Your Green MPP’s Plan of Action for 2014

HIGHLIGHTS

 Mike Schreiner and the Green Party of Ontario want to get Ontario back on track.

Click here for the  2014 GPO Platform

We have a realistic, responsible plan for Ontario’s future.

In the next session of the legislature, your Green MPPs will demand that the government:

1. Raise the Employer Healthcare Tax exemption from $450,000 to $900,000 for businesses with payrolls of less than $5 million.

2. Implement dedicated revenue tools to raise $3 billion a year to build and operate the transit we need in Ontario.

3. Put $4 billion over four years into home energy retrofit credits.

4. Save $1.2 to $1.6 billion a year by moving to one public system with French and English public school boards.

5. Double the child tax benefit for half a million children living in families near the poverty line.  

6. Endow a Social Innovation Fund to support social and economic innovation by young adults.

7. Permanently protect Ontario’s Class 1 farmland and source water regions.

8. Increase royalties and levies for mining, aggregates and water-taking. 

9. Close loopholes in legislation that threaten your community and our natural heritage from harmful activities.

Each of the demands is costed, and we show you where the money is coming from.

None of our demands will rely on fairy dust or magic pots of money. None of our commitments will increase the deficit. None of our promises will quietly disappear once they’ve done the work of getting us elected.

All of our commitments will make Ontario a better place in which to live, work, and bring up your family.

Join us and help restore honesty, integrity, and good public policy to Queen’s Park.  

Think Big and Expect Better: The Green Party of Ontario Releases Platform

Queen’s Park -- Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, released the party’s election platform today at Queen’s Park.

 

Schreiner is on a mission to bring honesty, integrity and good public policy to Queen’s Park. 

 

“At the doorstep and in coffee shops, people tell me they are tired of the political status quo-- political games, boondoggles, broken promises, and secret deals,” says Schreiner. “We must expect better. Greens are committed to restoring honesty, integrity, and good public policy to Queen’s Park.” 

 

The platform focuses on jobs, kids, and the environment. 

 

It puts forward nine demands that will be made by Green MPPs elected in 2014. Each of the demands is costed and the source of revenue identified. 

 

“Financial, social, and environmental accountability are at the heart of Green Party values,” says Deputy Leader Kevin O’Donnell. “This platform is visionary and responsible. It doesn’t borrow from our kids future by gutting public services or failing to fund important promises.”

 

The demands include bold and innovative solutions to pressing problems faced by the people of Ontario, like a real plan to save you money on energy bills, without costly gimmicks. They are also all concrete ways in which Green MPPs can contribute to creating a better future for us all. 

 

“I want to make it clear to the people of Ontario: a Green vote can and will make a difference,” says Schreiner. “On issue after issue, we have shown leadership and brought about change for a better Ontario.” 

June election leaves democratic initiatives to die

Guelph - Green Party of Ontario leader and Guelph candidate Mike Schreiner criticized the other party leaders for leaving democracy stranded in the rush to jump on the campaign bus. 

 

“Catchy slogans, media stunts, and rally signs do not make good public policy,” says Schreiner. “Political games by the status quo parties at Queen’s Park killed legislation that would strengthen our democracy.” 

 

Bill 83, known as the anti-SLAPP bill, would make it more difficult for vested interests with deep pockets to threaten critics with legal costs and delays. 

 

The legislation was introduced nearly a year ago, but has been stalled by the tactics of corporate lobbyists and the failure of the status quo parties to cooperate. 

 

“Political games forced citizens to take a back seat,” says Schreiner. “All parties said they supported anti-SLAPP legislation, but they failed to pass the bill. What a shame.”

 

Bill 166, the Toronto Ranked Ballot Elections Act, has also been abandoned by the election call. The bill would introduce needed electoral reform to eliminate the need for strategic voting, reduce negative campaigning, and ensure our preferences are more directly represented. It opens the door for proportional representation so that every vote counts. 

 

Politicians of all stripes, business owners, social justice leaders, journalists, and artists have joined together in their support for municipal electoral reform. 

 

“If we want to restore faith and bolster participation in politics, we need to fix the broken electoral system,” said Dave Meslin, a leader in the movement to revitalize our democracy. “We elect MPPs to work together in our interest, not to derail the legislature and waste the thousands of hours that have been invested in these important bills. The early election call only serves to feed cynicism about politics.” 

