Please join Green Party of Ontario Toronto Centre candidate Mark Daye and other Toronto Greens as we remember the victims of Chernobyl and Fukushima on April 26, 2011.
Environment . Human Rights . Politics . Atheism . Food . Toronto . Ontario . Canada
4.25.2011
Vote for Ellen Michelson on May 2nd
Ellen takes you on a quick tour that showcases some of Toronto Centre's wonderful variety, while highlighting some Green Party platform points. The video ends with an overview of her Community Democracy Ambassadors plan for Toronto Centre.
Ellen was Toronto Centre’s Green Party candidate in the October, 2008 general election; the riding re-nominated her in May, 2009. Ellen serves as Peace and Security Critic in the Green Party of Canada Shadow Cabinet.
Ellen is one of the original members of the WindShare co-operative, and is a member of the board of directors of the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto. She volunteers with Green Thumbs Growing Kids, the Bleecker-Wellesley Activity Network, and the Hot Docs and Regent Park film festivals. She’s a member of the Toronto Heliconian Club and the Women’s Art Association of Canada. She washes dishes at The 519 Church Street Community Centre’s Sunday drop-in, and organizes re-donating the books unsold at the Rosedale-Moore Park Community Association’s annual Mayfair Market.
For more about Ellen Michelson please visit: www.electellen.ca
Ellen was Toronto Centre’s Green Party candidate in the October, 2008 general election; the riding re-nominated her in May, 2009. Ellen serves as Peace and Security Critic in the Green Party of Canada Shadow Cabinet.
Ellen is one of the original members of the WindShare co-operative, and is a member of the board of directors of the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto. She volunteers with Green Thumbs Growing Kids, the Bleecker-Wellesley Activity Network, and the Hot Docs and Regent Park film festivals. She’s a member of the Toronto Heliconian Club and the Women’s Art Association of Canada. She washes dishes at The 519 Church Street Community Centre’s Sunday drop-in, and organizes re-donating the books unsold at the Rosedale-Moore Park Community Association’s annual Mayfair Market.
For more about Ellen Michelson please visit: www.electellen.ca
4.19.2011
4.18.2011
Ontario Green Party Affirms Support for Community Energy Projects at Annual Conference
 |
| Felix Braz, Green MP, Luxembourg |
Schreiner shared the Green Party’s vision for harnessing safe, affordable sources of renewable energy to power Ontario’s economy. He emphasized the party’s support for community energy projects that stimulate local job creation and ensure local benefits. He reaffirmed the Green’s position that local communities should be equal partners in energy projects and that municipalities must have decision-making power in the siting of such projects.
Schreiner also announced the Green Party’s support for loan guarantees to facilitate community power projects. The Greens will also push to prioritize grid access for community projects and local entrepreneurs. Schreiner cited Denmark
as an example of where the successful deployment of renewable energy was accomplished democratically with local decision-making, ownership and benefits. |
| Mike Schreiner, GPO Leader |
Schreiner’s vision was affirmed by Felix Braz, Member of Parliament of the Chamber of Deputies of Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
, in his address to an energetic crowd of members and supporters.4.16.2011
4.15.2011
4.14.2011
Conservative candidate to skip Toronto-Centre queer debate
Conservative candidate to skip Toronto-Centre queer debate
The current Toronto-Centre MP, Liberal Bob Rae, says he's "very surprised and disappointed that Mr Moore isn't going to be participating in the debate. The debate at The 519 is always a lively and informative one and a 'can't miss' for anyone wanting to be the member of Parliament for Toronto Centre."
Moore's decision not to use this debate is a letdown considering his fire in December 2008, when he reacted to the NDP-Bloc Québécois coalition with his Facebook rallying cry, "Protest at Bob Rae's Front Door."
"It was a 'no coalition' rally at Queen's Park," says Rae. "Not exactly my 'front door,'" he laughs.
