Elizabeth May Discusses Green Party Plan for a Smart Economy in Victoria

(OTTAWA)Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (Saanich - Gulf Islands), discussed the Green Party’s plan to create long-term, well-paying, and sustainable jobs for Canadians at the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

“The Green Party will work across party lines in the next minority government and create a Canadian Sustainable Generations Fund to make critical investments in trades, apprenticeships and education,” said Ms. May. “ Our plan will invest in infrastructure, localized production to employ more Canadians, and unleash an army of carpenters to bring older buildings into a sustainable future. ”

To create sustainable jobs and boost Canada’s economy, the Green Party will:

●      Create a National Sustainable Jobs Plan, including a $6.4 billion annual investment in infrastructure, and unleashing an army of carpenters, electricians, and contractors to improve building energy efficiency;

●      “Think Small First” and reduce red tape so Canadian small business owners and entrepreneurs can create local jobs and revitalize local economies

●      Lower the small to medium sized business tax rate to 9 percent

●      Work with Canada’s renewable energy sector to accelerate the construction of green infrastructure, ensuring a majority of Canada’s energy needs come from renewable sources by 2025;

●      Boost access to apprentice programs in key trades, including: electricity, plumbing, carpentry, pipefitting, and welding; and

●      Create an annual $1 billion Green Technology Commercialization Grant and require all federal legislation to consider its impacts on small businesses.

Dr. Lynne Quarmby, candidate in Burnaby North - Seymour continued, “ Canada has the potential to capitalize on the single biggest business opportunity in human history: the shift to a post- fossil fuel economy. A smart economy is resilient and the country that mobilizes resources to develop and commercialize smart technologies will survive and thrive.”

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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca

Or

Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications 
t: 613.562.4916 (200) 
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447
kirsten.strom@greenparty.ca