Green Party of Canada Convention August 20-22 in Toronto
OTTAWA -- Greens from across Canada will converge on Toronto’s Convention Centre for a weekend of policy development, campaigning and learning. From August 20-22, a myriad of events and speeches will combine with intensive discussions on Green Party policies. A key decision for the party is whether there will be a leadership race in 2010. There are also federal council elections and resolutions that will be voted on by the members.
“This convention is a time to celebrate our democratic ideals, demonstrate the potential of Green politics in Canada and to strengthen our commitment to a better world,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May. “If the members decide they would like a review of my leadership, that is entirely their decision. In the meantime, we have an exciting agenda with an outstanding roster of high calibre speakers.”
Don Drummond, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of TD Bank Financial Group, will discuss the Green Economy; Ilona Dougherty, renowned youth activist will present Apathy is Boring, Democracy is Sexy; and inspirational speaker and artist Rob Faust will show how we can bring a sense of humanity to politics by better engaging people.
Unlike other political conventions, the Green Party convention is open to the general public. “This event is our invitation to Canadian voters to find out what the Green Party stands for,” said May. “Welcoming the general public is just one way we can demonstrate that we are dedicated to doing politics differently.”
The Convention is hosted by the Trinity—Spadina riding association and the Toronto Greens. Toronto was chosen consciously as Ontario is home to nearly half of the Green Party membership and almost all of these members are within a three hour commute of the convention site via public transit and car pooling, or within a five hour train ride, reducing the ecological footprint of the event.
Pre-convention events start on August 13th with a variety of issue seminars continuing through August 22nd, including summits on Climate Change, International Affairs and Peacekeeping, Democracy and Women Leaders, the Green Economy and Youth in Politics. All day Saturday, August 21, will be a Green Lifestyle Show highlighting green businesses, organic food, local riding associations and local social and environmental groups. “The Green Lifestyle Show is an excellent Saturday activity for the whole family,” said May.
Also unique is the Green Party’s focus on outreach to various ethnic communities. Community outreach summits including representatives and guest speakers from various communities will come together to discuss relevant issues and what role the Green Party needs to play and reaching out to these Diaspora communities, including Latin and South America, China, India and Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. “These summits are a chance to listen, learn, and engage,” said May. “It is through these key types of discussions that we will make strides forward in improving the lives of all Canadians.”
For more information about the Convention: http://greenparty.ca/convention
Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
C: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca
