Green Party members from across Canada are arriving in Fredericton ahead of the party’s national policy convention this weekend.
The timing of the convention couldn’t be better for the provincial Greens, who are preparing for the upcoming New Brunswick election.
"The reason we chose Fredericton was very much connected to the looming provincial election and the fact that New Brunswickers have an opportunity to do something great for New Brunswick's democracy and for the effectiveness of its government," says federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May.
More than 200 Green Party members will spend the weekend in the provincial capital, setting policy and beginning preparations for the next federal election in 2015.
Provincial Green Party Leader David Coon says other parties have seen national leaders visit and anticipates a boost in support.
“It's really important for New Brunswickers to see that the national party supports the Green Party of New Brunswick and wants to see us do well and supports my bid for representing Fredericton South,” says Coon.
Coon will run in a hotly-contested riding. He will be on a ballot with a former Liberal cabinet minister and the province’s current energy minister, Conservative Craig Leonard.
“I wasn't even aware that the Green Party was having their national convention here to be honest,” says Leonard. “Every candidate is going to do what is necessary to put their best foot forward and if somebody feels that they have to have a national convention for a party to boost their chances, then so be it."
New Brunswickers will cast their ballots on Sept. 22.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Andy Campbell
