business owner, Melamed served on Whistler Municipal Council from 1996 to 2005, and as Mayor from 2005-2011. During his second term as Mayor, Melamed oversaw the community’s preparations for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Melamed also championed Whistler's Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, and First Nations Legacy Land Agreement. 

“With his strong leadership background and profound personal commitment to Green values, I know Ken will be a great representative for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country,” said Ms. May. “I am also tremendously pleased that he will be joining our Shadow Cabinet team.”

“The Green Party shares my belief that an economy based on short-term exploitation of our natural resources cannot provide long-term prosperity,” said Melamed. “I look forward to working with other Green MPs to build a truly resilient economy that benefits all of us.”

May also extended thanks to Michael Maser for his spirited campaign in the West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country Green Party nomination contest.

"There's no question that Michael ran a great campaign, and I am so grateful for all his hard work and dedication," said Ms. May. "I know he will continue be an integral part of our team as we work to send more Greens to Ottawa in 2015."

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Contact:

Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
(613) 614 4916
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca