First, a huge thank you to all the candidates, volunteers, donors, and campaign staff who worked so incredibly hard over these last several months. Together, we ran a phenomenal election campaign and earned the respect of New Brunswickers. I would especially like to thank Jo-Ann Roberts for her guidance and leadership in her role as campaign manager, and our Official Agent, David Wagner, and Provincial Council President, Ryan Spencer for their financial guidance. And of course, to the tens of thousands of voters who placed their trust in their local  Green candidates - Thank you for your support!

Our 2024 provincial campaign was our best planned and organized campaign to date. We have solidified ourselves as the third major party in New Brunswick - the only third party to elect multiple MLAs for more than two terms.  The stampede of voters to defeat Blaine Higgs was to the benefit of the Liberals, so we did not increase our number of seats as many New Brunswickers expected we would.  That will have to wait until the next election.  

I was honoured to win the support of the voters in the new riding of Fredericton-Lincoln, and pleased that Megan Mitton won re-election in the new Tantramar riding. Sadly, Kevin lost his seat in the red wave. Megan and I miss him terribly.  He not only served the people of Kent North tirelessly for the past 6 years, he was a hugely effective parliamentarian.  The new standing committee on Official Languages that will be established in the Legislature this fall is just one of his many accomplishments. 

Green candidates earned at least 20 percent of the vote in 9 ridings across the province, with our candidates in Shediac-Cap Acadie and Tracadie breaking through to earn 30% and 41% of the vote respectively. In total, we earned 14% of the popular vote province-wide, with over 50,000 voters placing their trust in us. It is also worth noting that the Green Party of New Brunswick was the only major party to have a gender-balanced caucus in this year’s election!

The next 4 years will go by very fast.  Our local riding associations will be very active in preparing for the next provincial election, as will our provincial office, and our governing council.  We had a successful post-election de-brief with our candidates, and some are already planning for a run in 2028.  

In the Legislative Assembly, Megan and I will be working hard to hold the new government accountable while championing key commitments from our election platform.  

I am so proud of our entire team’s efforts in what amounted to a year-long campaign, triggered by the threat of a snap election last year.   

Megan and I look forward to working with all of you as we chart a course forward to grow our party, strengthen its grassroots capacity, and bring our vision for a Green province to New Brunswickers. 

 

David Coon, 

Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick

 

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In This Issue:

• Thank You Kevin Arseneau
• Green Roots Growth Club
• Year End Fundraising re: Postal Strike
• Become a Member
• Upcoming Events
• MLAs in Action

 

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The provincial election is scheduled for October 21 and the Green Party of New Brunswick is ready and eager to run.

Our team of dedicated leaders, candidates, staff, and volunteers has been working hard over the past year to recruit a full slate of incredible candidates in the October election. Many of our candidates and their wonderful teams have already knocked on thousands of doors and made countless phone calls to hear voters’ concerns. The message is clear - voters want change, and Green is the colour of change. 

Leadership matters, and New Brunswickers deserve better from their government. Whether we form government or hold the balance of power in a minority government, we will act to fix our most pressing problems.  We will protect and assert the rights of all New Brunswickers, including the right to access healthcare, the right to a healthy environment, the right to housing, and the fundamental human right to identify freely and live and love as you choose.

New Brunswick is a diverse province of many different communities living together. Our principles work for all New Brunswickers and they guide the work that David Coon, Megan Mitton, and Kevin Arseneau do every day for their constituents. Now, we must elect even more Green MLAs to put our principles into action. 

Every New Brunswicker deserves access to a primary healthcare provider, affordable and renewable energy, a rent cap to protect tenants, safer roads and highways and more public transit options like passenger rail, and above all, a fairer tax system to pay for it.

We are excited to roll out our 2024 election platform over the coming weeks. Join us as we lay out our vision for a better, more forward-looking province where we will get things done for New Brunswickers.

 

Donate to our election fund today!

 

Jo-Ann Roberts

Campaign Manager

 

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In This Issue:

• Be The Change - Watch Our New Campaign Video
• Get Involved
• #HumanRightsNotHate - A statement from the Green Party
• Upcoming Events
• Follow Our Candidates on Facebook
• Join the Green Roots Growth Club

 

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We are hearing it all over the province: the Higgs government isn’t listening to New Brunswickers. It’s time we demanded better from our elected representatives. It’s time for change.

