Saturday, May 11, 2013
A Mother's Day Weekend Response to Candidate Visit
Dear Damian,
I am writing this email because I was so pleased that you visited my children’s school (Kerrisdale) the other day. It was a great opportunity for my son and his classmates (Gr. 4) to meet you and the NDP candidate and I think they learned the general idea about Green and NDP.
I am a Japanese citizen and I cannot vote in Canada because Japanese government does not allow dual citizenship. I raise three Canadian children and I have been feeling so neglected because there’s no opportunity for me to vote and I have been worried about my children’s future especially since Harper took over the office. My Canadian husband and I support Green party and I am glad that my children believe the environment is one of their priorities. I am very impressed with the Student Vote and I think this is a great step for the future of Canada. It would be interesting to see the results of the Student Vote. My son says most his classmates will vote for either Green or NDP. I felt maybe there is hope in our future!
I am on the Green Party’s newsletter list already and I hope you will continue your good work.
Good luck with the election!
Best wishes,
Masako
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Make History & Vote Green May 14
The BC Green Party has been knocking on doors of the legislature in Victoria for 30 years.
In this, our eighth campaign to elect MLA's, the prospect of electoral success has never looked so promising.
Federal Green leader Elizabeth May set the wheels in motion in when she was elected in 2011, Canada's first Green MP, to represent the residents Saanich - Gulf Islands in Ottawa.
Elizabeth was subsequently voted by her 304 MP peers as Canada's 2012 Parliamentarian of the Year for her performance in the House of Commons.
Elizabeth’s success in BC and Ottawa and a strong local campaign resulted in the Greens also making huge gains in last November’s federal by-election in Victoria losing by less than 3%.
Now the electoral battle lines are drawn for May 14 across BC and we are cautiously optimistic that BC Green candidates in and around Victoria will break through.
The BC Green policy is evidenced based, supported by peer reviews and is thus resonating with voters across BC.
Our persistent campaigning and innovate ideas have resulted in a number of our early policies (e.g. carbon tax, junk food out of schools, stopping pipelines) being implemented by other parties.
Our long term focus on ending cannabis prohibition and moving to a regulated and tax environment resulted in heckling through the 80's and 90's but now public support is on our side in this arena.
When you vote for and elect Green candidates they will help build better communities by decreasing taxes on individuals and industries that promote health and increase taxes on pollution, waste and unhealthy living.
A number of our candidates are world class experts on the climate crisis and will bring the right ideas to the legislature that will make BC safer for our children.
We acknowledge our expertise in environmental matters but the BC Greens have evolved to a multidisciplinary party that promotes new, transformative policy that will improve the health, education and welfare for all British Columbians.
The tax payers of today can be confident that Greens can dissect financial statements and prepare budgets when provided with all the facts.
We promote a new generation of green jobs in fields of energy efficiency, local organic agriculture, technology and the creative industries. We will work to become true stewards of our abundant natural resources and plan more transit resilient communities so we can attract more high tech jobs. One high tech job creates 4.3 other local jobs in the community thus we need to our provincial taxation system is attractive to technology companies and their employees.
We support bold goals like Vancouver being the Greenest City by 2020 as it will make us an attractive destination for foreign firms to set up research and development offices and create jobs.
The BC Greens will champion the safety of wild salmon and lobby for new endangered species legislation without delay.
We will stop the practice of putting antifreeze and other toxic chemicals into our water tables in the gas fracking process. We will conserve what remains of our old growth forests.
Welfare reform and Guaranteed Livable Income is something BC needs to debate in Victoria.
BC's post-secondary students should not have the highest student loan interest rates in the country.
British Columbians need more access to preventative, complementary and alternative medical treatments through funding models that promote wellness and focus on improving our quality of life.
Greens MLA's in Victoria will signal to the world that British Columbians are serious about preserving our resources for future generations and building strong local economies not reliant on mega projects, long term accumulation of debt and the exporting of raw logs.
BC Greens are attracting voters from all backgrounds and now we need you support. We ask voters to be bold on May 14 and vote with their heart for a party that they know will make policy decisions with our provinces’ next seven generations in mind.
Please vote Green locally and let your friends and family in south Vancouver Island that we need their support more than ever to make history and build a better BC.
Damian Kettlewell, BA, MBA
Vancouver Quilchena candidate 2013
Vancouver False Creek candidate 2009
BC Green Deputy Leader, 2009 - 2008
Vancouver Point Grey candidate 2005
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
A green vision for B.C. in the two way Vancouver False Creek race"
“A green vision for B.C. in the two way Vancouver False Creek’s race”
The time has come for British Columbia to live up to its promise of the being the greatest place on earth. We can achieve this goal with holistic legislation that prepares us for the challenges of the next generation in our rapidly changing world.
The downturn in global markets and a lack of government foresight has resulted in British Columbia losing 73,000 jobs over the last year. B.C. needs to transition to new “knowledge-based” sectors of job creation, and accept that the continued mechanization of industry will result in less low-skilled jobs over time. The greatest job opportunities for the current and next generation of British Columbians will come from localized markets that are based less on foreign-made goods, less on assuming large debt, and less about commuting. These locally-based jobs will be increasingly based upon local communities, local food, and the genuine needs of local people. B.C.’s education system needs to be more affordable and it will play a key role in training a new generation of locally-oriented professionals, whose jobs and professions will improve our quality of life and help minimize our economy’s over-reliance on unnecessary consumption.
The amount of carbon in our atmosphere has increased by 22% over the last 50 years. BC’s new jobs must work within a new economic paradigm of job creation with reduced carbon pollution. Metro Vancouver deserves $3.1 billion invested in 200 kilometres of light rail that will deliver well-paying and “green” engineering and construction jobs. The lungs of the Fraser Valley, our remaining farm and bog lands, and our collective carbon threshold would be devastated by the pending Gateway transportation plan, which completely ignores the looming reality of “peak oil”.
