Is it just me or is springtime in Miramichi Greener than usual?

That’s right, it’s by-election time. Chad Duplessie and Julie Guillemet-Ackerman are running to represent their communities as Green MLAs.  This is a chance to provide the people of Miramichi Bay-Neguac and Southwest Miramichi-Bay du Vin with hardworking dedicated representation in the Legislative Assembly.  And this is our chance to expand the Green caucus.

Spending time with Chad and Julie has only strengthened my belief in their vast potential as MLAs. Their integrity and dedication are resonating in Miramichi, especially in a time when many feel left out of government decision-making.

New Brunswickers are feeling the heat of high gas prices, while Irving continues to receive tax breaks in the face of record-breaking profits.

Isn’t it time we stop this madness?

We need Chad and Julie’s voices to hold the Conservatives’ feet to the fire. We need strong political will to enact climate-friendly and people-centered solutions. And we need people-power to make it happen.

On this month of June, with World Environment Day on the 5th and Indigenous Peoples Day on the 21st, let's use these days as reminders of the better world we can create...and then let's take action together.

I hope to see you soon, perhaps canvassing or at the next Green wave along a roadside near you, making history again.

David Coon

Leader, Green Party of New Brunswick 

In this issue:

• Provincial Council Corner 
• Get Involved:
  • By-elections
  • Policy working group update
• Volunteer Spotlight : Dorothy Diamond
• MLAs in Action

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This May, we are launching the Green Party of New Brunswick’s first annual spring fundraising appeal. 

Our goal is to raise $70,000 so that our staff and volunteers can focus fully on preparing for the next election.  

Can we count on you?

We are excited and we know you are too.  Both long-time supporters and brand new Greens are feeling the urgency to elect a Green government.  Our policies on climate and energy, on healthcare, and on housing are really resonating with New Brunswickers.  Every week, the party office and our MLAs are fielding questions as to how people can help get the Green message out now. 

It is time that our fundraising goals are as ambitious as our electoral goals.  

How will we get there?  $70,000 is 120 people signing up to make a $25 monthly donation for the rest of the year, 30 people donating $30, 50 people donating $500, and 25 people donating $1000. Every contribution counts - what contribution would you like to make?

I want to thank you in advance for your donation, either one time or monthly.  You are the reason that the party is where it is today and you are the reason that we will continue to grow. 

Nicolas Jelic
President, New Brunswick Green Party

 

In this issue:

• Provincial Council Corner - Welcome to our new members
• Get Involved:
  • By-elections
  • Policy working group update
• Green MLAs in action
  • Budget committee update
• GPNB Press releases for April 2022

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Spring is upon us and energy is buzzing!  This week, I delivered my first-ever State of the Province address, I hope you’ll have a listen here. 

I have been hearing from Greens all over the province who are eager to get local events off the ground, support the two by-elections coming up in June, and re-connect with fellow Greens at our Annual General Meeting next week. 

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So much is happening! Where to start? 

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is always a special time of the year. It’s when we get together and assess our work and look to the future of our Party. This year it is being held virtually on Saturday, April 9, 2022 - make sure to register here.

I am excited to announce that we will be electing the Provincial Council using online voting, and mail-in ballots for the first time. This will allow all members to participate, rather than only those registered for the AGM. This will help us “walk the talk” by reinforcing the democracy within our structure. Be sure to exercise your right to vote, from March 7 until April 7. Elected Provincial Council members will be announced at the AGM on April 9. Of course, only members can vote, so make sure you renew your membership!

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Moving Forward with our Plan

January 2022 started as December 2021 ended: in action!

Inspired by our new vision in place: 

“Rooted in communities, we are a trusted, inclusive, collaborative party that seeks to form government, and that advocates for social, economic, and ecological well-being now and for future generations”

…we are already progressing with the planned key initiatives and actions which have also been approved for the 2022 budget. With your generous financial support in 2021, we are able to soon announce new positions available within the party to support the development of our regions. Stay tuned!

