January 2012
1 post
Long history of politicians crossing the floor →
4 January 2012
Paula Conning, President of the Dufferin-Caledon Federal Green Party Association, comments on Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones’ private members bill, the Respect for Voter’s Act, which would require provincial politicians to return to their riding and run in by-elections before they are allowed to join another party.
November 2011
1 post
Big Money’s role causes apathy →
19 November 2011
Provincial candidate Rob Strang comments on a letter to the editor on why too many of Ontario taxpayers’ dollars are wasted meeting the needs of the ruling party’s corporate and union sponsors.
October 2011
2 posts
Orangeville Banner endorsements →
4 October 2011
“Jones and Strang each proved themselves worthy of representing the riding as MPP during their performances at local all-candidates debates; they’ve demonstrated a clear understanding of local issues and presented a plan to improve our communities.”
“Electing Strang… would bring attention to the riding as the first to vote in a Green MPP. And if his...
Caledon Enterprise endorses Rob Strang →
4 October 2011
“In Dufferin-Caledon we have… former Orangeville town councillor and Green party candidate Rob Strang, a man we feel has the experience and foresight to lead Ontarians to a sustainable future.”
“As a candidate for Orangeville council, he steadfastly refused developer donations to his campaign.
“He believes changing the laws on who can fund a...
September 2011
12 posts
Local candidates discuss how to pay for promises →
22 September 2011
Green party candidate Rob Strang said his is the only party that has a plan for balancing the budget in the coming term.
“Debt is going to kill us,” he declared.
The plan of combat it, he said, includes not lowering corporate tax rates (he said they’re already low) and not subsidizing energy costs. He said that in the long-term, the only way to control energy costs is to ...
Green Party pins hopes on four ridings →
22 September 2011
“The [Ontario Green] party has targeted Schreiner’s own riding of Simcoe-Grey, BruceGrey-Owen Sound, Guelph and Dufferin-Caledon, all regions where the Greens have performed well federally and provincially.”
Candidates question quarry rules →
20 September 2011
Green Party candidate Rob Strang says review of Aggregate Resources Act “is simply the first step in solving a much larger, more complex, situation. Beyond the ARA, the next move, and “much more meaningful step,” would be to review the Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Plan, which calls for 80 per cent of Ontario’s growth to occur in this region.”
“They’re...
Orangeville Banner biography for Rob Strang →
18 September 2011
Candidates on local jobs →
19 September 2011
Education issues about funding and management, say... →
19 September 2011
Rob Strang, candidate for the Green Party of Ontario, attacked the other three parties for not having a plan to balance the budget in the next term of office. “You’re absolutely right,” he said. “Debt is going to kill us.”
Strang said he would support the community’s volunteer work force by giving them more time to volunteer.
Strang localized the issue, stating the...
Health care concerns reign during Orangeville... →
19 September 2011
“The Green Party is also committed to increasing the health care budget, but more so towards improving the overall health of people.”
“Without a doubt, the best return on your health care dollar is preventing illness and disease,” Strang said, noting the Green Party would pour $1.6 billion over four years into community health clinics and another $2 billion...
Quarry dominates candidates debate →
11 September 2011
Green Party absolutely opposed to mega-quarry
Strang questioned sincerity of Liberal party to treat Environmental Assessment of the quarry seriously given the EA was ordered just before the election
Strang said quarry should have not been considered at all and that government should have predicted a large quarry application and been proactive
D-C candidates welcome EA for mega-quarry →
8 September 2011
- Rob Strang supports EA for proposed mega-quarry
- The Green Party has advocated for more recycling of aggregate to limit quarry activity
- Mr. Strang says increase the provincial levy on virgin aggregate to encourage alternative
Leaders gather in opposition to Mega-Quarry
Green Party leaders and Mega-Quarry Opposition Leaders will be gathering by the proposed Mega-Quarry on Friday, September 9th, to speak about the issues. Following the meeting, Green Party leaders will be taken on a brief driving tour to deepen their understanding of quality of the soil and the water features that would be lost to the quarry.
Attendees include:
From the Green Party - ...
Green Party calls for Real Action to protect...
1 September 2011
Orangeville - Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner and Dufferin- Caledon candidate Rob Strang congratulate the community groups, farmers and residents who have worked together in calling for an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Melancthon Mega-quarry. For months, Strang and Schreiner have actively worked with citizens fighting to stop to this project.
The Green Party is...
D-C candidates gearing up for October 6 election →
1 September 2011
On the mega-quarry: “Mr. Strang and Ms. Holloway both want to see the Aggregate Resources Act reviewed and a moratorium on quarrying on any agricultural land that is classified as 1 through 3, which essentially includes all land that has crop potential and is not only good for grazing livestock. While not questioning Ms. Holloway’s commitment, Mr. Strang felt her views were...
August 2011
5 posts
Green Party of Ontario Position on the Melancthon...
