The Greens came out swinging against the pledge this week by Stephen Harper to halt federal funding for political parties if he wins a majority government.
Nanaimio-Alberni candidate Myron Jespersen said the move can be likened to the system used in the United States.
“Mr. Harper’s deliberate attempt to inflame the election climate by threatening to cancel most political party funding if he gets his majority both saddens and annoys me,” Jespersen said. “It saddens me because it is yet another demonstration by the Conservative Party leader of his contempt for democratic principles in a parliamentary democracy. Clearly, his vision for democracy in Canada is a return to the system where well heeled contributors make generous donations to provide the bulk of political funding.”
Jespersen said unlike the U.S., Canada has a fair and balanced system adopted by Parliament in 2003.
Jespersen likened the move to metaphorically throwing a grenade into a crowded room.