Spending $3.1 billion on a new Port Mann Bridge, rather than investing in a more systemic transportation network based increasingly upon public transit, will cause greater suburban sprawl and will negate all of the positive benefits from the government’s new carbon tax. If our province is serious about preventing climate change, then our government needs to illustrate genuine leadership in encouraging individual people to change their behaviour for the betterment of society. Asking people to cut their carbon consumption, while at the same time building new “super bridges” that are void of any new public transit spending, shows that our current government is not serious about giving commuters in Metro Vancouver a viable alternative to their private automobile. The new Canada Line, Evergreen and UBC SkyTrain lines show some promise, but the high cost of SkyTrain infrastructure could instead be used to build light rail lines across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Across the province we need district-level solar, geothermal, wind and run of river projects that are managed by a new Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change. This new ministry would promote cooperative and municipally-owned utilities and provide mega projects like the Site C dam and diesel-powered generation in rural First Nation communities with new clean, green options. With a renewed “seven-generation environmental assessment process”, local communities will proceed with energy projects that meet their local needs and create local jobs. Clean tech renewable energy industries will enable us to protect our wild salmon, preserve our old-growth forests and preserve critical habitat for endangered species and local agriculture.
Homelessness rates and economic growth rates have been going in the opposite direction for the past two years. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is an antiquated system that merely measures the quantity of market activity. B.C. requires a new index, such as the Genuine Progress Index (GPI), to establish a measurable bottom line for social, environmental and economic progress. The GPI encompasses unpaid labour, such as parenting and volunteer work, and subtracts the costs of pollution, crime and the depletion of non-renewable resources. Mixed-use social housing developments that embrace the role of arts and culture will help provide for a generation of homeless citizens. Vancouver’s new mayor, Gregor Robertson, is on the right track to end homelessness. With continued compassionate efforts in the short term (e.g. opening up churches, unused government buildings for temporary shelter), combined with a new social housing developments that have measurable “end homelessness” goals, we can do just that.
For B.C. to achieve this bold green vision, we require electoral reform now. Implementing the Single Transferable Vote (BC-STV) will result in fairer election results, more voter choice and better representation. Electoral reform, including electoral finance reform on a provincial and municipal level, will make our elected officials more transparent and help stop a hemorrhaging democratic system that is struggling with the lowest level of voter turnout rates in modern history.
Across B.C., I ask that you speak to your neighbours, friends and family regarding how important it is that you vote Green on May 12, to bring green job and end homelessness legislation to Victoria.
A unique “two-way race” has evolved in the new provincial riding of Vancouver-False Creek. With no incumbent MLA and with your help we can elect BC’s first Green MLA. Join our team now and green your community by visiting www.damiankettlewell.com or engaging with us on Facebook. We need your help to get new, past and present Green votes to the polls.
My name is Damian Kettlewell, and I want to recruit you to vote Green and vote Yes for BC STV on May 12, 2009. Vancouver False Creek is ripe for change and ready for a Green MLA.
Damian Kettlewell
MLA candidate, Vancouver-False Creek
Deputy Leader, BC Green Party
www.damiankettlewell.com, Facebook, Twitter: dkettlewell
The time has come for British Columbia to live up to its promise of the being the greatest place on earth. We can achieve this goal with holistic legislation that prepares us for the challenges of the next generation in our rapidly changing world.
The downturn in global markets and a lack of government foresight has resulted in British Columbia losing 73,000 jobs over the last year. B.C. needs to transition to new “knowledge-based” sectors of job creation, and accept that the continued mechanization of industry will result in less low-skilled jobs over time. The greatest job opportunities for the current and next generation of British Columbians will come from localized markets that are based less on foreign-made goods, less on assuming large debt, and less about commuting. These locally-based jobs will be increasingly based upon local communities, local food, and the genuine needs of local people. B.C.’s education system needs to be more affordable and it will play a key role in training a new generation of locally-oriented professionals, whose jobs and professions will improve our quality of life and help minimize our economy’s over-reliance on unnecessary consumption.
The amount of carbon in our atmosphere has increased by 22% over the last 50 years. BC’s new jobs must work within a new economic paradigm of job creation with reduced carbon pollution. Metro Vancouver deserves $3.1 billion invested in 200 kilometres of light rail that will deliver well-paying and “green” engineering and construction jobs. The lungs of the Fraser Valley, our remaining farm and bog lands, and our collective carbon threshold would be devastated by the pending Gateway transportation plan, which completely ignores the looming reality of “peak oil”.
Spending $3.1 billion on a new Port Mann Bridge, rather than investing in a more systemic transportation network based increasingly upon public transit, will cause greater suburban sprawl and will negate all of the positive benefits from the government’s new carbon tax. If our province is serious about preventing climate change, then our government needs to illustrate genuine leadership in encouraging individual people to change their behaviour for the betterment of society. Asking people to cut their carbon consumption, while at the same time building new “super bridges” that are void of any new public transit spending, shows that our current government is not serious about giving commuters in Metro Vancouver a viable alternative to their private automobile. The new Canada Line, Evergreen and UBC SkyTrain lines show some promise, but the high cost of SkyTrain infrastructure could instead be used to build light rail lines across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Across the province we need district-level solar, geothermal, wind and run of river projects that are managed by a new Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change. This new ministry would promote cooperative and municipally-owned utilities and provide mega projects like the Site C dam and diesel-powered generation in rural First Nation communities with new clean, green options. With a renewed “seven-generation environmental assessment process”, local communities will proceed with energy projects that meet their local needs and create local jobs. Clean tech renewable energy industries will enable us to protect our wild salmon, preserve our old-growth forests and preserve critical habitat for endangered species and local agriculture.
Homelessness rates and economic growth rates have been going in the opposite direction for the past two years. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is an antiquated system that merely measures the quantity of market activity. B.C. requires a new index, such as the Genuine Progress Index (GPI), to establish a measurable bottom line for social, environmental and economic progress. The GPI encompasses unpaid labour, such as parenting and volunteer work, and subtracts the costs of pollution, crime and the depletion of non-renewable resources. Mixed-use social housing developments that embrace the role of arts and culture will help provide for a generation of homeless citizens. Vancouver’s new mayor, Gregor Robertson, is on the right track to end homelessness. With continued compassionate efforts in the short term (e.g. opening up churches, unused government buildings for temporary shelter), combined with a new social housing developments that have measurable “end homelessness” goals, we can do just that.
For B.C. to achieve this bold green vision, we require electoral reform now. Implementing the Single Transferable Vote (BC-STV) will result in fairer election results, more voter choice and better representation. Electoral reform, including electoral finance reform on a provincial and municipal level, will make our elected officials more transparent and help stop a hemorrhaging democratic system that is struggling with the lowest level of voter turnout rates in modern history.