 

Mike Schreiner issued calls to fast track these and other important bills. 

 

The Green Party is on a mission to restore honesty, integrity, and good public policy to Queen’s Park.   

 

Rally for democracy with Elizabeth May

 

With Canadian democracy at risk and broken politics at Queen's Park, the role of the citizen has never been more important.

 

Join Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May and Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner to learn about threats to Canadian democracy like the so-called "Fair Elections Act", the difference one MP is making, and how you can act for change.  

 

Elizabeth May has been voted Hardest Working MP and Parliamentarian of the Year.

 

Where: Red Chevron Club, Banquet Hall 

34 Elizabeth St, Guelph, ON, N1E 2X2 

 

When: Friday, May 2 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

 Friday, May 2, 2014 - 18:30 - 19:30

Niagara Falls Green candidate calls for bee protection plan

Niagara Falls - Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner and Niagara Green candidate Clarke Bitter issued an all-party challenge today, urging candidates to address growing public concern over the dire plight of honeybees and other pollinators.

 

“The local economy of the Niagara region is dependent on pollination”, said Schreiner. “Apples, peaches, cherries, grapes and peppers – all of those crops, and many others, need the services honey bees provide. If we want to protect the future health of local food production and support local farmers in this region we need to protect pollinators.”

 

Bitter says given the importance of bees to the Niagara region, candidates should agree to debate the issue and be ready with the steps each party would pursue if successful in the Feb. 13th by-election.

 

The Green Party is calling for a ban on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides until peer reviewed scientific research can definitively determine that neonicotinoids do not harm bees.

 

"Ontario's beekeepers applaud the efforts of the Green Party. We hope that all parties will support a suspension of neonicotinoid insecticides. We need this for the protection of the pollinators that we all rely on for Niagara's fruit and vegetable production," said Dan Davidson, President, Ontario Beekeepers Association.

 

“My challenge to my fellow candidates is straightforward – what is your party’s bee protection plan and what will you do to protect beekeepers and support Niagara farmers who need pollinators to survive?” asks Bitter.  

 

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada confirmed the link between widespread bee kills in 2012 and 2013 and the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on corn plantings in Ontario. Residues were found in 80% of the 240 bee kill locations and on 70% of the bees tested. Late last year the PMRA said – “Consequently, we have concluded that current agricultural practices related to the use of neonicotinoid treated corn and soybean seed are unsustainable.”

 

“The Premier continues to waffle on protecting bees while beekeepers experience unsustainable losses and farmers risk losing pollinators,” adds Schreiner. “The time for action is now, and voters can send a clear message for change by voting Green on February 13.”

 

Premier must act to protect our economy and environment from oil spills

(Queen’s Park): Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is pushing Premier Wynne to take a firm stance against Enbridge’s Line 9B oil pipeline.

 

“The Premier is failing to protect the people and places we love by not speaking out against Line 9,” says Schreiner. “Enbridge’s Line 9 risks our economy and our environment with no benefits for Ontario.”

 

Over 570 Green Party supporters have sent the Premier a letter asking her to say no to Enbridge’s Line 9B proposal, which is currently before the National Energy Board for approval.

 

“Line 9 threatens our health, safety and environment with a mix of toxic chemicals,” says Schreiner. “Cleaning up dilbit spills will be costly to our environment, to our economy and our health.There are no clear economic benefits of this proposal to Ontario.”

 

The Green Party is particularly concerned with Enbridge’s proposal to ship dilbit--raw tar sands bitumen mixed with chemicals--through a 38-year-old pipeline not designed to handle such corrosive material. Enbridge’s Line 9 runs between Sarnia and Montreal under every major river in Southern Ontario, prime farmland, sensitive ecosystems and populated urban areas.

 

U.S. studies show that pipelines shipping dilbit are more likely to spill because it is more corrosive than conventional crude. Tar sands oil is also harder and more expensive to clean up. Clean up of the Enbridge Line 6B dilbit spill in Michigan is still not complete after three years and over $1 billion in cost.

 

“The provincial government has a responsibility to protect Ontario’s water, environment, economy and communities,” says Schreiner. “The Premier needs to fulfill these responsibilities. We are calling on her to say no to the Line 9B proposal.”

Pride Message from Green Party of Ontario leader, Mike Schreiner

Green Party of Ontario leader, Mike Schreiner, made the following statement on Toronto Pride Week:

 

“One of my favourite things about Ontario is that our province is teeming with diversity - whether it’s the richness of our landscape or the cultural diversity in our cities, towns and neighbourhoods.

