Green Parties around the world share common values as expressed in the Charter of the GlobalGreens. The policies of the Green Party of Canada are based on six fundamental principles:
Ecological Wisdom We acknowledge that human beings are part of the natural world and we respect the specific values of all forms of life, including non-human species. In Niagara West - Glanbrook this is directly relevant to issues such as the proposed Walker's compost facility in Vineland or the landfill issues in Glanbrook. Sound environmental planning should guide our governments at all levels, but it takes a commitment from politicians to look beyond the date of the next election, something not encouraged by the present electoral system. The Green Party's support for Proportional Representation would help to break that cycle.
Social Justice We assert that the key to social justice is the equitable distribution of resources to ensure that all have full opportunities for personal and social development. In Niagara West - Glanbrook there are some significant social inequities as evidenced by a growing use of food banks. Green Party policies advocate a more equal participation in economic opportunities through accessible transportation, training and reasonably priced housing. Read more about Social Justice on the GPC website.
Participatory Democracy We strive for a democracy in which all citizens have the right to express their views, and are able to participate directly in decisions that affect their lives. The Green Party is the only party to fully endorse participatory democracy and in particular has supported the MMP (Mixed Member Proportionality) in the referendum choices that were put before voters in Ontario.
Non-Violence We declare our commitment to non-violence and strive for a culture of peace and cooperation between states. Citizens of Niagara West - Glanbrook are among Canadian troops presently serving in Afghanistan. Canada's role has been manipulated by politicians' actions and inaction into one that is increasingly unfavourable to Canadians, and in conflict with our honoured tradition as peacekeepers.
Sustainability We recognize the scope for the material expansion of society within the biosphere, and the need to maintain biodiversity through use of renewable resources. Niagara West-Glanbrook and the whole Niagara region is blessed with an abundance of wind and solar sources sadly under-used because of lack of direction or support from both federal and provincial governments. The Green Party holds the development of renewable sources of energy as key to the future of a sustainable economy. Why is our region not at the forefront of development of these resources and why are our citizens not reaping the benefits of that economic activity?
Respect for Diversity We honour and value equally the Earth's biological and ecological diversity together with the cultural, linguistic, ethnic, sexual, religious and spiritual diversity. Are you disappointed in a government that allows Canada to be one of only four nations that failed to ratify the recent United Nations' Declaration on Indigenous Peoples? Are you disappointed in our government's failure to uphold our Kyoto Protocol commitments? Green Party members in Parliament, whether through direct election or through proportional representation (a hope for future electoral reform) would encourage more accountability to uphold Canada's international commitments and those things that make Canadians proud of their country on the international stage.
The Green Party is a true “grass roots” party and people all across Canada are committed to developing its policies and promoting a sustainable lifestyle and responsible government throughout Canada.
The members of the Niagara West – Glanbrook Green Party EDA are local residents, like you, who share a goal: to elect a Green Party candidate to the House of Commons and to promote the policies and platform of the Green Party of Canada throughout the region.
To share this vision we are promoting a series of local information meetings, organized locally, to discuss issues – both local and national. As we build membership and awareness through these meetings and other events (like our barbeque at the village of Silverdale in June and through displays at local fairs) we are laying the groundwork for a candidate nomination process where our members can select someone who will contest this seat in the next federal election.
Do you have to be “green” to join or participate? No, but you should want to get started on green practices and we can help. The important thing that we have learned is that changes have to come at a pace that is non-threatening and that it is a gradual evolution with enlightened support rather than a green “boot camp” approach that will have more effect with a greater number of people. Above all, we want to share with others the friendship, fellowship and vision that are all part of being involved in the Green Party.
Ø We practice what we preach: The Niagara West Glanbrook Green Party EDA has recently been assigned a stretch of Highway #8 as part of the Adopt-a-Road programme in Niagara region and completed one clean up with 5 volunteers taking part.
Ø We do "little things" while building toward the opportunity to participate in government where we can work with our fellow Canadians to do "big things": All our local meetings and activities are conducted to produce as little waste as possible by using china and cutlery rather than disposables and by composting any food wastes.
