A number of groups have been forming across Canada, in response to the fact that only 39% of those who voted last spring elected a majority government. Some groups are focusing on electoral reform, some on cross-party cooperation, some on planning specifically for the 2015 election, while others see these strategies as means to the end of affecting government policies on environmental responsibility, social justice, arts and culture, and more.

In Toronto, a group started forming this past fall that decided to call itself the Canadian Electoral Alliance. I was invited to participate, to enable Green Party of Canada policies and concerns to be heard. I was mostly in Ottawa then, volunteering for Elizabeth in her parliamentary office; Elizabeth enthusiastically clarified policies she was pleased to have me convey, at the meetings I was able to attend on my weekend trips to Toronto. (Once, when I couldn’t be here, the group even enabled me to participate by telephone from Ottawa.)

The Alliance, here in Toronto, is keen to reach all who have concerns about the future of Canada. You can learn more about the Alliance at www.electoralalliance.ca and reach the Alliance at [email protected] .

The Alliance’s first Democracy Salon is this coming
Wednesday evening, June 6, 6:30-8:30 pm,
Alterna Savings Meeting Room, 4th floor, Centre for Social Innovation,
215 Spadina Ave.
If the front door of the building is locked, you can enter via the café at the south end of the building. The Alterna Room is on the right, once you pass the information desk on the fourth floor.

John Bessai, the alliance chair, will be leading the meeting’s programme. We’ll be sharing ideas, and also fresh iced mint tea, from the plants that have just about taken over my balcony.

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