(Queen’s Park): “Political fundraising in Ontario doesn’t pass the stink test,” says GPO leader Mike Schreiner.
Schreiner is challenging the Liberal government to ban corporate and union donations to political parties in Ontario. The GPO is also pushing the government to amend the Municipal Elections Act to allow municipalities to ban such donations. The City of Toronto has done this, but other municipalities do not have provincial authority to do it.
“People are sick and tired of reading stories about big ticket events that give deep-pocketed insiders special access to Ministers and the Premier,” says Schreiner. “Serious questions about special deals are being raised. Corporate and union donations have no place in politics.”
The federal government banned corporate and union donations to political parties in 2003 and extended the ban to include donations to candidates in 2006. The new Alberta government made banning corporate and union donations their first legislative act in 2015. The GPO believes it is time for Ontario to clean up its act.
“Citizens vote, not corporations,” says Schreiner. “Government policy should be focused on what’s good for the public. Even the perception that big money might have influence in securing special deals or driving policy decisions is bad for democracy. What about the 100 companies being given a free ride under the new cap-and-trade plan? Are any of them donors to the Liberal party?”
The Green Party of Ontario supports campaign finance reforms that ban corporate and union donations, limit third party advertising and provide some public financing for eligible parties.
“It’s past time to get big money out of Ontario politics,” says Schreiner.
The GPO is on a mission to bring honesty, integrity and good public policy to Queen’s Park. For the Silo, Becky Smit
Arbitrary boundaries put Whitby–Oshawa residents at higher risk from nuclear radiation accident
(Whitby-Oshawa): “Does the Liberal government care about the safety of my neighbours in Whitby-Oshawa?” asks GPO candidate Stacey Leadbetter.
“So many residents of our community have been left out of the government’s mailing of potassium iodine (KI) pills. These pills protect us from thyroid cancer if there is a radiation leak – we need to make sure that everyone at risk will have them.”
The GPO is calling on the government to extend the pre-distribution zone to residents living within 30-50 km of the Pickering, Darlington and Bruce nuclear generating stations.
Governments in Europe like Switzerland pre-distribute KI pills to residents living within a 50 km radius of a nuclear facility. New Brunswick pre-distributes KI pills in a 20 km radius. In Ontario, only those residents living within a 10 km radius of nuclear stations receive them.
On November 4 2015, the Regional Council of Durham passed a motion asking the province to consider the feasibility of extending the 10 km primary zone for nuclear emergency planning.
“Will Kathleen Wynne step up, listen to science and protect the residents of Whitby-Oshawa at risk from a nuclear radiation leak?” asks Mike Schreiner, GPO leader.
“People’s safety is too important to make this stuff up on the fly,” adds Schreiner. “We desperately need an evidence based, public review of nuclear emergency plans. This is especially important when determining the radius of the primary zone and the pre-distribution of KI pills.” For the Silo, Becky Smit.
(Queen’s Park): Big companies are ripping off the province under the Liberal government, according to today’s report from the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario.
“It’s wrong for the Liberals to subsidize companies to bottle our water,” says GPO leader Mike Schreiner. “The Liberal government is giving away our water to companies that bottle it and sell it back to us. This is outrageous.”
Most industries pay nothing to take water. This means the province recovers only 1.2% of the $16.2 million it spends on water quality management programs. Those who are required to pay for water are only charged $3.71 per million litres according to acting Environmental Commissioner Ellen Schwartzel.
“It’s irresponsible that the Liberals give most industries a total free ride,” says Schreiner. “And charge such a paltry amount for those they do charge.”
The provincial government needs to implement full cost recovery for water taking in Ontario. Companies that profit off our water should pay for the full cost of taking that water. The GPO is also calling on the government to reform the water taking permit process. Ontario must strengthen water protection, which the ECO report also cited as a concern.
“The Dolime quarry, which threatens 25% of Guelph’s drinking water, is only one example of the flawed water taking process,” says Schreiner. “Water taking permits need to include long term management and monitoring programs. Municipal water use and agriculture should be prioritized over industrial use of water.”
The GPO is on a mission to bring honesty, integrity and good public policy to Queen’s Park.
According to a 2011 Swedish study couples in which one partner commutes a long way to work (more than 45 mins.) are 40% more likely to divorce than couples who don’t have to travel so far for their jobs. More: http://umu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2:415050
Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario and candidate in Guelph, wants to get you home faster and will be honest about how to do it.
“Our great grandparents invested in Niagara Falls to power our homes and businesses. Our grandparents invested in 400 series highways to move the goods we produce. Those investments have powered Ontario’s economy,” says Schreiner. “Our generation must invest in the transit infrastructure needed to move our economy forward in the 21st century.”
The average daily commute time in the GTHA is 80 minutes long. That’s the equivalent of eight 40-hour work weeks every year — or about seven years in a working lifetime. Gridlock costs us $6 billion a year and will cost more than double that by the end of the decade.
“We can fix gridlock for less than it costs,” says Tim Grant, Green Party Transportation Critic and candidate in Trinity-Spadina. “It mystifies me that the other parties promise the moon but can’t tell us where the money is coming from, as if we’re children who believe in the tooth fairy.” The Green Party is willing to say how much it will cost and where the money is going to come from. We propose a combination of province-wide and urban-focused mechanisms (including a gas tax, congestion charges, commercial parking levies, and land value capture) to produce the revenue necessary — $3 billion a year — to build and operate the public transit and transportation infrastructure we need.
“For $250 a year for each person in Ontario, we can solve a lot of problems,” says Scheriner. “We can save people months stuck in traffic. We can lower costs for businesses trying to get goods to market. We can help employees take the jobs they want because they know they can get to work.”
