Mark Daye's Toronto

BC elects first Green MLA

GPO leader Mike Schreiner made the following statement on the election of BC’s first Green MLA:

“I want to congratulate Green Party candidate Andrew Weaver for his historic victory in yesterday’s BC election. Andrew is the first Green ever elected in a provincial legislature in Canada.

 

Once again BC voters have made history two years after electing Elizabeth May as Canada’s first Green MP. I am happy and excited for Andrew and everyone pushing for a sustainable future. I know Andrew will seize this moment to be a voice for change in BC, and he will work tirelessly serving his constituents in Oak Bay–Gordon Head.

 

I also want to commend Leader Jane Sterk and all BC Green candidates for a strong campaign. The Green movement in Canada is growing stronger.

 

Mr. Weaver’s election is an inspiration for the Green Party of Ontario. GPO members are already working hard to bring change to Ontario by electing our first Green MPP to Queen’s Park.”

Green Party being frozen out of events

54th Tibetan Uprising Day - Yonge Dundas Square Toronto

To mark the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day on March 10, 2013, several thousand Canadian Tibetans in the GTA took part in a massive protest rally in Toronto in front of China's Consulate-General on St. George St. The protest rally was followed by a Tibetan Cultural rally at Yonge-Dundas Square. Leaders from various political parties and the Tibetan community addressed the public gathering at Yonge-Dundas Square. Here is the speech by Mark Daye of the Green Party of Ontario.

Ellen Michelson speaking about electoral reform.

Christian Resource Centre at Regent Park

Mark Daye, GPO - Rene, TCRC

A great photo taken by the indomitable Everett Collrin at the Cabbagetown Bia's Festival this past weekend on Parliament St. in Toronto - Green Party of Ontario's Mark Daye supporting the Toronto Christian Resource Centre, which is doing so much for Regent Park.
 
Did you know - the TCRC has some fabulous rental space available on Oak Street? An ideal location for a growing a community-spirited business. 

To find out more about the opportunity to rent space in the new CRC 40 Oak St. building click here. You can also book a tour of the new building by calling: (416) 363-4234

Long-term solutions should be priority over scoring short-term political points

Queen’s Park -  Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is committed to holding the government accountable for its focus on scoring short-term political points, rather than seeking long-term solutions. The GPO is urging the government to act on three important issues during this session.
Fair Schools
The GPO is challenging the McGuinty government to stop attacking teachers and to work with teachers to find savings. Instead of closing the door to talks about modernizing Ontario’s school system, the government should take a serious look at the advantages of moving to one school board.

“McGuinty should be in a room with teachers, looking for solutions to the crisis in our educational system, rather than pushing through his political agenda,” says GPO Leader Mike Schreiner. “This undemocratic attack on Ontario’s educational staff will not be the last, unless we start a discussion on ending wasteful duplication in our current school system.”

Studies from independent organizations show Ontario could save $1.3 to $1.6 billion by moving towards a single English and French public school board.

Ontarians First
Instead of politically motivated election promises, the GPO supports policies and investments that will increase efficiency, spur innovation, and lead to sustainability for Ontario. Schreiner cited the cancellation of the Mississauga gas plant, the off shore wind moratorium and the new Highway 7 announcement in Kitchener-Waterloo as costly, unplanned examples of short-term thinking that puts political party interest ahead of good public policy.

“I am committed to providing principled, positive and practical solutions and practicing a new kind of politics that moves beyond cynical political games,” says Schreiner. “Transportation and infrastructure initiatives like new highways need careful planning and shouldn't be part of an election-promises goodie bag.”

Love it Protect it
The GPO will continue it efforts to protect Ontario’s most treasured natural assets. The GPO is currently petitioning the government to make Wolf Lake in Temagami a provincial park, is fighting to protect prime farmland and clean water from quarries, and is pushing for a sustainable development plan that respects First Nation’s rights in the Ring of Fire.

“The GPO will fight to protect our valuable natural assets,” pledges Schreiner. “We raised the alarm about threats to environmental protections in the budget and will continue to push forward policies that enrich our natural assets.”

Green Party set to launch largest election campaign ever on Wednesday September 7th

Joined by candidates, shadow cabinet critics and supporters, Mike Schreiner will launch the Green Party’s 2011 election campaign from Queen's Park on Wednesday September 7th.  The Green Party was the first provincial party to launch their platform on May 24, offering a bold vision for building a financially, socially and environmentally sustainable Ontario. 

Capitalizing on the momentum from electing the first Green MP in Canadian history, the Green Party of Ontario plans to address major issues currently confrontingOntarians including tackling rising energy costs, the difficult job market, and access to quality health care.

