Real Talk Ryan Jespersen Elizabeth May // Corb Lund Fights Big Coal
Nov 20, 2025
Elizabeth May, a longtime Green Party leader and MP for Saanich—Gulf Islands, shares what influenced her surprising vote in favor of the federal budget, revealing behind-the-scenes negotiations. Meanwhile, Corb Lund, the Canadian country music star and environmental advocate, passionately discusses his ongoing campaign against coal mining in Alberta's eastern slopes and the dishonesty he's witnessed from politicians and coal companies. He emphasizes the necessity of grassroots effort with a citizens' petition aimed at protecting the environment.
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Street Evidence Of Supervised Site Closure
- Ryan describes seeing people using drugs and discarded needles near the studio, illustrating the local impact of supervised consumption site closures.
- He links closure of the Royal Alexandra inpatient supervised consumption site to increased street drug use and public harm.
Trust, Then Hold Politicians Accountable
- Elizabeth May emphasised trusting people's decency while insisting on accountability rather than cynical dismissal.
- She framed her vote as balancing constituents' wishes, personal conscience, and enforceable public commitments.
Why Elizabeth May Almost Rejected The Budget
- Elizabeth May felt the original budget omitted crucial climate and nature commitments, which made it initially unacceptable to her.
- She negotiated persistently and only voted yes after public commitments from the prime minister addressed her key concerns.