November 2023 Newsletter
It’s November, and it looks like Premier Blaine Higgs isn’t calling a snap election. This doesn’t mean after a month of working overtime we’re standing down. Our candidate in Fredericton-York, Pam Allen-LeBlanc, said it best, “We’re back to running a marathon, not a sprint.”
We accomplished a lot in October, 20 candidates have been nominated and approved. We have 20 new Registered District Associations (RDAs). We will spend the coming months recruiting the remaining 29 candidates. Have you considered putting your name on the ballot?
So what happens now? Our MLAs are back in the legislature pushing for a more affordable, equitable and sustainable New Brunswick. It’s their example that has inspired almost two dozen people to become candidates. We’re working with candidates to get them out door knocking, helping them find volunteers and raise money. If you can volunteer or donate we need you now.
We are just months away from an election, no matter when it’s called, and we are staying ready. We have more training coming so please sign up. We’re also going to have fun and build community while we continue to prepare. Head out for a Green Drinks near you and invite a friend.
Jo-Ann Roberts
Provincial Campaign Manager
In This Issue:
- Volunteer Spotlight
- Candidate Announcements
- Upcoming Events
- MLAs in Action
Volunteer Spotlight
Liam MacDougall
Congratulations to Liam MacDougall, a Grade 12 student at Leo Hayes High School, for being elected as the President of the Fredericton North RDA!
Liam has lived in Fredericton North for the past 10 years and first got involved with the Green Party of New Brunswick in grade 8. He has a passion for politics and wants to help make real change happen in our province.
Liam wants more young people like himself to get involved in politics, and started a non-partisan Instagram page called “Get Politically Involved NB”, a central place to find information on New Brunswick politics and provincial political parties.
Thank you, Liam, for stepping up to serve on the Fredericton North RDA, and for encouraging others to get involved in New Brunswick politics!
Candidate Announcements
We are thrilled to announce the Green Party of New Brunswick candidates for the following ridings:
David Coon - Fredericton-Lincoln
Simon Ouellette - Fredericton South-Silverwood
Anthea Plummer - Fredericton-North
Pam Allen-Leblanc - Fredericton-York
Myriam Cormier - Restigouche-West
Jean Bourgeois - Shediac-Cap-Acadie
Joanna Killen - Saint John West-Lancaster
Serge Brideau - Hautes-Terres-Nepisiguit
Mariah Darling - Saint John Harbour
Jacques Giguère - Dieppe-Memramcook
Brian Boucher - Arcadia-Butternut Valley-Maple Hills
Be sure to visit their website pages to donate, volunteer and get on the list for a lawn sign! And stay tuned to our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more announcements to come.
*Please note: 3 other candidates are unable to be public until the writ is dropped, due to their employment
Upcoming Events
Fredericton Candidates Meet & Greet
Saturday, November 18
Join us at the Marysville Heritage Centre (11 McGloin Street) from 6:00pm - 8:00pm to meet your candidates from the Fredericton-area ridings.
We will be serving food, including hot homemade chili!
To RSVP to this event, please email [email protected]
RDA Founding 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.
Below is a list of the upcoming meetings of RDAs this month:
- Hanwell-New Maryland - Thursday, November 2 @ 7pm - Online
- Shediac-Cap-Acadie - Friday, November 3rd, 2023 @10am - 31, Chemin d’l’isle, Petit-Cap, N.B.
- Carleton-York - Thursday, November 16 @ 7pm - Online
- Beausoleil-Grand-Bouctouche-Kent - Tuesday, November 21 @6pm
- Kings Centre - Thursday, November 23 at 7pm - Online
- Oromocto-Sunbury - Tuesday, November 21 - Online
- Shediac Bay-Dieppe - November date to be announced, email will be sent to members shortly
- Kent North - November date to be announced, email will be sent to members shortly
- Hautes-Terres-Nepisiguit - November date to be announced, email will be sent to members shortly
*All members will receive invitations to their RDA meeting, but anyone is welcome 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.
Green Drinks
Let’s get to know each other and grow our community while supporting our local businesses. Come join us, meet like-minded Green supporters, and bring your friends and family at one of our monthly Green Drinks events.
Fredericton - Friday, November 17 @ 7pm - Picaroons Roundhouse, 912 Union St
Moncton - Thursday, November 23 @ 7pm - The Local, 1715 Main St
Saint John - Friday, November 24 @ 7pm - Big Tide, 47 Princess St
MLAs in Action
David Coon
The Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick, David Coon, has been calling for greater ambition on energy efficiency that also addresses the cost-of-living crisis. On October 26, David tabled a motion in the Legislative Assembly calling on the Higgs government to ensure more New Brunswickers can cut their energy costs by accessing free heat pumps and insulation through the Enhanced Energy Savings Program.
“New Brunswickers are struggling to make ends meet due to rising energy costs, and at the same time we need to cut carbon pollution,” stated Coon. “Expanding and enhancing the free heat pumps and insulation program will achieve both of these goals, while putting a carbon tax on home heating fuels will not.”
Read the full press release here
Megan Mitton
On October 25, Megan Mitton, the Green Housing Critic, tabled a motion in the Legislature urging the government to establish a permanent rent cap.
“The increasing cost of rent is exacerbating the affordability crisis that many New Brunswickers are facing,” said Mitton. “The Higgs government is failing to protect tenants from unaffordable rent increases.”
Read the full press release here
Kevin Arseneau
On October 24, Kevin Arseneau called on the government to guarantee province-wide cellphone coverage, tabling a motion to implement necessary public infrastructure and financial investments to ensure reliable network connectivity.
“Unfortunately, cell phone coverage remains inconsistent across New Brunswick, with many rural areas experiencing inadequate or unreliable cellular network service, rendering rural New Brunswickers vulnerable during times of climate-related emergencies,” stated Arseneau.
Read the full press release here