Author archive

In the Toronto Star today, Peter Russell explained and demonstrated how we elect a Parliament and not a leader, that any new government must enjoy the support of the majority of elected members in the Commons, and how Harper’s implication that a coalition is illegitimate is, well, wrong.

When we hold an election we do not directly elect a prime minister. We elect a House of Commons. It is this elected chamber of Parliament that decides who governs the country.

There is a good explanation of why we know this is so, with precedents and rules.

This is a round table to discuss the topic “How People of Faith Will Care and Advocate for Creation?”.

Environment and Climate in Peril Round Table
Wednesday, 2011 May 11, 7pm
Seeley Hall, 6 Hoskin Ave, Trinity College, U of T
free
416 593-0906  ldrainie@climateactionnetwork.ca

Space is limited.  Register online.     Read more »

Well, we’ve already kicked off the campaign.  But it’s still gearing up.  This Friday, we will have a party to celebrate our office, our first flyers, our signs and our volunteers.  Good food, good company and some funny videos, probably a call out for campaign help. Join us.

Campaign kick-off party
Friday, 2011 April 1, 6pm
Campaign office, 1338 Danforth Avenue
just east of Greenwood Station

Hope to see you there.

Yesterday

At a talk I attended on Friday afternoon with constitutional scholar Peter Russell, he pointed out that of the 51 democracies in the world today, 48 are led by either coalitions or minority governments acting with the support of other parties.  If Stephen Harper rejects coalitions, he rejects democracy, because democracy is all about coalition building, partnership, working together and finding solutions.

Morning

This morning at an interfaith breakfast organized by Greening Sacred Spaces, I ran into a colleague who pointed out that Stephen Harper got the vote of 22% of eligible voters – that’s 38% of the 59% of the electors who bothered to vote.  So many people are disgusted with government they don’t vote at all.  And with the support of  less than one quarter of voters, Harper thinks the right thing to do is ignore other parties.

At the interfaith breakfast, I was very impressed with Rabbi Miriam of the Danforth Jewish Circle, who said that whenever she thinks about the environment she is reminded of Genesis.  She quoted in Hebrew but paraphrased in Jewish the phrase:

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Afternoon

Zito Hellas! I spent the afternoon at the Greek Independence Day Parade on the Danforth with two supporters and my young son carrying a Greek flag.  Then we bought some spanakopita and brought it back to the office we had just claimed at 1338 Danforth.  From now to election day, it will be open daily from 10am to 9pm.

The office was bustling all afternoon.  We have some very energetic local supporters who were helping move things around.  Thanks to Kashkoush and all his friends.  Six supporters went out with more window signs.  Our signs are up on Danforth, on Gerrard, on Donlands and Coxwell now.  My daughter and some young supporters made some progress towards a big sign over the office while office manager Jo Oppenheimer supervised the delivery of office furniture.

Evening

Our lawn signs are in print.  Our first flyers are in print.  Supporters and passers-by walked in and talked.  At 9pm, we were still talking to neighbours who had recently moved to the riding and wanted to know more about the Green Party.

The following text is cribbed from the updated Green Party of Canada website:

Who We Are

The Green Party of Canada is a committed group of individuals – representing a diverse demographic of Canadians – who passionately believe in creating a better future for local communities, our nation, and indeed, the world. The Green Party believes that political integrity is imperative for a sustainable and just society. We are committed to democracy, social justice, and fostering respect and compassion for the natural world and its inhabitants by way of open and honest discourse, public participation, and balanced decision making.     Read more »