The Green Party is committed to bringing better transit to Ontario, and honesty, integrity, and good public policy to Queen’s Park. For the Silo, Candice Lepage.
“For many years, the GPO has called for the merger of the Catholic and public school boards into one English board and one French board. The cost savings of this merger could fund special education needs, protect communities from school closures, and address persistent human rights concerns. GPO”
Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling for the Liberal government to immediately make funds available so that kids with special needs can go to school every day.
“It is unacceptable for the Liberals to fail kids with special needs when the money is there,” said Schreiner. “Right now we are wasting it on duplicate services and empty chairs. If Ontario ended school segregation and merged the public and Catholic boards, we could save more than $1 billion a year.”
According to a study conducted by People for Education, 49% of school principals have asked parents to keep children with special needs at home, mainly staffed. In elementary schools there is only one special education teacher per 37 students with special needs. In high schools the number falls to one for every 74 students.
“I have to say I’m ashamed. How can we be failing these kids in this way?” said Schreiner. “I’m not even sure it’s legal,” he added. The
Education Act requires that children attend school unless they are ill.
For many years, the GPO has called for the merger of the Catholic and public school boards into one English board and one French board. The cost savings of this merger could fund special education needs, protect communities from school closures, and address persistent human rights concerns. For the Silo, Amy Watson. To learn more contact 416-977-7476 Please mention the Silo when contacting.
Is Ontario becoming a “pawn shop empire”- the Green Party thinks so. CP
Queen’s Park, Toronto – Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the Liberal government to end the fire sale of the province’s natural resources in the spring budget.
“It’s outrageous that the Liberals are selling off our natural resources at rock bottom prices when the province has a record $11 billion deficit,” says Schreiner. “The people of Ontario deserve their fair share of the province’s resource wealth.”
Mining, aggregates and water taking are all important parts of doing business in Ontario. But these activities also have costs in terms of remediation, decreased resource availability and loss of natural heritage, farmland and biodiversity. The costs of extraction should not be borne by taxpayers.
Ontario has the lowest effective mining royalty rate in Canada. In 2010 and 2011 the province’s mining industry extracted metals and minerals valued at $17 billion but only paid 1.4 per cent ($250 million) for these resources.
The average Canadian rate for the same period was 5.6 per cent.
Ontario only charges 11.5 cents/tonne for aggregate extraction. Quebec charges 50 cents/tonne. The province’s water-taking levy for industrial purposes is only $3.71 per million litres.
“It’s crazy that the government charges $3.71 per million litres for water taking, while a 500 ml bottle of water often costs $2.99,” adds Schreiner. “There is something wrong with this math, and I’m going to push this government to stop allowing resource companies to rip us off.”
The GPO recommends the 2014 budget include:
* An increase to the levy for aggregates from 11.5 cents per tonne to a minimum of 50 cents per tonne, which is equivalent to the levy in Quebec. Over time, the levy must be set at a rate that provides the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of the Environment and municipalities with the revenue they need to cover all costs associated with aggregate extraction and rehabilitation.
* An increase in the water-taking levy for phase one industrial and commercial purposes from $3.71 per million litres to $13.71 per million litres. The ministry should commit to a review of the water taking levy to expand prescribed users and establish a cost recovery rate.
* An immediate increase in mining royalties to the Canadian average of a 5.6% return on gross revenue with plans to increase the rate of return to 10%.
These changes would immediately increase government revenue by approximately $830 million dollars per year and by $1.4 billion when fully implemented. For the Silo, Amy Watson.
Being ‘pitched’ again- The Green Party of Ontario believe that by merging Ontario’s Catholic-Separate school board system with Ontario’s Public school board system (ie: a single school for all students) the province would save $1,200,000,000 per year. CP
Queen’s Park – Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the status quo parties to stop playing political games and
focus on getting Ontario’s economy moving again while protecting the people and places we love.
Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner
“It is essential that political leaders put the public interest before their political self-interest,” says Schreiner. “Ontario needs an honest debate about making our schools fair and fiscally responsible, halting the record loss of farmland, and reversing the lack of concrete support for small businesses to create jobs.”
The Green Party urges the three other parties to seek solutions to the issues facing Ontario today that will last beyond the
next election.
Schreiner put forward the Green Party’s policy priorities for the spring session:
* A jobs plan that cuts taxes for small businesses by doubling the exemption level for the Employer Health Tax
* Permanent protection for prime farmland and source water, and
* Improving our kids’ education by merging the school boards into one public system with French and English boards to save $1.2 billion each year
“We need to tackle the tough challenges now. Ontario desperately needs new ideas to foster job creation and to protect the people and places we love,” says Schreiner. “The Green Party will continue to hold the government answerable to the people of Ontario.” For the Silo, Becky Smit.
The official description from the Government of Canada is that CETA “is by far the most ambitious trade initiative” image: canada-eu.gc.ca
Ontario Greens are calling for a public review on the EU trade deal before its final approval.
(Queen’s Park): GPO leader Mike Schreiner is demanding that Premier Wynne conduct a public review on CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) before Ontario approves the deal.
“The people of Ontario deserve the right to accept or reject CETA’s sweeping changes before the deal is finalized,” says Schreiner. “Ontario cannot let CETA sell out local decision making, local purchasing policies, and sovereignty over our natural resources and public services without
a public debate on costs and benefits.”
The GPO has raised concerns over CETA in the past. In a letter to then Premier McGuinty last year, the GPO asked to Premier to:
* exempt natural resources, local purchasing programs, public utilities and services such as education and health care, and municipalities from CETA;
* demand open and transparent negotiations, and
* insist the dispute mechanisms are open and fair.
