Toronto to host Green Party 2010 policy and leadership convention
I’m happy to announce the exciting news that Toronto has will host the Greens’ 2010 bi-annual general meeting, policy and leadership convention. After reviewing convention bids, the Convention Committee recommended Toronto , and this recommendation was just officially endorsed by Federal Council.
Toronto is a stellar location for a convention, given the massive population base located in and near the city. In fact, there are eight million Canadians within a three-hour drive of Toronto. Being the transportation hub of the country, Toronto has many convenient public transit options, including the GO Train, Via Rail, Greyhound and of course the TTC, facilitating low carbon travel for delegates. For those who must travel by air, that’s convenient as well.
Toronto is also the largest media market in the country and is the home of nearly all the national media. The local press is diverse and abundant, too, meaning conditions are favourable toward receiving substantial coverage. The local coverage could help Green candidates throughout the city raise their profiles — something that is strategically significant, as nearly 10 percent of Canada’s ridings are in the GTA.
As the Ontario Representative on Federal Council and a new Torontonian, I’m thrilled the convention will take place in my province and city. I’m on the Convention Committee, and as we set about the task of planning this event, I’m hoping for some feedback from you. I’m going to throw out some general questions, and you can feel free to respond with comments or by email – camille -at- greenparty.ca
- How can the Greens make this convention eco-friendly? For example, minimizing paper, eliminating disposables, fair trade, organic and low-carbon food, etc.
- What are your thoughts on past policy resolution procedures we have tried out, and do you have suggestions for improvement? You may like to comment on who can put forward resolutions, how ranking takes place, workshopping resolutions, debate, voting on the convention floor, amendments, etc.
- What kind of training or other information sessions would you like to see at the convention? Do you want to see sessions on fundraising? Media training? Organizing? Campaign planning? GRIMES? Something else?
- Guest speakers — any suggestions?
- Webcasting and interactivity for those who cannot intend in person – ideas?
Please post or send any feedback you have on these issues.
Finally, congratulations to Trinity–Spadina candidate Stephen LaFrenie for all of his great work putting Toronto’s bid together, and a huge thanks to all those who submitted convention bids.
