Tag Archives: Press Release

Politics

Ont. Green Party Offers Top 10 List – It’s Easy Being Green

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GREEN PARTY HITS BACK WITH “IT’S EASY BEING GREEN” CAMPAIGN
Toronto, ON – Today, the Green Party of Ontario launched a campaign to dispel the myth started by Kermit the Frog, that it’s not easy being Green.

“We wanted to take this opportunity to let folks in Ontario know that it actually is easy to be Green,” said Rebecca Harrison, Director of Communications. “We know Kermit the Frog started quite the rumour, but we know that our team continues to grow as our message reaches more and more people across Ontario.”

The Green Party compiled a list of top 10 reasons why it’s easy being Green, and has started a online campaign to promote the reasons that it is easy being green. Ontarians can contribute their own reasons at Silo Direct Link To Green Party It’s Easy Being Green Webpage [1] or on Facebook Silo Direct Link To Green Party Of Ontario Facebook Page

The Green Party of Ontario’s membership has more than doubled this year, and the party is running a full slate of 107 candidates in this election.

TOP 10 REASONS WHY IT’S EASY BEING GREEN

10. We get to answer questions about Kermit the Frog at least once every four years. (More often with a minority government!)
9. There is one party that knows how important healthy local food [3] is for our families and communities.
8. Ontarians are already going green. Whether it’s recycling, buying local food or switching off lights, people in Ontario are already choosing sustainable options. It’s time for Queen’s Park to catch up.
7. Only the Green Party has a plan to reduce taxes on the things we want [4] – income and jobs, and put a price on the things we don’t want – waste, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Birkenstocks are comfortable. Come on – you know they are!
5. The old parties have energy plans that reward energy hogs. The Green Party has a plan that saves you money by saving energy. [5]
4. Only one party is calling for an end to corporate and union political donations [6]. Corporations and unions don’t vote – people do.
3. Everyone likes the underdog! We have to work hard to earn your trust and your vote, which is why our sleeves are rolled up and we’re knocking on doors in communities across Ontario.
2. The words “Local Food”, “Mega-Quarry [7]” and “Climate Change [8]” didn’t cross the lips of the old party Leaders in the televised debate once. You know that debate, the one with no clear winner? (Or new ideas?)
1. Because even one Green MPP can make a difference at Queen’s Park. Look at Elizabeth May, Canada’s first Green MP now sitting in the House of Commons, the first Green MPs in Australia and Great Britain, and the first Green State Government in Germany.

Media Contact:
Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
(905) 999 – 5479
rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca
Sent from Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Politics

Ont Liberals:Time To Renegotiate 10 Year Accord For Seniors’ Needs

Leave a comment

For immediate release

ONTARIO NEEDS AN ONTARIO CHAMPION
Premier Ready To Confront Challenges Ahead

LINDSAY — Only Ontario Liberals can be counted on to stand up for Ontario, Premier Dalton McGuinty told a crowd in Lindsay today.

“When it comes to negotiating with the federal government, we need a strong voice that is willing to stand up for Ontario,” said McGuinty. “We know Tim Hudak won’t go toe-to-toe with Stephen Harper. He’ll simply smile, shrug and do what he’s told — leaving Ontario to pay the price.”

In 2004, the provinces and territories signed a 10-year Health Accord with the federal government that was focused on wait times. That Accord was essential to Ontario’s progress in lowering surgical wait times — because it provided the certainty that was needed for fundamental reforms.

Now, it’s time to negotiate a new 10-year Accord to focus on the needs of seniors. In the next 10 years, 1.6 million Ontarians will turn 65, the traditional retirement age — that’s twice as many people as between 1981 and 1991.

“While Ontario has made significant improvements to health care, we can do even more with a strong federal partner,” said McGuinty. “Sitting down at the table to renegotiate this long-term accord is one of the most important issues awaiting the Premier of Ontario in the years ahead.”

McGuinty was joined at the event by Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock candidate Rick Johnson, whom he praised for his commitment to his community.

“Rick is a tireless advocate for the people of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock and a strong member of our Ontario Liberal team,” McGuinty said. “He’s delivered a Family Health Team as well as a new MRI at Ross Memorial Hospital to provide families with better health care closer to home.”

