We’ve all heard the saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. Unfortunately this piece of machismo advice is not often true. History demonstrates that in most cases when the going gets tough, without exceptional leadership, society becomes paralyzed.

Thank you to everyone who supported me in my bid for Green Party of Ontario deputy leader this past weekend. I am looking forward to my new role representing the needs and issues not only of Bruce-Grey, but all of Ontario.

The female deputy position was won by Judy Smith Torrie from Northumberland Quinte-West. She brings a wealth of experience in politics to the Green Party and I look forward to working with her and Frank de Jong over the next two years to move the Green Party forward.

The province has lost over 3000 farms since 2001. The average age of a farmer in Grey/Bruce is approaching 60 years. I was invited to speak at the recent graduation banquet at Chesley District High School where approximately 70% of the students come from working farms. When I asked how many graduates were planning on farming for a living, the answer was “likely none”. Unless we restore profitability to agriculture within five years, I believe we are looking at our last generation of farmers.

Health is an investment. Healthy citizens are productive, peaceful, creative, and giving; all things that help make a strong community. This investment comes back to society 100 fold over the years in the form of quality of life as well as dollar savings.

Five minutes with Shane on a variety of topics including our democratic system, effective voting, and electoral reform.

*****Video Transcript*****

One of the most annoying waste problems is over-packaging. It is also one of the easiest to remedy, but government and business continue to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the issue.
So, a while back the Sierra Club of Canada came up with a brilliant and simple way to get the message across.
Check it out at http://ontario.sierraclub.ca/campaigns/waste_diversion/improper_packagin... .
And have fun!

At times I feel that we as citizens of a democratic society have lost our will to fight for what is right; that we have we bought the myth that those with the power and money have the final say and our voices don’t count.