 

This week marks the 33rd anniversary of the 2013 Toronto Pride, one of the largest displays of Pride in the world; an event that encourages tolerance, acceptance, and inclusivity.  

 

In Ontario, and indeed Canada, hard fought battles over the past decades mean that we all generally benefit from legislation that offers protections against discrimination and intolerance. 

 

I congratulate and thank the leaders in the LGBTQ community who fought against the odds to bring political change to Ontario.

 

This fight is not over. We know that discrimination still exists. Sadly, in Ontario this is the case, where our tax dollars fund a school system that uses discriminatory hiring practices. 

 

Our provincial government continues to uphold discrimination against LGBTQ teachers and students, by supporting a separate school system that makes one-third of Ontario’s teaching jobs off limits to these teachers. 

 

It’s time to move to one school system, so that fiscally responsible, efficient, equitable, and effective education is available to all our of children.

 

I am committed to working with Ontarians to ensure our province provides a welcoming, safe and equal place for all people. Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate our diversity by joining in Pride Week festivities." 

The Green Party of Ontario continues to make the issue of discrimination in Ontario's publicly funded schools a priority and asks for you to send a strong message to Queen's Park by signing their petition.

Click here to sign

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.”

Earth Day: Time for action on climate change

Mike Schreiner made the following statement regarding Earth Day and the failure to address climate change:

 

“I had the privilege to work with community groups over the weekend to celebrate Earth Day by planting trees and cleaning trails. Ontarians understand how essential a clean environment is to our health, quality of life and economy. People understand the need to protect our environment today and to leave a strong legacy for our kids and their kids.

 

Unfortunately, the government is missing in action on climate change, one of the biggest threats to our environment and our economy.

 

The National Roundtable estimates climate change will cost our economy $5 billion by 2020 and up to $43 billion by 2050. The cost to Ontario’s forestry industry alone could hit $7.4 billion.  We are already experiencing the devastating effects of extreme weather events. 

 

In fact, all the old parties at Queen’s Park have missed the boat by refusing to consider the most efficient and cost effective approach to reducing GHGs - a simple, straight forward price on pollution. 

 

British Columbia, Alberta, and Québec have put a price on pollution. The right incentives foster innovation, job creation and economic progress in the low-carbon economy.

 

We are fortunate to live in a province with a rich natural heritage: vast forests, prime farmland and thousands of lakes and rivers. Climate change threatens our natural wealth and quality of life.

 

The time for change is now. Let’s make every day Earth Day.”

Schreiner delivers strong message for change in historic meeting with Premier

Queen’s Park - Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, made the following statement after his historic meeting with the Premier.

 

“I'm encouraged that Premier Wynne is reaching out across party lines and has listened to our fresh ideas for Ontario. Queen's Park is broken, and needs the new approach that we bring.

 

Today I asked the Premier to include three of our priorities in the 2013 budget:

• Save over $1 billion each year by merging the school boards into one english and french public system;
• Protect our water with actions that start with funding the Experimental Lakes Area, and 
• Move from talk to action with dedicated funding for public transit.

While the Premier and I may agree on some targets - such as the essential need to fund transit - the Liberal record misses the mark. 

 

The gas plant fiasco, for example, has cost us millions and squandered the goodwill of the people of Ontario. The Green Party provides the smart, engaged and honest approach to a green future that people are looking for. 

 

Ontarians are looking for change. They want better management of our money, higher-quality services, smarter implementation of environmental policies, and greater equity and accessibility in education. I call on Premier Wynne's government to be more efficient, more honest, and more principled than the Liberal government that preceded hers.

 

I will continue to push the Premier to make sure this province is strong today and provides a vibrant future for our kids and their kids.”

Open Letter to Premier Wynne: Schreiner says budget is time for action

Toronto – Today Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, sent the following letter to Premier Wynne highlighting recommendations for the 2013 budget:

 

Dear Premier Wynne:

 

It is essential for the government to reduce the province's deficit in a fair, balanced and fiscally responsible way.  The financially responsible approach is to spend our tax dollars on public services, not interest payments on debt.

 

Ontario faces major challenges - gridlock, a struggling economy, and rising income inequality. But we also have opportunities to make innovative changes that will allow us to make long-term investments to secure our future. 

