Dear Greens,

 

As fall fades away, I can hardly believe the holiday season is nearly upon us. 

Since our last edition of Pure Greenius, so much has happened! 

 

On September 15th, Dan Perrin's report on the public consultations regarding

nuclear power in Saskatchewan was released.  The result: an overwhelming

“No to Nuclear” from the people of Saskatchewan.  The Wall Government’s

response: a “yellow light” for nuclear power.  Apparently, public opinion is of

marginal value to Premier Wall.  The nuclear debate is far from over, but we

are winning!  The nuclear debate has also increased public demand for

renewable energy and energy conservation. 

 

On September 21st, the Green Party of Saskatchewan saw exciting results in

the Regina Douglas Park and Saskatoon Riversdale By-elections. In Regina

Douglas Park, Victor Becker Lau received an impressive 7.2% of the vote,

actually doubling the vote he received as the GPS candidate in the 2007

election. Gaining ground in a by-election is very difficult for a political party to

do, and doubling the vote in a by-election is practically unheard of! 

Congratulations to Victor for running a strong campaign in Regina Douglas Park

against Dwain Lingenfelter!  In Saskatoon Riversdale, Tobi-Dawne Smith

received 2.04% of the vote and placed first in one of the polls! 

Congratulations to Tobi-Dawne on a job well done in a very tough race! 

Tobi-Dawne continues to show her dedication to spreading the Green message

as President of the GPS and Editor in Chief of Pure Greenius.  The 2009

provincial by-elections were a valuable learning experience, especially as we

start developing a strong campaign plan for electing our first Green MLAs in

the 2011 provincial election.  The GPS platform from the 2009 by-elections

can be viewed at: http://www.saskgreen.ca/2009-election-platform.  I would like to offer a HUGE thanks to the candidates, volunteers, voters, and financial supporters of the GPS 2009 By-elections campaigns!

 

On October 4th, over five hundred people attended a “No-Nukes, Go Renewables” rally and parade in Saskatoon.  The parade of petitioners between the University and the downtown park where the rally was held was an empowering experience.  At one point I looked behind me and could not see the end to the line of people carrying “No Nuclear, Go Green” signs.  I saw many proud Green Party of Saskatchewan supporters in attendance.  The keynote speaker of the rally was Winona LaDuke, a renowned Native American environmentalist who is leading her community in a major renewable energy community development initiative to reduce fossil fuel consumption and to prevent nuclear expansion. Winona’s message of truth and inspiration touched many of us that day.  Other speakers included Jim Harding, Peter Prebble, Ryan Mieli, myself, and many more.  The Raging Grannies and local musicians also took part.  Some of the other topics addressed at the rally included medical isotopes, the economics of nuclear, renewable energy, nuclear waste issues, and citizen involvement. Thank-you to Clean Green Saskatchewan for organizing such an important rally!

Only four days later, on October 8th, I made a presentation on behalf of the GPS to the Government of Saskatchewan’s Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies about how to best meet the province's energy needs. You can view the written copy of my submission at http://revolution-solution.blogspot.com/2009/11/unpacking-questiona-presentation-by.html.  To view the video archive of my presentation, click the video camera icon from October 8th on the calendar at the following link, and then skip ahead on the video clip to just over 3 hours and ten minutes into the video: http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/committees/Main%20and%20Common%20Pages/Calendar/calendar_Oct2009.htm.  I apologize for the multiple instructions.  (Any tech savvy volunteers out there?) The Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies will be continuing its inquiry into the province's energy needs with public meetings will in Lloydminster, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Estevan and Regina during the period of January 18-29, 2010.  We need Greens out in numbers at these meetings. Start preparing a submission today!

 

The rest of October flew by just as fast as I pushed forward the Green agenda as a candidate for Councillor in the Moose Jaw Civic Election.  My platform of urban sustainability, green jobs, and green energy/energy conservation garnered much support—almost enough to get me elected!  With 2111 votes on (and only 39% voter turnout on E-day, October 28th), I was incredibly close to becoming Moose Jaw’s first green Councillor.  (Not bad considering I ran on a shoestring budget!)  Congratulations to Jim Elliot for running as a candidate for Mayor in the Regina Civic Election and pushing forward the Green message!   

 

After taking a couple of weeks to catch my breath, I am ready for what I have to do next.  In the coming months I will be working to build our membership base and spread our message of hope through speaking engagements, press conferences, community events, and fundraising dinners featuring fine wines paired with gourmet culinary creations made from locally produced ingredients and prepared by yours truly—Chef Larissa!  (For those of you who don’t know, prior to returning to the U of R in the fall of 2007, I ran my own business as a Personal Chef in Moose Jaw). 

 

For more information on hosting a speaking engagement or fundraising dinner/tasting event in your community, please contact me at saskgreenleader@gmail.com.

 

In recent months, a fundamental shift in society—a green shift—has become more noticeable.  As the Sask Party and NDP continue to fail the environmental and social aspirations of the people of Saskatchewan, the 2011 provincial election is shaping up to be an incredibly important election for the Green Party of Saskatchewan.  It’s time to think green, live green, and vote green!  Volunteer, Donate, or Join today! 

 

Peace and Solidarity,

 

Larissa Shasko

 

To make a donation to the GPS, send cheque or money order payable to the Green Party of Saskatchewan to 2138 McIntyre St. Regina, SK, S4P 2R7