19th General Meeting

"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." - Robert Swann

24 Feb - 25 Feb

Sessions

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Changes at "G23-B001 Professionalize Federal Council and the Fund"

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To reform the way that the Federal Council and the Fund are constituted, to include the recruitment
of individuals with professional experience including experienced campaign managers, communications
specialists, accountants, lawyers, political analysts, human resources and experts in governance and
the operation of non-profit organizations. To vet elected candidates for the Federal Council and the
Fund including social media checks, reference checks, verified resumes and criminal record checks
before a newly elected member can take their seat. To ensure that all members of the Federal Council
and the Fund receive comprehensive governance, finance, political and communications training if
they do not already have relevant experience or credentials.
While candidates aspiring to become Green Party of Canada (GPC) Members of Parliament undergo a
rigorous vetting process (see attached candidate application form), ensuring their suitability to
represent the party in federal elections, the same level of scrutiny does not extend to candidates
for the Federal Council. This discrepancy raises concerns about the potential for inexperienced
individuals to assume key governance roles, particularly in provinces or territories with limited
party membership.
The absence of proper vetting procedures for Council and Fund members also creates a gap that may
allow candidates with falsified qualifications to be elected. Mere claims of expertise, such as
those found on resumes or business cards, lack substantive verification. To mitigate this risk, the
party must establish a comprehensive vetting process that encompasses social media assessments,
reference checks, verified resumes, and criminal record evaluations. Only through such a stringent
vetting process can the party be assured that an individual’s skills and experience align with their
asserted qualifications.
In addition to robust vetting, comprehensive training is paramount to equip Federal Council and Fund
members with the skills and knowledge required for their responsibilities. Proficiency in
governance, finance, politics, and communications ensures that all members understand their roles in
the party's governance and operations, as well as their fiduciary responsibilities.
Many dedicated Green Party candidates and organizers have devoted significant personal and
professional resources to advance the party's agenda. Their hard work, including substantial
fundraising, volunteer mobilization, and effective campaign leadership, can be undermined by the
unprofessional behavior of Federal Council or Fund members.
My personal experiences underscore the urgency for reform. As a former Green Party Member of
Parliament, who played a crucial role in building the party's profile in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, I
witnessed unprofessional conduct within the Federal Council and the Fund. Unprofessional behavior
permeated these bodies, impacting both public and private discussions. Such unprofessionalism
directly affected election campaigns and contributed to the party’s electoral losses, including my
own.
The Green Party of Canada's journey towards greater success hinges on the professionalization of its
governance. Council and Fund members must possess the expertise and skills necessary to guide the
party effectively. While regional representatives can be trained to meet the party's professional
standards, whenever possible it is imperative to recruit experienced professionals into key
governance positions to provide sound advice and guidance to the Federal Council and the Fund.
Suggested Revisions to Bylaw 2:
Add New Section "Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members"
The Federal Council and the Fund will actively seek individuals with diverse professional
backgrounds, including experienced campaign managers, communications specialists, accountants,
lawyers, political analysts, human resources experts, and governance professionals. This involves
transparent communication with the membership, including the circulation of a “skills matrix” that
demonstrates which skills are currently well represented on the Federal Council and Fund Board and
which are needed. Applicants should be expected to provide details of their relevant skills during
the application process.
Candidates seeking election to the Federal Council and the Fund shall undergo a comprehensive
vetting process. This process shall include social media checks, reference checks, verification of
resumes, and criminal record checks. Only candidates who successfully complete this vetting process
shall be eligible to take their seats upon election.
To ensure effective governance, all members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess
relevant experience or credentials shall receive comprehensive training in areas such as governance,
finance, politics, and communications.
Modify "2.1.5 Election to Federal Council and Term of Office" to include:
The election process for any office of the Federal Council shall incorporate the provisions outlined
in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Additionally, elected members shall undergo the training specified in Section [TBD - Expertise and
Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw if they do not already possess
relevant experience or credentials.
Modify "2.1.5.8 The following people are ineligible to run for Federal Council, serve or continue
serving as Federal Councillors:" to include:
2.1.5.8.5
Any candidate who has not successfully completed the vetting process outlined in Section [TBD -
Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Add New Section:
2.8
Training of Federal Council and Fund Members
2.8.1
All elected members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess relevant experience or
credentials shall receive comprehensive training in governance, finance, politics, and
communications, as specified in Section 2.0.3 of this bylaw.
Submitter: Paul Manly

