Greens celebrate Earth Hour with public information session
March 21, 2011
OSHAWA -- The local Green Party associations have organized a public information session with a focus on Earth Hour. This event will feature federal Green Party candidates Gail Bates (Oshawa), Rebecca Harrison (Whitby-Oshawa), and Kevin Smith (Pickering-Scarborough East). Oshawa Regional Councillor Amy England will also be speaking.
The goal of the event is to raise awareness around the significance of Earth Hour and highlight the steps that each person can take to move beyond Earth Hour. Attendees will learn ways to be more environmentally responsible. There will also be a group discussion on environmental issues, reducing our ecological footprint, energy conservation, and more!
Anyone is welcome to this casual and fun event. Admission is free, instead everyone is encouraged to try something from the Simple Bodega tea house and support a local business.
Location: Simple Bodega tea house
Address: 74 Celina St., Oshawa
Location info: www.simplebodega.ca
Time: Saturday, March 26 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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Contact Information:
Chris White
President/CEO
Whitby-Oshawa Green Party Riding Association
chris@whitbyoshawagreens.ca
c: 905-621-0116
|
OTTAWA -- On March 8th, the Green Party of Canada is celebrating one hundred
years of International Women's Day. "Hopefully in another hundred
years, there won't be any need to have a day specific to women because
equality will have been achieved," said Green Leader Elizabeth May. "Until then, we encourage everyone to take part in International Women's
Day celebrations and continue to work for change."
International Women's Day began in Europe in 1911 with events
attended by over one million people campaigning for the end of
discrimination against women.
"Although there have been many dramatic changes over the last
century, we still need to consider on this day how we can continue to
improve in Canada and globally," said May. "In Canada, we still need to
work toward more women in politics and senior positions and full pay
equity. Globally, there is still much to be done until we reach simple
equality of human rights, access to health care, education, and economic
autonomy."
The Green Party is advocating the reinstatement of funds to groups
such as MATCH, Planned Parenthood and KAIROS that have a specific focus
on gender in international development. Among the best ways to break
down barriers and advance opportunities for women are through poverty
eradication, programs in reproductive rights, programs to eliminate the
financial barriers to education, affordable child care, affordable
housing, and encouraging involvement in the political process.
"The power of women to change their world is immense," said Rebecca
Harrison, Green Status of Women's Critic. "In Canada, women represent
over half of the population but less than 21 percent of Parliamentarians
are women. We need to continue to encourage women to get involved—in
doing so, they can change the tone of politics in this country as well
as instituting policies that further the goals of full equality for
women."
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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press
Secretary
C: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca
www.greenparty.ca
|
OTTAWA -- National Green Party leader Elizabeth May called for
stepped-up federal programs and legislated targets to end child poverty,
in the wake of a recent report by independent Representative for
Children and Youth Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond on the risk factors behind
infant deaths in BC. The report, “Fragile Lives, Fragmented Systems”,
concluded that B.C.'s high poverty rate and patchwork support system for
families put vulnerable children, particularly First Nations children,
at risk of an early death.
Contributing factors listed in the
report for infant death included poverty and risk factors related to
poverty, including mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence,
and single parenthood. Disturbingly, almost 75% of the infant deaths
(having occurred during sleep) investigated - 15 of 21 – were First
Nations children. In the riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands, 10.5% of the
population are classified as “low income” by the latest census and 3500
people are listed as being First Nations.
“It is time for action
on child poverty, which is a significant factor in infant deaths. We
have known for a long time that poverty is the number one social
determinant of health. Now we know it increases infant death,” said
Green Leader Elizabeth May. “This is an urgent issue. BC has the
highest child poverty rate in Canada and it remains at the same level it
was when in 1989 the Parliament of Canada vowed to end it by the year
2000. It is a scandal that in a wealthy country like Canada, we accept
the existence of poverty. We need to put in place a Federal Poverty
Elimination strategy ensuring that every family has an income level
sufficient to allow every child to develop to their full potential. We
should be looking to the countries that are more successful in
eliminating child poverty and asking what lessons could we bring to
Canada.”