In this excerpt: A look back at what NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Act from 20 years ago) proposals looked like and their predicted impacts. Essay by E.Bernard http://www.law.harvard.edu/programs/lwp/nafta.pdf
“The Green Party supports free, fair trade with Europe, but NAFTA has taught us that we need to think these things through to prevent
expensive problems after the treaty is signed,” says Schreiner. “Ontarians need to be in control of fundamental decisions about their province and their economy.”
This would be the first trade deal that extends to provinces and municipalities. Over 50 municipalities and school boards have sought an exemption from CETA.
“Ontario must have a public review before approving such sweeping changes to our democratic institutions and local economies,” says Schreiner. “We can’t sell out our sovereignty to multi-national corporations without the people having a voice on the final details of this deal.” For the Silo, Becky Smit
In 2009 conspiracy reports of a Super NAFTA highway made headlines in the US. Here is a CNN brief:
Legislative Assembly Manitoba From 2007- Announcements of a Winnipeg ‘in land port’ with preclearance for international shipping , and a super NAFTA highway joining Manitoba with the US and Mexico via a mid continent trade corridor:
“”Greens will fight to protect the places we love. Let’s leave our children the rich natural heritage we have enjoyed.” image: redd-monitor.org
ONTARIO CAN’T AFFORD TO DELETE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS (Queen’s Park): Trashing Ontario’s Endangered Species Act is unacceptable, says Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner.
“We can’t let the Wynne government bulldoze environmental protections,” says Schreiner.
“Greens will fight to protect the places we love. Let’s leave our children the rich natural heritage we have enjoyed.”
Schreiner joined environmental groups in calling on the Premier to reverse a Cabinet decision to grant sweeping exemptions to species protection. Over a thousand GPO supporters have sent letters to the Premier asking her to protect endangered species.
“The Premier failed her first big environmental test,” says Schreiner. “It’s not surprising that the Liberals’ short-sighted attack on endangered species has led to a lawsuit. Breaking their own legislation threatens protections for water, farmland and healthy communities. And the silence from the NDP and PC opposition on these issues is deafening.”
There is a better way to move forward without sacrificing environmental protection. The Green Party agrees with the Drummond Report: user fees should pay for environmental protection. User fees are fair and economical, and they discourage wasteful use of precious natural resources.
The Green Party is also calling on the government to support paying farmers and landowners for environmental good and services that benefit everyone.
“Instead of destroying species or regulating farmers out of business, Ontario should recognize the economic value of environmental goods and services,” says Schreiner. “Once again, other provinces and countries are way ahead of us in protecting what we value most.” For the Silo, Becky Smit
Ottawa, ON – Green Party leader and Guelph candidate Mike Schreiner called for the complete protection of prime farmland in Ontario.
“We can’t eat subdivisions, quarries or pipelines,” said Schreiner while attending the Association Municipalities of Ontario Conference
in Ottawa.
“The Ontario government must stop destroying prime farmland before it’s too late.” Only five percent of Ontario’s land mass is suitable for growing food. Less than 0.5% is prime farmland. Yet Ontario is losing approximately 126,000 acres of farmland each year to development.
“People are tired of the Liberal’s bait and switch government that says one thing and does another. The government’s local food act is meaningless if the Liberals fail to protect prime farmland,” added Schreiner. “There will be no local food if the province continues to lose farmland at a rate equal to the size of Toronto each year.”
The Green Party is pushing the government to protect prime farmland from development in the new Provincial Policy Statement, which is currently under review. Schreiner is the only political leader to sign the Food and Water First pledge to protect farmland and source water regions. He has challenged other political leaders to sign the pledge.
“Good soil is priceless and must be protected. It is a shame no Liberal, NDP or PC MPP has taken a simple pledge to put food and water first in Ontario,” said GPO deputy leader Kevin O’Donnell. “The Greens will always put food and water first before developers, quarries and pipelines.” CP
Big rise in per acre value in only 12months. We’re not sure why but Norfolk County and Haldimand County farmland values are missing from this chart and we were unable to find those stats anywhere on the RE/MAX farm realty site.
Oil pipelines already cross Canada and the United States- Ontario’s Green Party stands opposed to a proposed Oil pipeline (using a modified natural gas pipeline) set to cross into and through Ontario. CP image: leadenergy.org
Ottawa – Green Party leader Mike Schreiner is pledging to fight two oil pipeline projects through Ontario. Joining Ottawa South candidate Taylor Howarth on a campaign tour, Schreiner and Howarth raised concerns about the health, environmental and economic effects of TransCanada Corp.’s proposed east coast pipeline, which travels through Ottawa, and Enbridge’s proposed Line 9 pipeline. Both projects
will pump tar sands oil east.
“Greens will fight for the health and safety of our communities,” says Schreiner. “If BC can say no to dirty oil pipelines, Ontario should too.” TransCanada’s proposed Energy East pipeline could transport as much as 850,000 barrels of tar sands oil per day. The project would require retrofitting a 55 year old natural gas pipeline to handle the heavy, more abrasive and corrosive tar sands oil.
“I don’t want to see a tragedy in my community, and I will fight to prevent it,” says Howarth. “This pipeline was not built to handle tar sands oil, and as MPP, I will push the Ontario government to oppose the project. Every vote for the Green Party sends this message to Queen’s Park.”
According to the Montreal Gazette- Municipalities and Counties strung along the Line 9b pathway received cash donations from Enbridge. CP
Studies in the U.S. reveal that pipelines carrying tar sands oil spilled almost three times as much crude oil per mile of pipeline between 2007 and 2010 compared to the U.S. national average. And heavy tar sands oil is more difficult and expensive to clean up than light crude or natural gas. “Both of these pipeline projects are a bad deal for Ontario,” says Schreiner.