30 August 2011
The Green Party of Ontario (GPO) believes that the proposed Highlands Companies’ Melancthon quarry application should be subject to a full Environmental Assessment (EA) under the Environmental Assessment Act of Ontario.
To qualify for such a Full Environmental Assessment, the mega-quarry must be designated as a “major commercial or business enterprise or activity” under the...
Eliminate corporate donations →
4 August 2011
Paula Conning, campaign manager, Dufferin-Caledon Green Party, letter to the editor: “The Highland Companies is not donating to the Liberal and Conservative parties because they believe it’s their corporate responsibility to promote democracy. They’re supporting the parties they believe are most likely to support their interests — the ...
Strang named Green environment, natural resources... →
4 August 2011
Dufferin-Caledon Green candidate Rob Strang saw his position with the provincial party enhanced by the party’s announcement that he is its environment and natural resources critic.
In an interview Tuesday, Mr. Strang said a priority of his party will be to push for changes to the provincial Aggregate Resources Act to make environmental assessments (EA) be mandatory for quarry...
Increased critic role for Rob Strang →
4 August 2011
Dufferin-Caledon candidate Rob Strang’s duties with the Green Party of Ontario have expanded.
Already named deputy leader of party back in April, Strang was given the environment, economic development and trade, and natural resources portfolio last week.
“Our candidates come from all walks of life and bring valuable community experience with them,” party leader Mike Schreiner...
Strang Appointed Green Critic in Two Key Areas for...
2 August 2011
Orangeville, Ontario — The Green Party of Ontario announces the appointment of Rob Strang (Dufferin-Caledon) as the critic for the Environment and Natural Resources.
“With the proposal for the Melancthon Mega Quarry in Dufferin-Caledon and the McCormick quarry in Caledon, Rob will look at the portfolios of Environment and Natural Resources with a critical eye, aware of the...
July 2011
2 posts
Ontario Greens say D-C their top provincial riding →
14 July 2011
In Dufferin-Caledon the Green Party has more than doubled its vote in every provincial general election since 1999, getting 16% of the vote in 2007.
“This poll [with Greens at 29%,] says we’re on track to double our vote again in 2011,” said Mr. Strang, “and that we’re in position to run a winning campaign.”
The Green Party platform includes: balancing the provincial budget in ...
Dufferin-Caledon top Green riding in Ontario →
14 July 2011
“[A poll] showed 29 per cent of the 395 randomly-selected Dufferin — Caledon respondents said they would vote for the Green Party if the provincial election were held today.
“This is great news,” declared Provincial Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner. “It confirms what we have always felt, that Dufferin — Caledon residents fundamentally embrace Green values. It is good news...
June 2011
2 posts
Unions, corporations play politics →
13 June 2011
Rob Strang argues to stop union and corporate donations to political campaigns.
Mixed reviews for federal post-election budget →
8 June 2011
“From the Green Party’s perspective… Flaherty’s budget missed the mark in three areas: failing to address the plight of First Nations communities, the threat of crumbling infrastructure in Canada’s municipalities and the crisis posed by a rapidly changing climate.”
May 2011
1 post
Federal election results
2 May 2011 With the support of 15% of voters in Dufferin-Caledon, Ard Van Leeuwen has secured a second place finish in the Federal Election. Ard was the only Green Party candidate across Canada to come in second place! We also congratulate Green Party Leader Elizabeth May on her decisive victory in Saanich—Gulf Islands with 46% of the vote, 7,400 votes ahead of the next candidate! Thank you...
April 2011
15 posts
Tilson attacked for the same old →
28 April 2011
Van Leeuwen told residents before him that a Green government would bring respect back to Canada… “Since our last election, the government has lost its way… They’ve abused the power of the senate by using it to kill legislation passed by elected representatives. They’ve prorogued parliament. And the rest of the world has noticed.
“Elect a Green MP in...
Green Party rated best on reform proposals →
28 April 2011
Elizabeth May’s Green Party scores best of the five major parties on promised government ethics reforms, advocacy group Democracy Watch says.
Strang rises up the Green Party ranks →
25 April 2011
The former Orangeville town councillor and current provincial Green Party candidate for Dufferin-Caledon was appointed deputy leader of the Green Party of Ontario in Huntsville on April 17.
CANDIDATE PROFILE: Green Party candidate Ard Van... →
25 April 2011
Ard responds to questions from The Orangeville Banner, including the top issues in Dufferin-Caledon, working with Provincial government, party platform and voter turnout.
Green conscience is the key →
21 April 2011
Van Leeuwen: “The first few elected Greens will begin to form a green conscience in Ottawa and work with Conservatives, Liberals, NDP and Bloc to help further our agenda. Our emphasis would be to ensure Canada lives within our fiscal and environmental means and makes progresses on social issues such as building strong local communities and eliminating poverty.”