The Green Party is calling for a Poverty Commissioner
to develop a Federal Poverty Elimination Strategy, a recommendation
echoed by a recent UNICEF report on poverty rates and various indicators
of well-being in Canada and other nations. The Green Party also
support’s UNICEF’s call for a national Children’s Commissioner who would
ensure children’s best interests are considered in policy development
and that services across the country are better coordinated.
BC’s
main First Nations organizations have also recently called for
provincial legislation aimed at ending child poverty that would set
measurable targets, standards, and a legislated commitment to reducing
the level of child poverty. The Green Party of Canada would also
support similar federal legislation and targets.
“Although we
think of Canada as an affluent nation, there is a great deal of
inequality in family income and it is the children that often bear this
burden. Poverty is a systemic problem that requires intervention in all
spheres of public policy. We need to develop a comprehensive plan to
improve our social safety network so that it eliminates child poverty.
And this program needs to be spearheaded by the Federal Government,”
stated Rebecca Harrison, the Green Party’s Poverty Elimination Critic.
To eliminate poverty in Canada, the Green Party of Canada is also calling for:
- Creation of a poverty elimination commissioner to open the door to
discussions with all parties regarding a Guaranteed Annual Income
Policy.
- Establishing a Guaranteed Liveable Income for all Canadians to end poverty across Canada over the longer run.
An immediate increase of 25% in the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
- Implementation of a National Affordable Housing plan to set an
annual rate of building affordable housing so that the supply of housing
is no longer an issue by 2019; building 20,000 new and 10,000
rehabilitated, subsidized affordable units per year for the next 10
years using capital grants and changes in tax and mortgage insurance
regulations.
- Increasing funding for low-income housing.
- Greater support for people with disabilities.
- Programs to provide for universal child care.
- Removal of taxes from the lowest income categories so that no taxes are paid by those below the poverty line.
- Free transit passes for those on income assistance to ensure people
the mobility they need to find work, shelter and other necessities.
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Contact Information
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
media@greenparty.ca
|
WHITBY -- The Whitby-Oshawa Green Party riding association is excited to announce that Bradley Gibson has been selected as our provincial candidate. He was confirmed at a nomination meeting that took place on January 27th at the Whitby Central Library. “I am very excited by the challenge of representing the Green Party of Ontario’s unique vision in the next election,” said Gibson. “There is so much more we could be doing to make our community more enjoyable, prosperous, and sustainable.”
Gibson will run in the provincial election, which will take place on Oct. 6, 2011. He will run under the leadership of Mike Schreiner, who was elected as party leader in 2009. The Greens are poised to challenge for seats in many ridings, and provide a viable alternative for fiscally conservative voters with a social and environmental conscience.
"Bradley makes another great addition to the green team," said Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner. "I am pleased that someone so committed to working in his community has been nominated to represent the Green Party in the riding of Whitby-Oshawa."
Gibson will be the face of the Green Party in Whitby-Oshawa, alongside federal candidate Rebecca Harrison. "I am excited to work with Brad to represent residents in Whitby-Oshawa," said Harrison. "Brad’s enthusiasm and dedication will be an asset not only to our team but to the rest of our community."
"My desire is to be a part of a responsible, sustainable government that will leave a lasting legacy," said Gibson, "a government whose policies match the needs of humans with the needs of the environment, creating a positive lasting change for our children and their children."
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Contact Information:
Chris White
President/CEO
Whitby-Oshawa Green Party Riding Association
chris@whitbyoshawagreens.ca
c: 905-621-0116
Biography
Bradley Gibson was born and raised in Trenton, in the Quinte region of Ontario. His father is a well-known Quinte region journalist while his mother dedicated her time to charity work and advocating for social justice. It was through their example that he developed his desire to affect positive change in his community. The common thread in Bradley’s careers and volunteer work has been advocating for other people’s needs.
Bradley and his wife Monique have lived together in Durham for almost twenty years, and settled in Whitby 9 years ago, where they found a home to raise their family. He began his career in youth ministry, were he worked for the better part of 10 years, before going back to school to get his degree as a Child & Youth Worker. He currently works in the York Region District School Board as a CYW, and for the last 6 years he has been the chairperson for his daughter’s School Community Council (SCC).
