December 2023 Newsletter
2023 has been an incredible year for the Green Party of New Brunswick! Thanks to the leadership team, wonderful volunteers, hardworking staff, and an excellent slate of candidates, we are feeling strong as we go into the election of 2024, whenever it is held.
Together, our team has accomplished so much this past year. In April, we held our first in-person AGM since the Covid pandemic. We also ran 3 very competitive by-election campaigns where Greens came in a strong second place in all 3 ridings! Green support has been rising steadily in both English and French communities across New Brunswick and we are poised for a breakthrough in the next election.
Over the summer, we held events all over the province and founded 26 new Registered District Associations (RDAs) across New Brunswick. In September, Green Party Leader David Coon announced fellow Green MLAs, Megan Mitton, and Kevin Arseneau, as deputy leaders of the party. And this fall, we successfully recruited 22 candidates, with 19 announced so far!
Since I started this job in January, I have been so inspired by all of you, your generosity of time and resources, your willingness to step forward when asked, and the energy you bring to our team. All your efforts are so greatly appreciated! We want to hear your top priorities for 2024, so don't forget to complete our members survey at the top of this email.
Thank you to all of you, volunteers, candidates, staff, and supporters. I also want to acknowledge our 3 hardworking MLAs, Megan Mitton, Kevin Arseneau, and David Coon who continue to hold the Higgs government accountable, bring new ideas to the table, and fight for a brighter, healthier future for New Brunwickers.
We’re just getting started! Our team has set ambitious goals for the 2024 election. Let’s make 2024 a year to remember.
Happy Holidays!
Claire Kelly-Orozco
Executive Director of the Green Party of New Brunswick
In This Issue:
- Volunteer Spotlight
- Upcoming Events
- Green Drinks
- RDA Meetings
- Members Survey
- MLAs in Action
Volunteer Spotlight
K Brookland
This month, we want to honour one of our most dedicated volunteers, K Brookland from Fredericton. K is a long time Green volunteer who has served as the President of the Fredericton-South RDA and is currently President of the new Fredericton-Lincoln RDA.
K has been incredibly helpful with organizing events in the Fredericton area. We couldn’t have pulled off many of our events without K, including last month’s Chili Night, the joint founding meeting of the new Fredericton South-Silverwood and Fredericton-Lincoln RDAs, and the upcoming Green Holiday Gathering to wrap up the year.
Thank you K, for all your hard work and for bringing us together! We appreciate everything you do.
Upcoming Events
Green Holiday Get Together
Saturday, December 2
Join us for a Green Holiday Gathering this Saturday, December 2 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Stepping Stone Senior Centre 15 Saunders Street, Fredericton. Drop by for a cup of hot cider, coffee, or tea with some finger foods and the warmth of friendship.
***Join us after the event for a drink at the Joyce! 659 Queen St.
Join Us for the Green Roots Growth Club Virtual Launch!
Thursday, December 14
Mark your calendars for December 14 at 7:30 PM for an inspiring virtual event with David Coon and Megan Mitton. We'll be discussing the vital role of sustained support in shaping New Brunswick's future and unveiling the exciting vision and goals of our Green Roots Growth Club. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a movement dedicated to a greener, more vibrant New Brunswick. Secure your spot now and be a part of this pivotal moment in our journey!
Green Drinks
Come join us, meet like-minded Green supporters, and bring your friends and family at one of our monthly Green Drinks events. Let’s get to know each other and grow our community while supporting our local businesses.
Fredericton - Saturday, December 2 @ 8:30pm - The Joyce, 659 Queen St (after the Holiday Get Together)
Moncton - Wednesday, December 13 @ 7:00pm - Holy Whale, 391 Coverdale Rd, Riverview
RDA Meetings
Registered District Associations (RDAs) are the local riding-level branches of our party. They help to select candidates, recruit members and volunteers, raise funds, organize events, and prepare for election campaigns.
By becoming a member of the Green Party of New Brunswick, you are automatically a member of your local RDA. All members in good standing* may vote to elect executive members, nominate candidates, and vote on Green Party resolutions.
Below is a list of the upcoming meetings of RDAs:
- Shediac Bay-Dieppe - Monday, December 4 @ 7:00pm (online via Google Meet)
- Albert-Riverview - Thursday, January 11 @ 7:00pm (online via Zoom)
*All members will receive invitations to their RDA meeting, but anyone is welcome to join. If you would like more information about a specific meeting, please contact our regional mobilizers, Addison Fach at [email protected], or Myriam Cormier at [email protected] and they will be happy to assist you. Please note members must be active for at least 14 days prior to meetings to be eligible to vote on their RDAs.
Members Survey
We Need Your Voice!
As we strive to shape a future that resonates with each of you, your insights are invaluable. Our latest survey is one of your platforms to influence policies of the Green Party of New Brunswick and a way to know you better. It takes just a few minutes, but your input can make a lasting impact on our collective journey. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and help us build a greener, more vibrant future for New Brunswick. The survey can be found HERE
MLAs in Action
Read our latest press releases below to see what our MLAs have been doing in the Legislature:
Green Party Leader Calls on Government to Ban Fossil Fuel Development
Green Party Presents Plan to Improve Saint John’s Financial Situation
Green Health Critic Calls for Public Health Independence
Green Health Critic Calls on Government to Cease Healthcare Privatization
Green Party Leader Calls for End to Ecologically Damaging Forestry Practices
Green Party Leader Calls for Complex Care Housing
Green Health Critic Tables Motion Calling for Return to Local-Decision Making in Healthcare
Green Caucus Motion Calls for End to Premier Higgs’ Gas Tax
Kevin Arseneau Urges Government to Guarantee Provincewide Cell Phone Coverage
Green Housing Critic Calls for Permanent Rent Cap
Green Party Leader David Coon Calls for Greater Ambition on Energy Efficiency
Green Party Leader Calls for Guaranteed Liveable Income Program
Green MLA calls on Government to Increase Minimum Wage to a Living Wage
Green Party Leader Urges Government to Provide Workers with 10 Paid Sick Days