Additions

+Proposal Text
+
To reform the way that the Federal Council and the Fund are constituted, to include the recruitment
of individuals with professional experience including experienced campaign managers, communications
specialists, accountants, lawyers, political analysts, human resources and experts in governance and
the operation of non-profit organizations. To vet elected candidates for the Federal Council and the
Fund including social media checks, reference checks, verified resumes and criminal record checks
before a newly elected member can take their seat. To ensure that all members of the Federal Council
and the Fund receive comprehensive governance, finance, political and communications training if
they do not already have relevant experience or credentials.
+Background
+
While candidates aspiring to become Green Party of Canada (GPC) Members of Parliament undergo a
rigorous vetting process (see attached candidate application form), ensuring their suitability to
represent the party in federal elections, the same level of scrutiny does not extend to candidates
for the Federal Council. This discrepancy raises concerns about the potential for inexperienced
individuals to assume key governance roles, particularly in provinces or territories with limited
party membership.
The absence of proper vetting procedures for Council and Fund members also creates a gap that may
allow candidates with falsified qualifications to be elected. Mere claims of expertise, such as
those found on resumes or business cards, lack substantive verification. To mitigate this risk, the
party must establish a comprehensive vetting process that encompasses social media assessments,
reference checks, verified resumes, and criminal record evaluations. Only through such a stringent
vetting process can the party be assured that an individual’s skills and experience align with their
asserted qualifications.
In addition to robust vetting, comprehensive training is paramount to equip Federal Council and Fund
members with the skills and knowledge required for their responsibilities. Proficiency in
governance, finance, politics, and communications ensures that all members understand their roles in
the party's governance and operations, as well as their fiduciary responsibilities.
Many dedicated Green Party candidates and organizers have devoted significant personal and
professional resources to advance the party's agenda. Their hard work, including substantial
fundraising, volunteer mobilization, and effective campaign leadership, can be undermined by the
unprofessional behavior of Federal Council or Fund members.
My personal experiences underscore the urgency for reform. As a former Green Party Member of
Parliament, who played a crucial role in building the party's profile in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, I
witnessed unprofessional conduct within the Federal Council and the Fund. Unprofessional behavior
permeated these bodies, impacting both public and private discussions. Such unprofessionalism
directly affected election campaigns and contributed to the party’s electoral losses, including my
own.
The Green Party of Canada's journey towards greater success hinges on the professionalization of its
governance. Council and Fund members must possess the expertise and skills necessary to guide the
party effectively. While regional representatives can be trained to meet the party's professional
standards, whenever possible it is imperative to recruit experienced professionals into key
governance positions to provide sound advice and guidance to the Federal Council and the Fund.
Suggested Revisions to Bylaw 2:
Add New Section "Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members"
The Federal Council and the Fund will actively seek individuals with diverse professional
backgrounds, including experienced campaign managers, communications specialists, accountants,
lawyers, political analysts, human resources experts, and governance professionals. This involves
transparent communication with the membership, including the circulation of a “skills matrix” that
demonstrates which skills are currently well represented on the Federal Council and Fund Board and
which are needed. Applicants should be expected to provide details of their relevant skills during
the application process.
Candidates seeking election to the Federal Council and the Fund shall undergo a comprehensive
vetting process. This process shall include social media checks, reference checks, verification of
resumes, and criminal record checks. Only candidates who successfully complete this vetting process
shall be eligible to take their seats upon election.
To ensure effective governance, all members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess
relevant experience or credentials shall receive comprehensive training in areas such as governance,
finance, politics, and communications.
Modify "2.1.5 Election to Federal Council and Term of Office" to include:
The election process for any office of the Federal Council shall incorporate the provisions outlined
in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Additionally, elected members shall undergo the training specified in Section [TBD - Expertise and
Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw if they do not already possess
relevant experience or credentials.
Modify "2.1.5.8 The following people are ineligible to run for Federal Council, serve or continue
serving as Federal Councillors:" to include:
2.1.5.8.5
Any candidate who has not successfully completed the vetting process outlined in Section [TBD -
Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Add New Section:
2.8
Training of Federal Council and Fund Members
2.8.1
All elected members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess relevant experience or
credentials shall receive comprehensive training in governance, finance, politics, and
communications, as specified in Section 2.0.3 of this bylaw.
Submitter: Paul Manly