Bradley has participated in many community initiatives including the Community Service Offenders program, Big Brothers & Sisters, Apple House Woman’s Shelter (now YWCA), World Vision, H.O.T.T. Music Festival, Aboriginal Awareness Day, The FAITH Project, and various youth groups. He also coaches at his school where he finds much joy in their success on and off the field of play.
Bradley Gibson will be a strong voice and advocate for the citizens of Whitby-Oshawa. He will stand for the values of social justice, community, and sustainability that are core principles of the Green Party of Ontario.
|
Green Party Announces Candidate Nomination Meeting
January 24, 2011
WHITBY -- The Whitby-Oshawa Green Party riding association will hold a
Candidate Nomination meeting at the Whitby Central Library on Thursday
January 27 at 8PM. The purpose of the meeting is to select a candidate
to represent the riding in the next provincial election.
Don’t miss your chance to hear Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike
Schreiner speak about the Green Party of Ontario’s vision for a clean,
healthy and green Ontario, and how the GPO is preparing for our
strongest campaign ever in 2011.
Only those who are members of the Green Party of Ontario as of
January 13, 2011 and live in the riding of Whitby-Oshawa will be
permitted to vote at the Nomination Meeting. Recently lapsed (less than
one year) members may renew their membership at the meeting to reinstate
their voting privileges.
Nominations for the Candidate contest are now closed. The nomination
period was from December 3rd, 2010 to January 13th, 2011. One
contestant has registered: Bradley Gibson. There will be a nomination
meeting and vote since, under the Green Party of Ontario bylaws, NOTA or
"none of the above" must always appear on the ballot. No nominations
will be accepted from the floor during the Nomination Meeting.
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Contact Information:
Chris White
Interim President/CEO
Whitby-Oshawa Green Party Riding Association
chris@whitbyoshawagreens.ca
c: 905-621-0116
|
December 6, 2010
OTTAWA -- Canada must make a serious effort to eliminate child poverty,
says the Green Party of Canada in the wake of a UNICEF report card
released by the Innocenti Research Centre. Canada scored a six overall,
placing it in the middle of the pack along with Poland and Portugal,
behind countries such as Denmark and Finland but ahead of the US. Among
OECD countries, Canada scored average for health well-being and above
average for education well-being but below average for material
well-being.
“We cannot let our children fall behind,” said
Rebecca Harrison, Green Party Poverty Elimination Critic. “Although we
think of Canada as an affluent nation, there is a great deal of
inequality in family income and it is the children that bear this
burden. Poverty is a systemic problem that requires intervention in all
spheres of public policy. We need to develop a comprehensive plan to
improve our social safety network so that it eliminates child poverty.
And this program needs to be spearheaded by the Federal Government.”
The
Green Party’s call for a Poverty Commissioner to develop a national
poverty elimination strategy is echoed in the UNICEF report card’s
recommendations for Canada. UNICEF also calls for a national Children’s
Commissioner who would ensure children’s best interests are considered
in policy development and that services across the country are better
coordinated.
“It is time for action on child poverty,” said
Green Leader Elizabeth May. “This is an urgent issue that we cannot put
off any longer. We should be looking to the countries that are more
successful in eliminating child poverty and asking what lessons could we
bring to Canada. We need to consider a comprehensive strategy ensuring
that every family has an income level sufficient to allow every child
to develop to their full potential.”
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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
media@greenparty.ca
c: 613.240.8921
www.greenparty.ca
|
22 October 2010 - 1:15pm
OTTAWA -- The Green Party of Canada is calling on all MPs to vote for
Bill C-304, particularly the Conservatives and Bloc who have not yet
supported this Act to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable
housing for Canadians.
“MPs need to drop their partisan games and all vote in favour of
Bill C-304,” said Deputy Green Leader Adriane Carr. “The housing crisis
began when the federal government pulled out of social housing,
transferring administration of social-housing programs to provinces and
territories. We now know that this was a big mistake. We need a
National Housing Strategy and direct federal government involvement to
ensure Canadians can meet the basic need of decent shelter.”
Canada is the only G8 nation without a federal housing strategy.
There are now 250,000 homeless in Canada. “We are spending billions of
dollars on international meetings, jails and fighter planes while
Canadians are still having to worry about where they will sleep at
night. Somehow, our priorities have gone askew,” said Green Leader
Elizabeth May.