It's been a mere three years since the last federal candidates debate at The 519, when Rae represented the Liberal Party against the previous round of challengers: El-Farouk Khaki for the NDP, Chris Tindal for the Green Party and Rev Don Meredith for the Conservatives. Meredith was frequently booed by the crowd during his remarks, a campaign test Moore's fundraiser will save him from facing.
Scheduling is a cop-out, says Michelson: "I would think that anyone who wants to support [Moore] by donating should understand that his priority should be meeting the public and generating more support if he can."
NDP candidate Susan Wallace says Moore's declared absence is "a bit of shock, actually." She says she was invited "ages ago" and spent a great amount of time negotiating with The 519 on the exact date that would work with all schedules.
"They were trying to juggle it with Bob's schedule because he's only in the riding for a tiny bit of time, and of course, this is a debate that he wants to attend," Wallace explains. "I didn't mind moving things around."
Moore's people expressed interest in speaking to Xtra but, at press time, calls and emails have not been returned.
Having done little to "demonstrate that they are compassionate or respectful," the Conservatives, Michaelson says, "have dug themselves quite a hole in this riding... We have had Progressive Conservative candidates in this riding in the past," she says, noting that many of them have since joined the Green's ranks, "but the Conservative party has changed, and the voters have made it clear that they are no longer satisfied with what the Conservative party is offering."
"That Kevin Moore, a fundamental Christian, takes a pass on this debate should be no surprise to any of us," says Wallace. "He has a record that cannot be defended in front of this community we'll be addressing... You'll recall that video of Stephen Harper standing in front of a huge crowd of people and telling them that when he's prime minister, he'll make sure that marriage will be defined as being a union between a man and a woman."
But personally, says Wallace, shifting gears, "I'm sort of glad because it'll give me more one-on-one time with Bob Rae. He's the one I really want to go at. I think our community has to call Mr Rae to account for his lack of service to us over the last few years in this Harper minority government. I want to call him out on his record of over 100 votes in support of the Harper Tories. If Kevin Moore's not there, great -- let's talk to Bob Rae!"
Sure, says Rae, "I'm happy to debate with whoever turns up about whatever people want to talk about." It's a confident openness, apparently not yet shared by his Conservative opponent.
Toronto Centre All-Candidates' Debate
Friday, April 15, 7pm
Grand Ballroom, 519 Church St Community Centre
As the 519 Church Street Community Centre prepares to host an all-candidates' debate for the Toronto-Centre riding Friday, April 15, one of those candidates will be conspicuously missing. Conservative Kevin Moore will not be attending, says an aide, because of a scheduling conflict with a fundraising event.
"It's deplorable," says Green Party candidate Ellen Michelson, "because people should have the opportunity to hear what every party is presenting." She says Moore's decision to skip the debate especially rankles in the aftermath of her own party leader Elizabeth May's being shut out of the TV debates.
"It's deplorable," says Green Party candidate Ellen Michelson, "because people should have the opportunity to hear what every party is presenting." She says Moore's decision to skip the debate especially rankles in the aftermath of her own party leader Elizabeth May's being shut out of the TV debates.
The current Toronto-Centre MP, Liberal Bob Rae, says he's "very surprised and disappointed that Mr Moore isn't going to be participating in the debate. The debate at The 519 is always a lively and informative one and a 'can't miss' for anyone wanting to be the member of Parliament for Toronto Centre."
Moore's decision not to use this debate is a letdown considering his fire in December 2008, when he reacted to the NDP-Bloc Québécois coalition with his Facebook rallying cry, "Protest at Bob Rae's Front Door."
"It was a 'no coalition' rally at Queen's Park," says Rae. "Not exactly my 'front door,'" he laughs.
It's been a mere three years since the last federal candidates debate at The 519, when Rae represented the Liberal Party against the previous round of challengers: El-Farouk Khaki for the NDP, Chris Tindal for the Green Party and Rev Don Meredith for the Conservatives. Meredith was frequently booed by the crowd during his remarks, a campaign test Moore's fundraiser will save him from facing.
Scheduling is a cop-out, says Michelson: "I would think that anyone who wants to support [Moore] by donating should understand that his priority should be meeting the public and generating more support if he can."