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Thank you so much for your generous support to our year-end fundraising campaign.  We managed to exceed our annual fundraising goal, raising over $105,000 in 2021!  This helps us do the important work to prepare for the by-elections and the next general election in 2024, but as always, there is still more to be done. As we head into the new year, the fundraising committee will be working hard to spread this work out over the entire year through increased monthly donations, fundraising dinners and events around the province and fun opportunities to engage with other New Brunswick Green Party supporters - like our upcoming Virtual Trivia Night on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. 

 If you have ideas or want to become more involved with the fundraising committee, please contact me at [email protected]. 

 

Best, 

Dave Wagner

Official Representative & Chair of the Fundraising Committee

In this issue:

• Volunteer Spotlight: Catherine Premier
• Get Involved:
  • Register for the AGM & Provincial Council Elections
  • Policy Working Group Meeting - Jan 20, 2022 7:30 p.m.
  • Virtual Trivia Night - Save your spot! Jan 26, 2022 7:00 p.m.
  • Contribute to our Newsletter & Social Media
• GPNB Press releases for end of 2021

 

Volunteer Spotlight

Catherine Premier

Catherine Priemer from Sackville, NB is a 4th-year geography and environmental science student at Mount Allison University. Catherine joined the NB Green Council as a representative of the South-East Region in 2020.

 

Why did you start volunteering? and what motivates you?

I had volunteered locally with Megan Mitton’s campaign and wanted to connect with other volunteers across New Brunswick. I had also been involved in the youth climate movement and was looking for an opportunity to become engaged on the political level.

 

What do you love about the GPNB?

With everything that is going on right now, in addition to the stress that comes with being involved politically, I am very impressed with the dedication of GPNB staff and volunteers who put in a lot of time and effort into keeping the ball rolling.

 

What did you like about your role on the provincial council?

I enjoyed being a part of the diversity committee and working together with my peers to make the provincial council more accepting and representative of the diverse people and backgrounds we represent.

 

Anything else that you would like to add:

I would like to give a big thank-you to all the staff, leaders, and other volunteers with the GPNB, your work is very much appreciated!

 

Thank you Catherine Premier for your hard work and dedication to the GPNB Council over the last couple of years. We wish you all the best in your continued volunteer engagements in the Tantramar region.

 

Get Involved!

 

Register for the AGM

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is 

Saturday, April 9th, 2022

REGISTER HERE

 

Run for Provincial Council

Those elected to the Provincial Council work to ensure the party continues to represent all members while implementing a Green vision for the province. We need members like you to step forward to help us succeed. Not sure? Reach out to Nicolas Jelic, our president, or any Council member.  We’d love to talk.  

The following positions are up for election:

1. VP Anglophone 
2. Treasurer 
3. Youth Representative
4. 4 regional Council members:
   • 2 for Region 2 Fundy
   • 2 for Region 4 South-East
5. Chair (or Co-chairs) of the Policy Working Group

For more info email: [email protected]

Nicolas Jelic: [email protected]

Nominations are now open until February 28, 2022.

 MORE INFO ON THE AGM AND PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS HERE

 

Policy Working Group

The Policy Working Group will hold its next meeting on:

Thursday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m.

The focus this month is healthcare. Please review the policy manual before the meeting. 

This group is open to all active members and works on policy proposals to be presented at the AGM.

This will be a bilingual meeting with live translation.

Click HERE to register 

Contact Rebecca Blaevoet with any questions:

[email protected]

 

Virtual Trivia Night

Have you registered for the Virtual Trivia Night Yet?

On Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. the fundraising committee will be holding a Virtual Trivia Night on Zoom hosted by Green MLA Kevin Arseneau. 

To play:

1. Gather a team of 4 & register
2. Donate $100 ($25 each) to play
3. Decide on a team name
4. Bring your snacks and drinks & come join us online for a fun night!

Winners win bragging rights and will be featured in the February Newsletter.

To register/save your spot, email Kaely: [email protected] 

 

Contribute to our  Newsletter 

Email Julie if you have questions, comments, requests, events, news, or pictures you’d like to see in the next newsletter.

 

Contribute to our Social Media Member Drive

Are you a member? Do you have great pictures of New Brunswick you are willing to share with us? Help us with our member drive online!

