Green party Leader Elizabeth May has named former New Democrat Bruce Hyer as her deputy chief.
Hyer announced in December that he was joining the Greens — doubling the federal party’s elected caucus from one member to two.
Deeply honoured to be appointed Deputy Leader of the @CanadianGreens today: is.gd/OtnyJ4 #cdnpoli—
Bruce Hyer (@brucehyer) January 27, 2014
The new title gives him a say in the party’s internal operations, including fundraising efforts.
“I am eager to use my post to give voice to the special concerns of Northwestern Ontario and to empower my riding and all small and rural communities across Canada,” Hyer said.
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The MP for the northern Ontario riding of Thunder Bay-Superior North was first elected in 2008 under the NDP banner, and again in 2011.
But Hyer left the New Democrats in April 2012 after breaking ranks with the party over its defence of the long-gun registry, citing his exclusion from the party’s shadow cabinet and what he called the “mindless solidarity” of party discipline. He joined the Green party in December 2013.
Greens welcome new Deputy Leader @brucehyer bit.ly/1iDuvqG #gpc #cdnpoli -hs—
Elizabeth May MP (@ElizabethMay) January 27, 2014
“The reason I was drawn to the Green Party is that it has excellent policies on a wide range of issues and I strongly believe that Green values and policies are the best for this great country of ours, Hyer said. “The Greens have the best platform and the best leader.”
Hyer and May say there will be no lock-step voting in Parliament for the Green party caucus; May says she actually looks forward to the first time she and Hyer vote on opposite sides of an issue.
“I am very excited about the role Bruce Hyer will play in helping to build the party and to secure strong candidates across Canada,” May said. “His experience as a businessperson will be particularly important in positioning the Green Party as the true party for small business.”
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With files from the National Post