Green MLAs, David Coon, Megan Mitton, and Kevin Arseneau, have been raising the bar for what kind of leadership we should expect from our elected officials. Their work in the legislature is informed by what they hear from constituents in their communities. 

Renters demanded a rent cap, and so David, Megan, and Kevin pushed for it in the Legislature and continue to do so. People demanded better access to local healthcare, so Greens held public consultations, heard from healthcare workers, and championed their made-in-New Brunswick solutions. When the Higgs government decided to make unnecessary changes to Policy 713, students and teachers spoke out, and our Green MLAs listened, and spoke up.

During the COVD pandemic, we all saw how parties worked together in a minority government for the good of all New Brunswickers. Since Higgs won a majority government, however, he has stopped listening to those who disagree with him - even those within his own party.

This election, we have the opportunity to elect a government in which Greens hold the balance of power. A minority government is better for democracy because it brings different voices and ideas to the decision-making process. In short, a minority government listens to people. Both the Liberals and Conservatives will tell you they need absolute power, majority government, don’t believe them, history proves it’s just not true. Greens have spent a lifetime making New Brunswick better, our record proves it. 

You can help us elect more Green MLAs by donating to our incredible candidates, or volunteering on their campaigns. 

This election is about change, and Green is the Colour of Change!

 

Jo-Ann Roberts

Campaign Manager

 

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In This Issue:

• David Coon - A Lifetime of Leadership
• Staff Appreciation Spotlight: Mariana Mora
• Welcome our new Admin: Maria Ortiz
• The Case for a Minority Government
• Upcoming Events
• Provincial Council Corner
• MLAs in Action

 

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Happy Canada Day!

The last month has been packed full of exciting events as our candidates and their campaigns gear up across the province for the fall election. I launch my summer tour this week and look forward to connecting with New Brunswickers, alongside our candidates, as I travel the province. Both deputy leaders, Megan Mitton and Kevin Arseneau, will be visiting local communities far and wide.

Elizabeth May, the first elected Green in Canada and co-leader of the federal Green Party, joined us at events in Riverview, Hampton, Saint John and Fredericton last week. She inspired all those in attendance with a message of hope and determination.

The polls are finding a huge uptick in the number of undecided voters, going from 19% in March to 30% in June. Our candidates are working hard to earn their trust as they meet people at their doors and in their communities. As I go door-to-door, I can tell you the welcome is a warm one.

I know New Brunswickers are discouraged with the high cost of everything, the difficulty in accessing health care, and the inattention to making New Brunswick climate ready – to keep us safe from its consequences and to do our part to shrink our carbon footprint. The solutions are there. What we need is action, and as Greens we will act.

That’s how Megan, Kevin and I serve our constituents, and that is how we work as parliamentarians. Tenants need to be protected against unaffordable rent increases. We brought forward legislation to create a rent cap, twice. All working New Brunswickers need paid sick leave. We introduced legislation to guarantee paid sick days. With high cancer rates, and an increase in neurological conditions, we tabled legislation to give New Brunswickers a right to a healthy environment.

We cannot afford another majority government in New Brunswick where one party and one premier holds all the decision-making power. Election day is expected to be October 21st, with advance polls open for voting on October 12 and 15.  

To change the way our province is governed means voting for your Green candidate, so we can better serve you. Change is on the horizon. I invite you to be a part of it.

 

David Coon

Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick

 

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In This Issue:

• Welcome our new staff member, Dani McLean-Godbout
• Volunteer Spotlight - Amanda Wildeman
• Photos from our recent events
• Upcoming Events
• Provincial Council Corner
• MLAs in Action
• Join Us

 

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The wind is in our sails! With a provincial election just months away, the Green Party of New Brunswick has never been stronger or more organized. 

In the last provincial election in 2020, Greens finished second in 12 ridings, in addition to the 3 Green MLAs who were re-elected, Megan Mitton, Kevin Arseneau, and our Leader, David Coon. This election, we expect to turn those seats into Green ones, replacing Tories and Liberals.