Federal candidates lock heads in local debate →
18 April 2011
Van Leeuwen:
- Canada only used eight per cent of stimulus funding during the recession to modernize its economy
- The Green Party’s program would reduce the deficit faster than the Tories
- Conservatives guilty of being in contempt of Parliament part of a pattern
- Tories could have put cost of election towards Guaranteed Living Supplement (GIS) funding for seniors to...
Why it’s time to have some honest democracy →
15 April 2011
Letter to the editor: “For several years, as far as politics were concerned, I was a devoted member of the Apathy Party…
“I have changed somewhat, becoming more aware of the quality of people whom I have met in the Green Party that is gaining ground, support and recognition in the area which I am now living in. Good honest people; educated and very much...
Green leader May visits Dufferin-Caledon →
14 April 2011
[Van Leeuwen] said this riding doesn’t have a high profile in Ottawa, and he said he would change that if elected.
Ms. May said Mr. Van Leeuwen would be a big asset for the party if he were to get elected. He’s the finance critic in the Green shadow cabinet, and she said if he gets to take on the federal budget, things will be in better shape.
Ms. May boasted that the Greens...
Green Party leader Elizabeth May visits...
12 April 2011
Green Party leader Elizabeth May made downtown Orangeville the first stop yesterday in a four city swing through southern Ontario. Mono piper Joe Thompson led Ms. May and supporters, including Dufferin-Caledon Green Party Candidate and Party Finance Critic Ard Van Leeuwen, to a rally of more than 150 people at the Academy of Performing Arts on Broadway. Ms. May went on to address...
Shades of Green in Orangeville →
12 April 2011
Elizabeth May was busy drumming up support for Dufferin-Caledon Green party candidate Ard Van Leeuwen in Orangeville on Sunday (April 10) afternoon, urging voters to mark their ballots green on May 2.
Speaking to a packed house inside The Academy of the Performing Arts, the Green Party of Canada leader shared her party’s vision and ideas she claims the major television...
Federal election debates scheduled →
7 April 2011
On April 14, the GDACC debate will take place at Westside Secondary School in Orangeville, before a subsequent debate will follow at Grace Tipling Hall in Shelburne on April 19.
Both debates are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
The following day (April 20), the Canadian Federation of University Women, Orangeville and Area Chapter is planning an all-candidates panel discussion.
Green Party releases platform →
7 April 2011
The green book contains tax cuts for low income Canadians, tax splitting for Canadian families and real measures to clean up the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Our platform makes it clear. The Green Party of Canada has a plan for a smart economy, strong communities and true democracy,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May.
Let May into the debate →
5 April 2011
“During the last election, [the Green Party] was the only one that actually increased its number of votes, receiving 937,613 nods compared to 664,068 in 2006. The Conservatives lost 165,002 votes; the Liberals 835,230 and the NDP saw its number decrease by 74,309.
“As the leader of an established, and continually growing, political party in our country, she deserves...
Ontario budget low on promises →
3 April 2011
Strang says he’s ”concerned that the budget wasn’t more precise in explaining how the money would be spent.” He outlined how the Green Party would aid small business, which he contended is “fuelling our recovery.”
March 2011
3 posts
Van Leeuwen set to hit campaign trail →
31 March 2011
“Modernize our economy and make it smart,” and “return to balanced budgets faster than any other party is currently proposing.” — Van Leeuwen
Strang appointed Green Party Economic Critic →
“I hope to give Dufferin-Caledon more influence on provincial policies and priorities” - Rob Strang
Budget opens the door to another election →
[The budget has] initiatives “for a lot of targeted groups, but nothing really big for Canada,” Van Leeuwen said
January 2011
2 posts
Strang confirmed as DC Green candidate →
“Rob Strang, a former Orangeville town councillor, was selected last week as the Dufferin-Caledon candidate.”
Strang likely Green provincial candidate →
“It appears likely that Rob Strang will be the Dufferin-Caledon Green Party candidate in the next provincial election, scheduled to take place Oct. 6.”
December 2010
1 post
DC Greens wait for nominations →
“Nobody has formally thrown his or her hat into the ring to run for the Green Party in Dufferin-Caledon during the provincial election this fall.”
November 2010
1 post
Schreiner visits DC Greens to talk party platform →
“Canvassing the province to consult with party members before next October’s election, Mike Schreiner, leader for the Green Party of Ontario, recently made a stop in Dufferin. “Campaigning on a platform focused on placing “government back in the hands of citizens,” Schreiner was faced with suggestions, questions and concerns from several of Dufferin-Caledon’s Greens in...
March 2010
1 post
Federal budget gets mixed reviews in Dufferin →
“The government’s budget missed the mark by not spending money to help develop a robust green energy sector.”
February 2010
1 post
Care for the world by caring for the people first →
“Care for the world by caring for the people first.” - Paula Conning, DC Greens Federal President, letter to the editor