Across B.C., I ask that you speak to your neighbours, friends and family regarding how important it is that you vote Green on May 12, to bring green job and end homelessness legislation to Victoria.
A unique “two-way race” has evolved in the new provincial riding of Vancouver-False Creek. With no incumbent MLA and with your help we can elect BC’s first Green MLA. Join our team now and green your community by visiting www.damiankettlewell.com or engaging with us on Facebook. We need your help to get new, past and present Green votes to the polls.
My name is Damian Kettlewell, and I want to recruit you to vote Green and vote Yes for BC STV on May 12, 2009. Vancouver False Creek is ripe for change and ready for a Green MLA.
Damian Kettlewell
MLA candidate, Vancouver-False Creek
Deputy Leader, BC Green Party
www.damiankettlewell.com, Facebook, Twitter: dkettlewell
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Vancouver Point Grey ~ BC Green update ~ 73 days until provincial election & electoral reform referendum
The below note was sent out to the 500+ BC Green supporters in Vancouver Point Grey.
Good afternoon,
I hope my note finds you well this 25th anniversary year of the BC Greens.
The Green Party of BC is well prepared to run a full slate of candidates again for the upcoming provincial election and 2nd referendum
on electoral reform.
With our campaign budget confirmed and election material to be published shortly we are at a historically high level of election preparedness.
1. BC Green candidates
We've announced candidates in eight of Vancouver's eleven ridings for the May 12, 2009 provincial election.
http://www.greenparty.bc.ca/candidates
2. BC STV ~ electoral reform with proportional representation ~ get involved
In 93% of the members of the Citizens Assembly, who were non-political and from all walks of life, recommended BC STV as a new electoral system. According to the Citizens Assembly BC STV provides for fairer and more local oriented provincial democracy.
British Columbians voted 58% in favour of BC STV in 2005 failing to meet the 60% threshold. Premier Campbell has enabled Elections BC to provide more detailed mapping information on BC STV and the question is being put to the electorate again on May 12th. The BC Greens are supporting BC STV in this election. There is a low level of awareness regarding this referrendum and the BC Liberals have decided not to send the Citizens Assembly report out to all homes in BC. Thus, your involvement in spreading a message for change and getting involved in the BC STV "get out the vote" campaign is very important. Political pundits are not expecting BC STV to pass thus we need your help to exceed 60% support.
Stay abreast of developments at Facebook Group "Yes for BC STV - City of Vancouver"
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=37133867369
There is a Point Grey Wine & Cheese occurring on Sunday hosted by BC STV Vancouver Point Grey
St. Helen's Anglican Church ~ 4405 W 8th Ave. ~ Sunday, March 1, 7:00PM
Phone: 778-235-7477
Please RSVP to antony.hodgson@gmail.com
Please consider attending.
Georgia Straight Op Ed ~ http://www.straight.com/article-201581/single-transferable-vote-would-break-down-political-barriers-bc
3. Green Jobs
President Obama and begrudgingly Prime Minister Harper are speaking increasingly about Green Jobs.
See the report below and watch for the new Green Book which outlines BC Green Party's plan for green economic growth and job creation.
http://www.unep.org/labour_environment/features/greenjobs-report.asp
4. Vancouver Point Grey ~ Overview
We are currently interviewing Green candidates in Vancouver Point Grey.
The BC Liberals have alienated voters in Vancouver Point Grey with their UBC lands dealings and their Gateway program that inspires another generation of single occupancy vehicle cars. The BC NDP will struggle in Point Grey because they oppose the carbon tax for political reasons (e.g. "axe the tax"). Point Grey's well educated residents understand that peer reviewed studies support the carbon tax as it has worked in other jurisdictions around the world to reduce carbon footprints.
The BC Greens in Vancouver Point Grey are poised to build on the 15% support we gained in 2005.
I was the candidate in Vancouver Point Grey in 2005 but have decided to run in the new riding of Vancouver False Creek.
Mary McNeil is the Liberal candidate and the BC NDP have not announced a candidate in Vancouver False Creek. We are building our team and please reply if you can help in the Vancouver False Creek / Yaletown riding.
Thank you for supporting your local Green campaign and thank you for encouraging all your family and friends to participate in our provincal democracy by voting on May 12, 2009.
Sincerely,
--
Damian Ketttlewell
MLA Candidate Vancouver False Creek
BC Greens ~ Deputy Leader, mba
www.bcgreens.ca
facebook: join my supporters page
twitter: dkettlewell
Vancouver False Creek Goals
1. Reform Government ~ Vote Yes to BC STV ~ http://tinyurl.com/cubmwy
2. Build a New Economy ~ Make Downtown’s Economy the Greenest in North America
3. Care for Each Other ~ End Homelessness by 2017
Blog ~ http://greenpoliticsinbc.blogspot.com
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sing Tao Daily
2009-02-21
綠黨8人省選逐鹿溫哥華
Sing Tao Daily The BC Green Party is placing eight candidates to contest several ridings in the Greater Vancouver area for the upcoming provincial election. The leader of the BC Green Party, Jane Sterk, spoke with the media last Thursday along with the eight candidates and other party members. Sterk indicated that aside from focusing on the province's environmental issues, the BC Green Party also places high regard on economic development and law and order problems, such as the recent gang killings. As well, she believes that the 2010 Winter Olympics will bring business opportunities to the province. The eight candidates who will run in the Greater Vancouver region for the BC Green Party are: Vanessa Violini for Vancouver-Fairview, Damian Kettlewell for Vancouver-False Creek, Jody Emery for Vancouver-Fraserview, Ryan Conroy for Vancouver-Hastings, Doug Warkentin for Vancouver-Kensington, Revel Warkentin for Vancouver-Kingsway, Laura-Leah Shaw for Vancouver-Quilchena, and Drina Read for Vancouver-West End. More than half of these candidates will be running for the first time, and most of them have resided in BC for over ten years. They are all active members of the community.