We can proudly say that we are the only party that has grown our voter support in both English and French New Brunswick. That is because our principles resonate with all New Brunswickers, regardless of language, age, race, sexuality, gender, or otherwise. Every election, we grow our voter support. This year’s election we expect to have our best turnout ever as more voters realize that Green is the colour of change for the better.

We cannot afford another majority government with one party holding all the power - that results in short-sighted decisions that do not reflect what the majority of people actually want. What New Brunswick needs now is a minority government where all parties have to work together. After all, that is how democracy should work. And, if enough people change their vote in this election - we may very well lead that minority government with David Coon as our next Premier.

If ever there was a time to support the Green Party of New Brunswick - it is now. Consider becoming a monthly donor - every dollar adds up and helps us compete with the deep pockets of Liberals and Conservatives. If you are not able to donate, consider volunteering, or reaching out to one of our amazing candidates. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter) and share our message with your friends, family, and co-workers.

 

Our team is growing, how will you be part of it?

 

Genevieve MacRae

Interim Executive Director of the Green Party of New Brunswick

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Thank you! Merci! Woliwon! And Wela’lin!

Serving as the Executive Director of the Green Party of New Brunswick has been one of the most rewarding adventures of my life. I am so grateful to our amazing team of volunteers, members, staff, and supporters who have truly become a second family to me. 

So much has happened these last several months - 3 byelections, the threat of a snap election last fall, and countless successful events and campaign launches as we’ve finally reconnected after the Covid pandemic. Our party is stronger and more ready than ever heading into this election, and it is all because of you and your support. Our provincial AGM last weekend was such a wonderful way to come together and celebrate our success and was the perfect send-off before I go on maternity leave next month!

Just look at all we have accomplished together over the last several months! We have an inspiring slate of 28 confirmed candidates running in the year’s election! We raised an incredible $200,000 last year, and we are on track to surpass that in 2024! Our momentum has been building steadily, year after year, with growing support in each election. This year, we are poised for several breakthroughs to send even more Green MLAs to join David Coon, Megan Mitton, and Kevin Arseneau in the Legislature.

Now, I am preparing for the even more rewarding adventure of motherhood as my husband , Eugenio, and I bring our first child into the world. I have every confidence in our team, and especially our Interim Executive Director, Genevieve MacRae, to carry on the work we have started. I have had the opportunity to get to know Gen as we worked together for the past few weeks, and I can’t imagine anyone better to do this job.

Thank you so, so much to each and every one of you. It has been a pleasure and an honour working with you. Although I will be stepping back to focus on my family, I will certainly be with you in spirit and cheering you on in this year’s provincial election!

 

Claire Kelly-Orozco

Executive Director of the Green Party of New Brunswick

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Hello NB Greens!

I’m excited to introduce myself to those of you I haven’t already met. My name is Genevieve MacRae and I will be acting as Executive Director of the GPNB while Claire is off having a baby and getting comfortable in her new role as mother. I couldn’t be happier for Claire and her husband and I am thrilled to be in a position to look after things in her absence.

I’m a musician, an administrator, an environmentalist and an activist at heart. I’ve worked for non-profit organizations for decades in a variety of roles. I’ve been an administrative assistant, a program coordinator, an education specialist and an executive director. I know what’s involved in working with a grassroots organization and am familiar with the satisfaction that comes from working for an organization you believe in.

I’m a New Brunswicker, born and raised.  My folks still live on the Nashwaak River in Taymouth where my sister and I were raised. Growing up in such natural beauty instilled in me an appreciation for what we have, as well as a need to protect it. It also didn’t hurt that I was raised by environmentalists.

I’ve been a Green party supporter for a number of years and started actively campaigning during the 2020 provincial elections, knocking on doors and helping out in the office of one of the campaign teams. I was volunteer coordinator for the 2021 federal campaign in Fredericton; I’ve been helping Pam Allen-LeBlanc establish her campaign team in Fredericton-York; and I joined the Kitchener-Centre team in Ontario this past November to help out with the wonderful win of electing Aislinn Clancy as MPP.  

