He was one of the youngest candidates on the national stage in the 42nd Canadian election and stood out locally by raising the issues of housing affordability and economic inequality in Richmond. However, as polls closed on Monday night it became clear strategic voting hampered university student Vincent Chiu's success.
"I was surprised. I thought I would have polled higher," said Chiu.
The 18-year-old, who is pursuing an interdisciplinary arts degree at the University of B.C., said some people who would have normally supported the NDP or Greens told him they would be voting strategically, which in Richmond meant a tick next to the Liberal box on the ballot.
"I have a feeling there was vote splitting," said Chiu.
This election in Chiu's Richmond Centre riding, Green support fell by 40 per cent as Chiu picked up 1,152 votes, or 2.8 per cent of the popular vote.
Chiu said it will be important for Richmond politicians to focus on a national housing strategy, income inequality and affordability as he sees a rising trend in the "working poor" both here in Canada, and globally.
And yet, Chiu said he was glad to see soon-to-be former Prime Minister Stephen Harper unseated from his role as leader.
"Nationally I'm glad Harper is out but I'm sad to see the Greens only pick up one seat," said Chiu, who expects elected Green leader Elizabeth May to continue to push the Canadian government toward climate change solutions.
Four years from now, Chiu said he would expect to run again for the Greens but also left the future open as he noted the Liberals and New Democrats share a lot of policies with the Greens.
"It's fantastic that we're unified," he said.
Vegan aims to hold Joe to account
Meanwhile in the Steveston Richmond-East riding, Green candidate Laura Leah Shaw said despite strategic voting, the outcome for Greens was positive overall.
"I think it went very well. I know we took a hit because (voters) wanted the Conservatives out. …But given all that, we ran an excellent campaign; it was ethical and I hope the public appreciates that," said Shaw.
"We would have gotten more votes if it weren't such a divisive election. The party is building and every year we expect to see a higher count," she said.
Shaw garnered 1,764 votes, good for 3.2 per cent of the popular vote. That's one-third less than the 4.8 per cent the Greens received in 2011 in the Delta Richmond East riding.
Shaw said she will hold fire to the feet of elected Liberal Joe Peschisolido.
"Joe is a lovely gentleman and made a lot of promises in debates," said Shaw.
"I'm a vegan and he said he was a vegan and he will work to strengthen the laws governing the care of food animals. Well, I'm going to be there making sure he carries through with that because it's an important issue; Canada has some of the most archaic laws governing (food) animals," said Shaw.
"So, Joe, get ready," she said.
Shaw noted the Greens will work to form a new electoral district association and she added she would consider a provincial run in 2017.
Green Party of Canada national support:
2008 - 937,613 votes (6.8 %)
2011 - 576,221 votes (3.9 %)
2015 - 605,864 votes (3.4 %)