“It is now well-documented that Canada has a housing crisis,”
said Rebecca Harrison, Green Party Critic on Poverty Elimination. “The
Senate report In From the Margins: A Call to Action on Poverty, Housing
and Homelessness sets out a path of action that all levels of government
should be initiating immediately. The authors of this report also
realize that investing in individual Canadians will bring great economic
benefits to our country. We know what we should be doing. Voting for
Bill C-304 will move us into action.”
The Green Party would work to ensure cooperation at all levels of
government for secure, adequate, accessible, and affordable housing for
all Canadians.
Green Party MPs would also:
- Remove taxes from the lowest income categories so that no taxes
are paid by those below the poverty line (Canada’s Low Income Cut-off
measure).
- Allow income assistance recipients to keep 100% of the wages
they earn up to the Low Income Cut-off level to encourage people to get
back into the job market.
- Offer people the mobility they need to find work, shelter and
other necessities through free transit passes for those on income
assistance.
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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
media@greenparty.ca
c: 613.240.8921
www.greenparty.ca
|
Oct 8, 2010
The Green Party of Canada strongly denounces the decision by the
Conservative Government to reject the Senate’s poverty report, which was
unanimously approved by the Senate on April 29, 2010. The report,
entitled In from the Margins: A Call to Action on Poverty, Housing and
Homelessness provided seventy-four specific recommendations on how to
reduce poverty in Canada.
The recommendations included many initiatives that are already part of the
Green Party’s policy platform, such as increasing the Guaranteed Income
Supplement for seniors, increasing funding for the National Affordable Housing
program, and making the Disability Tax Credit refundable.
“While this move was not a surprise given the Government’s track record on
poverty reduction issues, I am still disappointed,” said Green Party Poverty
Elimination Critic Rebecca Harrison. “This report was non-partisan and drew
reference from think tanks, NGOs, as well as direct testimony from Canadians
living in poverty, many of whom were homeless.”
Rebecca Harrison is an advocate for a Guaranteed Livable Income policy for
Canada, a policy that Committee Deputy Chair
Senator Hugh Segal also advocates for. “We did not expect the Harper Government to implement all 74
recommendations,” said Harrison, “but to reject them all was definitely a
setback, and a sad day for Canada.”
The report states boldly, “We believe that eradicating poverty and
homelessness is not only the humane and decent priority of a civilized
democracy, but absolutely essential to a productive and expanding economy
benefiting from the strengths and abilities of all its people.” Of great
concern to the committee is the observation that
many Government income programs sustain people in poverty, rather than lifting
them out of poverty.
“This is a huge setback for poverty elimination in Canada,” said Green Party
Leader Elizabeth May. “Thankfully provinces like Newfoundland are forging
ahead with their plans to help eliminate poverty within their borders. However,
we still need action at the federal level to help lift the countless number of
Canadians living below the poverty line from coast to coast.”
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Contact Information:
Chris White
Organizing Chair
Whitby-Oshawa Green Party
c: 905-999-5479
chris@whitbyoshawagreens.ca
www.whitbyoshawagreens.ca
In from the Margins: A Call to Action on Poverty,
Housing and Homelessness |
Sept. 24,
2010
The Green Party associations of Durham
Region will be taking part in this year’s Scotia Bank AIDS Walk For Life in
Oshawa taking place this Saturday September 25th.Members from Oshawa,
Whitby-Oshawa, Durham, Ajax Pickering, and Pickering Scarborough East riding
associations will make up The Green Team in this years event. Candidates Gail
Bates of Oshawa, Rebecca Harrison of Whitby Oshawa, Kevin Smith of Pickering
Scarborough East and Stephen Leahy of Durham will also be participating and
raising funds to support AIDS/HIV Awareness and support
programs.
“The reality of AIDS in our community is
alarming.” said Rebecca Harrison, Green Party Federal Candidate for Whitby
Oshawa. “Durham has one of the highest youth infection rates in the country.
This event is a valuable opportunity to educate the public about the problems
and the solutions.”
Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike
Schreiner will also be participating with the Green Team in this year’s event.
