TORONTO — The world’s longest-serving Green Party leader is stepping down in November after 16 years at the helm. Now, the Green Party of Ontario (GPO) is looking to build on Frank de Jong's political success with a new leader.
Mike Schreiner, a Toronto resident and advocate for independent businesses and sustainable communities, has stepped forward to seek the leadership position. His leadership bid will go to ratification at the Leadership Convention and Annual Policy Conference on Nov 13 - 15, 2009 in London.
In his role as GPO Policy Coordinator from 2007 to 2009, Schreiner worked hard to engage and empower GPO members at the grassroots level. He was the GPO's candidate in the Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock by-election in March of this year, placing third. Schreiner is also well known as a co-founder of Local Food Plus, an award winning not-for-profit organization that brings farmers and consumers together to support local sustainable food systems.
De Jong announced in May that he would not run for re-election. Since becoming the provincial party's first official leader in 1993, he has developed the GPO into a recognized political movement, culminating in a historic high of 8% in the 2007 provincial election.
"The GPO keeps growing, attracting members, volunteers and voters from across the political spectrum. As we approach the 2011 Ontario election, it's time for a new leader to take the reins and continue building on this strong foundation,"
Members of the GPO will have several opportunities to meet Mike Schreiner, ask questions, share their ideas for the future of the party and hear about his vision for 2011 prior to the Leadership Convention and Policy Conference in London, Nov. 13-15, 2009. For updated events visit www.gpo.ca
-30-
For more information, contact:
Becky Smit
Green Party of Ontario
Tel: 416-977-7476 / beckysmit@gpo.ca