綠黨8人省選逐鹿溫哥華
Sing Tao Daily The BC Green Party is placing eight candidates to contest several ridings in the Greater Vancouver area for the upcoming provincial election. The leader of the BC Green Party, Jane Sterk, spoke with the media last Thursday along with the eight candidates and other party members. Sterk indicated that aside from focusing on the province's environmental issues, the BC Green Party also places high regard on economic development and law and order problems, such as the recent gang killings. As well, she believes that the 2010 Winter Olympics will bring business opportunities to the province. The eight candidates who will run in the Greater Vancouver region for the BC Green Party are: Vanessa Violini for Vancouver-Fairview, Damian Kettlewell for Vancouver-False Creek, Jody Emery for Vancouver-Fraserview, Ryan Conroy for Vancouver-Hastings, Doug Warkentin for Vancouver-Kensington, Revel Warkentin for Vancouver-Kingsway, Laura-Leah Shaw for Vancouver-Quilchena, and Drina Read for Vancouver-West End. More than half of these candidates will be running for the first time, and most of them have resided in BC for over ten years. They are all active members of the community.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Jane Sterk: It is time for a responsible government in B.C.
Georgia Straight ~ February 20, 2009
By Jane Sterk
The meltdown in the financial sector has sparked a dramatic shift in public policy. Deregulation and market reliance has given way to a significant increase in economic interventionism. Government spending is now all the rage. It hardly seems to matter how it is being spent, as long as it is being spent. Even deficit spending is now kindly referred to as “a stimulus package”.
The Gordon Campbell Liberals have also caught the spending fever. The party that previously called for prudent fiscal management and opposed deficit spending has changed its tune.
But why this shift? Why these panicked pendulum politics? And, more importantly, isn’t there a better way forward? Do we have another option?
The first thing to remember is that this budget is an election budget. What this means, to put it bluntly, is that it has been engineered from top to bottom in order to bring in more votes for the Liberal party come election-time this May. A couple things follow from this.
First, Finance Minister Colin Hansen has been putting forward a rosy outlook for British Columbia’s economy. This optimism seems to be somewhat unwarranted. It has been estimated that 2009/2010 income-tax revenue will be $650 million less than predicted and social-service revenue $350 million less. That alone takes the deficit to $1.2 billion.
There are some real concerns regarding our economy, and it is safe to say that, after the election, the government will be telling a very different story. Not long ago we saw this same political move at the federal level when the Conservative government rapidly shifted from a position of wild optimism to one of modest realism after the election.
Second, this budget is more rooted in reactionary partisan politics than in measures that will address the deep structural concerns within our economy. This Liberal government has jumped on the deficit bandwagon with little attention to where it is headed. There is little in this budget to indicate that the Liberals are serious about taking the steps needed to move us into a 21st-century economy that is sustainable and prosperous.
There is a better way.
There is a better way of doing politics and the Green party is offering a better plan for B.C. This plan offers us a new and better approach to deal with our economic downturn—one that moves beyond the “either/or” choice of either big-government centralized control or radically privatized decentralization. We Greens believe that both government and the nongovernmental sector have important roles to play in ensuring long-term prosperity in B.C. The challenge is to find the appropriate balance between the two.
I believe the core principles in this balance may with summed up with three R’s—responsible, respectful, and representative government actions.
Responsible: Government spending needs to be part of a long-term plan that is designed to ensure lasting prosperity. We need a budget that will make investments in programs that expand future technologies and jobs within B.C. This includes district-level solar, wind, and geothermal energy farms and well as education and technological research. These innovations will stimulate the economy, bring high paying jobs to the province, and keep intellectual capital in B.C.
Respectful: A respectful provincial government works in close cooperation with municipalities to facilitate healthy and robust economic development at the local level. This means ensuring predictable revenue flows are available to municipal governments through fewer restrictions on municipal taxation, not more. It means providing more grants to local governments with appropriate oversight mechanisms that ensure fiscal prudence across the board.
Representative: We need to move to the BC-STV electoral system of proportional representation. One of the best ways to get past the reactionary and divisive swings in B.C. politics is to ensure the political views of the population are accurately represented in the legislature.
The Green party’s plan for B.C. offers us an opportunity to find a more efficient, equitable, and stable balance. By choosing a steady path forward in this time of economic downturn—by electing Greens to the legislature—we can ensure a better future for B.C.
Jane Sterk is the leader of the Green Party of B.C.
By Jane Sterk
The meltdown in the financial sector has sparked a dramatic shift in public policy. Deregulation and market reliance has given way to a significant increase in economic interventionism. Government spending is now all the rage. It hardly seems to matter how it is being spent, as long as it is being spent. Even deficit spending is now kindly referred to as “a stimulus package”.
The Gordon Campbell Liberals have also caught the spending fever. The party that previously called for prudent fiscal management and opposed deficit spending has changed its tune.
But why this shift? Why these panicked pendulum politics? And, more importantly, isn’t there a better way forward? Do we have another option?
The first thing to remember is that this budget is an election budget. What this means, to put it bluntly, is that it has been engineered from top to bottom in order to bring in more votes for the Liberal party come election-time this May. A couple things follow from this.
First, Finance Minister Colin Hansen has been putting forward a rosy outlook for British Columbia’s economy. This optimism seems to be somewhat unwarranted. It has been estimated that 2009/2010 income-tax revenue will be $650 million less than predicted and social-service revenue $350 million less. That alone takes the deficit to $1.2 billion.
There are some real concerns regarding our economy, and it is safe to say that, after the election, the government will be telling a very different story. Not long ago we saw this same political move at the federal level when the Conservative government rapidly shifted from a position of wild optimism to one of modest realism after the election.
Second, this budget is more rooted in reactionary partisan politics than in measures that will address the deep structural concerns within our economy. This Liberal government has jumped on the deficit bandwagon with little attention to where it is headed. There is little in this budget to indicate that the Liberals are serious about taking the steps needed to move us into a 21st-century economy that is sustainable and prosperous.
There is a better way.
There is a better way of doing politics and the Green party is offering a better plan for B.C. This plan offers us a new and better approach to deal with our economic downturn—one that moves beyond the “either/or” choice of either big-government centralized control or radically privatized decentralization. We Greens believe that both government and the nongovernmental sector have important roles to play in ensuring long-term prosperity in B.C. The challenge is to find the appropriate balance between the two.
I believe the core principles in this balance may with summed up with three R’s—responsible, respectful, and representative government actions.
