Actually, I thought it was the reverse--voters opting for a "safe progressive" choice over a party demoralized by the Sarah Jama schism. And note how *Lib* support was reduced to 4th place single digits.
Whether one likes it or not, a good many of the Greens' successes and near-successes have hinged upon their being a Liberal (or classic "Red Tory") proxy--in Guelph, in Kitchener Centre both federally and provincially, in Parry Sound-Muskoka in '22 (where the absence of a Lib candidate put wind in their sails), and heck, municipally w/Diane Saxe in University-Rosedale (it was the "Rosedale progressives" that put her over the top)
I think it can be a bit of both, above.
Overall, I would place the Greens in the centre of the spectrum, but they do have a real range on policy.
Generally, pro balanced budget, pro personal freedom/responsibility, and pro small business; but equally tend to champion on not only strong ecological policies, but expanded
universal healthcare (ie. drugs/dental); more generous employment standards (higher minimum wage, more paid vacation and sick/personal days), as well as strong public transport.
I think their space overlaps with red tory, progressive liberal, fiscally restrained NDP)
It naturally appeals to a broad swath of the political spectrum when well presented.
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At the same time, I think the NDPs shift away from strong 'green' credentials but also away from blue collar/big labour, to more of an urban, educated, liberal professional party certainly frees up some of that base to migrate
to those they see as less establishment and more activist.