June 2020 Newsletter - What kind of policies would a Green government implement?
In future the Green Party will form the government when it wins enough seats in a provincial election. Have you ever wondered what kind of policies a Green government would implement in New Brunswick?
All Green policies must align with the Party's founding Charter of Principles: non-violence, self-determination and citizenship, social justice and equality, participatory democracy, local self-reliance, and living within our ecological means.
A Green government will be guided by the key principles of grassroots democracy: putting the well-being of people, their communities, and the environment that nourishes us all at the center of decision-making. Green MLAs will work to develop policies that meet the needs of New Brunswickers as expressed through their constituencies.
Every year since the Party was formed in 2008, Party members have been working hard to develop policies to serve the common good in New Brunswick. These policies have also helped shape our election platforms. Most of these policy discussions happen within the Policy Working Group (PWG) that is open for participation by all Party members.
The Green Party Policy Manual, available for download at this link, contains hundreds of policy ideas that have been introduced, debated and approved by Party members. The Policy Manual has 10 chapters, from Relationship with First Nations and Indigenous Peoples (chapter 1) to Green Energy (chapter 10).
In 2020, the Policy Working Group is reviewing four chapters: Green Economy (Chapter 4); Social Justice, Human Rights, and Environmental Rights (Chapter 6); Labour (Chapter 7); and Healthcare (Chapter 8). Rather than developing new policies, this year we are refining existing policies to ensure they are clear, relevant, and have stood the test of time. We are also identifying where synergies exist between policy areas and where new policies will need to be developed in future.
On June 7, for the first time our AGM will be online. Also for the first time, policy resolutions will not be discussed at the AGM but will be deferred to a special meeting for policy at a later date. All members interested in Green Party policy should stay tuned for more information later in the year.
Green MLAs
In the last month, the Green MLAs have been busy not only with constituency work but also with Legislative matters. To read the full stories below, click on the headline.
Green MLAs have a full agenda for the Legislature
“While the government says it only has a few bills it wants to pass when we resume the spring Legislative session, the Greens have a full agenda,” says Green Party leader and MLA for Fredericton-South, David Coon. The Green Caucus has three bills awaiting second reading and four motions awaiting debate.
To address the challenges emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, David Coon is calling on the Higgs government to establish a Select Committee on Social and Economic Resilience, with two main goals: promotion of personal and social well-being, and promotion of sustainable economic progress.
Green MLAs call for better supports for small businesses and self-employed
David Coon is calling for the provincial government to provide better supports for entrepreneurs, including small business owners, artists, artisans, and self-employed individuals. Megan Mitton, MLA for Memramcook-Tantramar, is already seeing a wave of permanent business closures in her community. “We need to protect entrepreneurs so they have a fighting chance,” said Mitton..
Greens Urge Government to Set Firm Target for Buying Locally
David Coon tabled a motion on May 26 that urges the government to commit to sourcing 10% of goods and services for the upcoming fiscal year locally in New Brunswick.“If we want to encourage New Brunswickers to support their local economy, government needs to lead by example,” said Coon.
MLA for Kent-North, Kevin Arseneau, tabled a motion calling on government to ban financial assistance to any companies that are known to use tax havens and implement a publicly-accessible beneficial ownership registry by the end of the year.
David Coon, Megan Mitton and Kevin Arseneau are continuing to work on behalf of their constituents and all New Brunswickers. The MLAs and staff are at work even though the riding offices are temporarily closed to in-person meetings. Click here to find out how to get in touch with them.
Elections for the Green Party NB Provincial Council
If you want to be more involved with the governance of your political party, consider running for one of the open positions on the Provincial Council. Elections will be held during our 2020 Online AGM. The following positions are open:
-Vice-Presidency Anglophone (2-year term)
-Treasurer (2-year term)
-Youth representative (under 25) (2-year term)
-Four (4) member at large positions (2-year terms)
-Two (2) member at large positions (1-year terms)
Also:
-Chairperson of the Policy Working Group (1-year term)
To submit your candidacy for any of these positions, email Stephanie Coburn at [email protected] (or contact the Green Party of NB Head Office at 506-447-8499) indicating which position you are seeking along with a short biography of yourself (maximum 300 words) and a picture (optional).
Upcoming events
Sunday June 7 from 1 to 3:30pm
Green Party 2020 Annual General Meeting. There is no fee to attend our Online AGM but you must be a member since at least May 24, 2020. Deadline for registration is June 4th at 5pm. Register online at this link.
Saturday, June 13 from 9am to 12:30pm
Getting to the Gate
Online. Hosted by the organization Equal Voice Nova Scotia. Three panels featuring women from different political parties with practical experience in federal, provincial and municipal politics, including Green Party members in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Monday, June 15 at 3:30pm
Guaranteed Livable Income Webinar
Hosted by the Fredericton South Green Party Association, a discussion with MLA and Green Party leader David Coon and experts on the topic including a photographer who has documented the effects on GLI recipients.
COVID-19 information
For the most up-to-date and accurate information, consult the Government of Canada and Government of New Brunswick's COVID-19 pages.
Stay safe. Stay strong.
Green Party of New Brunswick
403 Regent Street, Suite 102,
Fredericton, NB, E3B 3X6
Office: (506) 447-8499
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