“These pipelines are all risk and no reward.” Instead of projects that will increase pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the Green
Party is calling for policies to support clean tech innovation. “Ontario must invest in where the puck is going, not where it is, to create jobs and clean prosperity,” says Schreiner. “Ontario should commit to building electric cars that don’t pollute and support made in Ontario renewable energy, not pipelines that threaten our communities.” For the Silo, Becky Smit.
See the supplemental section below for more on this photo-
Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner made the following statement in response to the Ombudsman’s 2012-2013 Annual Report [search the report here at thesilo.ca CP ]: “Whether it’s safe transportation for medical issues, our civil liberties or responsible, accountable government, the Liberal government has put people at risk by failing to act.
It is especially irresponsible that the Liberal government has failed to introduce legislation to address the appalling conditions of non-emergency medical transportation services.
The current Premier promised action two years ago when she was Minister of Transportation, yet nothing has happened. According to the Ombudsman, the current Transportation Minister was unaware of how serious this issue is and the need to take action now. Ontario can’t afford to wait for a tragedy to take action.
Three years after the Liberals violated our civil liberties at the G20 summit in Toronto, the outdated Public Works Protection Act: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90p55_e.htm has not been overhauled. All three status quo parties at Queen’s Park shoulder the blame for the delay in fixing this serious breach of our civil liberties.
Finally, it is embarrassing that Ontario remains the only province without Ombuds oversight of hospitals, long term care facilities, children aide societies and other MUSH sector public institutions. With the Liberals third-rate cover up of the gas plant scandal, we’ve seen this government demonstrate a fear of proper oversight and accountability.
It’s unacceptable that they continue to fail to provide citizens with proper oversight of the MUSH sector.
The Ombudsman’s annual report once again shows the Liberals are a bait and switch government. They say one thing and do another or simply fail to act.” For the Silo, Becky Smit
(Toronto, Ontario): The Green Party of Ontario has launched a campaign calling on the Ontario government to take over the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) from the federal government. In less than a day over 700 people have written emails to the Finance Minister Sousa demanding the ELA be included in the upcoming Ontario budget.
Federal Bill C-38 terminates federal funding for the ELA on March 31, 2013. “The Prime Minister is poised to throw away 45 years of world-renowned freshwater research with his anti-science agenda,” says Green Party leader Mike Schreiner.
“The Experimental Lakes Area is vital to keeping our water clean, sovwe’re calling on Premier Wynne and Minister Sousa to save this priceless resource for future generations.”
Ontario already owns the 58 lakes around Kenora that make up the Experimental Lakes Area. Since 1968, the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans has managed the operations of the ELA. The cost to maintain the ELA as avworld-renowned laboratory is only $2 million per year.
The ELA has played an essential role in explaining algal blooms and acid rain. ELA scientists continue to publish in scientific journals with the ELA being recognized as the most important freshwater research facility in the world.
“No one can predict the next threat to our water,” says Schreiner. “But we can predict the ELA will be vital to the scientists working on tomorrow’s challenges. The Prime Minister refuses to protect Canada’s water, so we’re demanding Premier Wynne step in before it’s too late.”
(Toronto) – GPO leader Mike Schreiner is criticizing the NDP for hurting the economy and environment by refusing to support dedicated revenue tools to fund public transit. “NDP leader Andrea Horwath sounds like Rob Ford when it comes to funding public transit,” says GPO leader Mike Schreiner.
“Ontario’s economy will grind to a halt if we don’t reduce gridlock with dedicated revenue for public transit.”
Gridlock costs the GTHA economy $6 billion per year in lost productivity. If the status quo doesn’t change, gridlock will cost the economy $15 billion per year. Congestion hurts our health, environment and takes time away from family and community.
The GPO is calling on MPPs in the minority legislature to support dedicated funding for transit. “We need to be realistic about funding public transit,” adds Schreiner. “People are tired of being stuck in traffic. They understand that we can’t afford transit improvements without new revenue. It’s unfortunate the NDP is standing in the way of better public transit for those who need it most.”
“The NDP are wasting the opportunity they have in the minority legislature to leave a great legacy for ours and our kids’ future by funding world-class transit across the province,” adds Schreiner. “We need to change direction in transportation planning, and we need to be realistic about funding. Wishful thinking won’t fund transit.”
Ontario can’t afford to let gridlock continue. Better transit benefits everyone. It means less congestion, fewer accidents and less pollution. For the Silo, Becky Smit
Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller. The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario is the province’s independent environmental watchdog. Appointed by the Legislative Assembly, the ECO is tasked with monitoring and reporting on compliance with the Environmental Bill of Rights, and the government’s success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in achieving greater energy conservation in Ontario.
Queen’s Park – The McGuinty Liberals have consistently failed to deliver simple policies and programs to protect and conserve our environment. These failures negatively affect our economy, communities and well being.
A [Sept 25,2012] report from the Environment Commissioner of Ontario cites many examples of how the government has failed to provide adequate water protection programs, monitor wild life populations and protect public health from industrial dust pollution. Ontario needs water protection and conservation programs to deal with the more extreme weather events caused by climate change.
We saw the importance of this first hand with this summer’s drought. Not having proper water supply affects our ability to grow food, our health and the productivity of industry.
The government’s failure to invest a relatively small amount in monitoring wildlife threatens forestry, one of Ontario’s most important industries. It is short sighted and irresponsible to not have a functioning wildlife monitoring program in place.
