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.

We are now facing not just one challenge, but the triple whammy of climate change, energy cost, and the approaching bankruptcy of our growth based economic system. In the face of this, the traditional big three political parties have little to offer other than the status quo. Indeed, they know no other way of approaching politics or economics. In fact, since the 1950’s, our traditional parties have been promoting the very economic system that is now proving fatal to our planet, our health, and our societal wellbeing. Under the circumstance, we can expect little else than band-aid solutions to patch up the ailing patient, based on the inflexible and failing ideologies of left-right politics.

There is however a fourth option; one that brings economics to the service of people and planet, not vice-versa. The Green Party, of which you can be valuable part, uses a different value system upon which to base political decision making. In fact we are the only political party to base our policies on any value system at all!

Our values will keep us on track and position us as the only viable option in this era of uncertainty. We can lead Ontario through the critical challenges we now face and onward to a sustainable future; socially, economically, and ecologically.

At times I find it unsettling that we as a society must endure significant pain before we will acknowledge the need for a change in direction and act on that need. I believe we, as a society, are very near that tipping point. It is for this reason that we must seize the opportunity to show Ontarians a better way. To this end, the council and functionaries of the Green Party of Ontario are moving forward aggressively in preparation for our most successful election campaign ever in 2011. This will mean new approaches to everything from membership building to policy development.

In an uncertain age, we need your involvement and support more than ever to help guide the Green Party of Ontario to success in building a better future in Ontario.

So here’s to opportunity and a brighter tomorrow based on respect for people and planet.