A Hudak/Harper partnership would mean significant cuts and would take Ontario off track in perilous economic times. The Hudak PCs also have $14 billion in unfunded giveaways and tax cuts that would mean additional cuts to hospitals and schools. The Horwath NDP would take Ontario off track by introducing a crushing $9 billion in job-killing taxes.

“We need someone that will stand up for Ontario,” said Johnson. “Ontario needs an Ontario champion — Ontario needs Dalton McGuinty.”

For further information –

Ontario Liberal Party Media Office:
416 961-3800 ext. 328

Pour diffusion immédiate
Le 30 septembre 2011

L’ONTARIO A BESOIN D’UN CHEF DE FILE QUI PRENNE FAIT ET CAUSE POUR LA PROVINCE
Le premier ministre doit être prêt à relever les défis qui attendent l’Ontario

LINDSAY — Aujourd’hui, devant une foule rassemblée à Lindsay, le premier ministre Dalton McGuinty a déclaré que seuls les Libéraux de l’Ontario étaient en mesure de défendre les intérêts de la province.

« Quand il s’agit de négocier avec le gouvernement fédéral, nous avons besoin d’une voix forte, prête à s’élever pour prendre fait et cause pour l’Ontario », a souligné M. McGuinty. « Nous savons que Tim Hudak ne s’opposera pas à Stephen Harper. Il se contentera de sourire, de hausser les épaules et de faire ce qu’on lui dit de faire — laissant ainsi l’Ontario payer le prix fort. »

En 2004, les provinces et les territoires ont signé un accord décennal pour consolider les soins de santé. Cet accord était notamment axé sur la réduction des temps d’attente, et a joué un rôle essentiel pour faire diminuer les temps d’attente ontariens en matière de chirurgie — il nous a en effet donné les certitudes dont nous avions besoin pour mettre en œuvre des réformes fondamentales.

Aujourd’hui, l’heure est venue de négocier un nouvel accord décennal mettant l’accent sur les besoins des personnes âgées. Dans les dix années à venir, 1,6 million d’Ontariennes et d’Ontariens fêteront leur 65e anniversaire, l’âge où l’on prend généralement sa retraite — cela représente deux fois plus de personnes qu’entre 1981 et 1991.

« Même si l’Ontario a accompli des progrès majeurs dans le domaine des soins de santé, nous pouvons faire encore mieux à condition d’avoir un partenaire fédéral fort », a rappelé M. McGuinty. « S’asseoir à la table des négociations pour discuter des termes de cet accord décennal, voilà l’un des enjeux clés qui attend le premier ministre de l’Ontario dans les années qui viennent. »

Lors de l’événement d’aujourd’hui, Dalton McGuinty a été rejoint par Rick Johnson, le candidat de la circonscription de Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, qu’il a félicité pour son dévouement à servir sa collectivité.

« Rick défend inlassablement les intérêts des résidentes et résidents de Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, et c’est l’un des acteurs majeurs de l’équipe du Parti libéral de l’Ontario », a déclaré M. McGuinty. « Il a contribué à la mise en place d’une équipe de santé familiale et d’un nouveau système d’IRM à l’Hôpital Ross Memorial, dans l’objectif de fournir aux familles des soins de santé de meilleure qualité, plus près de leur domicile. »

Un partenariat entre M. Hudak et M. Harper se traduirait par des coupures drastiques, ce qui ferait déraper l’Ontario dans un contexte économique périlleux. Le Parti PC de M. Hudak offre des cadeaux et des réductions d’impôt non financés de 14 milliards de dollars, ce qui se traduirait par des coupures drastiques pour les hôpitaux et les écoles. Quant au NPD de Mme Horwath, il compte introduire 9 milliards de dollars sous forme d’impôts destructeurs d’emplois, ce qui risque également de mettre l’Ontario sur la mauvaise voie.