“I am honoured to take part in this year’s
AIDS Walk for Life in Durham Region.” said Schreiner, “AIDS and HIV impact
communities across the province and therefore education and support needs to be
a priority for all elected officials.”
The Green Party associations of Durham
Region would also like to issue a challenge to the other political parties.
“We would like to see our counterparts in
all the parties walking alongside us this year.” continued Mike Schreiner. “The
organizations on the front line like the AIDS Committee of Durham Region deserve
our support in the fight against HIV and AIDS.”
The walk begins this
Saturday at Oshawa City Hall, 50 Centre Street South, Oshawa, Ontario at 9:30am
with speeches from the AIDS Committee as well as other dignitaries including GPO
Leader Mike Schreiner. The walk will end at Lakeview Park in Oshawa with lunch
and entertainment around 12pm.
-30-
Contact
Information:
Chris White
Organizing Chair
Whitby-Oshawa Green
Party
c: 905-999-5479
chris@whitbyoshawagreens.ca
www.whitbyoshawagreens.ca
|
Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada will be visiting
the riding to attend this special event with Greens in our community.
The night will feature a meet & greet with Elizabeth and your
candidate Rebecca Harrison as well as other Green Party members. Local
businesses will be on hand to show off some of their unique wears.
There will also be a silent auction and fundraiser for the next
campaign!
Where: Whitby Curling Club
When: Tuesday, July 6 7-10PM
The MC for the evening will be GPC Senior Advisor and Former CBC journalist Ralph Benmergui.
Featuring displays by local businesses are artisans, including:
Angie C. Daley Original Artwork - Oshawa
http://angiedaley.wordpress.com/
Simple is Beautiful - Whitby
http://www.sibtea.ca/
Please join us for this special evening!
For ticket information please contact:
Chris White: 905 999 5479
chris@whitbyoshawagreens.ca
www.whitbyoshawagreens.ca |
Please come out and help us green our community!
Jack Wilson Park @ Rossland and Anderson in Whitby.
The FAITH Project stands for Further Advancements in Tree Habitats.
It was started by Faith Gibson, an local 11 year old girl with a passion
for the environment.
Faith's passion for environmental protection has proven to be
contagious, it is because of her that her family has seen the importance
of incorporating ecology into government.
Faith has received a grant to help her in her crusade to improve her local environment.
Please join us and help plant trees in our community.
Special guests include GPO Leader Mike Schreiner and Whitby Oshawa
Candidate Federally Nominated Candidate and Poverty Elimination Critic
Rebecca Harrison! |
17 June 2010 - 4:36pm
OTTAWA -- The Green Party of Canada is in full support of an NDP anti-poverty
bill, An Act to Eliminate Poverty, introduced in the House of Commons
on Wednesday. The bill pushes the government toward accountability by
establishing a poverty elimination commissioner.
Rebecca Harrison, Green Party Poverty Elimination Critic applauded the
bill. “It is critical that Canada develop a national poverty elimination
strategy and have specific monies set aside in the budget. Poverty is a
threat to human rights and the single largest determinant of ill health.
It should not be tolerated in a country as great as Canada.”
The Green Party platform advocates for increased funding for low-income
housing and childcare programs as essential elements of a long term plan to
eliminate poverty. The Green Party would also remove taxes from the lowest
income categories so that no taxes are paid by those below the poverty line and
offer free transit passes for those on income assistance to ensure people the
mobility they need to find work, shelter and other necessities.
“A poverty elimination commissioner could open the door to discussions with
all parties regarding a Guaranteed Annual Income Policy, offering a more just
and effective social welfare system,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May.
The National Council of Welfare has estimated that over 15% of Canadians are
living in poverty -- about 4.9 million people. Child poverty rates are highest
among new Canadians, Aboriginals and single parent households headed by women.
Canada now ranks a dismal 26th out of 29 ‘developed’ countries in terms of child
poverty rates.
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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press
Secretary
C: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca
www.greenparty.ca |
20 November 2009 - 10:00pm
Come and enjoy a casual evening with your friends from the Whitby Oshawa Green Party!
This
event will feature the sole contestant for the Leadership of the GPO,
Mike Schreiner. If elected this will be Mike's first event as leader!
