Welcome to the final Leadership Edition of Good Sunday Morning!
Time to vote!
Well here we are, online voting in our Federal Leadership Contest has begun. If you are a member of the Green Party of Canada, you should have received voting instructions by email. If you wish to review the debates that have taken place, they are linked from the calendar: https://leadership.green.ca/calendar
Please be sure to cast your ballot before voting closes 3:30 PM Eastern (12:30 PM Pacific time) on Saturday, November 19, 2022!
Here are this week’s messages from the contestants, in reverse alphabetical order by first name. We also include the articles in French when provided. The order of appearance is randomized weekly.
(Le texte français suit le texte anglais).
Sarah Gabrielle Baron
Dear SGI Greens
It has been such a pleasure reaching out to you this way. I would love to hear from you. Please send me your perspectives and stories, sgb@greenparty.ca. Myself and my leadership campaign team extend a sincere thanks to the organizers of Good Sunday Morning.
I am a leader who loves transparency. Your confidence in the Green Party grows when your leaders deliver clear political messaging early and often.
1. Protect Old Growth Forests
2. Develop a national food security mandate, with local food security systems as the goal for climate-change-ready communities;
3. Green hubs of expertise on small scale energy solutions like wind, solar, geothermal, and smart grids.
4. Holding neo-liberal governments accountable for a runaway unregulated economy. Pricing pollution through a federal greenhouse gas auditing program with teeth.
5. Geo-political strategy that starts with our call to ban nuclear weapons. Greens have been saying this since 1988.
6. A suite of symbiotic policies on Indigenous-Crown relations for right to self-government, starting with Align Canada’s Constitution with UNDRIP, support for the Wet’suwet’en, and independent oversight of the RCMP.
7. A suite of symbiotic policies on economic reforms to evolve us towards a compassionate, caring economy, like tax parities, wage parities, Guaranteed Liveable Income, a Well-being Index to replace GDP, and a four day work week for all.
Every single plank is made by members, and if you choose me as leader these will carry us into the next election cycle.
My Wisdom to Change platform’s second section, Inward Strength, is detailed. After 17 years at the grassroots level, I have seen and experienced enough. We don’t need more top-down approaches, like an in-person meeting of top officials, central to Elizabeth’s plans, nor a ‘school’ approach, which is central to the Keenan/Walcott platform.
I build on existing grassroots initiatives. I am listening, I am following your lead.
Thank you to every single Green who votes, who participates, and who is ready to roll up your sleeves to support Elizabeth in SGI, and every candidate in every riding. Thank you for your support for myself and my small team throughout this race. Grass roots grow laterally, and come back stronger than ever before, every time.
Simon Gnocchini-Messier
Good Sunday Morning!
The vote is on! If you haven’t cast your ballot yet, please do as soon as possible.
There are six strong candidates in this race. All have shared their views and visions with you, and now they are waiting for you, the members, to have your say. For my part, I would love to have your vote, but even more important to me is what we have achieved in this race. All the candidates ran clean campaigns and were honest in defending their views. All the candidates have improved their campaigning skills and are more than ready to fight the 2025 elections. The mainstream media has tried very hard to paint the Green Party of Canada as perpetually in-fighting. We have shown them that this is not true.
I have spoken at length about Green Social Democracy. I have listened to my fellow candidates and am convinced that in their hearts they too are Green Social Democrats, that they believe in a society where no one is left behind, where collective rights are more important than individual privileges, and where our elected government must heavily invest public funds in building Green infrastructure for a carbon-neutral economy and save our planets for future generations.
My fellow candidate and fellow Quebecer, Jonathan Pedneault, spoke in a recent debate about what he had learned from his fellow candidates. He was very kind in his words. I would like to emulate his example here. I have learned from Jonathan the importance of thinking of our future as Canadians in the broad international context and that our rights here in Canada are dependent on respecting the rights of others who are facing the impact of Climate Change far more than we are. From my other fellow Quebecer, Chad Walcott, I have learned how important it is to get out there and mobilize Greens early in a campaign, and how important it is to listen with an open mind and speak with an open heart. Anna Keenan has earned my respect by how fast she has improved her French and how confident she speaks this language. She is a model for Greens everywhere in this regard. Sarah Gabrielle Baron has impressed me with her encyclopedic knowledge of Green party policies and her unflinching support for indigenous Canadians. Finally, there is Elizabeth May. I have always supported Elizabeth’s ground-breaking advocacy for the climate in the House of Commons. Now I have also come to know her better as a person who is open to new ideas and is truly collaborative.
