Week in Review: October 5 – 9 (le français suit)
On Saturday, October 3rd, Annamie Paul became the new Leader of the Green Party of Canada, making history as the first black person and first Jewish woman to lead a federal political party. Annamie spoke at a physically distanced event at the Ottawa Art Gallery, attended by staff, media, candidates, and their support staff. She participated in two press conferences this week as the new Leader. She is running in the Toronto Centre by-election which concludes on October 26th.
In the House, debate continued on the Speech from the Throne, concluding with a vote late Tuesday. Green MPs voted against the Throne speech. Paul gave a speech in the Chamber explaining that it did not live up to the urgent action required to address this moment in history. Before the vote, Annamie and Elizabeth held a press conference explaining that Greens would vote against the Throne speech because it lacks an urgent plan to improve Canada’s long-term care system, there is no plan to begin discussion on a Guaranteed Livable Income, and it lacks tangible action to tackle the climate crisis.
MPs also continued debate on Bill C-3, which would make education in sexual assault law mandatory for judges. Paul and Jenica both spoke to support the bill, agreeing that much more needs to be done to keep women, especially Indigenous and racialized women, safe in Canada.
Elizabeth again reminded her colleagues that Canada must set a new climate target that is consistent with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change science this year. She clarified that the Liberals keep repeating that they will exceed the 2030 emissions reduction target, the target set by former prime minister Stephen Harper, even though that target will not allow Canada to make the necessary reductions. Paul gave a longer speech on the implementation of a wealth tax for Canada during Adjournment Proceedings, and also asked the government to ban fracking. Jenica reminded the government of the value of energy efficiency and asked how much they would invest in this road to a future of cleaner energy.
Paul has two upcoming Community Meetings. On October 14th he will discuss Economic Sustainability in the Island Region with George Hanson. On October 15th he will participate in a round table on Canada’s 19 billion warplane purchase. Visit his website for more details.
MPs are scheduled to resume sitting the week of October 19th. Happy Thanksgiving, stay safe, and thank you for reading the Green Caucus Week in Review.
MP Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada Annamie Paul, and MP Paul Manly in Ottawa
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Key Moments
- Elizabeth May introduces Annamie Paul, newly elected leader of the Green Party of Canada
- Paul Manly: The Speech from the Throne does not meet the urgency of the moment
- Jenica Atwin on amending Bill C-3: Canada’s legal system is not yet its justice system
- Paul Manly on amending Bill C-3: The unsolved disappearance of Lisa Marie Young shows we need to do more
Question Period and Member’s Statements
- Elizabeth May: Canada must set a climate target that meets IPCC requirements before the end of 2020
- Paul Manly: People with disabilities are tired of waiting for support from the government
- Paul Manly: Canada’s wealthiest people need to pay their fair share
- Paul Manly: Will the government ban fracking?
- Jenica Atwin: How much will the government invest in energy efficiency?
Statements and Press Releases
- Now is the time for a bold, visionary plan, say Greens
- Greens call on Canada to do more to diffuse the growing conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh
- Green Party supports new Leader Annamie Paul in Toronto Centre
- Annamie Paul wins Green Party of Canada Leadership
Press Conferences
- New Green Party Leader Annamie Paul Speaks with Reporters – October 5, 2020
- New Leader Says Green Party Will Vote Against Throne Speech – October 6, 2020
In Their Own Words
- Elizabeth May: Good Sunday Morning – October 4
- Happily Passing the Torch: Elizabeth May on the Joys of a Smooth Succession (Policy Magazine)
Petitions
E-petitions open for signature
- e-2783 Declare a public health emergency due to overdose deaths in Canada (closes October 10)
- e-2794 Put a price on carbon (closes October 13)
- e-2797 Cancel prison agribusiness (closes October 13)
- e-2729 Accomodate environmental sensitivities (closes October 19)
- e-2776 Divest CPPIB from open-net pen aquaculture (closes 24 October)
- e-2667 Ensure the human rights of Palestinian children (closes November 3)
- e-2837 Eliminate commercial anchorages in the Southern Gulf Islands (closes November 14)
- e-2708 Hold Turkey accountable for human rights violations (closes November 26)
- e-2828 Reject the Roberts Bank Container Terminal 2 Project (closes December 2)
- e-2836 Implement a GLI for all Canadians (closes December 14)