The government’s failure to provide responsible environmental protection directly affects our health. One of the most obvious examples is the government’s inaction on complaints related to industrial dust pollution. Ontario can do better. We must do better. Getting back in touch with environmental issues is important for our health, economy and quality of life. For the Silo by the Green Party of Ontario
Delegates at yesterdays Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario general meeting in Toronto- voted in favour of funding secular (non-religious) schools image:ETFO/The Silo
KITCHENER-WATERLOO – Green Party of Ontario candidate Dr. Stacey Danckert was joined by Leader Mike Schreiner in Kitchener to outline the Green Party’s plan to strengthen Ontario’s school system by ending wasteful duplication in the public and Catholic boards.
“With the issue of school cuts dominating these by-elections, the choice for voters is clear,” says Schreiner. “Prioritize high-quality education for all children or protect the interests that want special funding for one religion at the exclusion of all others. Only the Green Party will fight to improve our children’s education with a fair and equitable school system.”
At the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) general meeting in Toronto yesterday members voted in favour of a motion that would see public funding of public education in Ontario be limited to secular [ non-religious-based CP ] schools. Only the GPO is calling for a public commission to study merging the Catholic and public systems.
Ontario is the only province that provides full public funding for a single faith while providing no funding for other faith-based schools. As a result the UN Human Rights Committee has censured Canada in 1999 and 2005 for the discrimination in Ontario’s school system. “McGuinty has repeatedly slammed the door on talking about this issue. Instead he continues to ram the Liberals’ political agenda down the throats of parents and teachers,” continued Schreiner. “Ourchildren deserve a fair and equitable system regardless of their faith or sexual orientation.”
Recently Catholic Schools have come under fire for discouraging Gay Straight Alliances, student-run clubs that promote tolerance for diversity. “The McGuinty Liberals are quick to place the burden on teachers and have failed to recognize how wasteful our system is,” added Danckert.
A study prepared by William J. Phillips, Past-President of The Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods of Ontario Inc. estimates savings from merging the school boards of $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion per year. “It’s time to demand a better solution for our children and this province’s future,” added Dancket. “As your first Green MPP in Queen’s Park I will not let the other parties evade this issue any longer.” For the Silo by Green Party of Ontario PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
“Ontario needs responsible leadership and instead we’re seeing partisan bickering, brinkmanship and flip-flopping from Queen’s Park politicians. Bringing us twice to the edge of another election only seven months after the last one is not responsible governance. I want to see the political establishment at Queen’s Park focus on solutions for the very real problems facing Ontarians. The people of Ontario do not want a summer election, and I welcome the cooperation that has averted one.However, the GPO remains concerned about the erosion of transparency, accountability, and public participation represented by the omnibus budget bill. Although we are pleased that our call to preserve the Endangered Species Act was answered, the budget bill still weakens environmental protections and opens the door to privatization of public services without proper oversight.
The GPO is disappointed that the parties at Queen’s Park slammed the door on an open, public discussion about merging the Catholic and public school boards. Before cutting essential services and closing schools, Ontarians need to talk about moving to a more equitable and financially responsible education system. The GPO remains opposed to the government’s misguided priority to spend a billion dollars on subsidies for wasteful electricity consumption, instead of a full-funding increase for Ontario’s most vulnerable children and investments in programs that help people save money by saving energy.
I believe minority government can work if the political establishment at Queen’s Park can put the public’s interests before their own partisan interests. The focus needs to be on long-term solutions instead of political as usual.” GPO Leader Mike Schreiner
Sent to the Silo by Jaymini Bhikha (O) 416-977-7476 (C) 416-275-8573 [1] jbhikha@gpo.caGreen Party of Ontario PO Box 1132Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada
Toronto – GPO leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the McGuinty
governmentto dedicate1% of the transportation infrastructure budget
to cycling and another 1% for pedestrians. Sustainable infrastructure
is a sound investment that will help people choose healthy
transportation options.
[The song featured is by Mercury and was supposedly inspired by his observing a leg of Tour de France. It starts with a chorus unaccompanied by instruments. The chorus is followed by two verses connected with a bridge, both followed by a chorus. Around the middle of the song there is a solo played with numerous bicycle bells. During the live performances, it was often played by the audience who specially brought the bells for this purpose. The song has a very unusual chord progression with numerous modulations, a change of meter (from 4/4 to 3/4) in the bridge, and the multitracked vocal and guitar harmonies.
The video for the song became scandalously famous for featuring 65 naked women, all professional models, racing at Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium. It was filmed by Dennis de Vallance. The group rented the stadium and several dozen bikes for one day for filming the scene; however, when the renting company became aware of the way their bikes were used, they requested the group to purchase all the bicycle seats. The original video uses special effects to hide the nudity.
“Bicycle Race “é um single da banda de rock inglesa QUEEN. Foi lançado em 1978, no álbum JAZZ e escrito pelo vocalista da Queen FREDDIE MERCURY. Ela foi lançada como um duplo lado-A única juntamente com a canção” Fat Bottomed Girls “. A canção é notável por seu vídeo com uma corrida de bicicleta com mulheres nuas em Wimbledon Stadium, que foi editado ou mesmo proibido em vários países. A canção tem uma progressão de acordes muito incomum com modulações diversas, uma mudança de metro (de 4 / 4-6 / 8) na ponte, e os vocais multipista e harmonias de guitarra.
A canção foi escrita por MERCURY e foi supostamente inspirado por sua observação de uma perna do Tour de France. Ela começa com um coro acompanhados por instrumentos. O coro é seguido por dois versos conectado com uma ponte, ambos seguido por um coro. Ao meio da música há um solo com sinos de bicicleta numerosos. Durante as apresentações ao vivo, muitas vezes era tocado pelo público, que levavam os sinos especialmente para esta finalidade.