+Proposal Text
+
To reform the way that the Federal Council and the Fund are constituted, to include the recruitment
of individuals with professional experience including experienced campaign managers, communications
specialists, accountants, lawyers, political analysts, human resources and experts in governance and
the operation of non-profit organizations. To vet elected candidates for the Federal Council and the
Fund including social media checks, reference checks, verified resumes and criminal record checks
before a newly elected member can take their seat. To ensure that all members of the Federal Council
and the Fund receive comprehensive governance, finance, political and communications training if
they do not already have relevant experience or credentials.
+Background
+
While candidates aspiring to become Green Party of Canada (GPC) Members of Parliament undergo a
rigorous vetting process (see attached candidate application form), ensuring their suitability to
represent the party in federal elections, the same level of scrutiny does not extend to candidates
for the Federal Council. This discrepancy raises concerns about the potential for inexperienced
individuals to assume key governance roles, particularly in provinces or territories with limited
party membership.
The absence of proper vetting procedures for Council and Fund members also creates a gap that may
allow candidates with falsified qualifications to be elected. Mere claims of expertise, such as
those found on resumes or business cards, lack substantive verification. To mitigate this risk, the
party must establish a comprehensive vetting process that encompasses social media assessments,
reference checks, verified resumes, and criminal record evaluations. Only through such a stringent
vetting process can the party be assured that an individual’s skills and experience align with their
asserted qualifications.
In addition to robust vetting, comprehensive training is paramount to equip Federal Council and Fund
members with the skills and knowledge required for their responsibilities. Proficiency in
governance, finance, politics, and communications ensures that all members understand their roles in
the party's governance and operations, as well as their fiduciary responsibilities.
Many dedicated Green Party candidates and organizers have devoted significant personal and
professional resources to advance the party's agenda. Their hard work, including substantial
fundraising, volunteer mobilization, and effective campaign leadership, can be undermined by the
unprofessional behavior of Federal Council or Fund members.
My personal experiences underscore the urgency for reform. As a former Green Party Member of
Parliament, who played a crucial role in building the party's profile in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, I
witnessed unprofessional conduct within the Federal Council and the Fund. Unprofessional behavior
permeated these bodies, impacting both public and private discussions. Such unprofessionalism
directly affected election campaigns and contributed to the party’s electoral losses, including my
own.
The Green Party of Canada's journey towards greater success hinges on the professionalization of its
governance. Council and Fund members must possess the expertise and skills necessary to guide the
party effectively. While regional representatives can be trained to meet the party's professional
standards, whenever possible it is imperative to recruit experienced professionals into key
governance positions to provide sound advice and guidance to the Federal Council and the Fund.
Suggested Revisions to Bylaw 2:
Add New Section "Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members"
The Federal Council and the Fund will actively seek individuals with diverse professional
backgrounds, including experienced campaign managers, communications specialists, accountants,
lawyers, political analysts, human resources experts, and governance professionals. This involves
transparent communication with the membership, including the circulation of a “skills matrix” that
demonstrates which skills are currently well represented on the Federal Council and Fund Board and
which are needed. Applicants should be expected to provide details of their relevant skills during
the application process.
Candidates seeking election to the Federal Council and the Fund shall undergo a comprehensive
vetting process. This process shall include social media checks, reference checks, verification of
resumes, and criminal record checks. Only candidates who successfully complete this vetting process
shall be eligible to take their seats upon election.
To ensure effective governance, all members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess
relevant experience or credentials shall receive comprehensive training in areas such as governance,
finance, politics, and communications.
Modify "2.1.5 Election to Federal Council and Term of Office" to include:
The election process for any office of the Federal Council shall incorporate the provisions outlined
in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Additionally, elected members shall undergo the training specified in Section [TBD - Expertise and
Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw if they do not already possess
relevant experience or credentials.
Modify "2.1.5.8 The following people are ineligible to run for Federal Council, serve or continue
serving as Federal Councillors:" to include:
2.1.5.8.5
Any candidate who has not successfully completed the vetting process outlined in Section [TBD -
Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Add New Section:
2.8
Training of Federal Council and Fund Members
2.8.1
All elected members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess relevant experience or
credentials shall receive comprehensive training in governance, finance, politics, and
communications, as specified in Section 2.0.3 of this bylaw.
Submitter: Paul Manly

