Does Gordon Campbell's Resignation Mean Anything to Ontario?

The political landscape in B.C. shifted overnight. Should we take heed here in Ontario?Yesterday heralded a new political era in British Columbia with the resignation of Premier Gordon Campbell. Nearly 10 years on the job and bragging rights to back to back to back majority governments came to an abrupt end with his personal popularity swimming with the fishes due to a single issue: the HST.

Is there a lesson to be learned for politicians in Ontario, which also adopted the HST? Many are saying 'yes' today, speculating that our premier is next, and should watch his political back as next October's election looms larger by the day.

We can learn something from the BC experience that goes beyond the single issue of HST. Be it the health-care levy, the HST, building a gas-powered hydro plant on protected environmentally sensitive lands, the over-regulation of small business, changing the microFIT rules, or any of a growing list of regressive decisions, our government is simply not listening to the legitimate needs of the citizens it is supposed to represent.

Since becoming Green Party leader almost a year ago, Mike Schreiner has traveled across the province and visited over 100 communities. He has heard one message loud and clear: the old parties aren’t standing up for the values and priorities of Ontarians.

Greens are standing up for community voices across Ontario and are putting forwarding practical solutions to the problems our province faces. We are inspired by citizens reclaiming government.

It’s time for a new approach to governing, an approach focused on respecting and engaging citizens and communities. An approach that the Green Party of Ontario is excited to champion.