O vídeo para a canção tornou-se famoso por escandalosamente com 65 mulheres nuas, todas as modelos profissionais, competindo em Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium. Foi filmado por Dennis de Vallance. O grupo alugou o estádio e várias dezenas de bicicletas durante um dia para filmar a cena,. Porém, quando a empresa que alugou tomou conhecimento da forma como as suas bicicletas foram usados, eles pediram ao grupo para adquirir todos os assentos das bicicletas, o vídeo original usa efeitos especiais para esconder a nudez. Courtesy of http://www.youtube.com/user/lcsRamone CP ]
“If Premier McGuinty can find $1 billion dollars to build his
‘people’s highway,’ why can’t he find a few million dollars to make
streets safe for people?” asks Schreiner.
Today marks the launch of Bike Month in the City of Toronto. Cycling
plays an important role in the health of our citizens, strengthening
our local economies and our general quality of life.
Quebec spends $200 million on cycling infrastructure and earns $135
million each year from bicycle tourism alone. The US dedicates 1.6% of
its transportation budget for states to invest in cycling
infrastructure. Ontario has no dedicated funding to support cycling or
pedestrian infrastructure.
“Ontario needs infrastructure if we are serious about making our
streets and roads safe,” says Schreiner. “A small investment to
support cycling will reap big rewards — combating gridlock, reducing
health care costs and supporting local businesses.”
Two Danish studies showed that when 1% of car drivers switched to
riding bicycles, health care costs were reduced by 1%. Copenhagen
saves $300 per person per year on health costs because almost 80
percent of its population bikes regularly. Cycling and walking
projects create 11-14 jobs per $1 million spent, compared to just
seven jobs created per $1 million spent on highway projects. These and
other studies show that Ontario cannot afford not to invest in cycling
infrastructure.
The GPO’s 1% percent solution would create two funds for
municipalities to access the dollars they need for cycling and
pedestrian infrastructure. By doing so, Ontario would finally
recognize that cycling and walking are important forms of
transportation for growing numbers of Ontarians.
“We need a Complete Streets Act in Ontario to ensure that our streets
are safe for all users: cars, trucks, bikes, pedestrians, wheeled
mobility devices, and transit users” says Trinity-Spadina candidate
and GPO critic for transportation Tim Grant.
Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the Liberal government to establish public input on the possibility of a public school and seperate school board merger. Several other provinces including Quebec have already ended the two-tier system of publicly funded schools based on religion.
May 15th Queen’s Park GPO leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the Liberal government to establish a public commission to explore merging the public and Catholic school boards. “The Liberals have a clear choice,” says Schreiner. “Prioritize high-quality education for all kids or protect the entrenched interests that want special funding for one religion at the exclusion of all others.”
With schools facing financial and social pressures, the GPO believes now is the time to engage public discussion on modernizing Ontario’s education system.
The GPO believes inaction is failing our kids. At a time when parents across the province are rallying to prevent school closures, the Toronto District School Board is considering cuts to cafeterias, educators, mental health professionals, and support staff. Further, Catholic Trustees are opposing student efforts to stop bullying with Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs. Ontario can no longer turn a blind eye to wasteful duplication that compromises quality education and fails to protect at-risk youth.
“The Green Party has the courage to confront social and financial realities,” says education critic and Parry Sound-Muskoka candidate Matt Richter. “Greens want to end expensive duplication and promote an equitable education system where every religion is respected, and no religion is privileged.”
Both Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador modernized their outdated denominational school systems in the 1990’s. The days of needing to publicly fund Catholic schools to protect a minority religion from discrimination or assimilation are long past.
The GPO believes there is no longer justification for maintaining a separate school system when we face cuts to essential services. The government has never studied the costs of a separate system. However, the Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods of Ontario estimates savings of $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion.
The GPO encourages Premier McGuinty to follow his own advice: “If we’re going to bring about more improvement in publicly-funded schools, it is regressive to contemplate segregating our children according to their faith,” McGuinty said. “I want our kids to continue coming together.”
The GPO supports a unified public education system with French and English school boards that prioritize helping all our diverse students meet their full potential.
For The Silo by Jaymini Bhikha (O) 416-977-7476 (C) 416-275-8573 jbhikha@gpo.ca
Green Party of Ontario PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada
Though some provinces provide a variation of funding to independent, religious schools, Ontario is the only province to exclusively fund a Catholic school system for its students.
“Ontario’s financial future is at risk, and Premier McGuinty lacks the will to make the hard, long-term decisions we need,” says GPO Finance critic Kevin O’Donnell. “He’s already passed over obvious, big ticket savings. In contrast, our budget priorities don’t shy away from the realities facing Ontarians.”
The GPO believes eliminating the deficit requires challenging the status quo in the province’s biggest budget categories: education, energy, health care, and bringing our tax system into the 21st century. ONE SCHOOL SYSTEM: The GPO believes there is a better solution than laying off thousands of critical classroom aids and blocking students who need a fifth year to get help. The Liberal government should do the obvious — eliminate massive and costly duplication by merging the best of the Catholic and public school systems into a one French/English public system. The result benefits everyone –a high quality, financially responsible, and equitable education system.
STOP BORROWING BILLIONS TO SUBSIDIZE WASTEFUL ENERGY CONSUMPTION: Ontario cannot afford to borrow $1.2 billion to subsidize pollution and electricity bills with the misleadingly named ‘Clean Energy Benefit’. Instead, we should help lower-income families with the rising cost of living by raising the Ontario Child Benefit as planned at a much lower cost of $90 million. It makes more sense to help businesses and households save money by increasing energy efficiency — a strategy that’s cheaper, stimulates job creation and ultimately boosts government revenue. The government must not cave in to the NDP/Conservative HST Coalition that would borrow more money to subsidize pollution.
