Schreiner and May Smell Electoral Success in Open Guelph Race

"Guelph is a green town," declared Elizabeth May. The Green Party of Canada leader meant small 'g', not capital 'G' of course, but if it all goes according to plan, then this time next year, May and her Ontario counterpart, Mike Schreiner, will be able to boast that Guelph is both "green" and "Green".

GUELPH POLITICAST #67 - The Voices of Electoral Reform

Two protests in two weeks. Guelph hasn't been this riled up about something since the anti-Walmart days! But the passionate demands of Guelphites for electoral reform seems to have not been silenced by the apparent disinterest of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to keep his campaign promises. In fact, the PM's dismissal of the issues seems to have created a new urgency.

Province Initiates [Some] Action on Water Bottling Companies

That splash you heard this morning was the Province of Ontario finally answering the call of thousands of community activists to finally doing something about companies taking millions of gallons of water per day for a pittance and shipping it out of town.

Local Activists/Politicos Pushing for Better Price for Water

Earlier this month, Ontario's interim Environmental Commissioner issued a startling report in the wake of a year full of stories of worldwide drought conditions, and concluded that the province's water resources are being taken for nothing or close to nothing by industry and businesses across Ontario. In Guelph, always at the forefront of environmental issues, key activists and politicians are taking this a cue to push further for the protection of local fresh water.

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.