NDP candidate Susan Wallace says Moore's declared absence is "a bit of shock, actually." She says she was invited "ages ago" and spent a great amount of time negotiating with The 519 on the exact date that would work with all schedules.
"They were trying to juggle it with Bob's schedule because he's only in the riding for a tiny bit of time, and of course, this is a debate that he wants to attend," Wallace explains. "I didn't mind moving things around."
Moore's people expressed interest in speaking to Xtra but, at press time, calls and emails have not been returned.
"I know Kevin," says Michelson, "and I know he's committed to serving this part of the world in the way he sees fit," but she thinks Moore has greater value in his church than in politics. "I think it's the responsibility of the Conservative party as a whole to meet the needs of our diverse community, and they have made it very, very clear that they do not choose to do this."
Having done little to "demonstrate that they are compassionate or respectful," the Conservatives, Michaelson says, "have dug themselves quite a hole in this riding... We have had Progressive Conservative candidates in this riding in the past," she says, noting that many of them have since joined the Green's ranks, "but the Conservative party has changed, and the voters have made it clear that they are no longer satisfied with what the Conservative party is offering."
"That Kevin Moore, a fundamental Christian, takes a pass on this debate should be no surprise to any of us," says Wallace. "He has a record that cannot be defended in front of this community we'll be addressing... You'll recall that video of Stephen Harper standing in front of a huge crowd of people and telling them that when he's prime minister, he'll make sure that marriage will be defined as being a union between a man and a woman."
But personally, says Wallace, shifting gears, "I'm sort of glad because it'll give me more one-on-one time with Bob Rae. He's the one I really want to go at. I think our community has to call Mr Rae to account for his lack of service to us over the last few years in this Harper minority government. I want to call him out on his record of over 100 votes in support of the Harper Tories. If Kevin Moore's not there, great -- let's talk to Bob Rae!"
Sure, says Rae, "I'm happy to debate with whoever turns up about whatever people want to talk about." It's a confident openness, apparently not yet shared by his Conservative opponent.
Toronto Centre All-Candidates' Debate
Friday, April 15, 7pm
Grand Ballroom, 519 Church St Community Centre
'Ethnic' Voter Rally at Harper Event
Thursday, April 14
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (Toronto Airport)
655 Dixon Road, Etobicoke
Please come dressed in your traditional "ethnic costume" - whether you're Chinese, Arab, Portuguese, Italian, South Asian, Irish, Vulcan, Klingon, Zombie, or Ewok.
Let's show the Conservatives that "ethnic voters" are not props for photo-ops.
Bring placards!
The Conservative rally will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 655 Dixon Road, near the Toronto Airport. The Conservative event is slated to start at 6:30 p.m. We're asking that you be there for 5:30 p.m. so we can be sure to greet Harper when he arrives.
Organized by community organizations, anti-racist groups, and "ethnics" across the Greater Toronto Area
Map: http://bit.ly/RallyLocation
RSVP:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=218684188147549
4.13.2011
Harper Hacks: Make your own Harper Ethnic Costume
Harper Hacks: Make your own Harper Ethnic Costume: "Download link to a Photoshop file here.And then email it to harperhacks@gmail.com"
4.12.2011
Elizabeth May Answers the Debate Questions
Unfortunately, at the end of the day, the executives of the big five TV networks decided their opinion mattered more than yours, more than the over 120,000 Canadians like you who signed the petition.However, while they can keep Elizabeth May off their own airwaves, they can’t silence her. You said you want to hear what Elizabeth has to say on the issues being debated, and you can.
Tonight during the debate, from 7-9 p.m. Eastern time, Elizabeth May will respond to the questions put to the other leaders. You can watch that live in real time on the web site of the Vancouver Sun:
www.vancouversun.com/news/
Immediately following the debate, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time, Elizabeth May will hold a press conference, which you can watch via live streaming video: www.greenparty.ca/live
And be sure to follow Elizabeth’s real time comments in her blog and on Twitter.