On November 20, we will awake to a new day in the history of the Green Party of Canada. It will be a day of rejoicing, hope and renewal in our quest to save this planet and bring social justice to all Canadians.
Thank you, Merci, Meegwech, HÍ SW KE
Simon Gnocchini-Messier
www.simongmessier.ca/en
Jonathan Pedneault
Good Sunday Morning,
Depending on next week’s results, this may be my last opportunity to send you my thoughts. I therefore wish to thank you for your feedback and encouragement over the past 10 weeks.
More importantly, I want to thank you for taking interest. Thank you for believing in a Canada, and a world, where things can still get better. For believing in your own ability to move the needle and build a livable future. Lastly, for continuing to believe in our party, in spite of the difficult last two years.
There is still so much to be done. So much to protect. So much to pass on. We must connect with all those who think like us, listen to those who don’t, find pathways for the common good and unite our strengths where they are to be found.
We cannot all be good at everything, all the time. By proposing co-leadership, we exemplify that the one always stands stronger by relying unto equal partners. That one always comes up with better solutions through consultation and – as is always required in life – compromise. Regardless of the results, I hope this race has proven to be as inspiring to some of you as knowing you are reading these words has been to me.
Seven months ago, I quit a well-paid, impactful job to run for the leadership of this party out of a deep sense of responsibility and urgency. Much more needs to be done to prepare this country for the coming storms. Much more needs to be done to disrupt the oil industry and our extractivist economy. Still more needs to be done to ensure justice within, and beyond, our borders. I believe that we can only do this by stabilizing our party first, and this requires Elizabeth’s help. And your vote for us, as a team.
I understand the desire of some to change the Party altogether and very much respect the campaigns our competitors have led. They’re good people, with good ideas and a clear commitment to this party and our common ideals. But I do not think there is any time to waste. We must hit the ground running. We cannot wait for an election in 2025.
Voting is open now, and ends this Saturday, at 3:30pm ET. Please make sure you vote with your heart and mind. Maybe most importantly with your gut instinct. Elizabeth and I respectfully ask for your continued support and that you put us as your first two choices.
One way or another, in the end, the party will stand stronger. Let’s hope this time comes sooner than later; for neither Canada, nor the planet, will wait on us.
Once again, thank you for all you do. Regardless of the results, let’s keep the good fight going!
Elizabeth May
Good Sunday Morning!
Today finds Mike Morrice at COP27 at Sharm el-Sheikh, and me in Picton, Ontario speaking to a local climate group — with a Toronto Green Meet and Greet early tomorrow morning. (If you want to attend, email campaign@elizabethmay.ca for details.)
Voting has begun in the leadership race, and irony of ironies, while the urgency of the climate emergency motivates my run for leader, I am missing this COP due to the race. I had a similar feeling when in 2007, I had to buy a car to campaign for a seat in Parliament. I had not owned a car since 1980, so 27 years car-free came to an end due to Green Party needs.
I have total confidence in Mike and am very relieved that he was in Glasgow for COP26 last year. He is prepared for the arduous and complex working challenges of climate talks. In the last 17 years, I have only missed one other climate COP and that was due to serving on the parliamentary committee on electoral reform. Back then, in 2016, I was the only Green MP and could not risk missing a single meeting in pursuit of proportional representation. Committee members in large parties could take weeks of holiday and just sub in another member of their party. Some day soon we will have that large caucus, but I bet I still will have trouble downing tools.
I am hoping you will vote for Jonathan Pedneault and me! Our full leadership plan can be found at our websites- elizabethmay.ca and jonathanpedneault.ca. Please do not hesitate to send me any questions at emay@elizabeth-may.ca. Jonathan and I do need and value your support. And we are still in need of your financial support. Under the Elections Act, we cannot share any expenses, websites or staff, so both Jonathan and I need donations. I think it is a benefit that 50% of donations to leadership candidates stay with the central party. Now is an excellent time to invest in rebuilding our capacity and strength as Greens!
