Lenore Morris, the candidate for the federal Green Party, isn’t lacking in confidence.

“My party is a small one but even in a field of strong Yukon candidates this September 2021, I am the best candidate,” she declared.

Morris is a prominent lawyer here in Whitehorse, and a second-time candidate for office for the Green Party.

As her comment indicates, she’s not short on bravado and chutzpah.

At the start of the campaign, she even took time off for a pre-arranged kayaking excursion in British Columbia with friends without apology.

Morris is a longtime political aficionado. It’s part of what makes her tick.

“Politics, and government, is how we lead, and how we can change not just our own personal circumstances but the circumstances of many,” she told the Star.

“It amplifies our voice and our impact. I believe that many of the changes that Canadian society needs, can only be brought about by collective action, in particular through our elected governments.”

After running in the 2019 campaign and not coming close to winning, no one could blame Morris for taking a pass this time.

That’s evidently not something in her character. While she might have welcomed some new blood, she wasn’t reluctant to step forward, even with the party leadership in turmoil.

“I come from a very political family – my mom had a degree in political science as does one of my sons – and a surprising number of us are lawyers.

“I’ve been arguing and defending my positions my entire life, including during my career as a lawyer. I think I know the difference between a sound position and B.S.

“In terms of the Green Party values and platform, they are bold but also careful and thought through. I support them and am happy to promote them.”

Morris said she’s also at a place in her life where she can afford the time to indulge some of her social and political passions.

“Personally, I’m already established in my law career, I’ve raised two children into adulthood, and I have time, energy and focus.

“Politically, the Earth is literally at the breaking point, and I do not believe that the middle-of-the-road, status quo, business-as-usual approach of the two big parties, will do at this point in time,” Morris said.

“I also see that inequality in our Canadian society, particularly economic inequality, is increasing, with serious negative implications for our democracy. We need more voices speaking up for change.”

Her complete confidence in her own abilities is also a strength in the political arena.

Even this year’s divisive infighting amongst the Green Party’s board members and leadership hasn’t fazed her.

She was quite forthright about running in this election with the party in a state of disarray.

“It’s impossible to completely ignore it (the party dissension), Morris acknowledged. “But the Green Party is a very democratic party, and that’s one of the reasons I support it.

“It’s surprisingly easy to just focus on Yukon issues,” she added. “Yukon is such an interesting riding, particularly in this election.”

The Green Party’s environmental roots are the main factor that first attracted Morris to it back in 2012, she said.

“All parties talk about them but only one makes it a priority,” she said.

She said she thinks the party could be poised to make a breakthrough during this election.

“All kinds of people are interested in Green Party issues,” Morris said.

“If I win, I will take the views of Yukoners to Ottawa and amplify them. I will work with whatever party forms the government. I will keep that party honest.”  

And if she loses?

“I will remain an active member in the Green Party. I will practise law. I will continue my activism.”

Morris said she thinks running in her second campaign gives her a distinct advantage.

“I learned a lot in my first campaign. I think where that will be most useful is in the election forums.

“The first all-candidates’ event, the CYFN (Council of Yukon First Nations) forum, demonstrated the greater comfort and local knowledge level of the experienced candidates.”