Update: since this announcement was made Georges Laraque has retired from the National Hockey League,the former Canadiens enforcer said persistent back problems forced his hand.

Georges Laraque is New Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada

The Green Party of Canada is pleased to announce NHL star player Georges Laraque as the new Deputy Leader.  “Georges is a very committed Green, passionate about a number of causes, including the relief effort in Haiti, animal welfare and sport,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May.  Originally from Montreal, Mr. Laraque officially joined the ranks of the Green Party of Canada earlier this year.  Mr. Laraque will join Adriane Carr as Deputy Leader, as under the Green Party of Canada constitution there are two deputy leaders.

“I am so pleased that we are here today in my riding of Vancouver Centre, the day before our Pride Parade, to welcome Georges Laraque as Deputy Leader of the Greens and to put a focus on the link between an active society and a sustainable society,” said Deputy Leader Adriane Carr.

“After working for many years on key issues like animal welfare and improving lives in Haiti, I am so pleased to have joined a political party that truly cares about building a healthy and just society,” said Georges Laraque. “I believe that the world becomes a better place one person at a time and that every single individual should do their part to make a difference.  Canada has a serious problem with inactivity and obesity that deserves attention.  I look forward to working with the Green Party on making Canada the world’s healthiest and most sustainable country,” continued Mr. Laraque.

“As Deputy Leader, Georges will help us realize our goal of promoting active, healthy, sustainable lifestyles as part of the Green agenda,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Canadian Greens. “The Green Party would implement a broad-based national program of active living to both lower health care costs and improve the overall health of Canadians. We would also introduce a national standard of daily, quality participation in physical activity for our youth to combat the epidemic of obesity.”

“Of course, the reason I was drawn to the Green Party is that it has excellent policies on a wide range of issues. From standing for social justice to strong fiscal policies, from supporting youth and the arts to eliminating poverty, I strongly believe that Green values and policies are the best for this great country of ours,” said Mr. Laraque.” As a spokesperson for TERRASPHERE,which is the world leader in vertical farming and the truest form of self sustaining economic development on the planet, I will also support green technology to help our country.”