Compare view mode:

Body

Deletions

To reform the way that the Federal Council and the Fund are constituted, to include the recruitment
of individuals with professional experience including experienced campaign managers, communications
specialists, accountants, lawyers, political analysts, human resources and experts in governance and
the operation of non-profit organizations. To vet elected candidates for the Federal Council and the
Fund including social media checks, reference checks, verified resumes and criminal record checks
before a newly elected member can take their seat. To ensure that all members of the Federal Council
and the Fund receive comprehensive governance, finance, political and communications training if
they do not already have relevant experience or credentials.
While candidates aspiring to become Green Party of Canada (GPC) Members of Parliament undergo a
rigorous vetting process (see attached candidate application form), ensuring their suitability to
represent the party in federal elections, the same level of scrutiny does not extend to candidates
for the Federal Council. This discrepancy raises concerns about the potential for inexperienced
individuals to assume key governance roles, particularly in provinces or territories with limited
party membership.
The absence of proper vetting procedures for Council and Fund members also creates a gap that may
allow candidates with falsified qualifications to be elected. Mere claims of expertise, such as
those found on resumes or business cards, lack substantive verification. To mitigate this risk, the
party must establish a comprehensive vetting process that encompasses social media assessments,
reference checks, verified resumes, and criminal record evaluations. Only through such a stringent
vetting process can the party be assured that an individual’s skills and experience align with their
asserted qualifications.
In addition to robust vetting, comprehensive training is paramount to equip Federal Council and Fund
members with the skills and knowledge required for their responsibilities. Proficiency in
governance, finance, politics, and communications ensures that all members understand their roles in
the party's governance and operations, as well as their fiduciary responsibilities.
Many dedicated Green Party candidates and organizers have devoted significant personal and
professional resources to advance the party's agenda. Their hard work, including substantial
fundraising, volunteer mobilization, and effective campaign leadership, can be undermined by the
unprofessional behavior of Federal Council or Fund members.
My personal experiences underscore the urgency for reform. As a former Green Party Member of
Parliament, who played a crucial role in building the party's profile in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, I
witnessed unprofessional conduct within the Federal Council and the Fund. Unprofessional behavior
permeated these bodies, impacting both public and private discussions. Such unprofessionalism
directly affected election campaigns and contributed to the party’s electoral losses, including my
own.
The Green Party of Canada's journey towards greater success hinges on the professionalization of its
governance. Council and Fund members must possess the expertise and skills necessary to guide the
party effectively. While regional representatives can be trained to meet the party's professional
standards, whenever possible it is imperative to recruit experienced professionals into key
governance positions to provide sound advice and guidance to the Federal Council and the Fund.
Suggested Revisions to Bylaw 2:
Add New Section "Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members"
The Federal Council and the Fund will actively seek individuals with diverse professional
backgrounds, including experienced campaign managers, communications specialists, accountants,
lawyers, political analysts, human resources experts, and governance professionals. This involves
transparent communication with the membership, including the circulation of a “skills matrix” that
demonstrates which skills are currently well represented on the Federal Council and Fund Board and
which are needed. Applicants should be expected to provide details of their relevant skills during
the application process.
Candidates seeking election to the Federal Council and the Fund shall undergo a comprehensive
vetting process. This process shall include social media checks, reference checks, verification of
resumes, and criminal record checks. Only candidates who successfully complete this vetting process
shall be eligible to take their seats upon election.
To ensure effective governance, all members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess
relevant experience or credentials shall receive comprehensive training in areas such as governance,
finance, politics, and communications.
Modify "2.1.5 Election to Federal Council and Term of Office" to include:
The election process for any office of the Federal Council shall incorporate the provisions outlined
in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Additionally, elected members shall undergo the training specified in Section [TBD - Expertise and
Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw if they do not already possess
relevant experience or credentials.
Modify "2.1.5.8 The following people are ineligible to run for Federal Council, serve or continue
serving as Federal Councillors:" to include:
2.1.5.8.5
Any candidate who has not successfully completed the vetting process outlined in Section [TBD -
Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Add New Section:
2.8
Training of Federal Council and Fund Members
2.8.1
All elected members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess relevant experience or
credentials shall receive comprehensive training in governance, finance, politics, and
communications, as specified in Section 2.0.3 of this bylaw.
Submitter: Paul Manly