Blog: www.greenparty.ca/en/
Twitter: @ElizabethMay
4.11.2011
4.08.2011
4.07.2011
4.06.2011
Rallying For Democracy: From Coast to Coast
The broadcasting elite have shut Green Party Leader Elizabeth May out of the televised Leaders’ Debates. They don’t want you to hear Elizabeth May speak about climate change, youth engagement, respect for veterans, first nations issues, and women’s rights.
Is this true democracy? Is this really happening, in our Canada?
The majority of Canadians believe Elizabeth May should be in the debates. She was there in 2008. She must be there in 2011.
Join us and rally for democracy!
Toronto
When: Thursday April 7th from 17:30-19:30Where: This is London Club, 364 Richmond Street West Toronto, ON M5V 2L7
Visit the Facebook event here >>
Montreal
When: Friday April 8th from 17:00 Р19:00Where: Newtown, 1476 Crescent St, Montreal, QC (M̩tro Peel)
Visit the Facebook event here >>
Halifax
When: Saturday April 9 from 12-1PMWhere: Sackville Landing, 1655 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS
Visit the Facebook event here >>
Hamilton
When: Sunday April 1oth from 17:30-18:30Where: TBA
Visit the facebook event here >>
Vancouver
When: Monday April 11th from 12.00-13:00Where: Vancouver Art Gallery (Georgia St. side), 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver BC
A Debate History Lesson
Surely by now you've hear all about the decision by the elite media consortium to exclude Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May from the televised debates coming up next week (English, April 12th and French April 14th).
This decision shows a disgusting lack of regard for the Canadian people and for our democracy. The current powers that be have come up with all sorts of lame reasons why the Greens are not allowed, the main one being that the Green Party of Canada held no seats at the time that parliament fell because the Conservatives were held in contempt, a first for the Commonwealth, by the way.
Here are a few examples from the past, which, in my opinion help to illustrate that the media consortium has it's own agenda.
In the 1988 federal election the Bloc Quebecois
did not exist. Gilles Duceppe was elected in a by-election two years later ...as an independent, not as a Bloc candidate. Despite having no seats in Parliament, no official recognition from the Speaker and only 75 candidates out of 295 ridings, the Bloc Quebecois was included in both the French and English debates. The Bloc has never fielded a candidate outside Quebec but continues to participate in debates in both official languages.
did not exist. Gilles Duceppe was elected in a by-election two years later ...as an independent, not as a Bloc candidate. Despite having no seats in Parliament, no official recognition from the Speaker and only 75 candidates out of 295 ridings, the Bloc Quebecois was included in both the French and English debates. The Bloc has never fielded a candidate outside Quebec but continues to participate in debates in both official languages.
In the 1988 general election, the Reform Party ran 72 candidates, received 276,000 votes and won no seats. By the time of the 1993 election, the Reform Party’s only sitting member was Deborah Grey following her win in a 1989 by-election. Reform did not have Official Party status and did not win a seat in the 1988 election but Preston Manning participated in the 1993 leaders’ debate, based on the 11,154 votes Deborah Grey received in a 1989 by-election with a 47 per cent turnout. In 1993, the party ran only 207 candidates.
In 1979, the Social Credit Party was excluded from the debate despite the fact that it had 11 seats in Parliament at the time of dissolution. And in 1997, both the NDP and Progressive Conservatives were included in the debate despite not having Official Party status.
4.05.2011
4.04.2011
4.02.2011
Ellen and Mark at Toronto-Danforth open house.
Here's a picture of the Toronto-Centre Green Party candidates. That's Ellen Michelson, federal candidate on the left and Mark Daye, provincial candiate speaking at the campaign office open house for Adriana-Mugnatto-Hamu
Merlin endorses Toronto-Danforth candidate Adriana Mugnatto-Hamu
Adriana Mugnatto-Hamu is the Green Party of Canada candidate in the Toronto-Danforth riding east of downtown Toronto.
4.01.2011
Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson to run for Green Party
Source: Times - Colonist
Canadian born Pamela Anderson announced on Friday that she was going to run for the Green Party in her home community of Nanaimo.
