Toronto, September 18, 2007 — Green Party of Ontario (GPO) leader Frank de Jong may be excluded from standing alongside the other party leaders at the televised debate on Sept. 20, but that's not stopping him from taking part and having his say.

De Jong will be the centre of attention at a Green Party party at the Pantages Hotel and Spa in Toronto. And unlike the official debate, everyone's invited! The public and the media will be able to watch and listen to de Jong answer the debate questions as they are posed on television. The event will be broadcast on the Internet as part of the Greens' effort to get their message heard.

"Ontarians have again been denied their right to see the Green Party in action during the televised debate, so we decided to give them the opportunity on the Internet," de Jong says. "The televised leaders' debate plays an important role in our democracy because it gives voters a chance to compare their choices and evaluate the leaders. But it's only fair and effective if it includes all the parties.

"Every Ontario citizen has the opportunity to cast a vote for a Green Party candidate on Oct. 10. We have a comprehensive platform, a pragmatic approach and a vision for Ontario's future that people want to learn more about. This debate-night party is our way of making sure they get to hear what we have to say."

The public and the media are welcome to come to the party, watch and get involved. And for those who can't attend, de Jong's responses will be posted online at www.gpo.ca.

The party kicks off at 6 p.m., half an hour before the debate begins. Admission is free. There will be hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. The Pantages Hotel and Spa is at 200 Victoria St. in Toronto, on the corner of Shuter St., across from Massey Hall.

For more information, the public can call the Green Party of Ontario at 416-977-7476 or email Phil Marlatt at pmarlatt@gpo.ca.

- 30 -

Media Contacts:

Anouk Hoedeman
613-236-7772

ahoedeman@gpo.ca