September 2023 Newsletter
This summer, the climate crisis touched down in Canada with devastating consequences. In our own region, we saw children lose their lives in a flash flood, and more than two hundred families lose their homes to wildfire. Our environment is rapidly changing in alarming ways. The same can be said of our social conditions, with the rapid increases in homelessness, addictions, and inequality, while access to health care and affordable housing continues to shrink.
The other parties will not tackle the systemic exploitation of people and nature that is destabilizing our environmental and social systems. They will continue to advantage those who have benefited most from the status quo. That is why the solutions are, in part, political. The greener the Legislative Assembly, the better.
To bring about change for the better will require us all to pull together. Premier Higgs' determined efforts to sow social discord and fan the flames of conflict among New Brunswickers with his attacks on national climate action efforts, French immersion, Indigenous people, and trans kids and their teachers - is dividing us at a time when we need to come together to build a fairer, more resilient and self-sufficient New Brunswick.
While the next election is scheduled for October 21, 2024, the political disarray in the Progressive Conservative Party could mean it will be called earlier than that, so we are busy preparing. Our Party has the vision to lead New Brunswick through these uncertain times, but we must ensure that as many people as possible are engaged locally.
I ask that members, donors, and supporters do what you can to help prepare for the election in your own ridings. Our local riding associations are actively seeking volunteers to work on local campaigns, and looking for candidates that will effectively represent the people of their communities and serve them to the best of their abilities.
As we move into autumn, now is the time to get involved. If you don't know who to contact in your riding, the staff at the Green Party office are waiting to hear from you. They can help you become engaged in our movement for a greener, more equal, and fairer New Brunswick.
Enjoy the newsletter,
David Coon
Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick
In This Issue:
- Volunteer Spotlight
- Get Involved
- Upcoming Events
- Kevin's Birthday Fundraiser
Volunteer Spotlight
Rebecca Blaevoet, Sam and Karen Arnold, Lillian Warne, Roger Olmstead, and Emmanuel Blaevoet.
Last month, local members from the Carleton riding volunteered at the Hartland Covered Bridge - the longest covered bridge in the world! - for New Brunswick Day. The event was a success and they had many interested people stop by to chat and ask about the Green Party of New Brunswick.
Thank you to all those who participated for representing our party in your riding. Your efforts go a long way towards our electoral success by demonstrating to New Brunswickers that we are out in the community listening to people and getting our message to voters.
Get Involved
Campaign School
I think we can all feel it in the air -- it's that "Back to School" time of the year! And in order to prepare for the next provincial election, the Green Party of New Brunswick is going back to school, too, with Campaign School!
If you plan to be involved in the next election – especially as a candidate or campaign manager – now is the time to put a day in to learn some of those essential campaigning skills.
We will have two opportunities for you to join, based on your location or availability:
Fredericton: Saturday, September 16th from 10am - 4pm at The Ville
Moncton: Saturday, September 23rd from 10am - 4pm at La Station
More details on the day will be coming soon, but for now, I would love for you to:
- RSVP by emailing [email protected] & tell us which day you will be joining -- Fredericton or Moncton
- Save the date in your calendar!
Our campaign school will teach you how to organize your local team, create strategies for success, and get your message out to voters. We hope to see you there!
Become a member and join your local Registered District Association
Hopefully you have already received our email regarding the new provincial riding boundaries. Our goal is to keep all of our contacts informed so that you can participate fully in the democratic system.
We are currently seeking members to form Registered District Associations (RDAs) in the new riding boundaries which are now in effect. All RDA executive positions are open and up for election by the members of each riding.
Some executive positions are:
RDA President - is the party’s main point of contact in the riding and oversees all meetings and activities of the RDA
RDA Secretary - keeps detailed records, membership lists, meeting minutes, and other files for the RDA
Official Representative - oversees all the finances of the RDA and is responsible for ensuring all elections NB financial rules and regulations are followed.
There are several other positions on an RDA that can be filled, such as a fundraising chair, communications chair, and treasurer. However you want to be involved, there is a position waiting for you. And our dedicated staff will help you every step of the way to organize your RDA and answer any questions you may have.
Become a candidate for your riding
Nominations for candidates are now open in every riding across the province! We already have several exceptional nominees seeking their riding’s nomination, and we encourage all our members and supporters to put their names forward.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a candidate, fill out our contestant application form here. Or, if you would simply like more information on the nomination process, contact our Executive Director, Claire Kelly-Orozco at [email protected]
Upcoming Events
Moncton Pride
Saturday, September 2
You are invited to join MLA Megan Mitton and Executive Director Claire Kelly-Orozco to represent the Green Party of New Brunswick at the Moncton Pride Parade!
This is the last pride parade of the summer, and this year, it is more important than ever that we show our support for the LGBTQ2S+ community in light of the unwarranted changes to Policy 713. We are calling all our members and supporters across the province to come march with us.
Hopefully you have already RSVP’d, but if not – it’s not too late – email our regional mobilizer Myriam today at [email protected] for meeting details.
Policy 713 Rally
Sunday, September 3
Join us this Sunday, 1pm to 3pm in front of the Legislature for a rally against the changes to Policy 713.
This event is hosted by the Imprint Youth Association with guest speakers, including Addison Fach from the Green Party of New Brunswick. For more information, checkout the facebook event at this link.
Fredericton South-Silverwood and Fredericton-Lincoln AGMs
Tuesday, September 26
Fredericton-area members are invited to attend the joint-AGM of the new ridings of Fredericton South-Silverwood and Fredericton-Lincoln. These will be the foundational meetings to form the new Registered District Associations (RDAs), and we want you to be involved!
The joint-meeting will be held at the Stepping Stone Seniors Centre on 15 Saunders St, Fredericton at 7pm.
Only members who have been in good standing for 14 days prior to the meeting are able to vote or hold executive positions on their RDAs, so be sure to confirm the status of your membership before Tuesday, September 12. If you are unsure of the status of your membership, email us at [email protected] or call our office at 506-447-8499.
For more information, please contact our regional mobilizer, Addison Fach, at [email protected]
Kevin's Birthday Fundraiser
In August, I celebrated my 38th birthday!
And this year, I've got an extra special way to celebrate – by teaming up with all of you to make our Green dreams come true right here in New Brunswick.
Now, I know what you're thinking – "How can I make Kevin's birthday extra awesome?"
Well, how about this: instead of the usual gifts, let's fuel a movement that's all about creating a greener, fairer, and more fabulous future. And how perfect would it be to kickstart this amazing journey with a donation of $38? (or any multiple of 38 that tickles your fancy!)
As your representative in Kent North, I've been all about shaking things up in the best way possible. From championing rural development and solidarity among our communities to pushing for democratic reform, my mission has been clear: let's preserve our stunning lands, waters, and forests while ensuring prosperity for all.
And what better way to do that than by nourishing our schools, our elders, and our homes with organic, local goodness?
Here's the coolest part – your donation is going straight into the heart of our dreams. It's powering the engine of change that's going to elect more like-minded folks to our legislature, turning up the volume on our collective voice for a greener and greater New Brunswick.