Green Party of Nova Scotia

The Green Party of Nova Scotia recognizes the intricate connections of a healthy environment, conservative use of our natural resources, thriving communities, and a sustainable economy.

Green Party Leader Thomas Trappenberg calls for a ban on open pen aquaculture.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 2
The Green Party of Nova Scotia calls for a ban on open pen aquaculture.  South Shore communities are clear, demanding protection for their coastal waters.  Thomas Trappenberg, the leader of the provincial Green Party say constituents must be respected.

“There is direct evidence that open pen aquaculture poisons ocean waters.  Fish waste, disease, and contamination from medicines destroys traditional fisheries, on which South Shore families depend.” said Trappenberg.  “The community has spoken: no open pen fish farms here.”

Thomas has an inside operational perspective on the industry.  An internationally trained scientist and professor at Dalhousie University, he helped startup Reel Data AI develop artificial intelligence (AI) systems for the much safer land based aquaculture industry.  “Doing the right thing for the environment does not mean saying no to strong economic development.” says Thomas.  “A safe, regulated, land based aquaculture industry creates quality food and jobs.  Nova Scotia has what it takes to be the world leader in this.”

Trappenberg has worked with South Shore community-led initiatives for years, supporting local groups like the Protect Liverpool Bay Association as the first federal political candidate calling for a national ban on open-pen aquaculture.  Together they pushed hard to stop massive salmon feedlots that were being forced on Nova Scotians by Cooke Aquaculture and the Federal Liberal government.

Another important issue with the industry is that it takes in more in that it provides.  “The evidence is clear: open pen fish farms struggle to produce as much food energy as they absorb in operation.” says Thomas, “Often they resort to just scraping our ocean bottoms of sea life to get enough fish food.  That is a price Nova Scotia and our environment cannot afford.”

Green Party of Nova Scotia principles include:

++  Sustainability
Move all open-net pen finfish aquaculture facilities into closed containment systems on land. As with land farmers transitioning from conventional production, provide financial and extension support will be ensure to fish farm workers to make this transition.

++  Ecological Wisdom
Stop to the proliferation of these damaging business practices like open net pen operations, and protect the most valuable resource in Nova Scotia : our seas and the people who depend on them.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE GREEN PARTY of NOVA SCOTIA or THOMAS : 
telephone  902 414 3960

Communications Chair position on GPNS Executive

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Executive Position – Communications Chair

Hello Green people!

First – a quick note of appreciation to all the tremendous folks keeping us as safe and healthy as possible just now. Top of the list – janitors. …But really, so many people who understand that their jobs are no longer as safe as they used to be, but who keep doing them simply because society desperately needs them to: grocery store staff, bus drivers, personal care assistants, lab techs, nurses, doctors, and the list goes on.

However, the primary purpose of this email is to invite you, or someone you know, to apply for the newly-created position of Communications Chair. The position is a non-voting Executive position. It is a volunteer position, like nearly all Executive positions.

You must be a member to apply, but you can sign up for membership right now, if you wish – follow the link on the main front page of our website www.greenpartyns.ca.

The job description is here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12Ogf90ieDNbza2pSrqQJljHJcNppg9hO8awJ-lW9gzs/edit?usp=sharing

TO APPLY, SEND US:

  • A 250-word statement / cover letter expressing why you think you would be great for the job.
  • A recent resume / CV
  • (optional) some examples (or links to examples) of your work
Submit your application to: communications.chair@greenpartyns.ca
Deadline for submission: Tuesday 7 April – 5:00pm ADT

The selection process is yet to be completely determined, and will depend upon the number of submissions we receive. However, it will, at a minimum, include:

  • a verbal (video-chat) interview of at least 15 minutes.
  • an approval vote by the Executive of the Party

If there are several qualified candidates, a more in-depth selection process may be designed.

Adrianna MacKinnon is the GPNS candidate in Cape Breton Centre!

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The Green Party of Nova Scotia is proud to announce that Adrianna MacKinnon is the GPNS candidate in the by-election in Cape Breton Centre. Election Day will be Tuesday, March 10th.

Here is a statement from Adrianna about her candidacy:

“My name is Adrianna MacKinnon and I have been a resident of Cape Breton Island for more than 50 years. I am an educator and community volunteer, dedicated to supporting others to live their best life. Meeting the ever-changing needs of of my family, while simultaneously achieving my professional and educational goals, has been my proudest accomplishment.

