Hi Friend,
Many consider “The Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson to be the genesis of the environmental movement. Written in 1962, it focuses on the terrifying effects of chemical pesticides that were, at the time, a large part of agriculture. Rachel Carson and her work awoke global environmental consciousness.
The movement came to Canada in 1983 when The Green Party of Canada was founded at a conference held at Carleton University. Under its first leader, Dr. Trevor Hancock, the party ran 60 candidates in the 1984 federal election.
The Green Party begins with the basic premise that all life on the planet is interconnected and that humans have a responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world.
40 years after it started, your Green Party is the only voice in Canada calling to stop the continuing destruction of our increasingly-fragile environment.
It should be a time to celebrate. But it is not.
Everybody in Canada, except for the stout climate-deniers, knows what has to happen. Yet in every election, Canadians are lulled by the gentle words of the mainstream parties who borrow our platform just long enough to get re-elected.
So, rather than a big birthday party, we find ourselves with our backs to the wall, barely able to read the daily onslaught of catastrophic climate news. We won’t stand by wringing our hands. We are coming up with a plan that includes you.
If we fail now to act like the government-in-waiting, our 40th anniversary will be a sad event where we will meekly brag about our two seats in Ottawa. Ignominious.
So here’s the pitch.
We are old enough that we can say we are not your grandfather’s Green Party anymore. We still hold those values, loud and proud, but we are transforming politics in the 21st century in Canada: progressive, inclusive, transparent, sustainable, member-driven.
Our leadership race will change how parties will select their new leaders. Our new digital interface will enable an unprecedented degree of member involvement in every aspect.
If you’re Green say so. Out loud. Don’t just give this Party lip service.
Pitch in. Donate. Organize. Write the local paper. Join the Green EDA in your community and push hard for what you believe.
The Green Party of Canada is yours but it needs your money to stay afloat and lead this fight. If you all contribute, we might stand a chance. If you don’t act…. who will?
The total maximum annual amount you can give is $1,675.
Your generous contribution of any amount will help Greens ensure that all our grandchildren will see a brighter, sustainable future.
Lorraine Rekmans
President
Green Party of Canada