This past weekend, I met with Chief George Quocksister Jr., a hereditary chief of the Laichkwiltach Nation . We were masked, because of the pandemic, when we spoke on the steps of the BC legislature about the urgent need to protect BC salmon stocks, take industrial fish farms out of the water, and save our southern resident killer whales.
As Greens build relationships with Indigenous communities, we need to take three steps:
- We listen;
- We work together on common causes, like protecting our wild salmon and decolonization;
- We take practical action together to protect the next seven generations.
To ensure that Indigenous voices are heard by Greens, let’s guarantee a place for Indigenous peoples on our federal council, just as we reserve two seats for young Greens. To end the colonial legacy of the Indian Act, let’s work with Indigenous communities on how we replace that legislation with true self-government for First Nations. And, together, let’s identify ways to ensure that Indigenous communities across Canada are represented in our House of Commons, like the Maori in New Zealand.
Indigenous leaders say over and over: “Nothing about us, without us.” Canada and the Green Party need to change to make sure that this call to action is heeded now and for generations to come.
NOMINATIONS
If you didn’t sign my nomination papers in the first round, please help support my continued campaign by signing them this round. The Green Party just opened the second round of signatures, which means before September 1st, we have to get 150 more signatures . Here’s how you can support my campaign, in less than 5 minutes:
- Click the Nominate button below
- Name of contestant: select David Merner
- Consent to the candidacy: check the box
- Fill out the rest of the form and submit
- Check your email after submitting, since you should receive a confirmation email. Reply to the email to confirm your signature.
IMPORTANT NOTE: if you have Gmail this email may not go into your main inbox, so check your ‘promotions’ tab to ensure you don’t miss the email. A reply email can be as simple as follows:
Hello,
I would like to confirm my intent to be a nominator of:
David Merner
Thank you,
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Corrina Serda is a young Communications professional who lives in Neyaashiinigmiing with her Anishnaabe partner Darcy and son Creegan. She is working on David’s communications team for his campaign. Corrina was raised to have great respect for the environment and concern for the continued impact humans are having on the world around them. In 2009, she was honoured to receive an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year award for being an active volunteer on environmental issues and giving presentations about climate change. She was a campaign manager in her riding, both provincially and federally in the 2011 elections. As well, in 2014 she ran her own municipal campaign where she got over 20% of the vote and was only 300 votes shy of winning the second seat in her ward. In her downtime, she enjoys hanging out with her rabbits and foraging in the forests near her house.
“I was disillusioned with the party for a long time. When I found out there was a leadership race on, and that a candidate with the potential to reunite the party was running, I renewed my membership and agreed to volunteer on his campaign. David’s vision for the party, leadership style and ability to truly listen to all, regardless of age, race, or gender, is what drew me back into the party.” – Corrina
VOLUNTEERING – WE’RE GROWING!
Join the movement to elect a true grassroots leader of the Green Party of Canada. Someone who will unite the Green Party and empower Members to elect a strong Green caucus to Parliament!
As we expand David’s campaign across the country, we need volunteers to help with everything from media and communications, to outreach, fundraising, event planning and research. Training and guidance will be provided. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in a winning leadership campaign and to learn how to campaign at the national level.
To volunteer for David’s campaign please email us at: vote.merner@greenparty.ca .
WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
Quebec Leadership Debate (French)
July 20, 7:00 – 8:30 PM Eastern Time
Prairies Townhall Leadership Debate
July 21, 7:00 to 8:30 PM Central Time
Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario
July 22nd, 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Click here to register in advance
Atlantic Townhall Leadership Debate (bilingual)
July 23rd, 7:00 – 8:30 PM Atlantic Time
Speaker Series: ‘Ionizing Radiation in our Healthcare System’
July 25th, 1:00 PM Eastern Time
Also, join me on Zoom: every Saturday at 11:00 AM Pacific / 2:00 PM Eastern we meet for our weekly chat about our future. We’ll also be Zooming to Waterloo, Ontario this week. All event details are at www.davidmerner.com by clicking on “Events”.
I hope to see you soon!
THIS PAST WEEK
Last weekend, I was honoured to be asked to participate in the Orca Rescue Society demonstration on the steps of the BC legislature to defend our Southern Resident Killer Whales. We held a gathering on South Vancouver Island where we discussed the future of our economy, our government and our country, as well as a meeting in Sooke, BC where we discussed the future of salmon, old growth forests and our planet.
Our cross-country listening tour on Zoom continued, with virtual stops in Toronto and New Brunswick.
HOW TO HELP
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow our campaign on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with events, Green Party policy, and campaign updates!
Thank you to everyone who is volunteering and everyone who has donated to our campaign. I’m looking forward to meeting you in person over the coming weeks and months!
Sincerely and gratefully,
David