The Green Party of Ontario is hoping to make some gains in the provincial election.
The goal is to get at least one MPP elected.
Party officials say it’s achievable because they have a plan that isn’t just focused on the environment.
One of the party’s campaign promises is to merge the Catholic and public school boards.
“The issue really is about fairness and about human rights as well. I mean, the United Nations Human Rights Commission has cited Ontario twice now for discrimination in our school systems,” says Green leader Mike Schreiner.
“Is that really what we want our public dollars going to? Especially when the savings could be re-invested in our students' classrooms and save schools like Lorne Avenue and hire for support staff, so our students with special needs get the services they need.”
One of the major issues of this election has been public sector salaries.
Schreiner says the Green Party has a plan to lower the deficit and everyone should contribute. It would include increased taxes for corporations and wage freezes for the public sector.
“You ask everyone to contribute - public sector workers, as well as big Bay Street corporations - to get Ontario's budget balanced.
“And let’s get our fair share of natural resources. That's what the Green Party would add, so everybody is contributing to balancing the budget. I think that’s the best way forward.”
The Green Party would raise Bay Street corporate taxes by one per cent and use that to lower payroll taxes on small businesses to create more jobs.
Schreiner has been campaigning almost exclusively in Guelph as that is where he believes the party has the best chance to get elected.
“We've learned from Elizabeth May what a huge difference one MP can make. I want to do the same thing in Guelph. Elizabeth May knocked off a sitting cabinet minister, so absolutely the Green Party can win in Guelph,” he says.
Schreiner says voting for the party, even if it doesn’t win a riding, will still count.
“Every vote for the Green Party sends a message to the three status quo parties that politics is broken and we have to fix it. No more games, gimmicks, scandals, magic math or back room deals. This is about saying we have to stand up and create a better future for our kids.”