By next week, when you open Good Sunday Morning, we will be back to the usual letter – and we will know who has won the leadership. I am so grateful to the Saanich-Gulf Island Green volunteers for taking on all the extra work of producing the “leadership edition” GSM! It has been great to give space to all candidates equally, but Linda Brown, Karen Lindsay, Bob MacKie and Brian Smallshaw deserve a big round of applause for taking on the extra work. I hope we will all be happy and together for our AGM on the following Sunday, November 27!
Chad Walcott
Good Sunday Morning everyone!
Yesterday, the voting period opened to choose the next leader of the Green Party of Canada. This milestone will mark the final stretch of this 10-week campaign that has taken Anna and I all around the country and back. It is a little surreal to know that this will be my last entry to this newsletter as a candidate.
Truly, this campaign has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Not only have I had the opportunity to meet Green members all over the country, but I have had the opportunity to develop friendships with the other candidates, even through competition. Some of the more memorable moments from the campaign include the opportunities to go head to head in a battle of wits with none other than the legendary Elizabeth May herself.
Throughout this campaign, Anna and I had the opportunity to meet with hundreds of members in person and engage in substantive discussions about the future of our party. The one theme that was consistent throughout all of our conversations, was a desire for a fresh start for the Green Party of Canada. Overwhelmingly, members want to know that the next leader(s) will be able to get the party back on its feet, and working on issues that Greens lead on: Bold Climate Action, Proportional Representation, and Building a Wellbeing Economy.
From coast to coast, members have also told us that our vision for renewal has filled them with a sense that there is still hope for the future of the Canadian Greens. They have told us that our approach to leadership has inspired them to re-engage with the party.
Anna and I have combined our skills to build a strong team with a strong culture of respect. The exact thing we want to do for the party. We have also had the opportunity to meet with provincial Green leaders and see first-hand what the Green Party can become once we get our house in order.
Anna and I have a sense of what it takes to draw people in from other parties. During this campaign, we have attracted new members to our team from the highest echelons of the Liberal Party and the NDP youth caucus. During a recent visit to the PEI legislature, where the Greens sit as Official Opposition, we even received recognition from MLAs from all three parties and the Premier.
In many ways, Anna and I have already begun the work of rebuilding the credibility of the Green Party of Canada. We have inspired members and non-members alike to dare to imagine all that the Party can accomplish under new leadership.
Over the last 10 weeks, we have laid out our case for why we believe we are the right leaders for this moment. Ultimately the choice is in your hands.
Anna and I humbly ask that you give us the opportunity to use our skills and experience to lead the party into this next chapter.
Chad Walcott
Anna Keenan
11 months ago, the idea of this campaign was born.
9 months ago, Chad and I first connected, then committed to working together as equal-status co-leaders.
6 months ago, I left my job, and began working hard on my French.
10 short weeks ago, the campaign launched! It has been a whirlwind and a joy.
We’ve been welcomed into Green homes across the country, from Victoria to Charlottetown. We’ve heard life stories of Greens who have been building the Green vision for decades. And we’ve met with newer, young Greens who know in their bones that this party is the best chance for the future that they want.
Online, supporters have asked tough questions, and we’ve answered. We’ve learnt that no leader can please everyone, but that by being clear, we can persuade, and drive change.
By phone, we’ve spoken to hundreds of disengaged members. After getting to know us a great many have dared to feel hope again. Yesterday’s example, of many similar emails we’ve received: “I left the GPC in 2021, with no intentions of ever returning. … Having said that, I am watching the GPC leadership candidates as you all answer questions about the future of the party. You and Chad give me hope, I confess.”
One of my favourite moments on tour was seeing Adam Olsen and Sonia Furstenau of the BC Green caucus in action together. They are a beautifully impactful Green leadership partnership, grounded in love, responsibility and solidarity. Their relationship now serves as a model and an inspiration for Chad and I.
In just 6 days, we will know the results of the race. It is my deepest hope that members will support Chad and I to keep doing this work of leadership, together.