Responsible: Government spending needs to be part of a long-term plan that is designed to ensure lasting prosperity. We need a budget that will make investments in programs that expand future technologies and jobs within B.C. This includes district-level solar, wind, and geothermal energy farms and well as education and technological research. These innovations will stimulate the economy, bring high paying jobs to the province, and keep intellectual capital in B.C.
Respectful: A respectful provincial government works in close cooperation with municipalities to facilitate healthy and robust economic development at the local level. This means ensuring predictable revenue flows are available to municipal governments through fewer restrictions on municipal taxation, not more. It means providing more grants to local governments with appropriate oversight mechanisms that ensure fiscal prudence across the board.
Representative: We need to move to the BC-STV electoral system of proportional representation. One of the best ways to get past the reactionary and divisive swings in B.C. politics is to ensure the political views of the population are accurately represented in the legislature.
The Green party’s plan for B.C. offers us an opportunity to find a more efficient, equitable, and stable balance. By choosing a steady path forward in this time of economic downturn—by electing Greens to the legislature—we can ensure a better future for B.C.
Jane Sterk is the leader of the Green Party of B.C.
BC Greens announce 8 Vancouver candidates
B.C. Green party names Vancouver candidates
By Matthew Burrows
The Green Party of B.C. will unveil tomorrow morning (February 19) its candidates for nine of the 11 provincial ridings in Vancouver.
The party’s candidates for the May election are as follows:
Vancouver-Fairview: Vanessa Violini
Vancouver-False Creek: Damian Kettlewell
Vancouver-Fraserview: Jodie Emery
Vancouver-Hastings: Ryan Conroy
Vancouver-Kensington: Doug Warkentin
Vancouver-Kingsway: Rev Warkentin
Vancouver-Quilchena: Laura-Leah Shaw
Vancouver-West End: Drina Read
B.C. Green leader Jane Sterk will attend the announcement outside the Coal Harbour Community Centre at 11 a.m.
By Matthew Burrows
The Green Party of B.C. will unveil tomorrow morning (February 19) its candidates for nine of the 11 provincial ridings in Vancouver.
The party’s candidates for the May election are as follows:
Vancouver-Fairview: Vanessa Violini
Vancouver-False Creek: Damian Kettlewell
Vancouver-Fraserview: Jodie Emery
Vancouver-Hastings: Ryan Conroy
Vancouver-Kensington: Doug Warkentin
Vancouver-Kingsway: Rev Warkentin
Vancouver-Quilchena: Laura-Leah Shaw
Vancouver-West End: Drina Read
B.C. Green leader Jane Sterk will attend the announcement outside the Coal Harbour Community Centre at 11 a.m.
Georgia Straight ~ News Story on BC Green Vancouver candidates
http://www.straight.com/article-201902/green-siren-targets-oppal-prohibitionist
Letter to the editor response
February 20, 2009
B.C. Greens offer the full package
The Green Party of B.C. announced eight additional election candidates last week. Our Vancouver candidates include engineers, transit operators, business people, arts specialists and community activists.
While we appreciate you announcing our Vancouver candidates, we take exception to your primary focus on cannabis prohibtion. The Green Party of B.C. introduced the concept of the carbon tax in 1996, introduced the concept of tax shifting to B.C. politics, and we continue to offer cutting-edge policy solutions that the Liberals and NDP often choose to adopt themselves.
In these times of economic uncertainty, we realize that B.C. voters will support the most economically-savvy candidates. Those with the best economic plans that preserve and create jobs will be elected. The B.C. Greens will present a better economic plan for B.C. that will create more green-collar jobs in renewable energy production, energy efficiency, and locally-focused markets. Ending homelessness, realigning our health care system to focus on prevention, and increasing the efficiency of education spending are other policy areas that the B.C. Greens specialize in.
The Green Party will field a full slate of B.C. candidates for the third election in a row, and we are poised for electoral success. At the request of our membership base, we are a strong advocate for electoral reform and BC-STV, as the Citizens' Assembly has indicated that it is fairer than the current system and offers more local representation.
While the B.C. Greens do indeed support drug reform and the end of prohibition of certain substances in order to reduce gang activity and create new tax revenues for our province, we are by no means alone in favouring such a policy stance, and this issue hardly defines the B.C. Greens, as your recent article suggests. The 2009 Green Book, to be released shortly, will provide details about the wide range of innovative policies that the Green Party will offer to British Columbian voters.
--
Damian Ketttlewell
MLA Candidate Vancouver False Creek
BC Greens ~ Deputy Leader, mba
www.bcgreens.ca
facebook: join my supporters page
twitter: dkettlewell
Vancouver False Creek Goals
1. Reform Government ~ Vote Yes to BC STV ~ http://tinyurl.com/cubmwy
2. Build a New Economy ~ Make Downtown's Economy the Greenest in North America
3. Care for Each Other ~ End Homelessness by 2017
http://www.straight.com/article-201902/green-siren-targets-oppal-prohibitionist
Letter to the editor response
February 20, 2009
B.C. Greens offer the full package
The Green Party of B.C. announced eight additional election candidates last week. Our Vancouver candidates include engineers, transit operators, business people, arts specialists and community activists.
While we appreciate you announcing our Vancouver candidates, we take exception to your primary focus on cannabis prohibtion. The Green Party of B.C. introduced the concept of the carbon tax in 1996, introduced the concept of tax shifting to B.C. politics, and we continue to offer cutting-edge policy solutions that the Liberals and NDP often choose to adopt themselves.
In these times of economic uncertainty, we realize that B.C. voters will support the most economically-savvy candidates. Those with the best economic plans that preserve and create jobs will be elected. The B.C. Greens will present a better economic plan for B.C. that will create more green-collar jobs in renewable energy production, energy efficiency, and locally-focused markets. Ending homelessness, realigning our health care system to focus on prevention, and increasing the efficiency of education spending are other policy areas that the B.C. Greens specialize in.
The Green Party will field a full slate of B.C. candidates for the third election in a row, and we are poised for electoral success. At the request of our membership base, we are a strong advocate for electoral reform and BC-STV, as the Citizens' Assembly has indicated that it is fairer than the current system and offers more local representation.