« Nous avons besoin de quelqu’un qui prendra fait et cause pour l’Ontario », a affirmé M. Johnson. « La province a besoin d’un chef de file prêt à se battre pour l’Ontario — l’Ontario a besoin de Dalton McGuinty. »

Renseignements :

Parti libéral de l’Ontario – Relations avec les médias

416 961-3800, poste 328

Politics

Ont. Greens: End Biased School Funding Based On Religion

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GREEN PARTY OF ONTARIO ADDRESSES INEQUITY IN PUBLICLY FUNDED SCHOOLS

TORONTO, ONTARIO – The Green Party of Ontario today called for a Citizen’s Assembly to address the transition to a single school system (French and English), a move which several other provinces have made
over the past decade.

“Greens believe in a fair, equitable, and financially responsible school system that enriches learning for all students. All Ontarian’s fund our school system, and it is government’s job to ensure that the public has a voice in how that money is spent.” said Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner.

Currently both Public and Catholic boards are funded per student from the same public fund. Canada ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on May 19th, 1976, with the consent of all provinces, including Ontario. In November 1999 and again in November 2005 the same committee censured Canada again for failing to ‘adopt steps in order to eliminate discrimination on the basis of religion in the funding of schools in Ontario.’

“Our current system operates under a constitutional privilege that dates back to when women were not permitted to vote,” explains Justin Trottier, Green Party candidate for Parkdale High Park. “Other provinces, like Quebec, have achieved a bilateral agreement with the Federal government to unify their school boards so that no particular faith is being funded by the province.”

Recently the issue of inequality in our school system has been underscored by Catholic school boards openly denying students the freedom to form Gay Straight Alliances to create more inclusive environments for students and staff.

“Ontarians pride themselves on their diversity,” said Toronto Centre candidate and LGBT rights activist Mark Daye.”Our education system needs to reflect that.”

The Green Party of Ontario believes that our education system must be fair, equitable and efficient for all students, teachers and families. The Green Party is the only party with a plan to allow Ontarians to address equality in our school system, by moving towards one publicly funded school system, in French and English.

GREEN MPPS WILL:

* Call for a citizen’s assembly to review moving to one publicly funded French and English school system to study and offer recommendations on the constitutional, procedural and logistical issues relating to a single public school system in Ontario. The citizens assembly will provide an opportunity for all Ontarians to comment on and participate in this important discussion. Citizen input is essential to help determine the best way forward.

FACTS:

* Under the Constitution Act of 1982, Constitutional change in an area of provincial jurisdiction (such as education) can be accomplished through bilateral agreement between the province and the Parliament of Canada alone. Ten post-1982 amendments have been made to the Constitution, five of which concern denomination education rights. Quebec and Newfoundland once had denominational school systems. Both provinces modernized their school systems in the 1990s.

* Ontario’s school boards are publicly funded according to the province’s ‘funding formula’, which is based primarily on student enrolment. Municipal ‘school support’ designations have no effect on the amount of funding a board receives. Catholic taxpayers are not the sole supporters of Catholic schools. All taxpayers support all schools.

* Canada ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on May 19th, 1976, with the consent of all provinces, including Ontario. In November 1999, the United Nations Human Rights Committee found Canada in violation of the equality provisions of that Covenant by virtue of Ontario’s discriminatory school system. In November 2005 the same Committee censured Canada again for failing to ‘adopt steps in order to eliminate discrimination on the basis of religion in the funding of schools in Ontario.’

* Source 2005:
The State party should adopt steps in order to eliminate discrimination on the basis of religion in the funding of schools in Ontario.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca
905-999-5479 Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
[1] rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca
[2] Silo Direct Link To Green Party of Ontario Press Page

Politics

Ont. Greens Pledge: Will End Corporate And Union Election Donations

1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Green Party will eliminate corporate and union donations to political parties
Orangeville, Ontario – Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner (Simcoe-Grey) and Deputy Leader Rob Strang (Dufferin-Caledon) announced the Green Party’s plan to reform the Ontario electoral system to ensure that special interests take a back seat to the priorities of Ontarians.