 

You have shown a willingness to cooperate across party lines in the search for solutions that will benefit Ontario. In this spirit, we have submitted our recommendations to the 2013 budget. In particular, I would like to highlight a few suggestions that will help us live within our means while improving public services.

 

1. Save $1 billion annually by merging the school boards 

Merging the Catholic and public school boards will provide ongoing savings of an estimated $1.3 billion per year. These savings will allow us to reinvest in the classroom and provide higher quality education for our children.

 

2. Create dedicated funding for transit and active transportation

You have said that you are open to improving our transportation system with funds for public transit. Now it’s time for action. We need new, dedicated sources of revenue to fund public transit, as well as direct funding for safe streets with cycling and walking infrastructure.

 

3. Reduce poverty and pollution

The deceptively named Clean Energy Benefit rewards the wasteful use of energy to the tune of $1 billion per year. We can reduce pollution and poverty by using this money instead to fund programs that support our most vulnerable citizens including a targeted energy rebate program and funding the recommendations from the Commission to Review Social Assistance.

 

4. Invest in our environment and science

We need to be good stewards of water for our children and future generations. By stopping operational funding for the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), the Prime Minister has refused to protect Canada's water. Without the sound science and data the ELA provides, the safety of Ontario's freshwater resources is at risk. You can step in and bridge funding to keep the ELA running, before it's too late. 

 

5. Support local job creation

Businesses in the emerging clean-tech sector can seize opportunities to transform our economy: improve productivity, facilitate innovation, create jobs, address climate change, and have a positive influence on the well-being of our communities. This is a win-win for the economy and environment. By closing corporate tax loopholes designed in and for yesterday’s economy, we can invest in the right incentives to spur job creation and business development in the new global economy.

 

Premier Wynne, I thank you for your consideration of these recommendations.

 

I have one final request. Last year, changes to 69 acts, including eight environmentally significant laws affecting the Ministry of Natural Resources, were buried in the 327 page omnibus budget bill. This was not honest, transparent or good governance. 

 

Deceptive omnibus budget bills weaken democracy and public participation, and undermine transparency and accountability. This year, I ask that you please do the right thing and not hide changes to significant legislation - including to our environmental protections - in the 2013 budget bill. 

 

Regards,

 

Mike Schreiner

Leader, Green Party of Ontario

 

Find the Green Party of Ontario’s submission to the Ministry of Finances at www.gpo.ca/2013-budget

 

Transit Revenue Deniers (TRDs) damage economy and environment.

Transit Revenue Deniers (or TRDs as I prefer to call them)  are hurting our economy and our environment. 

The NDP, likes to promote itself as a party of the people, but one must ask, which people? Commuters? I don't think so.  The financially vulnerable? That's a laugh! It seems that the NDP is only interested in helping out the wealthiest citizens in the province.

We have seen how Andrea Horwath and the NDP like to help the wealthiest citizens with the NDP idea to reduce auto insurance rates 15% across the board, a move that will help wealthy  car owners with multiple and/or large vehicles.

It's an idea that seems very similar to their call to remove the HST on home heating. Again, who will this benefit the most? The wealthiest citizens with large homes! It does nothing to promote conservation and nothing to help the environment.

Is this the NDP decision making die?

The NDP brought gambling to Ontario in the 1990's. The province now has 24 casinos and another five planned.  So it would seem to me that the NDP have no problem taking money from the most financially vulnerable people in the province to pay for the infrastructure that all of Ontario needs. The only concern they seem to have with casinos seems to be the privatization of them. Never-mind the financially vulnerable pensioners and unemployed who are spending their last few dollars hoping to win big at one of these revenue generators.

Yet, when it comes to the ideas put forth by the Toronto Board of Trade, to pay for transit, Horwath says no dice!

In a release yesterday The Toronto Board of Trade says it is advancing for discussion, four revenue tools that are balanced, fair, and economically responsible.

They are:

Revenue Tool                  Approx. mid-range rate                                Annual Revenue Potential

Regional Sales Tax                        1%                                                                 $1.0 - 1.6B

Parking Space Levy                      $1 per space per day                                       $1.2- 1.6B

Regional fuel tax                           10-cent/litre                                                     $640- 840M

High-occupancy toll lanes             30-cent/km for single drivers                             $25 - 45M

Chart from: Metro News

Granted, there are pros and cons to all of the ideas, but I have to agree with Green Party leader Mike Schreiner who is criticizing the NDP for hurting the economy and environment by refusing to support dedicated revenue tools to fund public transit. Schreiner said yesterday, "NDP leader Andrea Horwath sounds like Rob Ford when it comes to funding public transit. Ontario's economy will grind to a halt if we don't reduce gridlock with dedicated revenue for public transit."