Also on hand will be the nominated candidate for Whitby Oshawa, Rebecca
Harrison. This will be a great chance to meet your candidate for the
first time or tape your endorsement for the new Whitby Oshawa website!
We are proud to announce that the Green Party's nominated candidate
for Scarborough Southwest, Adam Tomlinson will be the evening's Master
of Ceremonies. Be sure to check out his bio on the GPC site! Adam is a
great addition to the evening and we are excited to have him at the
event!
This event will be an opportunity for you to contribute to the
upcoming campaign. As a party we are doing everything possible to elect
our first Green MPs in the next election. As your local Green Party
Association in Whitby Oshawa we are doing everything we can to prepare
our strongest campaign yet. But we need your help. Whether you care to
donate your time or support the campaign financially, all efforts help
us bring a stronger Green voice to Whitby-Oshawa. Please note all
donations count for a tax rebate on your 2009 tax return.
The
event will take place Friday, November 20th, 2009 at the Whitby Sports
Garden Cafe at the Iroquois Sportsplex, 500 Victoria Street West, Whitby.
Reception to begin at 7pm and speeches to begin by 8pm.
There is no admission for the event though donations are appreciated.
Complimentary finger foods will be served and a cash bar available.
Directions:
From the West:
Take the 401 EASTBOUND and exit at BROCK STREET Whitby.
Head SOUTH on BROCK STREET to VICTORIA STREET
Turn RIGHT and head WEST on VICTORIA STREET
The Sportsplex will be on the NORTH side of VICTORIA STREET just past the Whitby Go Station Parking Lot.
From the East:
Take the 401 WESTBOUND and exit at BROCK STREET Whitby.
Head SOUTH on BROCK STREET to VICTORIA STREET
Turn RIGHT and head WEST on VICTORIA STREET
The Sportsplex will be on the NORTH side of VICTORIA STREET just past the Whitby Go Station Parking Lot.
TRANSIT:
Take your local Durham Region Bus or Go train/bus to the Whitby Go Station.
Walk under the commuter tunnel towards the SOUTH Parking lot.
Head WEST through the parking lot to HENRY STREET
Head SOUTH on HENRY STREET until you get to the Henry Street Entrance for the Sportsplex
For more information please contact:
Rebecca Harrison
rebecca.harrison@greenparty.ca
905 999 5479 |
20 November 2009 - 3:31pm
WHITBY-OSHAWA --The Green Party of Canada is pleased and proud to announce
Rebecca Harrison as our Critic on Poverty Elimination and nominated candidate
for Whitby-Oshawa. “Rebecca Harrison is an indispensable part of our Green
Team. She works diligently as an organizer for the party, helping other
candidates and EDAs, even as she organizes for her own campaign. I am very
pleased to announce that she will be joining the Green Cabinet, helping to
develop and enunciate the Green approach to the issue of poverty elimination,”
said Green Leader Elizabeth May. “We are thrilled to have such an inspired
and articulate woman as a candidate in this important riding,”
Rebecca
Harrison is dedicated to positive change for a better tomorrow in her home of
Whitby-Oshawa. From social justice to green jobs and fiscal
responsibility, she feels that the Green Party of Canada can lead this country
towards a brighter future. Ms. Harrison is determined to bring the
philosophy of municipal politics to the Federal level, increasing constituent
input and community development. She firmly believes it’s time for a Green voice
for Whitby-Oshawa. Ms. Harrison is also a full time organizer for the Green
Party of Canada in South Western Ontario.
"Less than a year ago, as I
advocated for the inclusion of a national poverty elimination strategy in the
2009 Federal Budget, I was faced time and time again by MPs from various
parties, telling me that no political party would ever commit to eliminating
poverty,” said Ms. Harrison. “Today, as I humbly accept the appointment as
the Green Party of Canada's Poverty Elimination Critic, I can't help but feel as
though that has finally changed. Now I can say that one Party will commit to a
long term plan to eliminate the greatest threat to human rights in this
country--poverty."
"Poverty Elimination is about building and supporting
healthy communities and a sustainable economy,” said Ms.
Harrison.