The former Baywatch star and Peta activist was spurred to run in part from the Green Party's exclusion from the leader's debate early this week.
"I've always been passionate about environmental activism," said Anderson. "This election just seemed like the perfect time to come forward and do my part."
Known for her provocative advertisement for animal rights, the former television star feels that politics would be a natural transition. She spent a lot of time working with high production teams before, and she feels that she could handle the pressures of political life.
Reclaiming Canada's role as leader on human rights
In a report released today "Getting Back On The 'Rights' Track" , Amnesty International outlines a human rights agenda for Canada. It provides a blueprint for leadership at home and a consistent and principled stand for Canada abroad that should be adopted by all politicians during the election campaign. And it must be implemented by those who win the election. The report covers human rights issues within Canada including Indigenous rights, women's human rights and the need to protect the rights of Canadians abroad. And it calls for global leadership by Canada in areas such as maternal health, economic, social and cultural rights, and on rights in the Miiddle East.
Green Party files court challenge over debate snub.
The Green Party of Canada has filed an application with the Federal Court of Appeal to challenge a broadcast consortium's exclusion of leader Elizabeth May from the election campaign's televised leaders debates.
The party is requesting a judicial review of CRTC regulations that say the consortium of Canadian broadcasters, including CBC/Radio-Canada, is not required to include all leaders of political parties in debate programs.
On Tuesday, consortium decided to exclude May from the English and French debates, which are scheduled to be held on April 12 and April 14 in Ottawa.
3.31.2011
Elizabeth May Press Conference Friday.
31 March 2011 - 2:58pm
VICTORIA / OTTAWA – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green party of Canada, will hold a join press conference on Friday, April 1, with Linda Keen, former President of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Association.
The press conference will be held jointly with Ms. May in Victoria and Ms. Keen in Ottawa.
Ms. May and Ms. Keen will be addressing the broadcast consortium's recent decision to ban the Green Party's leader Elizabeth May from the televised debates; April 12th (Eng.) & April 14th, (Fr).
VICTORIA / OTTAWA – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green party of Canada, will hold a join press conference on Friday, April 1, with Linda Keen, former President of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Association.
The press conference will be held jointly with Ms. May in Victoria and Ms. Keen in Ottawa.
Ms. May and Ms. Keen will be addressing the broadcast consortium's recent decision to ban the Green Party's leader Elizabeth May from the televised debates; April 12th (Eng.) & April 14th, (Fr).
3.30.2011
TTC Bans Political Campaign Posters in Subway Stations
Green Party candidates told they can't advertise inside TTC, but only on the sides of buses
The Toronto Transit Commission ("TTC") is now refusing political advertising on subway platforms during the current federal election campaign. This represents an abrupt change of policy from previous elections.
The Supreme Court of Canada decided in 2009 that public transit systems were subject to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. A ban on political ads on the sides of Vancouver buses was determined to be a violation of the freedom of expression. The TTC is complying with the court ruling to the extent of allowing ads on transit vehicles.Green Party candidates in several Toronto ridings had been negotiating with TTC ad sales agents over the last month, and had already ordered artwork for posters conforming to specifications provided. They were shocked by the seeming arbitrariness of the decision, and questioned its timing.
"I'm disappointed." said Adriana Mugnatto-Hamu, the Green Party candidate in the riding of Toronto-Danforth currently held by Jack Layton. "There was a giant Layton poster with an NDP logo on the Broadview Station subway platform just days ago. Everyone knew an election was imminent. All I want is a fair opportunity to get my message out."
"The TTC has permitted political ads on its subway platforms in previous elections", Andrew James, a legal writer and candidate for council last year in Toronto-Danforth, observed. "There is no principled difference between a political ad on a subway platform and a political ad on a bus. But there's a huge practical difference. If this decision stands, it undercuts the ideal of representative democracy by confirming the primacy of party branding over local candidates."
