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11 Questions For Elizabeth May
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Elizabeth May burst onto the federal political scene in 2006. Her goal: make the Green Party a force to be reckoned with.

She fought her way into the national television debates in 2008 (and complained that the Prime Minister, Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, had cheated by using crib notes), but was shut out in 2011 by the consortium of broadcasters that hosted the event because her party had no members of Parliament.

In the last election, May won her party's first seat in the House of Commons, beating former cabinet minister Gary Lunn in the B.C. riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands.

On the Hill, May is known as a street fighter. She wears her passion for the environment on her sleeve and isn't afraid to point the finger and complain — loudly— when she sees something she doesn't like, much to the chagrin of the NDP and the Conservatives.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Sitting down with all my children (daughter and three step kids, and 7 step grand-children) to a meal I prepared for them and watching them eat and laugh and talk.

What is your greatest fear?

I am fearless.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Boasting about being fearless.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Presents for friends and family.

On what occasion do you lie?

When a friend asks if I think her new haircut/outfit/boyfriend suit her.

What made you decide to run for elected office?

A terrible conviction that Stephen Harper would unravel decades of environmental achievement.

What is the one thing about politics you would change?

We need more than one change, but moving to proportional representation would be where I would start.

When and where were you happiest?

I am mostly happy. Happiest moment? I am torn between looking at my baby for the first time, or camping in Windy Bay on Haida Gwaii in July 1987, the day after the premier and prime minister signed a commitment to protect the whole magnificent area on the southern third of the archipelago as Gwaii Haanas National Park.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Too soon to say.

Who are your heroes in real life?

The Dalai Lama, Gandhi, Rev. Martin Luther King, Rachel Carson, Petra Kelly, Rosalie Bertell.

How would you like to die?

At 99 and ¾, leaning back against my pillow, having just sipped a really nice single malt.

What other notable Canadians would you like to see answer these 11 questions? Are you interested in taking part? Contact us with your suggestions.

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