Anita Payne

Anita Payne is a high school science teacher, now teaching online. She has taught for over twenty years in the public school system. She felt compelled to join the Green Party of Ontario in 2003, to help bring an environmental focus to political decisions. Born and raised in Toronto, Anita spent at least part of each summer for over forty years at Lake Simcoe, north of Beaverton.

Interacting with nature at her cottage inspired Anita to study ecology, to become a teacher, and to become involved in her community. Anita has been married to Michael Payne for 34 years and has two grown children and one grandchild. Anita is proud that her son was born in the same hospital, Ross Memorial in Lindsay, as his father. The family lived on the Payne farm for three years and bought a house in Lindsay, but they were forced to move away for work. They continue to visit the farm regularly. Anita’s parents-in-law are gone now, but her brother-in-law and sister-in-law are still on the farm.

Anita is active in several community and environmental groups. While living in eastern Ontario she chaired a county waste management committee and was president of both her quilt guild and lake association. Anita also sat on Stratford’s Energy and Environment Committee. Serving on her provincial and federal Green Party riding associations since 2003, Anita was also on the Green Party of Ontario Provincial Executive for 2 ½ years. In addition, Anita ran as a candidate in Perth-Wellington in the 2007 provincial election. Anita is a long serving executive member of the Ontario Society for Environmental Education.

As a swimmer and triathlete, Anita promotes active living to maintain health and reduce one’s environmental footprint. Anita is pleased to represent the Green Party in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. She said “the Green Party’s policies are needed to move Ontario toward a prosperous post carbon society”.