We are looking for images of nature, landscapes, cityscapes, winter wonderlands - anything that showcases your love for our province.

Please send them to Julie with:

• Full name
• Reason for being a GPNB member
• Region

We will share them on our social media throughout the year. 

Julie Guillemet - [email protected]

Despite all its challenges, 2021 has flown by and it is now already December. As an organization that relies on volunteers and members, December is an important month for us. Over the coming weeks, you will receive updates from your three Green MLAs asking for your final financial contribution for the year. I hope you will be as inspired by their work as I have been. Please consider making a year-end contribution so we can continue to grow.  

This month, in addition to keeping you up to date, we are also launching a few new sections in our newsletter - a volunteer spotlight and opportunities to get involved - please let us know what you think.

Thanks for all your support,

Nicolas Jelic - President, Green Party of NB

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**Important**

Starting in January the Newsletter will now be sent out in your language of preference. 

To ensure you get the right language - please update your preference HERE.

Headlines this month:

• Volunteer Spotlight: Remembering Brian Beaton
• Green MLAs in Action
• Get Involved:
  • Getting ready for the 2022 AGM - Available Provincial Council Positions
  • Invite - Policy Working Group 
  • Trivia Night Zoom Event
  • Call for Volunteer Translators
  • Contribute to the Newsletter
• GPNB Press releases for November 2021

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Our Green MLA’s, David, Megan, and Kevin had a busy month leading up to what will be the Second Session of the Sixtieth Legislature reconvening on November 2.

Top Headlines:

• Greens reject order to stop land acknowledgments
• Greens call on Higgs to invest in public sector workers
• David Coon Calls for urgent action to wind down fossil fuel use
• Atlantic Collaboration
• Megan Mitton calls for investigation into nursing home COVID outbreak
• Kevin Arseneau calls for a moratorium on the development of the old military camp

GPNB News:

• Strategic planning update
• Event – Climate March, November 5^th

 

Greens reject order to stop land acknowledgments

“The attorney general’s memo is ordering public employees to be complicit in this government’s sophistry. It is repugnant” - David Coon

“The level of disrespect is appalling. Not that anyone needed another hint, but the Higgs government is making it clear that they aren't interested in truth or in reconciliation.” - Megan Mitton

"For me, I strongly encourage civil disobedience here. We need to keep telling the truth." - Kevin Arseneau

Read more HERE

 

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Can you believe it’s already fall, Time is flying by as Greens are keeping busy

The caucus was on fire grilling the Higgs government on:

• JD Irving’s reliance on glyphosate

• COVID-19

• First Nation issues

 

What’s new within the GPNB:

• Strategic Planning

• Introducing Kaely Scott

 

JD IRVING’S RELIANCE ON GLYPHOSATE

The Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship Committee review of glyphosate and other herbicides in New Brunswick resumed in September.

Unsurprisingly, JD Irving was added to the agenda last minute in an attempt to have the last word. David was on it and challenged Jim Irving with tough questions.

Hear the conversation between JDI and David along with David’s interview with CBC HERE

 

"You've done very well in New Brunswick. When you say suspending the use of glyphosate would be catastrophic for the company... it doesn't quite stand up for me, given how well you've done." 

– David Coon

Read the CBC article HERE (English article only)

Read the Acadie Nouvelle article HERE (French article only) 

 

COVID-19

In August and September, David continued to pressure the Higgs government to curb rising COVID-19 cases:

“The fourth wave is underway and for some reason, the premier is behaving as if New Brunswick is an island unto itself. Which, just because he said mission accomplished, will be untouched by the fourth wave and that’s not responsible.”

 – David Coon

 Read the CTV News article HERE (English only)

The pressure finally worked as the government announced new measures in late September to limit the spread of COVID-19 and boost vaccination rates.

Read the CTV News article HERE (English only)

Read the Acadie Nouvelle article HERE (French only) 

Despite all David’s efforts and rising cases, Premier Higgs publicly stated on September 20th that he did not regret his decision to lift the state of emergency. However, 5 days later Higgs ended up reinstating it due to rising hospitalizations.

Read the reinstatement measures HERE

 

 

 

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