(Halifax) Dr. Thomas Trappenberg has a message for Nova Scotians: “Strategic voting isn’t true democracy.” The Green Party of Nova Scotia leader spoke at the group’s AGM on Saturday, April 29, calling on the citizens of the province to vote their principles. One of the key points in the Green Party’s vision for a better Nova Scotia is to change the electoral system from first-past-the-post to a form of proportional representation. “What the current system says, essentially, is that your beliefs have to line up all in one of two or three buckets. Plus, the system is designed to be combative....
Green Party Meets to Encourage Nova Scotians to Expect Better
On April 29, 2017, Green Party members and interested members of the public from across Nova Scotia will gather at Dalhousie University in Halifax for the Annual General Meeting. The revitalized party will be electing provincial executive, identifying candidates to run in the next provincial election and discussing policy. Special guests will include PEI and NB Green Party leaders Peter Bevan-Baker and David Coon, each of whom are currently serving MLAs in their respective provinces. Recent mayoral candidate Lil MacPherson will also speak. Who: Green Party of Nova Scotia members and interested members of the public. Speakers: David Coon, Peter...
Would the GPNS leader ever whip a vote?
I have been asked if I, as the GPNS party leader, would ever whip a vote, forcing other party representatives to vote as I decree. My answer is quite simple, and clearly illustrated by what I am witnessing with recent events in the province. In every election, candidates make statements about how important it is to have local representation, and how their first allegiance is to their constituents. If this is true, how can the leader of the ruling party tell all party members how they must vote in the legislature, even when constituents are clearly stating this is not...
Nova Scotia Needs Innovative Education Reform
The leadership of the Green Party is questioning whether anything will, or even can be accomplished by the latest return to the bargaining table after the latest breakdown in contract negotiations. The teachers of Nova Scotia know how to teach their students. While the government negotiates with the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, students are being harmed by a combative approach to our education system. You cannot legislate or negotiate respect toward the teachers, the ability to hear them, nor common sense. The bargaining process does not address teachers’ needs in the classroom. While the government seems incapable of innovation, the...
McNeil Government Failing Parents, Teachers and Students
The Nova Scotia government has failed to sit at the table with our teachers, and has now called for a lock out of students and a move to rectify the situation through legislation. The actions of the government prove the teachers’ point that that the system currently depends upon their volunteer contributions, and they now seek to resolve this issue through legal force. This move is failing the teachers, parents and students of Nova Scotia. One thing is very clear in this process: It is time for a government approach that values listening and consensus, and takes the needs of...