Media Releases
Green Party Food and Farming Strategy: Better Food, Better Jobs, Better Ontario
PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA, ONTARIO - The old parties at Queen’s Park have failed to promote and protect Ontario Farmers. Only the Green Party has championed this issue, calling for an Ontario Food and Farming strategy since Mike Schreiner was elected Leader in November 2009.
“Ontario needs real change at Queen’s Park. The empty rhetoric of the other parties has only led to fewer local farmers and the closure of local food processors,” said Schreiner. “Only a Green MPP will raise this important issue to ensure all Ontarians have access to healthy local food. We will push for accountability and demand action."
The Green Party of Ontario is committed to making a healthy food and farming system a provincial priority. The Green Party's Ontario Food and Farming Strategy supports Ontario farmers, while providing all citizens access to healthy local food within a framework of sustainable, local agriculture.
“While traveling throughout our riding, by car or bike, it has become increasingly apparent how important farming and food processing are to our economic and healthy well being. Despite a growing awareness and demand for locally grown/raised food, we are hearing countless stories of farmers and abattoirs that are not being able to make ends meet“, said Matt Richter, Green Party candidate for Parry Sound Muskoka. “Ontario has only 7,000 farmers under the age of 35,” added Schreiner. “Without action on this issue today, Ontario’s food system will crumble.”
It’s time to strengthen our food system so that Ontario can feed itself and others.
The Green Party's Ontario Food and Farming strategy includes:
PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA, ONTARIO - The old parties at Queen’s Park have failed to promote and protect Ontario Farmers. Only the Green Party has championed this issue, calling for an Ontario Food and Farming strategy since Mike Schreiner was elected Leader in November 2009.
“Ontario needs real change at Queen’s Park. The empty rhetoric of the other parties has only led to fewer local farmers and the closure of local food processors,” said Schreiner. “Only a Green MPP will raise this important issue to ensure all Ontarians have access to healthy local food. We will push for accountability and demand action."
The Green Party of Ontario is committed to making a healthy food and farming system a provincial priority. The Green Party's Ontario Food and Farming Strategy supports Ontario farmers, while providing all citizens access to healthy local food within a framework of sustainable, local agriculture.
“While traveling throughout our riding, by car or bike, it has become increasingly apparent how important farming and food processing are to our economic and healthy well being. Despite a growing awareness and demand for locally grown/raised food, we are hearing countless stories of farmers and abattoirs that are not being able to make ends meet“, said Matt Richter, Green Party candidate for Parry Sound Muskoka. “Ontario has only 7,000 farmers under the age of 35,” added Schreiner. “Without action on this issue today, Ontario’s food system will crumble.”
It’s time to strengthen our food system so that Ontario can feed itself and others.
The Green Party's Ontario Food and Farming strategy includes:
- Investing $200 million over four years for a comprehensive healthy school food program.
- Supporting Buy Local campaigns and set targets for government institutions.
- Setting a standard for purchasing forty percent Ontario food for all public institutions.
- Investing $100 million over four years to reward farmers for stewardship practices which provide environmental and societal benefits.
- Establishing an Ontario Food and Farming Policy Council to coordinate planning across ministries and consult diverse stakeholders.
- Investing in rural infrastructure, research and innovation, bio-based product manufacturing, distribution hubs, farmer co-ops, organic and specialty crops.
- Cutting red tape for family farms and local food processors; implement smart regulations that recognize differences in the size of operations.
- Eliminating tax penalties and reduce zoning restrictions to facilitate local, on-farm food enterprises and innovative sources of farm income.
- Improving income stabilization programs so they are more accessible for family farms
- Cover a wider range of products and don’t penalize farmers who experience bad years.
For more details on the Green Party’s commitment to supporting farming in Ontario, visit
http://itstimeforgreen.ca/food/
Contact:
Veronica Leonard
Co-Campaign Manager & Media Liaison
Matt Richter Campaign
Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario
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Green Party plan creates local jobs by saving money for small and medium businesses
September 8, 2011 - MUSKOKA, Ontario – Today, Green Party of Ontario Leader, Mike Schreiner (Simcoe – Grey) announced his plan to reduce payroll taxes for small and medium sized businesses.
“As a small business owner, I know first-hand the barriers to success that small and medium size businesses face,” said Schreiner. “During the recent recession, the small and medium size business sector was the only one to create jobs. By lowering payroll taxes for local businesses, we can ensure that our businesses can create good local jobs.”
The Green Party of Ontario will:
Eliminate the Employer Health Tax for small businesses with payrolls less than $800,000
Local Green Party Candidate, Matt Richter, echoed the call for support of small business in Parry Sound Muskoka.
“We have dedicated small and medium size businesses in our community that deserve help. They drive our local economy,” said Richter. “This tax initiative, along with other Green Party policies, will make it possible for local businesses to hire more people.”