What: Mike Schreiner will launch the Green Party of Ontario 2011 Election Campaign

When: Wednesday September 7th, 2011

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Where:  Legislative Grounds, Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON

Old Parties Present False Choices on Green Energy

Tory Leader Tim Hudak’s pledge to scrap the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program is a slap in the face to businesses, individuals, First Nations and community groups investing in safe, renewable energy projects. His pledge to cancel energy contracts already in place irresponsibly damages Ontario’s ability to attract investors and new businesses.

Also flawed is Premier Dalton McGuinty’s approach to energy - backroom corporate deals and disrespect for the decision-making authority of municipalities, informed by local citizens. Sensible energy policy should benefit local communities first and ensure an investment climate that is fair, open and transparent.

The Green Party of Ontario puts people and communities first, offering a sensible choice for voters who support a safe, affordable energy future. McGuinty’s special deal for Samsung has meant that local businesses, individuals and community groups cannot access the grid, and Hudak’s short-sighted pledge risks a growing Ontario industry, turning back the clock on energy policy.  Businesses require stability in order to succeed, something the old parties at Queen’s Park seem intent on ignoring.

Mike Schreiner, Leader GPO

Greens will not irresponsibly cancel contracts without a clear understanding of the costs and the effects on business investment and jobs. Green MPPs elected on October 6th will stand up for a sensible energy plan that puts communities first by restoring local decision making, requiring local ownership and ensuring local benefits for energy projects.

A sensible energy plan invests in energy efficiency and conservation as the most cost effective way to provide Ontarians long-term relief from rising energy prices. Conservation programs not only save Ontarians money today, but tomorrow and ten years from now. It’s time to elect Green MPPs who will fight for simple, transparent and fair rules that put communities first.

Vote Green On May 2nd

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

Benefit Photography Show

We're having a benefit photo show!

Photos by Ellen Michelson, Bill Michelson and Mark Daye will be on display, for sale to benefit The Equality Effect – 160 Girls for the whole month of February at Java Jive, at the corner of Church and Isabella.

Here's a very short, moving video about the programme.

Click Projects to learn more about the 160 Girls initiative.

The official show opening will be Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 6 p.m.  Please come.

We'll learn a little about The Equality Effect from Flora Terah, here from Kenya;  Ellen Michelson will also say a few words about the programme. We'll hear from our special guest, Glenys Babcock, founder of Pragmora, working to build peace around the world. We'll have some free and delicious nibbles;  as well, Eugene Johnson of Java Jive will generously offer his coffees, teas, and juices for only $1 each.

Here's some additional information.

Photographers:

77 Charles by Mark Daye

Mark Daye is an executive member of both the Green Party of Canada and the Green Party of Ontario for Toronto Centre.  He specializes in photos of  architecture and will feature some from Paris.


Bill Michelson is our Toronto Centre EDA's financial agent.  An urban sociologist, he has had many photos published.  This show will feature his photos of Africa and India.

Ellen Michelson, Green Party of Canada Toronto Centre Candidate; who recently sold some of her work to benefit Elizabeth May's campaign in B.C. Some of her photos are of places where she's worked abroad.

The full prices of all photos sold will be donated to The Equality Effect.

And Eugene supports an organization in Laos.  There's a donation box on his counter.  Current info is here. http://adoptavillageinlaos.blogspot.com/

Everyone involved really hopes you will come. If you can't make it to our opening, please stop in at Java Jive some time during February.

Trinity-Spadina Greens Fundraiser

On Saturday January 22nd, local indie band, attagirl, and Toronto rock sensations, the Short and Curlies (www.theshortandcurlies.com), will take the stage at the Rivoli to help raise money and awareness for the Trinity-Spadina greens. All proceeds of the $10 cover will go to the local riding association.

The Green Party is gearing up for a tough election campaign, intent on proving that many Canadians do not support the regressive policies of the Harper Conservatives.

Hope to see you all there, CHEERS!

Details:
Venue: The Rivoli ,416-596-1908, www.rivoli.ca
Door: 9:00 PM
Show Time: 10:15
Cover: 10$ at the door, no advanced tickets.

If you have any further questions, please email Jonathan Sas at jonathan.sas@gmail.com

Green Party Leader Biking to Montreal To Support AIDS Charity

Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is raising funds for PWA (People With AIDS) Toronto by taking part in the 12th Annual Bike Rally. The ride takes these fearless fundraisers from Toronto to Montreal. I wish you well Mike. Please join me in supporting Mike by making a donation today.

This is timely considering the International AIDS Conference which took place in Vienna this year ended today, and of course once again our esteemed Prime Minister, Stephen Harper made the news, or didn't when he and his Health Minister were publicly (and rightly so) reprimanded by Dr. Julio Montaner, the Canadian head of the International AIDS Society.