INVEST IN ILLNESS PREVENTION: Ontario’s current “sick care” system focused predominantly on hospital treatment is unsustainable. We need to invest more in illness prevention within home and community care settings. This budget must commit at least .5% of healthcare spending to prevention, raise taxes on cigarettes and commit 2% of the transportation budget to infrastructure for human powered mobility — serving both our community health and environmental objectives.
EFFICIENT AND FAIR TAX REFORM: The GPO calls for the elimination of unsustainable corporate tax cuts and a commitment to forming a public commission on the reform and modernization of Ontario’s tax system. We support a tax system that generates the funds necessary for required public services while creating jobs that enrich our natural wealth and our communities.
“It’s time for politicians to stop punting problems to our kids,” says GPO leader Mike Schreiner. “Now is the time to put politics aside and tackle head on these big ticket items in order to balance the books efficiently and fairly.”
CONTACT: Jaymini Bhikha Cell: 416-275-8573 Office: 416-977-7476 jbhikha@gpo.ca
Green Party of Ontario PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada
TORONTO: Green Party of Ontario (GPO) leader Mike Schreiner is calling on MPPs to vote against Tim Hudak’s bill to nuke the province’s long-term, green energy strategy.
“Mr. Hudak’s willingness to sacrifice homegrown green jobs in a politically expedient attempt to exploit fears over rising energy prices is just bad economics,” says Schreiner. “I want him to look farmers and small business owners in the eye and explain how he wants to kill their businesses and their chance to earn income producing pollution-free electricity.”
Mr. Hudak’s Bill 42 [this Bill was defeated on second readinghttp://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet&BillID=2587 CP ] , being considered in the legislature today [ March 22nd CP ] , would abolish the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program. The FIT program provides stable fixed-rate, long-term contracts to green energy producers.
“Let’s not kill the FIT program, but fix it so that it better benefits communities,” says Schreiner. “The GPO will continue to push for a community-based green energy program with local ownership, decision-making and benefits.”
Although Conservatives claim that green energy is causing prices to rise, the reality is this — most cost increases are due to infrastructure upgrades and nuclear cost overruns. The Liberal and Conservative support for new nuclear will drive up costs far more than FIT contracts for green energy.
“The establishment parties are completely out of touch with the true causes of rising electricity prices,” says Schreiner. “Energy efficiency, combined heat and power, hydro imports from Quebec, and a diverse mix of other renewables provide our most flexible, low cost options.”
LACK OF FOCUS ON ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY COSTING ONTARIO MONEY Toronto, Ontario -The Ontario government has wasted taxpayer money by not prioritizing energy conservation. Neglecting energy conservation costs the province money, increases utility bills and misses out on creating thousands of new jobs.
“The Liberal government is burning our money by failing to deliver efficient solutions that reduce energy demand,” says Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner. “The cheapest kilowatt is the one that is never created. We can tackle rising energy prices by helping people save money by using saving energy.”
Today, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario confirmed that the government has failed to make energy conservation and efficiency a priority. Ontario has a huge opportunity to eliminate waste and reduce demand. New York state has similar geography and climate to Ontario, yet our energy consumption per person is 50% higher.
Instead of focusing on energy efficiency, all of the parties at Queen’s Park want to swipe the provincial credit card to offer short term subsidies that mostly benefit the biggest energy users. It’s irresponsible to mortgage our children’s future for a band-aid solution that drives up provincial debt, doesn’t create jobs and won’t provide long term relief.
“Instead of spending billions on cancelling gas plant contracts, the money could be spent on helping Ontarians conserve energy,” said Schreiner. “The Liberal government has shown a lack of leadership by failing to instruct Ontario’s energy bureaucracy to approve all cost-effective energy efficiency and conservation programs that are proposed by municipal electric utilities and local distribution companies.”
Earlier this year Queen’s Park politicians quietly allowed a popular and successful program that helped people save money by using less energy expire. The Home Energy Savings Program created good, local jobs in Ontario and permanently lowered energy bills.
The Green Party is calling for a Green Building Program to help tenants, home owners, and businesses save money by using less energy. This program will:
* Save rate-payers money on their utility bills permanently
* Save the province money by reducing the need for costly new generation
* Create good local jobs and make our businesses more competitive
* Provide rebates for those who need help the most: low income, seniors on fixed income and residents of remote communities
* Reduce pollution and preserve our environment
Media Contact:
Becky Smit Cell: 647-830-6486 Office: 416-977-7476 beckysmit@gpo.ca
Sent from Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada
Ontario Green Party wants the province to reign in deficit spending
ONTARIO SET TO LOSE ON NDP – CONSERVATIVE HST ALLIANCE Toronto – The NDP-Conservative HST alliance to borrow $350 million is an opportunistic ploy that will reward big energy users – often the wealthiest – and drive up provincial debt.
“Ontario needs to provide help for seniors, low-income families and remote communities. *orig. release date 11/23/11*
The NDP-Conservative alliance does the opposite,” said Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario. “Instead of a regressive tax cut, a better plan would use refundable tax credits or energy rebates to provide targeted relief for folks who need it most.”
Ontario must reign in its deficit spending. The NDP-Conservative proposal will force Ontario to borrow an additional $350 million per year to subsidize home heating bills, on top of the Liberals borrowing $1.2 billion per year to subsidize electricity prices. These subsidies add to Ontario’s $18,000 per-person debt, do not create jobs and do not result in long term energy affordability.
“Ontarians deserve to be rewarded for their efforts to conserve, not be forced to pay big energy users,” said Schreiner. “We need programs that help people save money by saving energy.”
Earlier this year Queen’s Park politicians quietly allowed a popular and successful program that helped people save money by using less energy expire. The Home Energy Savings Program created good, local jobs in Ontario and permanently lowered
energy bills.