/For further information: Blog post:
http://danforthgreens.ca/ttc-posters/
Ad barred from TTC (hi res):
http://danforthgreens.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/adriana-mugnatto-hamu-green-party-campaign-poster-for-ttc2.jpg
Jack Layton ad in TTC last week:
http://danforthgreens.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/jack-layton-ad-in-broadview-ttc-station.jpg/
Elizabeth May barred from televised debates, AGAIN!
Instead of speaking up to defend true democracy, other party leaders seem relieved—perhaps due to the glowing reviews Elizabeth received after her first appearance in the 2008 debates.
What kind of democracy excludes a party with the support of one million of its citizens?
What kind of democracy allows a handful of TV executives to decide that a party that only runs candidates in one province has more right to be in a national leaders’ debate than a party with candidates in every riding?
In the last election, your voices won Elizabeth her rightful place in the debates. We can’t believe that we have to ask you to rally on her behalf yet again. But we do.
Here’s what you can do:
- Vote in CBC’s poll on whether Elizabeth should be invited to the leaders’ debates
- Donate to support Elizabeth’s battle for inclusion
- Sign our petition
- Send a text message to the Chair of the Media Consortium, Mr. Troy Reeb of Global TV on his cell phone at 647-261-3752
- Email the news directors of consortium members CBC, CTV, Global, TVA
- Email party leaders Stephen Harper, Jack Layton, Michael Ignatieff and Gilles Duceppe
- Forward this message to your friends and family
With your help, Elizabeth will show Canadians why Greens belong in the House of Commons. And why there’s no debate that she belongs in the debates.
Thank you for taking part in our fight for true democracy in Canada.
3.29.2011
Latest McGuinty budget missing fresh thinking!
Latest McGuinty budget missing fresh thinking, says Ontario Greens
Greens call for efficiency in energy use, health care and finances
Greens call for efficiency in energy use, health care and finances
Interest on debt is projected to be the 3rd largest expense category at 10.3 billion dollars, second only to spending on Health and Education. This is slightly more than the budget for Community and Social Services, and 47% more than spending for Training and Colleges.
In these financially constrained times, the government is proposing across the board corporate tax cuts that we can not afford without alternative sources of revenue. Instead of additional corporate tax cuts, the Green Party supports targeted tax cuts for local businesses to stimulate job creation.
3.28.2011
Stephen Harper on Coalition Governments (a few years back)
...parties that want to form government are going to have to learn to work together."
-Stephen Harper
Greens Call for Fiscal Balance in Ontario’s Budget
Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the government to address Ontario’s financial, social and environmental deficits in tomorrow’s budget. Ontario Greens are looking for the government to balance the budget faster so that tax dollars are spent on important public services, not interest payments.
Ontario Greens are also calling on the government to reign in spending. Greens support reducing income and local business taxes to stimulate job creation, and offset these tax cuts with a fiscally balanced, revenue neutral carbon levy modeled after British Columbia’s popular approach. Financial prudence involves rewarding individuals and businesses for being more efficient and reducing costly pollution.
The Green Party supports financially responsible investments in frontline health care. Targeted improvements in community and senior care with a focus on illness prevention will reduce stress on families and hospitals.
“Keeping people out of hospital by supporting front line community care, home care and promoting good health makes sense in these financially constrained times.” - Mike Schreiner, GPO LeaderEliminating waste and improving efficiency are at the top of the Green’s priority list. This budget needs to start with investments in energy efficiency and conservation as the most financially responsible approach to dealing with rising energy costs. The successful Home Energy Savings Program should be reinstated, to continue to create local jobs and help Ontario families save money on their energy bills.
Ontario Greens are also calling on the government to reign in spending. Greens support reducing income and local business taxes to stimulate job creation, and offset these tax cuts with a fiscally balanced, revenue neutral carbon levy modeled after British Columbia’s popular approach. Financial prudence involves rewarding individuals and businesses for being more efficient and reducing costly pollution.
The Green Party supports financially responsible investments in frontline health care. Targeted improvements in community and senior care with a focus on illness prevention will reduce stress on families and hospitals.
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