Ontario politics is off to a fast start in 2010 with three by-elections in two months. I would like to thank Stefan Premdas, Mark MacKenzie and Neil Kudrinko for taking the time away from work and family to represent the Green Party of Ontario.

I also think it is important to recognize the candidates from all parties who decide to run for office. Although we do not agree on all the issues, I know that each candidate wants to improve her/his community and the province.

It is not a coincidence that two of the three GPO candidates are successful small business owners and the third is an employment specialist helping find jobs for members of his community. All three recognize how important vibrant local, independent businesses are to creating jobs, fostering strong communities and promoting well-being.

In a 21st-century world of high energy prices, it is important to green Ontario’s economy by improving efficiency and strengthening our local economies. Independent business owners, who live and work in their communities, play a vital role in creating local jobs, supporting community projects and implementing sustainable business practices. In this regard, all three of our candidates are leaders in their communities.

The Green Party believes that we need a government that will support local, independent businesses. We need to move away from the bigger is always better mentality that supports backroom deals for multinational corporations, like the recent Samsung deal. Instead, we need a level playing field for local, small and medium-sized businesses and family farms.

The Green Party supports tax and regulatory reforms that will create a level playing field for independent businesses and family farms. We need smart regulations that consider the size and scale of an operation. Far too many small businesses are hurt by regulations designed for large companies. Our green tax cut plan will reduce businesses taxes so people are less expensive to employ and will create incentives for businesses to invest in green technologies and produce green products and services.

In the two upcoming by-elections in Ottawa West-Nepean and Leeds-Grenville, I encourage you to learn more about how Mark MacKenzie and Neil Kudrinko have greened their businesses making them more efficient, more profitable and more responsible in their communities. It is this kind of community leadership with fresh ideas and new perspectives that is needed at Queen’s Park. It’s time to vote Green.