Submitted by Jeremy Thorn
Danielle Valiquette has been selected as this riding’s Green Party candidate for the 2019 federal election by the Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Green Party.
Valiquette, a mother of three, farming with her husband Yves, is currently responsible for the Environment profile for the Municipality of Grey Highlands. A former business analyst and Project Manager who has also taught college English, Valiquette brings a rural voice attuned to the demands of the green economy and the power of communication to foster effective collaboration.
“What we need right now are politicians who are prepared to make bold and difficult decisions. Climate change needs a new kind of leadership with real, immediate action,” Valiquette said.
Her campaign will ride the “Green Wave” that swept Guelph’s Mike Schreiner to the Provincial legislature, resulted in Greens becoming the Official Opposition in PEI and elected Paul Manly as the newest Green MP In British Columbia, with hopes it will surge into the opportunity for change represented by Conservative MP Larry Miller’s retirement.
Local resident Jeremy Thorn was drawn to volunteering with the riding in support of Valiquette because “For me, it is species at risk, invasives as well as the monster, climate change. I decided it is time to more actively support the environment, which is key to the future, especially in the Northern Bruce where I have lived for over ten years.”
The speaker’s panel preceding Valiquette’s nomination keenly reflected Green Party values of Diversity, Ecological Wisdom, Social Justice and Participatory Democracy. Saugeen First nation Elder Shirley John opened the afternoon with a water ceremony followed by Jodi Koberinski, a global leader in the cause of food sovereignty activism. Koberinski stressed advocating for the remaining 2% of Canada’s population that still farms, stating “We aren’t here to critique people…we are here to find solutions.”
Panelist Teresa Pearson carried the theme of food as community transformation by describing Canadian Mental Health Association local programming that provides vocational skills and healing through food growing and preparation. Finally, Valiquette led a dialogue with local business woman/ Olympic downhill ski racer Larissa Yurkiw about Yurkiw’s empowered return from injury to World Class achievement and lessons for our own growth and transformation.
For more information please contact the candidate Danielle Valiquette (226) 668-6524 and for more about the local Green Party please call Allison Billings (705) 888-8625.
