Dear Friend,
We all look forward to a day when there are more than three Greens in parliament. However, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity on our small team to serve as the critic on so many important files. It has been an honour and a privilege to fight for equality as the critic for Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Justice and Human Rights, Status of Women, and Youth, Diversity and Inclusion.
While working with Indigenous youth during my career in education, I saw countless barriers that served to postpone transformation and stall momentum, and I’d had enough. Youth activism inspired me to push for change and to not accept anything less, for my students, for my children and for Canada.
Time and time again, I have had people tell me racism will always exist so why bother trying to do something about it. This kind of attitude emboldens racism, it gives it power. Instead, we must seek to dismantle it, casting light on the corners where it lurks and chasing it from the shadows. We can demand better from law enforcement, from government, from institutions. We can ask for training, for education, for accountability. And we must not back down.
This is why today, if you are able, I am asking for your support. Our small team is mighty, but getting more Greens in parliament means we’ll be able to fight the status quo and work harder towards meaningful change. The Green Breakthrough Fund helps ensure we are ready for the next election, whenever that may be.
Support the Green Breakthrough Fund2020 has been a source of constant reminders for me of the importance of meaningful reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples – from the violence and disrespect toward the Wet’suwet’en last spring, to the deaths of Chantel Moore and Rodney Levi in my home province this summer, to the recent destructive disruption of the Mi’kmaq livelihood fishery and ensuing bigotry. The conversation has grown louder but now it's time for action.
We have already been given a road map for the journey. We have the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We have the recommendations stemming from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. And we have Indigenous leaders across this country already showing us the path forward. It is up to us to follow in their steps.
I am thankful for your support and the support of Greens across this country whom I know are walking alongside me on this journey.
Sincerely,
Jenica Atwin
MP Fredericton
Green Party of Canada