July 16, 2015 For Immediate Release: Local Green Party members vote to cooperate with local Liberals KELOWNA, BC – On Thursday evening, local federal Green Party members voted to cooperate with the federal Liberals in the Kelowna—Lake Country riding. The Liberal candidate, retired Major Stephen Fuhr, welcomed the proposal to cooperate with local Greens when he was approached with the idea several months ago. Now Fuhr has committed to a partnership that would incorporate key planks of the Green platform in both his campaign and his activities in parliament. As the MP for Kelowna—Lake Country, he would work with both Justin Trudeau and Elizabeth May, as well as with both Liberal and Green local riding associations. Fuhr's intention to cooperate had been given the go ahead from the Liberal leadership prior to the local Green vote on the issue, and the partnership details will now go forward to the national Green Party office for approval. The national office has been following the local process. The position of the Green Party leader, Elizabeth May, has been that she would support the decision reached by the local Green riding association. Both parties to the cooperation agreement point out that it does not constitute Green support for the Liberal platform, or Liberal support for the Green platform. Instead, they say, its purpose is to achieve the common goals that Fuhr and Green Party members share. Fuhr explained, “We both want to see democratic reform, a transition to a more energy efficient and low carbon emissions economy, and a return to governing with evidence-based policy.” He added, “None of that is going to happen if Harper stays in power.” The new low-whipping policy from the Liberals — there will be more free votes — gives Fuhr flexibility to support Green policies, he