But regardless of how this vote turns out, we are committed to the Green party. I have committed to nominating to run a third time in my home riding, regardless of who is party leader.
If Chad and I do win, we are committed to deeply collaborating with Elizabeth and Mike in our parliamentary caucus. And in our very first days on the job, as promised in our ‘first 6 months’ plan, we will reach out to all the other candidates from this race, and re-connect with all provincial leaders.
Our plan means we are ready to hit the ground running, in service to our members. We know that rebuilding the party will take care, creativity, professionalism, and patience. And we are confident in our ability to do it, and do it well.
We humbly ask for your support. Please find more information here about how to vote.
If you are not yet feeling sure, or if you have lingering questions, concerns, or unheard hopes, please reach out to info@keenanwalcott.ca. We will respond, or call you back, before voting closes at 12:30pm Pacific Time (3:30 Eastern) on Saturday.
With hope for the future of this party,
Anna K
Simon Gnocchini-Messier
Bon dimanche matin !
Il est maintenant temps de voter ! Si vous ne l’avez pas encore fait, faites-le dès que possible.
Il y a six candidats d’envergure dans cette course. Tous ont partagé leurs points de vue et leurs visions avec vous, et maintenant ils attendent que vous, les membres, ayez votre mot à dire. Pour ma part, j’aimerais avoir votre vote, mais ce qui est encore plus important pour moi, c’est ce que nous avons réalisé dans cette course. Tous les candidats ont mené des campagnes propres et ont défendu honnêtement leurs points de vue. Tous les candidats ont amélioré leurs compétences en matière de campagne et sont plus que prêts à se battre aux élections de 2025. Les médias conventionnels ont essayé de dépeindre le Parti vert du Canada comme étant en perpétuel conflit. Nous leur avons montré que ce n’est pas vrai.
J’ai longuement parlé de la social-démocratie verte. J’ai écouté mes collègues candidats et je suis convaincu qu’au fond de leur cœur, ils sont eux aussi des sociaux-démocrates verts, qu’ils croient en une société où personne n’est laissé pour compte, où les droits collectifs sont plus importants que les privilèges individuels, et où notre gouvernement élu doit investir massivement les fonds publics dans la construction d’infrastructures vertes pour une économie neutre en carbone et ainsi préserver notre planète pour les générations futures.
Mon collègue candidat et compatriote québécois, Jonathan Pedneault, a parlé lors d’un récent débat de ce qu’il avait appris de ses collègues candidats. Il s’est montré très aimable dans ses propos. J’aimerais ici imiter son exemple. J’ai appris de Jonathan l’importance de penser à notre avenir en tant que Canadiens dans un contexte international large et que nos droits ici au Canada dépendent du respect des droits des autres qui sont confrontés à l’impact des changements climatiques bien plus que nous. De mon autre compatriote québécois, Chad Walcott, j’ai appris combien il est important d’aller sur le terrain et de mobiliser les Verts dès le début d’une campagne, et combien il est important d’écouter avec un esprit ouvert et de parler avec un cœur ouvert. Anna Keenan a gagné mon respect par la rapidité avec laquelle elle a amélioré son français et l’assurance avec laquelle elle parle cette langue. À cet égard, elle est un modèle pour les Verts partout dans le monde. Sarah Gabrielle Baron m’a impressionné par sa connaissance encyclopédique des politiques du Parti vert et par son soutien indéfectible aux Canadiens autochtones. Enfin, il y a Elizabeth May. J’ai toujours soutenu le plaidoyer révolutionnaire d’Elizabeth pour le climat à la Chambre des communes. Aujourd’hui, j’ai appris à mieux la connaître, car elle est ouverte aux nouvelles idées et fait preuve d’une réelle collaboration.
Le 20 novembre, nous nous réveillerons avec un nouveau jour dans l’histoire du Parti vert du Canada. Ce sera un jour de réjouissance, d’espoir et de renouveau dans notre quête pour sauver cette planète et apporter la justice sociale à tous les Canadiens.
Merci, Meegwech et HÍ SW KE
Simon Gnocchini-Messier
www.simongmessier.ca