While the B.C. Greens do indeed support drug reform and the end of prohibition of certain substances in order to reduce gang activity and create new tax revenues for our province, we are by no means alone in favouring such a policy stance, and this issue hardly defines the B.C. Greens, as your recent article suggests. The 2009 Green Book, to be released shortly, will provide details about the wide range of innovative policies that the Green Party will offer to British Columbian voters.
--
Damian Ketttlewell
MLA Candidate Vancouver False Creek
BC Greens ~ Deputy Leader, mba
www.bcgreens.ca
facebook: join my supporters page
twitter: dkettlewell
Vancouver False Creek Goals
1. Reform Government ~ Vote Yes to BC STV ~ http://tinyurl.com/cubmwy
2. Build a New Economy ~ Make Downtown's Economy the Greenest in North America
3. Care for Each Other ~ End Homelessness by 2017
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
B.C. Green leaders won’t work with NDP in election
B.C. Green leaders won’t work with NDP in election
By Carlito Pablo
http://www.straight.com/article-178515/bc-green-leaders-won%3F%3Ft-work-ndp-election
Green Party of B.C. leader Jane Sterk still won’t entertain suggestions that her party work together with the NDP to defeat the B.C. Liberals in this May’s provincial election.
“It’s not my intention to try and win seats for the NDP,” Sterk told the Straight. “It’s my intention to try and win seats for the Green party.”
Sterk noted that the Greens plan to run candidates in all of the 85 constituencies delineated by the Electoral Districts Act of 2008, dismissing notions that her party will step aside for certain NDP candidates in order to not split the anti-Liberal vote.
For her part, Sterk said that she will be nominated as her party’s candidate in the new electoral district of Esquimalt–Royal Roads on January 14. Known as Esquimalt-Metchosin until the election, the constituency is currently held by NDP MLA Maurine Karagianis.
As a candidate for council in the Township of Esquimalt, Sterk topped the election polls in 2005.
Green deputy leader Damian Kettlewell doesn’t know yet where he will run. Like Sterk, Kettlewell is bullish on fielding Greens in every constituency.
“We’re focused on electing Green MLAs,” Kettlewell told the Straight. “We have no interest in helping the NDP or the Liberals. We have a better plan for British Columbia, and we want to implement that in the legislature.”
By Carlito Pablo
http://www.straight.com/article-178515/bc-green-leaders-won%3F%3Ft-work-ndp-election
Green Party of B.C. leader Jane Sterk still won’t entertain suggestions that her party work together with the NDP to defeat the B.C. Liberals in this May’s provincial election.
“It’s not my intention to try and win seats for the NDP,” Sterk told the Straight. “It’s my intention to try and win seats for the Green party.”
Sterk noted that the Greens plan to run candidates in all of the 85 constituencies delineated by the Electoral Districts Act of 2008, dismissing notions that her party will step aside for certain NDP candidates in order to not split the anti-Liberal vote.
For her part, Sterk said that she will be nominated as her party’s candidate in the new electoral district of Esquimalt–Royal Roads on January 14. Known as Esquimalt-Metchosin until the election, the constituency is currently held by NDP MLA Maurine Karagianis.
As a candidate for council in the Township of Esquimalt, Sterk topped the election polls in 2005.
Green deputy leader Damian Kettlewell doesn’t know yet where he will run. Like Sterk, Kettlewell is bullish on fielding Greens in every constituency.
“We’re focused on electing Green MLAs,” Kettlewell told the Straight. “We have no interest in helping the NDP or the Liberals. We have a better plan for British Columbia, and we want to implement that in the legislature.”
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Georgia Straight Letter to the Editor
I am puzzled why media pundits often add the votes of 2005 NDP candidate Mel Lehan with those of the Green Party's Damian Kettlewell ["NDP's Mel Lehan takes on Gordon Campbell in Vancouver-Point Grey", January 8-15], and state that the combined total would have defeated Gordon Campbell. This incorrectly assumes that all Green Party voters are left-of-centre.
Green Party deputy leader Damian Kettlewell holds an MBA, owns and operates a small business, and has worked in the corporate management sector for ten years. In light of his university degrees and business acumen, many small business owners and corporate employees in Vancouver-Point Grey were attracted to Kettlewell in 2005 as an viable alternative to Gordon Campbell.
The reality is that the Green Party of B.C. draws voters from across the political spectrum. We attract progressive voters who understand that the environment is an important pillar of governance for our province, alongside with the economy and social justice.
Given the bipolar nature of British Columbian politics, the Green Party appeals to voters who don't want to have to hold their nose and vote for the "least worst" of two highly ideological parties.
During this time of global economic uncertainty, the Green Party is advocating greater support for small businesses, and for the reinvigoration of our province's economy with a green stimulus package. We believe in significantly reducing the cost of B.C.'s greatest expenditure, health care, by investing in more pro-active (rather than re-active) and community-based health care. Additionally, we strongly feel that the thousands of homeless people across British Columbia deserve a roof over their heads - both for moral and economic reasons.
Unfortunately for Mr. Lehan, the intelligent voters of Vancouver-Point Grey will not support the reactionary "axe the tax" campaign of the NDP. And unfortunately for Mr. Campbell, voters in Vancouver-Point Grey understand the hypocrisy of a government that promotes a carbon tax while also pushing through the single-occupancy vehicle-focused Gateway campaign (which completely ignores Metro Vancouver's Livable Region Strategic Plan). The people of Vancouver-Point Grey appreciate that the Green Party of B.C. introduced the concept of a carbon tax way back in 1996, and that we have a much more comprehensive and balanced plan for the governance of British Columbia than either the Liberals or the NDP.
Devon Rowcliffe
Communications Director for Damian Kettlewell, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
Green Party deputy leader Damian Kettlewell holds an MBA, owns and operates a small business, and has worked in the corporate management sector for ten years. In light of his university degrees and business acumen, many small business owners and corporate employees in Vancouver-Point Grey were attracted to Kettlewell in 2005 as an viable alternative to Gordon Campbell.
The reality is that the Green Party of B.C. draws voters from across the political spectrum. We attract progressive voters who understand that the environment is an important pillar of governance for our province, alongside with the economy and social justice.
Given the bipolar nature of British Columbian politics, the Green Party appeals to voters who don't want to have to hold their nose and vote for the "least worst" of two highly ideological parties.