“It takes a lot of money to run a political campaign the likes of the old line parties. Primetime advertising, a fleet of buses emblazoned with their faces – all cost money,” said Schreiner. “This type of extravagant spending has become the norm, making corporate and union donations the lifeblood of the old parties.”
The problem lies in the fact that corporations and unions don’t vote – people do. And when corporations and unions are allowed to donate, the people in them are effectively allowed to exceed the contribution limits of other individuals set by the province.
“With the province facing controversial developments that threaten farmland and clean water like the mega quarry in Melancthon, we need to ensure that the voices of Ontarians are paramount to that of developers,” added Strang.

Corporate and Union donations have been prohibited in democracies around the world including the Federal government in Canada. By ending such donations, the Green Party argues that politicians remove even the appearance of undue influence.

“Politics as usual in Ontario is not working,” concluded Schreiner.
“Only one party has the courage to change the way parties function from the campaign up. That is why we need Green MPPs at Queen’s Park.”

Your Green MPPs will: ● End corporate and union donations to political parties, candidates and campaigns in provincial and municipal elections

Media Contact: Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications Green Party of Ontario 905-999-5479
rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
[1]
http://press.gpo.ca/http://press.gpo.ca/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/optout&reset=1&jid=153&qid=39207&h=dda107b6bc6ee0b6

Politics

Ontario Green Party: Concerned Only 7000 Ont. Farmers Under 35 Yrs

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

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.

For more details on the Green Party’s commitment to supporting farming in Ontario,visit:
Silo Direct Link To Green Party of Ontario Press Site

Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
905-999-5479
rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca
Rebecca Harrison Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
[1] Silo Direct Link to Green Party of Ontario Site
[2] rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca

Politics

Ontario Greens Pledge To End One-size-fits-all Family Farm Regulation

1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

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.

For more information on the Green Party’s 5 Point Plan visit: Silo Direct Link To Green Party’s 5 Point Plan

Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
905 999 5479
rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca
http://Silo Direct Link to Green Party of Ontario’s Press Site
Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
[1] http://www.gpo.ca/

Politics

Ont. Liberals Pledge To End Great Lakes Runoff – Improve Beaches

1 Comment

For immediate release

STRENGTHENING PROTECTION FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT
Ontario Liberal Plan Introduces Next Chapter To Keep Our Water Clean

TORONTO – Only Ontario Liberals will protect our air, land and water, Children and Youth Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues Laurel Broten announced today.

“Ontario families care deeply about the safety of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we grow,” Broten said. “Today we’re taking the next step in our Ontario Liberal Plan to safeguard our environment for our children and our grandchildren.”

Ontario Liberals will defend Ontario’s precious water resources for future generations with a Great Lakes Protection Act that will be the next chapter in clean water for Ontario. It will also ensure that Ontario keeps its edge as a world leader in clean-water protection.

It’s a $52 million program that will help:
*Clean up the pollution hot spots identified by scientists, targeting Nipigon Bay, and Peninsula Harbour on Lake Superior, Detroit River, Niagara River, and the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario as the next priorities.
*Better prevent pollution and runoff such as phosphorous from getting into the Great Lakes by working more closely with our regional partners.
*Reconnect Ontarians with the Great Lakes in their communities, by promoting recreational opportunities, improving beaches and supporting community programs.

“Ontario Liberals have been one of the most environmentally progressive and successful governments in North America,” Broten said. “We’re proud today to continue building on our strong record of environmental protection.”

Since 2003, Ontario Liberals have reduced coal-fired electricity by more than 90 per cent – the equivalent of taking 7 million cars off the road. We have reduced pesticides in our waterways by 80 per cent and permanently protected a combined area of greenspace the size of Great Britain. We are also North American leaders for drinking water standards, endangered species legislation and pollution laws.

Under the last PC government, water inspectors were fired and Ontario earned a reputation as one of the worst places in North America for environmental protection. The Hudak PCs would take us backwards – their $14 billion hole would mean deep cuts to environmental protection. The Horwath NDP has turned its back on the environment.
– their priority would be to subsidize gas-guzzlers and they have consistently failed to support our progressive environmental initiatives like the Endangered Species Act, the Far North Act and the cosmetic pesticides ban.

“Protecting our environment is a responsibility we bear towards the next generation,” Broten said. “We – and our children and grandchildren – need the strong, steady environmental stewardship that only Dalton McGuinty can provide as we protect our environment by moving forward, together.”

