The 2022 Leadership Race

I grew up in the country, on the edge of a small town in the Eastern Townships, located in the southern part of the province of Quebec. During my youth, I was lulled to sleep by the singing of birds and the wind in the forest. I was in contact with a rich and diversified wildlife and flora. These spaces, so important for life, have been disappearing rapidly for 100 years, and humankind now faces the existential threat of Climate Change. It is our duty to protect these ecosystems and to leave our children a healthy and diversified planet, safe from the calamities caused by Global Warming. It is in this spirit that I intend to lead the Green Party of Canada if you elect me.

As I approach 50, I can say that the past four decades have prepared me for this leadership position. Whether as a father, federal public servant, educational consultant, language teacher in the Canadian Armed Forces, entrepreneur, city councilor, school trustee, volunteer with various organizations, or during my studies in political science at Laval University, my experience has grown along with my curiosity and knowledge.

The Canadian population is ready for a green change. It is now up to the GPC to demonstrate to Canadians that it is ready to lead the country towards a green and prosperous future. I was a candidate, association president, official agent, campaign manager, for the NDP for over 10 years and then joined the GPC as a candidate and Shadow Cabinet (Global Affairs) critic. I left the NDP because the values and vision of Jack Layton were no longer there. In the GPC, I found values and a vision I can embrace. The six principles (ecological wisdom, participatory democracy, respect for diversity, social justice, sustainable development and non-violence) of Global Greens are the foundation on which we can build a promising future.

As a leader, I will ensure that we work as a team, that there is healthy and respectful communication within the organization, and that all decisions are made according to the six principles. 

Here is a brief overview of some of the issues I will be advocating for: protecting biodiversity by curbing urban sprawl and protecting forests through the creation of new parks and protected areas; social justice by ensuring a fair distribution of the country's wealth; and continuing the transformation of our food industry by promoting innovation. For more information: www.simongmessier.ca