Nominations have closed and we are pleased to announce that Mike Schreiner is seeking the Leadership of the Green Party of Ontario. The vote for the Leadership will take place at our upcoming Leadership Convention and Policy Conference in London, ON taking place from November 13th to 15th. As per the Green Party of Ontario Constitution, the ballot will include an option to vote for none of the above.

Mike has been an active member of the Green Party of Ontario for the past six years, developing the 2007 election platform, serving as GPO Policy Coordinator from 2007 to 2009, and most recently placing third during the recent Haliburton- Kawartha Lakes- Brock by-election (despite the NDP's heavily publicized leadership race concluding that same week).

Mike Schreiner is a recognized advocate for independent businesses and sustainable communities. He is well known for his leadership in co-founding Local Food Plus which has won four awards, most recently the Gold Award for Sustainable Living in the Canadian Environmental Awards. Local Food Plus brings farmers and consumers together to promote local, sustainable food systems that ensures win-win results.

This is an exciting time for the Green Party of Ontario, as we prepare for an historic election in 2011. The GPO continues to grow and build a strong foundation, attracting members, volunteers and voters from across the political spectrum.

There are many events during the lead up to the Leadership Convention and Annual Policy Convention (November 13th to 15th), and I encourage you to get out to events around the province .

Tribute to Frank de Jong

For the past 16 years, Frank de Jong has served as leader of the GPO. He has taken the Green Party of Ontario from the margins in 1993 to being prepared to elect MPPs in 2011. His passion on the issues have significantly affected the political discourse in Ontario and beyond our border. Frank’s work will be celebrated with a reception on Friday, November 14th at this year’s Annual Policy Convention. As well, Jim Harris is hosting a Tribute to Frank on Saturday, September 12th. You can find details of this event here, at www.gpo.ca

Convention and Policy Workshops

We are looking forward to the convention in London (November 13th to 15th), where we will engage in policy discussion, hear from influential speakers, celebrate our successes, and strategize for the future. The Green Party of Ontario is poised for an electoral breakthrough, and we need your help to get there! Please register early by filling out the Registration Form here, and take advantage of the Early Bird rates available until Sept. 30th.

Finally, there are two day-long policy workshops which will take place in the next month. The first is on health care and will take place on September 19th in Wolf Island, near Kingston. For details, see: http://www.gpo.ca/node/2058. The second is on October 3rd in northwest Toronto and will focus on the Sustainable Development of the Golden Horseshoe. For details, see: http://www.gpo.ca/node/2051.

This fall proves to be a busy time for the Green Party of Ontario as we continue to build our capacity and prepare for the fall 2011 election. I encourage all members to get involved in the party so that we can create the kind of society we all want Ontario to achieve!

Bill Hewitt.
President
Green Party of Ontario
416-977-7476/888-647-3366
admin@gpo.ca