Additions

+Proposal Text
+
To reform the way that the Federal Council and the Fund are constituted, to include the recruitment
of individuals with professional experience including experienced campaign managers, communications
specialists, accountants, lawyers, political analysts, human resources and experts in governance and
the operation of non-profit organizations. To vet elected candidates for the Federal Council and the
Fund including social media checks, reference checks, verified resumes and criminal record checks
before a newly elected member can take their seat. To ensure that all members of the Federal Council
and the Fund receive comprehensive governance, finance, political and communications training if
they do not already have relevant experience or credentials.
+Background
+
While candidates aspiring to become Green Party of Canada (GPC) Members of Parliament undergo a
rigorous vetting process (see attached candidate application form), ensuring their suitability to
represent the party in federal elections, the same level of scrutiny does not extend to candidates
for the Federal Council. This discrepancy raises concerns about the potential for inexperienced
individuals to assume key governance roles, particularly in provinces or territories with limited
party membership.
The absence of proper vetting procedures for Council and Fund members also creates a gap that may
allow candidates with falsified qualifications to be elected. Mere claims of expertise, such as
those found on resumes or business cards, lack substantive verification. To mitigate this risk, the
party must establish a comprehensive vetting process that encompasses social media assessments,
reference checks, verified resumes, and criminal record evaluations. Only through such a stringent
vetting process can the party be assured that an individual’s skills and experience align with their
asserted qualifications.
In addition to robust vetting, comprehensive training is paramount to equip Federal Council and Fund
members with the skills and knowledge required for their responsibilities. Proficiency in
governance, finance, politics, and communications ensures that all members understand their roles in
the party's governance and operations, as well as their fiduciary responsibilities.
Many dedicated Green Party candidates and organizers have devoted significant personal and
professional resources to advance the party's agenda. Their hard work, including substantial
fundraising, volunteer mobilization, and effective campaign leadership, can be undermined by the
unprofessional behavior of Federal Council or Fund members.
My personal experiences underscore the urgency for reform. As a former Green Party Member of
Parliament, who played a crucial role in building the party's profile in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, I
witnessed unprofessional conduct within the Federal Council and the Fund. Unprofessional behavior
permeated these bodies, impacting both public and private discussions. Such unprofessionalism
directly affected election campaigns and contributed to the party’s electoral losses, including my
own.
The Green Party of Canada's journey towards greater success hinges on the professionalization of its
governance. Council and Fund members must possess the expertise and skills necessary to guide the
party effectively. While regional representatives can be trained to meet the party's professional
standards, whenever possible it is imperative to recruit experienced professionals into key
governance positions to provide sound advice and guidance to the Federal Council and the Fund.
Suggested Revisions to Bylaw 2:
Add New Section "Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members"
The Federal Council and the Fund will actively seek individuals with diverse professional
backgrounds, including experienced campaign managers, communications specialists, accountants,
lawyers, political analysts, human resources experts, and governance professionals. This involves
transparent communication with the membership, including the circulation of a “skills matrix” that
demonstrates which skills are currently well represented on the Federal Council and Fund Board and
which are needed. Applicants should be expected to provide details of their relevant skills during
the application process.
Candidates seeking election to the Federal Council and the Fund shall undergo a comprehensive
vetting process. This process shall include social media checks, reference checks, verification of
resumes, and criminal record checks. Only candidates who successfully complete this vetting process
shall be eligible to take their seats upon election.
To ensure effective governance, all members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess
relevant experience or credentials shall receive comprehensive training in areas such as governance,
finance, politics, and communications.
Modify "2.1.5 Election to Federal Council and Term of Office" to include:
The election process for any office of the Federal Council shall incorporate the provisions outlined
in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Additionally, elected members shall undergo the training specified in Section [TBD - Expertise and
Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw if they do not already possess
relevant experience or credentials.
Modify "2.1.5.8 The following people are ineligible to run for Federal Council, serve or continue
serving as Federal Councillors:" to include:
2.1.5.8.5
Any candidate who has not successfully completed the vetting process outlined in Section [TBD -
Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Add New Section:
2.8
Training of Federal Council and Fund Members
2.8.1
All elected members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess relevant experience or
credentials shall receive comprehensive training in governance, finance, politics, and
communications, as specified in Section 2.0.3 of this bylaw.
Submitter: Paul Manly

