Steve Dyck Will Be Green for Guelph

The Guelph branch of the Green Party of Ontario voted between the two men who put their names forward to represent the GPO for the Royal City in the upcoming Provincial Election last night, and Steve Dyck seems to be the man they want Guelph to send to Queen's Park. Dyck, a long time Green Party campaigner, beat out former Ward 4 City Councillor Mike Salisbury for the honour. 

So who is Steve Dyck? Here's his GPO bio:

A long time enthusiast for the Green Party’s approach to environmental, social, and economic sustainability, Steve decided to run for the GPO candidacy because he believes he has the energy and skills to engage people in the democratic process. A highly creative and socially engaged problem solver, Steve is equipped to represent Guelph and serve in Provincial Parliament, bringing long-term solutions to Ontario’s challenges. Steve takes action in the community.

• He is President of Guelph Solar Mechanical Inc., a solar heating solutions company which leads Guelph business owners and residents to participate in energy conservation programs.
• Steve stands up for democracy, the University of Guelph’s intellectual integrity and the environment, by continuing to raise Chancellor Wallin’s actions as a Senator to end debate on climate change.
• A trained mediator who voluntarily assists community members to mutually resolve differences, Steve builds bridges between people by using democratic processes to identify common values and create solutions.
• Steve coordinates the Guelph chapter of Green Drinks, a social networking group connecting citizens and businesses in the environmental industry.

The time is right for Steve to seek political office: Ontario’s energy crisis requires renewable energy expertise. As he and Vera, his partner of 20 years, send their two teenagers out into the world, Steve is enthusiastic about bringing his years as a parent, volunteer, activist, project manager, and small business owner to the political arena.

“Community building is central to the future of the Green Party,” says Steve, a philosophy he has demonstrated by opening his home for events that have become known as “Fun with Steve” nights, engaging neighbours and building Green Party membership while enjoying locally sourced food.

Steve’s central values are long- term commitment to the things that matter: building healthy relationships and communities, and having a great time doing it.

Next up, the NDP will officially make James Gordon their nominee on Monday. Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath will be in town that night to welcome Gordon to the campaign. Interestingly, GPO leader Mike Schreiner was the key note speaker at last night's AGM, which I believe was the second time in as many weeks that Schreiner's been in Guelph. 

Is Guelph a seriously in play riding this provincial election? I guess we'll know that if Dalton McGuinty and Tim Hudak roll up the Hanlon Expressway this summer.