Letter: Green Party aims to make Canada better

A couple of years ago, although not a member, I was invited to a local Green Party event where I met Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner and a small group of really amazing folks.

It was very casual and relaxed, more like a chat with your neighbours than a “political” event.

They talked about democracy, building for the future, making Canada a better place and ensuring all the issues important to voters get talked about at election time. I was impressed.

On Jan. 1, the Nickel Belt Green Party of Ontario Constituency Association was born; just seven people sitting at a kitchen table in Coniston believing Canada can be a better place and prepared to work to make it happen. That, my friends, is democracy in action and about as grassroots as you get.

When I talk to neighbours and friends about voting Green, I sometimes see eyes roll and I often hear “you know they won’t get elected right?”

I remind my friends that Canada is still a democracy and we deserve choices. I suggest the Green Party platform is worth a read and I believe this most democratic of parties is worth working to build.

I also tell them that simply being a sheep that follows the herd is not the way to make Canada a better country.

A small group of very devoted Canadians is working hard to support local Green candidates: Casey Lalonde in Sudbury and Heather Dahlstrom in Nickel Belt. I am proud to stand behind these two amazing young women.

Karen Bringleson
president, Nickel Belt Green Party of Ontario Constituency Association