+Proposal Text
+
To reform the way that the Federal Council and the Fund are constituted, to include the recruitment
of individuals with professional experience including experienced campaign managers, communications
specialists, accountants, lawyers, political analysts, human resources and experts in governance and
the operation of non-profit organizations. To vet elected candidates for the Federal Council and the
Fund including social media checks, reference checks, verified resumes and criminal record checks
before a newly elected member can take their seat. To ensure that all members of the Federal Council
and the Fund receive comprehensive governance, finance, political and communications training if
they do not already have relevant experience or credentials.
+Background
+
While candidates aspiring to become Green Party of Canada (GPC) Members of Parliament undergo a
rigorous vetting process (see attached candidate application form), ensuring their suitability to
represent the party in federal elections, the same level of scrutiny does not extend to candidates
for the Federal Council. This discrepancy raises concerns about the potential for inexperienced
individuals to assume key governance roles, particularly in provinces or territories with limited
party membership.
The absence of proper vetting procedures for Council and Fund members also creates a gap that may
allow candidates with falsified qualifications to be elected. Mere claims of expertise, such as
those found on resumes or business cards, lack substantive verification. To mitigate this risk, the
party must establish a comprehensive vetting process that encompasses social media assessments,
reference checks, verified resumes, and criminal record evaluations. Only through such a stringent
vetting process can the party be assured that an individual’s skills and experience align with their
asserted qualifications.
In addition to robust vetting, comprehensive training is paramount to equip Federal Council and Fund
members with the skills and knowledge required for their responsibilities. Proficiency in
governance, finance, politics, and communications ensures that all members understand their roles in
the party's governance and operations, as well as their fiduciary responsibilities.
Many dedicated Green Party candidates and organizers have devoted significant personal and
professional resources to advance the party's agenda. Their hard work, including substantial
fundraising, volunteer mobilization, and effective campaign leadership, can be undermined by the
unprofessional behavior of Federal Council or Fund members.
My personal experiences underscore the urgency for reform. As a former Green Party Member of
Parliament, who played a crucial role in building the party's profile in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, I
witnessed unprofessional conduct within the Federal Council and the Fund. Unprofessional behavior
permeated these bodies, impacting both public and private discussions. Such unprofessionalism
directly affected election campaigns and contributed to the party’s electoral losses, including my
own.
The Green Party of Canada's journey towards greater success hinges on the professionalization of its
governance. Council and Fund members must possess the expertise and skills necessary to guide the
party effectively. While regional representatives can be trained to meet the party's professional
standards, whenever possible it is imperative to recruit experienced professionals into key
governance positions to provide sound advice and guidance to the Federal Council and the Fund.
Suggested Revisions to Bylaw 2:
Add New Section "Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members"
The Federal Council and the Fund will actively seek individuals with diverse professional
backgrounds, including experienced campaign managers, communications specialists, accountants,
lawyers, political analysts, human resources experts, and governance professionals. This involves