During this time of global economic uncertainty, the Green Party is advocating greater support for small businesses, and for the reinvigoration of our province's economy with a green stimulus package. We believe in significantly reducing the cost of B.C.'s greatest expenditure, health care, by investing in more pro-active (rather than re-active) and community-based health care. Additionally, we strongly feel that the thousands of homeless people across British Columbia deserve a roof over their heads - both for moral and economic reasons.
Unfortunately for Mr. Lehan, the intelligent voters of Vancouver-Point Grey will not support the reactionary "axe the tax" campaign of the NDP. And unfortunately for Mr. Campbell, voters in Vancouver-Point Grey understand the hypocrisy of a government that promotes a carbon tax while also pushing through the single-occupancy vehicle-focused Gateway campaign (which completely ignores Metro Vancouver's Livable Region Strategic Plan). The people of Vancouver-Point Grey appreciate that the Green Party of B.C. introduced the concept of a carbon tax way back in 1996, and that we have a much more comprehensive and balanced plan for the governance of British Columbia than either the Liberals or the NDP.
Devon Rowcliffe
Communications Director for Damian Kettlewell, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
Monday, April 28, 2008
Driving Change 2008
We have hosted the Clean Air Auto Show with Mayor Corrigan and consequently The Knowledge Network and their Leading Edge show visited with my friend Byron and myself.
Click on the below lick and scroll down to "Driving Change" to learn about electric, waste biofuel and fuel cell car options now and in the future.
http://www.knowledgenetwork.ca/leadingedge/2008/index.html
Here's to being the change we all want to see.
Sustainably yours,
Damian
Earth Day 2008
Part of my Earth Day 2008 was spent at a grade seven class Thunderbird Elementary in East Vancouver. We discussed green living choices and had a small quiz about every day decisions that can reduce our ecological footprint.
After participating in a "fish bowl" discussion with Dr. Bill Rees a few days earlier and hearing the latest challenging news on the rapid advancement of climate change it was heart warming to see that the young students in East Vancouver are more enlightened on environmental issues than any generation before them. They knew all about recycling, composting, walking / biking / taking transit and not driving. They were excited to visit their local farmers markets and excited to hear about solar and wind power options that we have today.
Happy earth day and to living more with less.
Sustainably yours,
Damian
Friday, March 28, 2008
Green Party Deputy Leader Granville Magazine, Winter Edition 2007
The Alt Fuel Club
Christopher Pollon | Image: Peter Holst | 01 Dec 2007
http://www.granvilleonline.ca/gr/features/2007/12/01/alt-fuel-club
Christopher Pollon | Image: Peter Holst | 01 Dec 2007
http://www.granvilleonline.ca/gr/features/2007/12/01/alt-fuel-club
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Mercy on Ms. Krawczyk
Damian Kettlewell
1370 Arbutus
Vancouver, BC V6J 3W8
Gordon Campbell
premier@gov.bc.ca
March 2, 2007
Att: Gordon Campbell
Cc: Attorney General Wally Oppal
From: Damian Kettlewell
Re: Betty Krawczyk's March 5,2007 sentencing in light of Harriet Nahenee's death
I hope the New Year is treating you in good order.
I am writing to address the upcoming sentencing of Betty Krawczyk on March 5, 2007. I met Betty through my work with BC EcoEvents in the Elaho Valley in 1998 and she has been a source of inspiration for me since. Betty has been a leader in ensuring the preservation of numerous pristine watersheds in BC. Without Betty, many more of BC's valleys would be barren and devoid of life.
As you are aware, scientific studies that advise us to alter our consumptive lifestyles now dominate mainstream media. Past fringe perspective and policy from environmental activists has moved to the mainstream and progressive environmental policy is the most important issue for Canadians. Betty Krawczyk and Hariette Nahennee's environmental views and actions currently represent those of a majority of Canadians.
Mr. Campbell, please speak with your Attorney General, Wally Oppal, and enquire about compassionate means to resolve Ms. Krawczyk's upcoming sentence. Betty Krawczyk is a beacon of hope for environmental activists who have been "walking the talk" and lobbying the public for change.
First Nations elder Harriet Nahenee has just passed away while under the watch of the law. If our court system had invoked compassion means in her sentencing process Ms. Nahennee would likely still be with us today.
The pressures of modern life (i.e. debt, jobs, and families) restrict a majority of Canadians for voicing their opinions like Betty and Harriet Nahenee are able. Betty and Harriet are not ideological great - grandmothers but visionary giants who history will remember as great Canadian women who stood up and pushed our society to change.
Mr. Campbell, your perspectives on the First Nations treaty process in BC and climate change policy has evolved considerably in the recent past. As my MLA for Vancouver Point Grey, I ask that you encourage Mr. Oppal to ensure that our court system invokes compassion in the March 5th sentencing of Ms. Krawczyk. BC's court system does not need to threaten the life of another great British Columbian elder.
Compassionately yours,
Damian Kettlewell
BC EcoEvents, Chairperson
1370 Arbutus
Vancouver, BC V6J 3W8
Gordon Campbell
premier@gov.bc.ca
March 2, 2007
Att: Gordon Campbell
Cc: Attorney General Wally Oppal
From: Damian Kettlewell
Re: Betty Krawczyk's March 5,2007 sentencing in light of Harriet Nahenee's death
I hope the New Year is treating you in good order.
I am writing to address the upcoming sentencing of Betty Krawczyk on March 5, 2007. I met Betty through my work with BC EcoEvents in the Elaho Valley in 1998 and she has been a source of inspiration for me since. Betty has been a leader in ensuring the preservation of numerous pristine watersheds in BC. Without Betty, many more of BC's valleys would be barren and devoid of life.
As you are aware, scientific studies that advise us to alter our consumptive lifestyles now dominate mainstream media. Past fringe perspective and policy from environmental activists has moved to the mainstream and progressive environmental policy is the most important issue for Canadians. Betty Krawczyk and Hariette Nahennee's environmental views and actions currently represent those of a majority of Canadians.
Mr. Campbell, please speak with your Attorney General, Wally Oppal, and enquire about compassionate means to resolve Ms. Krawczyk's upcoming sentence. Betty Krawczyk is a beacon of hope for environmental activists who have been "walking the talk" and lobbying the public for change.
First Nations elder Harriet Nahenee has just passed away while under the watch of the law. If our court system had invoked compassion means in her sentencing process Ms. Nahennee would likely still be with us today.
