KIM CHARLESWORTH
Last weekend the BC Greens held their annual convention in Kamloops. After a year of watching our three Green MLA’s weather disappointments and joys, it was inspirational to hear them talk about their work. And wow! do they work. The three Green MLA’s and their meagre staff cover the same number of portfolios and committees as 23 Ministers and seven Parliamentary Secretaries, as well as represent their constituencies with astounding attention and passion.
The party is growing, both in membership and in capacity to support more local Riding Associations. To honor the many volunteers working for a sustainable, prosperous future, they have created a set of three awards: one for a dedicated young member, one for lifetime achievement, and one for a new “rising star” of any age.
The Rising Star this year was an amazing volunteer from right here in Nelson. Rik Logtenberg captured the award for his work in helping to develop a new data management system to be used by both the Provincial and Federal Green parties. Rik says his young daughter was his motivation for getting involved during the election last year. Congratulations Rik! It is the future that we are leaving to our children that inspires many who decide it’s time to “get involved”.
Meanwhile, in the legislature, the battle around Kinder Morgan highlights some of the arguments that divide us. The Green perspective is that we are not arguing about the environment versus the economy, but rather shifting the economy to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the green sector - while getting out of industries that have no future. Andrew Weaver characterizes the purchase of Kinder Morgan as “purchasing a Horse and Buggy company at the dawn of the automobile age”. Yes, we need to stop investing in new oil and gas infrastructure for environmental reasons, but it also happens to be the best economic strategy.
I am delighted to be able to announce that Sonia Furstenau (Green MLA for the Cowichan Valley) will be coming to the Kootenays August 27-29th. She will be speaking in Crawford Bay, Kaslo, Ymir and Nelson, and meeting with a delegation of youth, as well as those involved with watershed protection. She will be engaging in discussion on proportional representation and community organizing – two topics that cross the political spectrum, so I hope that no matter what your political views you can take advantage of her visit to join these discussions.
I’d like to end by highlighting a quote by Paul Hawken, an author and activist: “If you look at the science about what is happening on earth and aren’t pessimistic, you don’t understand data. But if you meet the people who are working to restore this earth and the lives of the poor, and you aren’t optimistic, you haven’t got a pulse.” It reminds me that while we are facing challenges in every direction, the world is still a beautiful place, and we each have the opportunity to be one of the people helping to restore some semblance of balance and justice. Join the discussion; make your voice heard.
Kim Charlesworth is the treasurer of the Nelson Creston Greens Riding Association