transparent communication with the membership, including the circulation of a “skills matrix” that
demonstrates which skills are currently well represented on the Federal Council and Fund Board and
which are needed. Applicants should be expected to provide details of their relevant skills during
the application process.
Candidates seeking election to the Federal Council and the Fund shall undergo a comprehensive
vetting process. This process shall include social media checks, reference checks, verification of
resumes, and criminal record checks. Only candidates who successfully complete this vetting process
shall be eligible to take their seats upon election.
To ensure effective governance, all members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess
relevant experience or credentials shall receive comprehensive training in areas such as governance,
finance, politics, and communications.
Modify "2.1.5 Election to Federal Council and Term of Office" to include:
The election process for any office of the Federal Council shall incorporate the provisions outlined
in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Additionally, elected members shall undergo the training specified in Section [TBD - Expertise and
Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw if they do not already possess
relevant experience or credentials.
Modify "2.1.5.8 The following people are ineligible to run for Federal Council, serve or continue
serving as Federal Councillors:" to include:
2.1.5.8.5
Any candidate who has not successfully completed the vetting process outlined in Section [TBD -
Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Add New Section:
2.8
Training of Federal Council and Fund Members
2.8.1
All elected members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess relevant experience or
credentials shall receive comprehensive training in governance, finance, politics, and
communications, as specified in Section 2.0.3 of this bylaw.
Submitter: Paul Manly

G23-B001 Professionalize Federal Council and the Fund

To reform the way that the Federal Council and the Fund are constituted, to include the recruitment of individuals with professional experience including experienced campaign managers, communications specialists, accountants, lawyers, political analysts, human resources and experts in governance and the operation of non-profit organizations. To vet elected candidates for the Federal Council and the Fund including social media checks, reference checks, verified resumes and criminal record checks before a newly elected member can take their seat. To ensure that all members of the Federal Council and the Fund receive comprehensive governance, finance, political and communications training if they do not already have relevant experience or credentials.

Background

While candidates aspiring to become Green Party of Canada (GPC) Members of Parliament undergo a rigorous vetting process (see attached candidate application form), ensuring their suitability to represent the party in federal elections, the same level of scrutiny does not extend to candidates for the Federal Council. This discrepancy raises concerns about the potential for inexperienced individuals to assume key governance roles, particularly in provinces or territories with limited party membership.

The absence of proper vetting procedures for Council and Fund members also creates a gap that may allow candidates with falsified qualifications to be elected. Mere claims of expertise, such as those found on resumes or business cards, lack substantive verification. To mitigate this risk, the party must establish a comprehensive vetting process that encompasses social media assessments, reference checks, verified resumes, and criminal record evaluations. Only through such a stringent vetting process can the party be assured that an individual’s skills and experience align with their asserted qualifications.