The next few months will prove to be a whirlwind. With an election pending, we’ve got a ton of work to do. We’ve got great candidates lining up and stepping up.  I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and hope that you’ll consider joining me in supporting our mission to get several more Green MLAs elected.

 

Genevieve MacRae

Interim Executive Director of the Green Party of New Brunswick

 

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In This Issue:

• AGM Registration: Remember to renew your membership
• Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Rogers
• Get Involved
• Upcoming Events
• Provincial Council Corner
• MLAs in Action
• News Highlights: How It All Broke
• Join the Green Roots Growth Club: become a monthly contributor

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Right here, right now, we are witnessing how a changing climate is impacting our province. Greens have a plan to protect our infrastructure from a changing climate. With a provincial election only months away, now is the time to get involved to help elect a Greener government. 

Participatory democracy is one of the Green Party’s core principles, and we strive to put those principles into action. We believe that New Brunswickers must have meaningful opportunities to participate in the decisions that affect their lives. You can participate by joining your local RDA (Registered District Association), volunteering on an election campaign, or running for office as a candidate to represent your riding in the Legislature.

Another way that you can get involved is by serving a term on the Provincial Council of the Green Party of New Brunswick. The Provincial Council is where elected members of the Green Party of New Brunswick come together every month to make decisions about the direction and governance of our party. We encourage members to run for one of the vacant seats on the Provincial Council so that you can be a part of those decisions. 

Provincial Council nominations will close on March 23, 2024. If you are interested, contact [email protected] today to get started.

Also, if you are a member, be sure to register for our 2024 Annual General Meeting where we will announce the winners of Provincial Council elections, celebrate our successes over the last year, and discuss our strategic goals and priorities for the upcoming election.

Ryan Spencer

Interim President of the Green Party of New Brunswick

 

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In This Issue:

• Staff Appreciation Spotlight: Myriam Cormier
• Get Involved
• Upcoming Events
• Provincial Council Corner
• MLAs in Action

 

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Greens Have a Better Idea

Last month, Premier Higgs gave his annual State of the Province speech.  Check out our leader’s take by viewing David Coon’s State of the Province video.

Our leader and deputy leaders – David Coon, Megan Mitton, and Kevin Arseneau – continue to fight for action to put New Brunswick in a better state for its people. 

For example, our party announced a plan to protect our coastal infrastructure from increasing erosion and flooding, last month after we saw the effects of rising sea levels and storm surges right here in New Brunswick. While Liberal and Conservative governments have promised to study the issue, Greens are calling for real, meaningful action to be taken now by investing in protective  solutions that will save lives, property damage, and money well into the future. 

A rapidly changing climate is just one of several serious issues facing our province. People are struggling with unaffordable rent increases, unreasonably long ER wait times, an unfair tax system that benefits big business, and much more. Our Green MLAs continue to push solutions to all these overlapping issues, such as implementing a permanent rent cap, funding short-stay wards to unclog ERs, eliminating the Higgs gas tax, and reducing the small business tax rate from 2.5% to 1%.

These are just a few of the solutions that David, Megan and Kevin have been pushing for to improve the lives of New Brunswickers. To ensure those solutions get implemented, we need to elect more Greens to the Legislature. Our party will ensure there is not another winner takes all the power, Liberal or Conservative majority government. As David says, “If you want change, you have to change your vote”.

We are heading into this election year stronger and more organised than ever. In 2023, we raised nearly $200,000 and exceeded our end-of-year fundraising goal. THANK YOU to all those who helped achieve that goal!

As we head into an election this year, spring or fall, our amazing candidates and their teams have been busy getting organised and hitting the ground in their ridings – all powered by your donations and volunteer support!

Thanks to all of you for your work and dedication to building a better province. Things will get better for New Brunswick when we have a Greener government with more elected Green MLAs. Let’s get to work to make that happen. 

 

Claire Kelly-Orozco

Executive Director of the Green Party of New Brunswick

 

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In This Issue:

• David Coon’s State of Province
• Volunteer spotlight
• Upcoming Events
• Green Drinks and Get-togethers
• RDA Meetings
• Provincial Council Corner
• MLAs in Action

 

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