And, he isn't the only one. Matt Elliot of Metro News also compares Rob Ford to Andrea Horwath, calling them "Transit Revenue Deniers" likening them  to climate change deniers who won't admit there is a problem.

Toronto Transit Commission Chair, Karen Stinz said, "It seems to me a little bit of an odd statement for the NDP and Rob Ford to be on the same side,"

It has been well documented that gridlock costs the GTHA economy $6 billion per year in lost productivity. If the status quo doesn't change, gridlock will cost the economy $15 billion per year. Congestion hurts our health, environment and takes precious time away from family and community.

"NDP leader Andrea Horwath sounds like Rob Ford when it comes to funding public transit," says GPO leader Mike Schreiner.

"Ontario's economy will grind to a halt if we don't reduce gridlock 

with dedicated revenue for public transit."

The Green Party is calling on MPPs in the minority legislature

to support dedicated funding for transit.

"We need to be realistic about funding public transit," adds Schreiner. "People are tired of being stuck in traffic. They understand that we can't afford transit improvements without new revenue. It's unfortunate the NDP is standing in the way of better public transit for those who need it most."

"The NDP are wasting the opportunity they have in the minority legislature to leave a great legacy...by funding world-class transit across the province,” adds Schreiner. “We need to change direction in transportation planning, and we need to be realistic about funding. Wishful thinking won’t fund transit."

Ontario can't afford to let gridlock continue. Better transit benefits everyone, not just the wealthy. It means less congestion, fewer accidents and less pollution. So lets stop listening to these TRDs like Horwath and Ford and move forward on transit for the benefit of all of us who live in the GTA.

~Mark Daye is the Green Party of Ontario candidate for Toronto Centre and the Community & Social Services Critic.

NDP opposition to transit funding hurts economy, environment

(Toronto) - GPO leader Mike Schreiner is criticizing the NDP for hurting the economy and environment by refusing to support dedicated revenue tools to fund public transit.

 

"NDP leader Andrea Horwath sounds like Rob Ford when it comes to funding public transit," says GPO leader Mike Schreiner. "Ontario's economy will grind to a halt if we don't reduce gridlock with dedicated revenue for public transit."

 

Gridlock costs the GTHA economy $6 billion per year in lost productivity. If the status quo doesn't change, gridlock will cost the economy $15 billion per year. Congestion hurts our health, environment and takes time away from family and community.

 

The GPO is calling on MPPs in the minority legislature to support dedicated funding for transit.

 

"We need to be realistic about funding public transit," adds Schreiner. "People are tired of being stuck in traffic. They understand that we can't afford transit improvements without new revenue. It's unfortunate the NDP is standing in the way of better public transit for those who need it most."

 

"The NDP are wasting the opportunity they have in the minority legislature to leave a great legacy for ours and our kids’ future by funding world-class transit across the province,” adds Schreiner. “We need to change direction in transportation planning, and we need to be realistic about funding. Wishful thinking won’t fund transit."

 

Ontario can't afford to let gridlock continue. Better transit benefits everyone. It means less congestion, fewer accidents and less pollution.

 

Green Party being frozen out of events

Tim Hudak’s attack on endangered species is misguided and unnecessary

“We can protect both endangered species and farmers,” said Mike Schreiner, GPO leader. “It’s not an either/or.”

“The Liberals are already working to gut protections for endangered species,” Schreiner continued. “Now, the Conservatives want to up the ante with a frontal assault on species and habitat protection. Hudak wants to take Ontario backwards, not forwards.” 

 

The Liberal government has already proposed changes that would weaken protections for endangered species by lowering standards and granting more exemptions to facilitate development. 

 

Mr. Hudak’s attack on species protection appears to be driven by politics, not by science or facts. Mr. Hudak’s claim that “the wood turtle is grinding forestry to a halt in the north” is misleading at best: forestry activities are permitted in regulated wood turtle habitat. Mr. Hudak also asserts that protections for the bobolink is preventing farmers from harvesting their hay. In June 2011, however, the Ministry of Natural Resources granted agricultural operations a three-year exemption from the ESA’s protection provisions for bobolinks. In May 2012, the ministry broadened that exemption.