For further information –
Ontario Liberal Party Media Office:
416 961-3800 ext. 328

Politics

Ont. Green Party Says “Will Use SmartMeters To Put $ In Your Pocket”

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Green Party Will Use Smart Meters to Put Money in Your Pocket

Toronto, Ontario – Green Party of Ontario Leader, Mike Schreiner announced his party’s commitment to Smart Meter changes that encourage innovative ways for Ontarians to save money by saving energy. Schreiner along with Philip Playfair, the owner of Toronto conservation company Lowfoot, spoke at the home of Barry Martin, a Lowfoot customer.

“The Green Party would use smart meters to save us money, by using them to create a market for conservation,” said Schreiner. “Local entrepreneurs such as Lowfoot have already started businesses that pay people to conserve energy. Energy bureaucrats need to move out of the way to foster innovative ideas like this that reward people for efficiency and conservation.”

The Green Party would develop a Conservation Energy Pool (CEP) to serve as a market for kilowatts saved. The CEP would enable entrepreneurs to develop viable businesses that pay people to save energy verified by available smart meter data.

“Our mission is to generate power plant level generation via energy conservation,” said Playfair. “By engaging Ontarians and providing them with their usage information they can take an active role in conservation.”

The Green Party would end the centralized, command and control conservation programs developed by Ontario Power Authority bureaucrats. The Party’s plan would use existing technology to help individuals and businesses to measure their energy use in order to identify and verify savings.

“Getting involved with Lowfoot was a way to help us learn about conserving. Most of our changes were rudimentary-things,” said Martin. “That said, the social nature, gaming aspect and transparency involved helped us become conscious of our habits in a hurry. We now feel great about lowering our consumption and our costs.”

Your Green MPPs will:

– Develop a market for entrepreneurs to deliver conservation and energy efficient products and programs

– Support innovation and investment to make Ontario a leader in the new Energy Economy

End the command-and-control conservation programs developed by Ontario Power Authority bureaucrats, and empower Local Distribution Companies to develop local programs to meet conservation targets.

About Lowfoot Inc. :
Toronto based, Lowfoot Inc. securely connects to smart meter data and automatically displays the client’s electricity usage. They help manage their client’s electricity, reduce bills and help clients earn rewards for their conservation. They also offer a web based social network of people who are conserving energy, wanting to learn how to conserve energy or are interested in their energy use patterns.

For more information on the Green Party of Ontario’s Energy Plan visit: Silo Direct Link To Green Party Ontario PressSite

Media Contact:
Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
(c) 905-999-5479
(e) rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca
Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
Silo Direct Link To Alternative Green Party Ontario PressSite

Politics

Ont. Greens Plan – Expanding Combined Heat And Power Projects

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

London, Ontario–Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner announced the party’s plan to expand combined heat and power (CHP) targets to conserve energy and establish a more efficient power system in Ontario.

“Eliminating waste is essential to increasing efficiency and reducing utility bills,” said Schreiner. “Most large buildings and factories in Ontario use natural gas to provide heat. Instead of allowing waste heat to escape unused, why not use these same molecules to provide two services: heat and electricity?”

CHP plants have an overall energy efficiency of 80-90%, an improvement on the 33% efficiency of a standard nuclear reactor. Because of their very high efficiency, CHP plants provide an affordable and flexible source of base load power. “CHP can be implemented at factories, schools, hospitals, malls and large commercial buildings,” added Schreiner. “Plus CHP has the added bonus of providing secure backup power in case of power outages. Given the efficiency gains and affordability of electricity generated by CHP, we believe the current generation target of an additional 500 MW from CHP is far too low.”

CHP can be and is often implemented as part of a district heating system that provides efficient low-cost heat to multiple buildings. Schreiner made the announcement in London, which is home to one of the longest-running district power systems in the province.

The Green Party energy plan includes:

* Increasing electrical generation targets and capacity factors for Combined Heat and Power.
* Prioritizing grid access for affordable Combined Heat and Power projects.
* Supporting the development of efficient district heating and clean energy recovery projects, which includes amending the Ontario Energy Board Act to allow Ontario’s electric and gas utilities to invest in district energy projects.

