Pat Gostlin made big 'contribution to democracy,' says Green spokeswoman
Oct 27, 2008 - 02:36 PM
By Jennifer Stone
OSHAWA -- Pat Gostlin is being remembered by her political party as making a major "contribution to democracy in Canada," and specifically, for helping ensure leader Elizabeth May participated in the televised national leader's debate.
Ms. Gostlin was killed in a collision with a suspected drunk driver early Sunday morning, at the intersection of Park Road South and John Street in Oshawa.
It was Sept. 9 when an announcement was made that, due in large part to reaction from Conservative leader Stephen Harper and NDP leader Jack Layton, Ms. May would not be included in the televised leaders' debates.
On September 10, Ms. Gostlin, the Oshawa Green candidate, organized a protest at a Jack Layton event that "made the national airwaves, and got a lot of attention," said Green press secretary Camille Labchuk.
"We believe that due to that protest (and others like it) Jack Layton backed down" on his position not to allow Ms. May to participate, Ms. Labchuk said.
"Her contribution to democracy in Canada is really significant and she will always have a special place in Green party history, because of her actions," she said.
Closer to home, Ms. Gostlin is being remembered by a fellow Green candidate as being "generous with her time and advice."
"I suspect that's probably the way she was with everybody," Durham candidate Stephen Leahy said.
The campaign for the Oct. 14 election was the first time Mr. Leahy had met Ms. Gostlin, but they were able to spend time together then.
"She was very thoughtful," Mr. Leahy said Monday, adding Ms. Gostlin was also a strong writer.
"She would share with me some of her ways of phrasing or explaining Green party platform and policy."
Describing Ms. Gostlin as "warm, generous," Mr. Leahy said she was running for good reason.
"She took the long view," Mr. Leahy recalled. "She was working for her children and her grandchildren's future.
"She was somewhat shy, but believed in her ideas enough to put herself out there."
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