“It’s time for a party that will provide tools to support vibrant downtowns in our local communities,” added Schreiner. “Thriving main streets are key to strengthening our local economies and insulating them from shocks in the global markets.”
For more on the Green Party 5 Point Plan please visit: www.itstimeforgreen.ca
Watch the GPO Economy ad at: www.gpotv.ca
Contact:
Veronica Leonard
Co-Campaign Manager & Media Liaison
Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario
E: vmleonard@gmail.com
C: 705.783.7716.
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September 8, 2011 - MUSKOKA, Ontario – Today, Green Party of Ontario Leader, Mike Schreiner (Simcoe – Grey) announced his plan to reduce payroll taxes for small and medium sized businesses.
“As a small business owner, I know first-hand the barriers to success that small and medium size businesses face,” said Schreiner. “During the recent recession, the small and medium size business sector was the only one to create jobs. By lowering payroll taxes for local businesses, we can ensure that our businesses can create good local jobs.”
The Green Party of Ontario will:
Eliminate the Employer Health Tax for small businesses with payrolls less than $800,000
Local Green Party Candidate, Matt Richter, echoed the call for support of small business in Parry Sound Muskoka.
“We have dedicated small and medium size businesses in our community that deserve help. They drive our local economy,” said Richter. “This tax initiative, along with other Green Party policies, will make it possible for local businesses to hire more people.”
“It’s time for a party that will provide tools to support vibrant downtowns in our local communities,” added Schreiner. “Thriving main streets are key to strengthening our local economies and insulating them from shocks in the global markets.”
For more on the Green Party 5 Point Plan please visit: www.itstimeforgreen.ca
Watch the GPO Economy ad at: www.gpotv.ca
Contact:
Veronica Leonard
Co-Campaign Manager & Media Liaison
Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario
E: vmleonard@gmail.com
C: 705.783.7716.
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Provincial Green Party Leader to attend opening of local campaign office
What: Campaign office grand opening
Who: Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario
When: Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Time: 5:00 pm
Where: Campaign office is located on Hwy 118W in the Bracebridge Shopping Centre, between Muskoka Natural Food Market & The Source
Contact: Veronica Leonard ● 705-783-7716 ● vmleonard@gmail.com
September 7, 2011 – BRACEBRIDGE – On the first day of the provincial election, the Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario announces the grand opening of its campaign office, located in the Metro Shopping Plaza between Muskoka Natural Food Market and The Source. This is the first time the party has had a campaign office in this riding. "We're quite proud to have a fully staffed campaign office for this upcoming election, and I would encourage everyone to stop in and visit. Additionally, I am honoured to have Mike Schreiner, the Green Party Leader, joining us to launch our campaign on the first day of the election. This is a true reflection of how much the Green Party values the riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka", said Matt Richter, candidate for Parry Sound Muskoka.
Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, will be attending the event as a special guest. "I'm excited to be in Parry Sound Muskoka to launch the biggest campaign that the Green Party of Ontario has ever run. Ontario needs Green MPPs like Matt Richter who will be a powerful voice for local jobs, strong communities, and sustainable health care”. Richter and his campaign team are thrilled to welcome him back to the riding.
The Green Party of Ontario’s five-point-plan provides a fresh approach to Ontario politics. For more information about the party’s platform, visit www.itstimeforgreen.ca or drop by the campaign office. Office hours will be Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm; Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Campaign office's phone number is 705-637-0840.
All are welcome to the grand opening reception of the campaign office on September 7th at 5:00 pm!
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What: Campaign office grand opening
Who: Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario
When: Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Time: 5:00 pm
Where: Campaign office is located on Hwy 118W in the Bracebridge Shopping Centre, between Muskoka Natural Food Market & The Source
Contact: Veronica Leonard ● 705-783-7716 ● vmleonard@gmail.com
September 7, 2011 – BRACEBRIDGE – On the first day of the provincial election, the Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario announces the grand opening of its campaign office, located in the Metro Shopping Plaza between Muskoka Natural Food Market and The Source. This is the first time the party has had a campaign office in this riding. "We're quite proud to have a fully staffed campaign office for this upcoming election, and I would encourage everyone to stop in and visit. Additionally, I am honoured to have Mike Schreiner, the Green Party Leader, joining us to launch our campaign on the first day of the election. This is a true reflection of how much the Green Party values the riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka", said Matt Richter, candidate for Parry Sound Muskoka.
Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, will be attending the event as a special guest. "I'm excited to be in Parry Sound Muskoka to launch the biggest campaign that the Green Party of Ontario has ever run. Ontario needs Green MPPs like Matt Richter who will be a powerful voice for local jobs, strong communities, and sustainable health care”. Richter and his campaign team are thrilled to welcome him back to the riding.
The Green Party of Ontario’s five-point-plan provides a fresh approach to Ontario politics. For more information about the party’s platform, visit www.itstimeforgreen.ca or drop by the campaign office. Office hours will be Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm; Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Campaign office's phone number is 705-637-0840.