Media Contact: Rebecca Harrison Director of Communications Green Party of Ontario (c) 905-999-5479
rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca

Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Politics

Green Party Leader Schreiner:Our Plan To Create 20,000 Jobs

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Schreiner announces Green Building Program to create 20,000 good local jobs and reduce energy bills

Guelph, Ontario – Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner announced the Green Party’s plan for a Green Building Program today. A Green Building program will reduce energy bills and create thousands of jobs in the construction and trades sector in communities across the province.

“Only the Green Party will deliver sensible, long-term solutions that create jobs and save us money by saving energy,” said Schreiner. “We will not borrow money, like the old parties, to offer short term subsidies that mostly benefit the biggest energy users.”

The Green Building plan would provide $1.6 B in refundable tax credits for homeowners, tenants and businesses over 4 years to invest in energy efficiency and building retrofits.

“When we decrease our consumption we provide real relief to rising energy costs for all Ontarians,” added energy entrepreneur and Guelph Green Party candidate Steve Dyck who’s own retrofits have helped him invest in his local economy and save money. “Eliminating waste and increasing efficiency will make our province more competitive.”

The Green Building Program would create an estimated 20,000 jobs across the province, according to estimates by Robert Pollin Professor of Economics and Co-Director, Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Heidi Garrett-Peltier PERI Research Fellow entitled Building the Green Economy: Employment Effects of Green Energy Investments for Ontario.

“These investments will create green jobs in communities across Ontario,” added Schreiner, “This is something that cannot be achieved with the short term energy subsidies offered by the other parties.”

Ontario is home to numerous businesses that focus on energy efficiency and conservation products and retrofits.

“The kind of Green Building Program that the Ontario Green Party is proposing will create more jobs, have a positive impact on the environment and take Ontario’s economy into the 21st century,” says Stephen Carpenter President of Enermodal Engineering of Kitchener.

The Green Building Program will:

* Provide $800 million in refundable tax credits for home owners and tenants over four years for investments in energy efficiency and building retrofits. This will include an Electric Hot Water Conservation Program for conversion of electric hot water heaters to solar thermal.

* Provide $800 million in refundable business tax credits over four years for businesses to invest in energy efficiency and building retrofits, making our businesses more efficient and competitive.

* Strengthen energy efficiency standards to ensure new buildings use less energy for heating and cooling by revising the Ontario Building Code.

* Set a minimum EnerGuide Rating of 86 for all new buildings by 2013 and ensure all new homes and buildings are solar-ready so owners have the option of easy and affordable installation of future solar investments.

* Develop a long-term strategic plan to move our homes and buildings towards Zero Net Energy, with a time table to raise Ontario’s minimum legally-binding energy efficiency standards for new homes, buildings, appliances and equipment to help reduce our energy bills.

* Make it easier for Ontarians to obtain information and advice on energy efficiency, conservation and building retrofits.

* Require home energy efficiency audits and make the results available to potential home buyers and renters so people can make informed choices regarding the operating costs of their homes and apartments.

* Work with the banking sector to design a provincial program that facilitates “energy saver” mortgages and loans at preferential rates for homeowners investing in energy efficient retrofits.

* Develop an Ontario wide framework for a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program, as an innovative local government solution to help property owners finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements – such as energy efficient boilers, upgraded insulation, new windows, solar installations, etc. – to their homes and businesses.

Press Conference Information:

9:30am Press Conference – Guelph

Mike Schreiner will join Guelph candidate Steve Dyck in making an important announcement about energy savings.
Location: 39 Hearn Ave. Guelph, ON

12:00pm Press Conference – Kitchener

Mike Schreiner announces Green Building Program in Kitchener. Steve Carpenter from Enermodal will attend.
Location: Enermodal, 582 Lancaster St. West, Kitchener, ON

 

Media Contact:
Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
(c) 905-999-5479
(e) rebeccaharrison@gpo.ca Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Politics

Discussing The Inclusion Of The Green Party of Ontario In Ontario Leader’s Debate

Leave a comment

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