The pressures of modern life (i.e. debt, jobs, and families) restrict a majority of Canadians for voicing their opinions like Betty and Harriet Nahenee are able. Betty and Harriet are not ideological great - grandmothers but visionary giants who history will remember as great Canadian women who stood up and pushed our society to change.
Mr. Campbell, your perspectives on the First Nations treaty process in BC and climate change policy has evolved considerably in the recent past. As my MLA for Vancouver Point Grey, I ask that you encourage Mr. Oppal to ensure that our court system invokes compassion in the March 5th sentencing of Ms. Krawczyk. BC's court system does not need to threaten the life of another great British Columbian elder.
Compassionately yours,
Damian Kettlewell
BC EcoEvents, Chairperson
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Jingle Bells Carbon Smells
Here's a poem to make you laugh as you create change:
Chorus
Jingle Bells, carbon smells
There's no time to wait
Add another coal-fired plant
And it will be too late.
Jingle Bells, carbon smells
There's no time to wait
2050 as a target date
Is way too late!
There's more storms every year
Floods and freezing rain
How much more do you need-to-see
We're facing climate change?
The polar ice has shrunk
And Santa's getting wet
He's trading his sleigh for a boat
And Rudolph is upset
Chorus
A year or two ago
Promises were made
But hot air from the parliaments
Just adds to climate change
Its time to make a change
Demand it right away
A plan to cap emissions now
And make them go away.
Chorus
Created by: Vancouver Point Grey Citizens Concerned About Climate Change
BCIT Power Engineering Class Presentation ~ December 2006This class was interested in the operation of my1984 Mercedes Benz powered by Waste Vegetable Oil from Delaney's Pub in Burnaby, BC. We spent 45 minutes reviewing the science of
biowaste power options.
The class was very interested in biodiesel and waste vegetable oil machines.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Dear Madam Justice Brown
Damian Kettlewell
1370 Arbutus
Vancouver, BC
V6J 3W8
February 6, 2007
Att: The Honorable Madam Justice Brown
From: Damian Kettlewell
Re: Betty Krawczyk
Good day Madam Justice Brown.
I hope the New Year is treating you in good order.
I am writing to address the upcoming sentencing of Betty Krawczyk this Thursday February 8, 2007. I met Betty through my work with BC EcoEvents in the Elaho Valley in 1998. Betty played a leadership role in raising public awareness to ensure that the Elaho Valley was preserved for future generations. Without Betty it is likely that the ecologically significant Elaho Valley would be yet another barren valley.
I have been an environmental advocate for eleven years organizing fifteen EcoFests and most recently the Clean Air Auto Show. We also organized a Free Betty Ball in 2003 when Betty was imprisoned and raised funds and awareness for her court case. I have been driving a green house gas neutral waste vegetable oil car for almost three years as a means to reduce urban pollution and I chair a watershed stewardship NGO (www.rivershed.com)
As you are aware, contemporary mainstream media is dominated by scientific studies that advise us that we must drastically alter our lifestyles otherwise face drastic climate change realities. The move from environmental rhetoric to environmental action takes considerable time in our current electoral system. Betty Krawczyk is a beacon of hope for environmental activists who have been “walking the talk” and lobbying the public for change. Our fringe perspectives and policy suggestions have now moved to the mainstream and as you are aware, the environmental is the number one issue among Canadians.
Unfortunately, the onslaught of scientific and polling studies does not affect your interpretation of the law as it now stands. Madame Justice Brown, when you reflect on your summary statements and sentencing judgment with Betty Krawczyk please consider that Betty’s environmental views and actions currently represent those of a majority of Canadians. The pressures of modern life (i.e. debt, jobs, and families) restrict a majority of Canadians for voicing their opinions like Betty. Ms. Krawczyk is not an ideological 79-year-old grandmother but a visionary giant who will be revered among her Canadian contemporaries as one woman who could stand up and push the system to change.
I ask that you consider the “drive for change” among Canadians when you sentence Betty this Thursday February 8, 2007.
Compassionately yours,
Damian Kettlewell, Vancouver, BC
1370 Arbutus
Vancouver, BC
V6J 3W8
February 6, 2007
Att: The Honorable Madam Justice Brown
From: Damian Kettlewell
Re: Betty Krawczyk
Good day Madam Justice Brown.
I hope the New Year is treating you in good order.
I am writing to address the upcoming sentencing of Betty Krawczyk this Thursday February 8, 2007. I met Betty through my work with BC EcoEvents in the Elaho Valley in 1998. Betty played a leadership role in raising public awareness to ensure that the Elaho Valley was preserved for future generations. Without Betty it is likely that the ecologically significant Elaho Valley would be yet another barren valley.
I have been an environmental advocate for eleven years organizing fifteen EcoFests and most recently the Clean Air Auto Show. We also organized a Free Betty Ball in 2003 when Betty was imprisoned and raised funds and awareness for her court case. I have been driving a green house gas neutral waste vegetable oil car for almost three years as a means to reduce urban pollution and I chair a watershed stewardship NGO (www.rivershed.com)
As you are aware, contemporary mainstream media is dominated by scientific studies that advise us that we must drastically alter our lifestyles otherwise face drastic climate change realities. The move from environmental rhetoric to environmental action takes considerable time in our current electoral system. Betty Krawczyk is a beacon of hope for environmental activists who have been “walking the talk” and lobbying the public for change. Our fringe perspectives and policy suggestions have now moved to the mainstream and as you are aware, the environmental is the number one issue among Canadians.
Unfortunately, the onslaught of scientific and polling studies does not affect your interpretation of the law as it now stands. Madame Justice Brown, when you reflect on your summary statements and sentencing judgment with Betty Krawczyk please consider that Betty’s environmental views and actions currently represent those of a majority of Canadians. The pressures of modern life (i.e. debt, jobs, and families) restrict a majority of Canadians for voicing their opinions like Betty. Ms. Krawczyk is not an ideological 79-year-old grandmother but a visionary giant who will be revered among her Canadian contemporaries as one woman who could stand up and push the system to change.
I ask that you consider the “drive for change” among Canadians when you sentence Betty this Thursday February 8, 2007.
Compassionately yours,
Damian Kettlewell, Vancouver, BC
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