My core values align with the guiding principles of the Green Party. Participation of community members, at the grassroots level, ensures progressive policy development with programs that serve and benefit the interests of citizens and the environment.

I am committed to bringing diverse voices to the table as an elected MLA. The expression of a wider range of perspectives can only strengthen democracy and expand  identification of possible solutions to the challenges of today and in the future.”

Adrianna can be contacted at adrianna.mackinnon@greenpartyns.ca

 

Reflections on 2019 and Directions for 2020

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Dear Green Friends,

While reflecting on the last year and preparing for the new year, there is an issue on my mind that I would like to mention before the year comes to a draw. It is wonderful to see the increasing number of thoughtful members in our party, and I know that many want to get more active to fight for a future for our kids. I am now often asked how we prepare for the next election. Therefore, here are a few notes on my current thoughts.

We built over the last three years a strong internal organization, which I like to think is collaborative and inclusive. Many of us thought this necessary before jumping into more of a spotlight. Now I feel strongly that it is time to burst onto the scene.

While reflecting with some members on our general approach, it became increasingly apparent to us that we must be able to explain and demonstrate how we are a different party. This starts with our internal culture, which must reflect an honest respect for each other and time for community building. Furthermore, I think that a strong emphasis on a collaborative approach is important. This covers internal working groups, the strong appreciation of input from special interest groups and specialists, and an open mind to other parties with whom we want to find solutions. Lastly, we need to articulate and visualize better our vision for a green Nova Scotia with a strong green economy in which we all share the wealth of our `have province’.

In more pragmatic terms, we now need to get a team and its support in place for the next election. This starts, of course, with finding candidates for every riding. As grassroots party, this is primarily in the hands of each regional district. In principle, this should come from each electoral district, but given that our membership can still be thin in each electoral district, we created regional structures so that you can share resources. Thus, it is now important that the regions become active in identifying candidates and ideas for the local campaigns. If you are a member who wants to get more active, please contact your regional convenors now. You can find the contacts on our web page or just drop me a line.

Of course, the central party will try to support local campaigns. I view the role of the central party as a general support organization and to help with the overall messaging and highlighting our principles. We provide campaign training and templates for material such as signs and brochures. We are working on a platform that shows our values and our vision. We are also always grateful for suggestions and feedback.

I will try to lead with more communications. At this time, I have been conscious not to flood your emails or Facebook with my rants, but I hope I find a way to communicate regularly, at least to let you know what is going on. For now, I will continue to use the facebook page `Thomas Trappenberg: Leader for the Green Party of Nova Scotia’ for these communications until we find a better form of communication. I hope you will reach out with other ideas.

I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday with your families.

In solidarity and with much hope for the future, Thomas

Green Party Leadership: Enforcing Boat Harbour Act Respects First Nation and Environment

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December 20, 2019

The Green Party of Nova Scotia congratulates Premier McNeil on making this historical move after 50+ years of ineffective measures and wishful thinking on the part of past governments. “The government is now following their own law”, says Thomas Trappenberg.

Green Party Leader Thomas Trappenberg points out that, “The real failure of this issue was the lack of vision for a change to a modern industry. This is why we need a more visionary government. While changes in the forestry industry will likely create hardships in the short term, I am confident that the forestry industry will emerge even stronger in the long run.”

Premier Stephen McNeil’s recent announcement, of not extending the deadline for the Northern Pulp mill effluent in Pictou and that $50 million will be put towards the transition fund to help forestry sector workers affected by the mill closure, is met with great relief by the Green Party of Nova Scotia.

“Closing the mill is the right thing to do and the only course of action that leads to justice for the Pictou Landing First Nation.” says Deputy Leader Jessica Alexander, “Nova Scotia forests should be purposed for higher-value products than kraft pulp. Taxpayer money is better spent investing in local human capital than on subsidizing international companies.”

“It is very important that we kept our word to Pictou Landing First Nation”, leader Thomas Trappenberg explained, “They have suffered for so many years.” He adds, “Nobody wants people to lose their jobs and we recognize that there are challenges for workers and the forestry industry. Help for their transition is therefore also the right thing to do.”

The Green Party is looking forward to seeing more details of what the transition will look like and hopes that protecting the mill workers’ pensions is part of the plan.

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Media Contact:  Dr. Thomas Trappenberg

Leader, Green Party of Nova Scotia

leader@greenpartyns.ca

902-414-3960

 

Jessica Alexander

Leader, Green Party of Nova Scotia

deputy.leader@greenpartyns.ca

902-225-9130