 

“People are tired of the status quo--politicians that put partisan attacks before an honest discussion of good public policy,” says Schreiner. “Instead of exploiting fear or frustration, let’s have an honest conversation about solutions.”

 

In his remarks at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference where Mr. Hudak made his remarks, Schreiner proposed a more sensible solution:

 

“I believe it is time to recognize that farmers do more than put healthy food on our tables. They are also stewards of our land and waterways, protectors of species and habitat. It is unfair and unsustainable to ask farmers to shoulder this burden alone. All of us, rural and urban, must share in this responsibility by paying farmers for the environmental good and services that we all enjoy.”

Community behind Green Leader run in Guelph

Community behind Green Leader run in Guelph

Schreiner will put Guelph first at Queen’s Park

Guelph, ON - Surrounded by community members and supporters from across the province, GPO leader Mike Schreiner today kicked off his campaign to represent Guelph as Ontario's first Green MPP.

 

“Guelph is the most forward looking community in Ontario. We need to bring the kind of leadership this community shows to Queen’s Park,” says Schreiner. “As MPP for Guelph, I will put the people of Guelph ahead of partisan political games. I will not play politics as usual.”

 

"We are at a crossroads in Ontario," says Schreiner. "Successive NDP, PC and Liberal governments have failed to tackle the big challenges. We now face financial, environmental and democratic deficits. Ontario deserves better. Guelph deserves better.”

 

Schreiner’s run in Guelph also has the support of Canada’s first Green MP, Elizabeth May. “Mike Schreiner will make a great MPP. Queens Park is suffering from a distressing lack of fresh ideas and cooperation in the public interest," says May. "As Leader of the GPO, he will be heard. As the first Green MPP in Ontario, he will bring new ideas to the table. The people of Guelph have a unique opportunity to put themselves -- and the province -- first by electing Mike Schreiner.”

 

Schreiner, a 43-year old father of two, started his career in the Guelph region as an entrepreneur and advocate in the local food movement. As co-founder of WOW Foods, an award winning local organic food delivery company, Schreiner worked for over 10 years to connect local farmers with consumers and to foster strong local economies.

 

Following in the footsteps of Elizabeth May’s election last year, Guelph is well poised to make history and elect Ontario’s first Green MPP. 

 

Schreiner is standing for nomination at a meeting that will take place December 4th at 7:30pm at Innovation Guelph. 

 

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.”

If I had a billion dollars...

 

Visit our website for Catholic funding FAQ&A

Let's have a conversation about a fair school system

 

Green Party of Ontario

Do all Ontarians pay for Catholic Education?

Yes. Every Ontario tax payer pays for education. That money is allocated per student to both boards.

Why do I have to declare which board I support municipally?
That declaration allows you to vote on your board specific trustees but does not effect your taxes.

Greens: We can balance the budget and improve education in Ontario

Toronto, Ontario - Green Party of Ontario (GPO) Leader Mike Schreiner is disappointed with the McGuinty government’s decision on Thursday to slam the door on conversations with teachers.

“The GPO believes Ontario must balance our province’s budget,” says Schreiner. “The most progressive business leaders know that front line workers are in the best position to identify better, more efficient ways of doing things. The McGuinty government’s failure to work with teachers to identify savings is irresponsible.”

The Green Party of Ontario wants tax dollars spent on important public services, not interest payments on debt. The GPO is calling on the government to work with teachers to identify the most effective and efficient way to achieve cost savings.

“Picking a fight with teachers and refusing to talk about ending the wasteful duplication in funding separate schools is not putting our kid’s education first,” says Schreiner.

At the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) general meeting in Toronto members voted in favour of a motion that would see public funding of public education in Ontario limited to the public system. Only the GPO is calling for a public commission to determine the best way of merging the separate and public education systems into a single French and English school board. Studies suggest that this could save $1.3 to $1.6 billion in duplicate administration and operating expenses.

“The Liberals are making a big mistake slamming the door on an opportunity to balance the budget while improving the quality and fairness of our schools,” says Schreiner. “The old line parties have done nothing but present voters more of the same. Voters in by-elections in Vaughan and Kitchener-Waterloo can send a message to Queen’s Park: Ontarians expect modern solutions to modern problems.”