All are welcome to the grand opening reception of the campaign office on September 7th at 5:00 pm!
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Green Party of Ontario Candidate Bikes the Riding
August 8, 2011 – Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario Candidate, Matt Richter, will be riding his bicycle on a week long tour of our riding, starting on August 8, 2011.
Beginning at Grenville Farms in Severn Bridge, Richter will cycle as far east as Dorset, as far west as Parry Sound, and as far north as Burk’s Falls. He will be stopping in communities along the way to meet with residents and discuss the Green Party of Ontario’s platform.
“I hope to visit as many communities as possible before the election to give residents the opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns, and solutions about provincial politics and how it impacts them and their community” Richter explains. Supporters are also encouraged to join in during any leg of his cycling journey. “Whether it is for 1 km or 100 km, we will be showing others that we are engaging the community to be physically and politically active”, he says.
More information on Richter’s scheduled stops can be found on the party’s website at www.psmgreenparty.ca. Richter will also be posting updates via Twitter and Facebook as he cycles around the riding.
Keep tabs on where Matt’s at! Follow Matt’s ride on Twitter @MattRichterGPO or on the Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario’s facebook page.
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August 8, 2011 – Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario Candidate, Matt Richter, will be riding his bicycle on a week long tour of our riding, starting on August 8, 2011.
Beginning at Grenville Farms in Severn Bridge, Richter will cycle as far east as Dorset, as far west as Parry Sound, and as far north as Burk’s Falls. He will be stopping in communities along the way to meet with residents and discuss the Green Party of Ontario’s platform.
“I hope to visit as many communities as possible before the election to give residents the opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns, and solutions about provincial politics and how it impacts them and their community” Richter explains. Supporters are also encouraged to join in during any leg of his cycling journey. “Whether it is for 1 km or 100 km, we will be showing others that we are engaging the community to be physically and politically active”, he says.
More information on Richter’s scheduled stops can be found on the party’s website at www.psmgreenparty.ca. Richter will also be posting updates via Twitter and Facebook as he cycles around the riding.
Keep tabs on where Matt’s at! Follow Matt’s ride on Twitter @MattRichterGPO or on the Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario’s facebook page.
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Provincial Green Party leader visits Muskoka to launch 2011 platform
May 31, 2011 – GRAVENHURST – Green Party of Ontario (GPO) Leader Mike Schreiner is launching the party’s 2011 platform in various locations across Ontario. Joined by local Parry Sound-Muskoka candidate and shadow cabinet member Matt Richter and fellow Green Party supporters, Schreiner will deliver the Green Party’s vision for a fresh new approach to Ontario politics at the Gravenhurst Train Station on May 31st at 7:00 pm.
The Green Party of Ontario’s platform offers a bold vision for building a financially, socially and environmentally sustainable Ontario. After consulting thousands of citizens from hundreds of communities across Ontario, Schreiner will present a plan that offers sensible solutions to the challenges facing our communities.
This event is open to the public. All welcome!
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May 31, 2011 – GRAVENHURST – Green Party of Ontario (GPO) Leader Mike Schreiner is launching the party’s 2011 platform in various locations across Ontario. Joined by local Parry Sound-Muskoka candidate and shadow cabinet member Matt Richter and fellow Green Party supporters, Schreiner will deliver the Green Party’s vision for a fresh new approach to Ontario politics at the Gravenhurst Train Station on May 31st at 7:00 pm.
The Green Party of Ontario’s platform offers a bold vision for building a financially, socially and environmentally sustainable Ontario. After consulting thousands of citizens from hundreds of communities across Ontario, Schreiner will present a plan that offers sensible solutions to the challenges facing our communities.
This event is open to the public. All welcome!
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Parry Sound Muskoka Green Party of Ontario to Showcase Local Green Initiatives
August 29, 2010 - Port Sydney, ON ‐ The Parry Sound‐Muskoka Green Party of Ontario is proud to announce their 1st Annual Green Tour taking place on Saturday, October 16, 2010. This year's event will focus on highlighting locations in Port Sydney that exemplify green and sustainable initiatives. Read more...
August 29, 2010 - Port Sydney, ON ‐ The Parry Sound‐Muskoka Green Party of Ontario is proud to announce their 1st Annual Green Tour taking place on Saturday, October 16, 2010. This year's event will focus on highlighting locations in Port Sydney that exemplify green and sustainable initiatives. Read more...
Parry Sound-Muskoka Riding
Green Party of Ontario homepage - Green Party of Canada homepage
mattrichter@gpo.ca - (705) 637-0840
505 Hwy 118W, Unit 19, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1T1
Green Party of Ontario homepage - Green Party of Canada homepage
mattrichter@gpo.ca - (705) 637-0840
505 Hwy 118W, Unit 19, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1T1