-30-
Contact:
Debra Eindiguer
Press
Secretary
C: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca
www.greenparty.ca |
Durham Region supporters and members are invited to meet Adriane Carr
at Heydenshore Park, a relaxed lakefront venue. The BBQ is a Zero Waste
Corn Roast. Most, if not all, of the waste generated is either
recyclable or compostable.
Heydenshore Park, 589 Water St Whitby, ON L1N (Follow South Blair St. from Victoria Street, east of Brock Street; venue is near lakeshore)
Adriane Carr, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada, is visiting
Durham Region Tuesday August 25th as part of a cross-country tour to
help Green Party of Canada candidates and campaign teams get ready for
the next federal election. Adriane is an experienced campaigner and
former leader of the BC Green Party. She earned 18.3% of the popular
vote in Vancouver Centre in the October 2008 federal election.
Other events during the day will include a media conference (Durham
College Whitby Campus), a candidate and campaign manager training
session (Durham College Whitby Campus), a visit to Durham
Sustain-Ability (Brougham) and canvassing at several locations. |
OSHAWA ON, June 22nd, 2009
Whitby-Oshawa Green Party CEO Rebecca Harrison says the Party is appalled by
the recently announced decision by Durham College to close Childhood Education
Child Care Labs at its facility in Oshawa, Ontario. This move will eliminate 73
high quality child care spaces in Durham used by students and faculty from the
nearby institutions as well as residents of the surrounding area.
“This facility not only provides high quality learning for the future leaders
of our community but high quality practical education to ECE professionals,
whose need will only grow,” said Harrison, a poverty elimination advocate.
“Although this decision may stand to save money for Durham College it is a
decision that we the taxpayers in the community will end up paying for in the
future,” she said. “Social infrastructure, health care and justice costs
increase in the absence of positive poverty reduction measures like high quality
ECE. Sadly the biggest debt caused by this decision will be felt by children.”
The proposed closure of the ECE Child Care labs at Durham College will bring
more pain to an area already hard hit by this recession. With record job losses,
many citizens are currently struggling to contend with a weak EI system while
trying to maintain their finances and find work. Unfortunately for many parents
who are forced to remove their child from a child care program due to job loss,
returning to work means being faced with the burden of finding suitable care and
starting the process from the beginning.
The announcement from the College comes on the heels of a report issued by
Dr. Charles Pascal, Special Advisor on Early Learning to Premier Dalton
McGuinty. Pascal advocates for a variety of programs including high quality ECE
that must be a priority for any government that is devoted to “putting children
first”.
Green Party of Ontario Deputy Leader Judy Smith-Torrie is also a vocal
proponent of increasing high quality ECE in Ontario.
“We commend Dr. Pascal on his report on early learning and urge the
Government to promptly implement his recommendations,” said Smith-Torrie.
The Green Party of Ontario supports universal, not-for-profit child care and
full-day learning programs that stimulate creativity and growth, and help to
alleviate poverty. The Party also applauds the extended parental leave proposed
in the report, and supports funding to parents who choose to raise children at
home during the early years.
“The report’s goals are strong yet achievable, and this Government will be
judged by how quickly and effectively it acts to realize the future this report
envisions,” said Smith-Torrie.
The Green Party of Ontario is committed to building a sustainable future that
nourishes our families, communities and economy; visit www.gpo.ca.
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Contact
Rebecca Harrison
905-999-5479
Additional facts
According to the 2006 Census there are 70,085 children
living in Durham Region under the age of 10. Durham currently has only 176
licensed childcare sites, with a total capacity to serve 9999 children.
Many families are finding the cost of adequate child care too much to bear.
As of May, Durham Region had 2445 children on a waiting list for subsidized
childcare placements. That is up significantly from 1950 just last Fall.
Currently there are 2281 subsidised children placed in daycare, an increase of
only 1 spot since late 2008. With this closure proposed for the end of the
summer that number will drop.
The proposed closure will also discontinue the unique on-campus practical
learning component offered by the Durham College ECE Program. The Ministry of
Training, Colleges and Universities clearly states that any ECE program must
include a practical component. This closure will mean that ECE students
attending Durham College will now need to pursue placements with off campus
childcare facilities in the surrounding area. | |
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