The Green Party is calling for a Green Building Program to help tenants, home owners, and businesses save money by using less energy. This program will:
* Save rate-payers money on their utility bills permanently
* Save the province money by reducing the need for costly new generation
* Create good local jobs
* Reduce pollution and preserve our environment
Media Contact:
Becky Smit Cell: 647-830-6486 Office: 416-977-7476
beckysmit@gpo.ca
Sent from Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada
Green Party Food and Farming Strategy: Better Food, Better Jobs, Better Ontario
Toronto, Ontario – The old parties at Queen’s Park have failed to promote and protect Ontario Farmers. Only the Green Party has championed this issue, calling for an Ontrario Food and Farming Strategy.
“Ontario needs real change at Queen’s Park. The empty rhetoric of the other parties has only led to fewer local farmers and the closure of local food processors,” said Schreiner. “Only a Green MPP will raise this important issue to ensure all Ontarians have access to healthy local food. We will push for accountability and demand
action.”
The Green Party of Ontario is committed to making a healthy food and farming system a provincial priority. The Green Party’s Ontario Food and Farming Strategy supports Ontario farmers, while providing all citizens access to healthy local food within a framework of sustainable, local agriculture.
“Ontario has only 7,000 farmers under the age of 35,” added Schreiner. “Without action on this issue today, Ontario’s food system will crumble.”
It’s time to strengthen our food system so that Ontario can feed itself and others.
The Green Party’s Ontario Food and Farming strategy includes:
* Investing $200 million over four years for a comprehensive healthy school food program.
* Supporting Buy Local campaigns and set targets for government institutions.
* Setting a standard for purchasing forty percent Ontario food for all public institutions.
* Investing $100 million over four years to reward farmers for stewardship practices which provide environmental and societal benefits.
* Establishing an Ontario Food and Farming Policy Council to coordinate planning across ministries and consult diverse stakeholders.
* Investing in rural infrastructure, research and innovation, bio-based product manufacturing, distribution hubs, farmer co-ops, organic and specialty crops.
* Cutting red tape for family farms and local food processors; implement smart regulations that recognize differences in the size of operations.
* Eliminating tax penalties and reduce zoning restrictions to facilitate local, on-farm food enterprises and innovative sources of farm income.
* Improving income stabilization programs so they are more ccessible for family farms, cover a wider range of products and don’t penalize farmers who experience bad years.
Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
905-999-5479 rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca
Rebecca Harrison Sent from Green Party of Ontario
GREENS TO END ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL REGULATIONS THAT PUNISH LOCAL BUSINESSES
DUNEDIN, ONTARIO – Today, Green Party of Ontario (GPO) Leader Mike Schreiner joined Neil Metheral, owner of Dunedin’s Metheral Meats, to announce the Green Party’s plan to end the one-size-fits-all regulations that punish local businesses and limits access to local food.
“Local food processors are an essential part of building strong local economies with good local jobs,” said Schreiner. “We must create a level playing field for local food processors and family farms by introducing regulations that recognize the differences in the size and scope of operations.”
The decline of local processing facilities in Ontario makes it difficult for farmers to access higher value markets and to brand local products. The loss of local processors also restricts consumer choice and access to healthy local food.
Over the last decade, governments have written regulations to address health and safety concerns at large operations without consideration of the unique needs of small and medium sized processors. The number of small and medium sized abbatoirs, like Metheral’s, in Ontario has declined by approximately 70% in the last
decade.
“The cost of regulations imposed on processers will most affect the profit for the farmer and the price for the consumer,” said Metheral “With better support we could hire a student to oversee HACCP to assess our quality at a decent wage. In most small plants we can’t keep up with these costs.”
The Metheral’s small Dunedin processing plant was founded in 1991. It is an essential part of the family’s farm – in operation for 8 generations – and the local economy.
As part of the Ontario Food and Farming Strategy, the Green Party will work with the food and agricultural sector, as well as other levels of government, to develop regulations, by-laws and zoning laws appropriate for family farms and farm-based businesses.
“We have to reverse the closure of local food processing facilities since they are essential to building a local sustainable food system,” said Schreiner “We need smart regulations to promote food safety while putting local processors on a level playing field.
According to a 2010 survey conducted by Farmers Feed Cities, an overwhelming 99% of Ontarians agree that farming is important to Ontario’s well-being. It’s time to ensure that local farmers are supported so that all Ontarian’s have access to healthy food grown close to home.
GREEN MPPS WILL:
· End one-size-fits-all regulations for family farms and local food processors
· Implement smart regulations that recognize differences in the size of operations.
· Eliminate tax penalties and reduce zoning restrictions to facilitate local, on-farm food enterprises and innovative sources of farm income.
· Improve income stabilization programs so they are more accessible for family farms, cover a wider range of products and don’t penalize farmers who experience bad years.
Green Party of Ontario (GPO) Leader Mike Schreiner will be joined by Green Party of Canada Leader Elizabeth May to discuss the inclusion of the Green Party of Ontario in the upcoming Leaders’ Debate and the difference one Green MPP can make at Queen’s Park. Both Green Leaders will be available for comment.
WHO: Mike Schreiner, Elizabeth May
WHEN: Friday September 9, 2011
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Queen’s Park Media Studio
CONTACT:
Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
(c) 905-999-5479 [1]
(e) rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca
Sent from Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada
“Citizens vote, not corporations,” says Schreiner. “Government policy should be focused on what’s good for the public. Even the perception that big money might have influence in securing special deals or driving policy decisions is bad for democracy. What about the 100 companies being given a free ride under the new cap-and-trade plan? Are any of them donors to the Liberal party?”
