Search KelownaNow
Green Party leader Elizabeth May is under criticism after responding to a tweet from the newly elected leader of the federal NDP, Jagmeet Singh.
Her comments are being called petty and condescending as she sent Singh a not so warm welcome to federal politics.
Thank you, New Democrats. The run for Prime Minister begins now 🇨🇦#LoveAndCourage pic.twitter.com/FDUem3pfGT
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) October 1, 2017
“I welcome you to federal politics and hope for friendship, but Canada does not elect Prime Ministers,” May wrote on her verified Twitter account.
She followed her comment with the hashtag “#notUSA.”
I welcome you to federal politics and hope 4 friendship, but Canada does not elect Prime Ministers. #notUSA @theJagmeetSingh @acoyne @NDP
— Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) October 2, 2017
May was replying to a tweet posted by Singh following his NDP leadership win on October 1st, where the politician announced that he was officially launching his campaign to be the next Prime Minister of Canada.
May quickly responded to criticism calling her comment petty by elaborating on the Canadian electoral system.
“Language matters. We do not elect a PM. We elect 338 MPs - Presidentializing our system is a worrying trend.”
Language matters. We do not elect a PM. We elect 338 MPs - presidentializing our system is a worrying trend. @mirandaknightH
— Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) October 2, 2017
Many Twitter users didn't think that May's comments were necessary, although they weren't inaccurate.
Wow. Snark doesn't become you, @ElizabethMay. A simple "congratulations" would have done nicely.
— cal marcoux (@cmarcoux) October 2, 2017
Such a snarky congrats message is not like you @ElizabethMay
— Mary Antico (@maryantico) October 2, 2017
Wow. That was about as condescending a "welcome" as they get. You're putting words into his mouth to make him appear incompetent/uneducated.
— M (@MFIoFV) October 2, 2017