From CBC.CA 

 In his closing address to the International AIDS Conference in Vienna on Friday, conference chief Dr. Julio Montaner slammed Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq.
"I would also like to have a special word of recognition to the prime minister of Canada, Mr. Stephen Harper … for demonstrating, yet again, their incredible ability to take credit where none is due."
Montaner, one of Canada's most prominent AIDS researchers, said the federal government is "punching well below its weight" in funding international efforts to fight the disease and isn't doing enough to protect Canadians from its spread.  Read the full story here.

Sunday In The Park. Regent Park, Toronto

Actually, this year Sunday in the Park was held on Sunday July 11, 2010 at Lord Dufferin Public School near Parliament and Gerrard Streets on the downtown east side of Toronto.  This was the 19th year for the neighborhood event.

The event is a celebration of and for the vibrant community of Regent Park which is undergoing a beautiful and overdue revitalization. 

Sunday in the park featured a barbeque, raffles, entertainment, markets and our fun Green Party table. Toronto Centre candidate Ellen Michelson was there handing out frozen fruit pops and I assisted in making Green Party buttons for children and adults alike.

I asked Ellen about her thoughts on the event and Ellen said, "Sunday in the Park was a wonderful opportunity. We're eager to learn what's on people's minds, and we've found people are always eager to learn about the Green Party.  My own kids are grown now, but they still remember homemade fruit juice freeze pops, so I especially enjoyed giving frozen fruit juice pops to little ones on Sunday. Satisfying lives for individuals and families in strong local communities are top priority for the Green Party. It was so much fun to put our beliefs into practice on such a beautiful, breezy day. Thanks to the Toronto Christian Resource Centre for all the hard work in organizing such an excellent community event."

WWF - Help Save Canada's Arctic from Disaster

WWF - Help Save Canada's Arctic from Disaster

Let your voice be heard! Right now the US is using every tool at their disposal to respond to the Gulf oil spill crisis. In Canada, we need to call on every tool at our disposal to keep such a tragedy from happening in our waters. Now is the moment to rise to the challenge, and halt offshore drilling for oil until or unless we can safeguard our environment, our marine species, and our coastal communities.

WWF - Help Save Canada's Arctic from Disaster

Toronto Freedom Festival Video

Click on the 'exploding' arrows above to view full screen.

Debborah Donnelly to be Green Status of Women Critic

The Green Party of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Debborah Donnelly to the Shadow Cabinet portfolio of Status of Women. Debborah is the nominated candidate for the Toronto-area riding of St. Paul.

As a Canadian Naval Officer for over a decade, Debborah blazed a new path for women in Canada’s Armed Forces by being one of the first female officers in a combat role. She was instrumental in developing policy on the training of women in the Navy, and eventually instructed and mentored the next generation of women and men at the Naval Officer Training Centre. Also a skilled archaeologist, Debborah has worked on numerous excavations overseas, where she forged ties with and learned from women of many cultures.

Regulations at root of problem, Ontario Green Party leader says

Regulations and tax rules need to be reformed so farmers can sell their products in local markets, Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said here yesterday.

"We want to support prosperous, vibrant local economies and communities," Schreiner said.
Schreiner joined Leeds-Grenville Green candidate Neil Kudrinko in a byelection campaign event at Countryman's Estate Winery.
The winery's owners, Gene and Marsha Countryman, have been involved in a protracted dispute with Farm Credit Canada, which holds an overdue mortgage on the Countrymans' farm and residence.
Kudrinko said the Countrymans' winery is struggling because it cannot place its product adequately on the market, and that is just one example of a small Ontario farmer facing "overbearing regulations."
"The Countrymans' situation exemplifies what's wrong with Ontario agriculture today," said Kudrinko.
"It's forgotten the relationship between the producer and the consumer."
Kudrinko is one of four candidates hoping to succeed former MPP Bob Runciman in a March 4 byelection. Runciman was recently appointed to the federal Senate.

Read the full article from the Kingston Whig-Standard

Green Party of Ontario website

Longtime NHL enforcer Georges Laraque getting involved with Green party

Hockey tough guy Georges Laraque has a history of pummelling opponents until they're black and blue.

Now the longtime NHL enforcer is going Green.

The Canadian Press - Montreal - Newly released by the Montreal Canadiens, the longtime hockey scrapper is now putting his efforts in service of the Green Party of Canada.

Laraque will announce his plans to get involved with the environmental party at an event in Montreal on Saturday.

A Green party official said he would not be announcing plans Saturday to run for the party in an election, but would be discussing other ways he will contribute.

The party announced the Laraque event in a statement Friday. 

The statement said Laraque will hold a public screening of the film Earthlings, and then make an announcement.

Laraque has already credited that film, which is about the exploitation of animals, for spurring him on in his public fight against puppy mills.

The 13-year NHL veteran has also become a vegan, meaning he eats no meat or other products derived from animals, like milk and cheese.

Laraque was released by the Habs last month, right after scoring his only goal in two seasons with the team.