In addition to robust vetting, comprehensive training is paramount to equip Federal Council and Fund members with the skills and knowledge required for their responsibilities. Proficiency in governance, finance, politics, and communications ensures that all members understand their roles in the party's governance and operations, as well as their fiduciary responsibilities.

Many dedicated Green Party candidates and organizers have devoted significant personal and professional resources to advance the party's agenda. Their hard work, including substantial fundraising, volunteer mobilization, and effective campaign leadership, can be undermined by the unprofessional behavior of Federal Council or Fund members.

My personal experiences underscore the urgency for reform. As a former Green Party Member of Parliament, who played a crucial role in building the party's profile in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, I witnessed unprofessional conduct within the Federal Council and the Fund. Unprofessional behavior permeated these bodies, impacting both public and private discussions. Such unprofessionalism directly affected election campaigns and contributed to the party’s electoral losses, including my own.

The Green Party of Canada's journey towards greater success hinges on the professionalization of its governance. Council and Fund members must possess the expertise and skills necessary to guide the party effectively. While regional representatives can be trained to meet the party's professional standards, whenever possible it is imperative to recruit experienced professionals into key governance positions to provide sound advice and guidance to the Federal Council and the Fund.

Suggested Revisions to Bylaw 2:

Add New Section "Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members"

The Federal Council and the Fund will actively seek individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, including experienced campaign managers, communications specialists, accountants, lawyers, political analysts, human resources experts, and governance professionals. This involves transparent communication with the membership, including the circulation of a “skills matrix” that demonstrates which skills are currently well represented on the Federal Council and Fund Board and which are needed. Applicants should be expected to provide details of their relevant skills during the application process.

Candidates seeking election to the Federal Council and the Fund shall undergo a comprehensive vetting process. This process shall include social media checks, reference checks, verification of resumes, and criminal record checks. Only candidates who successfully complete this vetting process shall be eligible to take their seats upon election.

To ensure effective governance, all members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess relevant experience or credentials shall receive comprehensive training in areas such as governance, finance, politics, and communications.

Modify "2.1.5 Election to Federal Council and Term of Office" to include:

The election process for any office of the Federal Council shall incorporate the provisions outlined in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.

Additionally, elected members shall undergo the training specified in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw if they do not already possess relevant experience or credentials.

Modify "2.1.5.8 The following people are ineligible to run for Federal Council, serve or continue serving as Federal Councillors:" to include:

2.1.5.8.5

Any candidate who has not successfully completed the vetting process outlined in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.

Add New Section:

2.8

Training of Federal Council and Fund Members

2.8.1

All elected members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess relevant experience or credentials shall receive comprehensive training in governance, finance, politics, and communications, as specified in Section 2.0.3 of this bylaw.

Submitter: Paul Manly

Sponsors: Laurie MacMillan, Derek Menard, Laurie Friskie, Jonathan Pedneault, Alysia Boudreau, Bo Lindgren, Stuart Hunter, Bridget Burns, Anna Keenan, Ian Gartshore, Elizabeth Menard, Marlene Wells, Ian Soutar, Mr. Drew Fenwick, Jean-Charles Pelland, John Willson, Bill Matheson, Tyler Beaulac, Randi Ramdeen, Joe Mazerolle, Dr. Kathryn-Jane Hazel, Stacy Neilson, Evelyn Tanaka, Adrian Currie, Nicolas Poppell, Sheila Rea, Julia Roberts, Milly Ristvedt, John Weston, Ms. Celena Benndorf, Shel Goldstein

Note from staff: This proposal is for consideration at the 19th Annual General Meeting. A second copy, with additional background information, has been posted in the Workshop to allow you to collaborate on amendments. You can access the workshop version of this proposal here, which the submitter is still able to edit.

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Version author

Catherine Jones

Version created at 23/09/2023 14:27