ANNOUNCING MY GREEN PARTY CANDIDACY by Brendan Cross
Thursday, August 25th, 2011.
I am announcing that I am putting my name forward as a provincial candidate with the Green Party of Saskatchewan. I do so with some political experience, and also with a checkered past. I believe, however, that I have thoughts and ideas to share which are worthy to be heard. Issues that are very personal to me - issues such as mental illness, justice, addictions, and my convictions.
It is well-known that I suffer from Bi-polar Disorder. But I want it to be more well-known that I am anti-war, pro-union, against nuclear waste, and for saving our planet and all people who live in it. I know the pressures of politics, and I've had my share of debates and arguments. While some might think I need not run, I can only say that I feel called to walk through the fire.
In the past decade, I've been the Leader of the First Nations Party here in Saskatchewan, written speeches for the merged First Peoples National Party of Canada; I've attended the January 2009 First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa on my birthday with the National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, and I've built my own identity with statements made with the Aboriginal Peoples Council of Regina.
I have watched with great interest as the Conservatives consolidated their majority, how the Leader of the Official Opposition won a remarkable victory in his own right. I have taken note of the collapsing fortunes of the Bloc and Liberal parties, and how Elizabeth May won her seat in this nation's Parliament. I was pleased to see Larissa Shasko's showing here in Saskatchewan, too.
I am somewhat familiar with all parties' policies, and I agree with the Green Party on Aboriginal issues, namely that aboriginal culture, language, and history stand as a fundamental source of the Saskatchewan identity - always with the Treaties & Metis rights as a foundation, building to improve resource revenue sharing and stewardship. I believe that the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Metis Nation of Saskatchewan can agree.
Also, the Green Party believes that post-secondary education should be a free right of all Saskatchewan residents, requiring zero tuition. I believe forgiveable scholarships and directly paid educators (from the public purse) are achievable steps toward such a noble goal. Nobody should have to pay for college or university in Saskatchewan.
In regards to Health and mental health, the Green Party promotes greater involvement of people dealing with mental health issues in the decision-making process for policies which affect our lives. That would include justice. The party also believes in greater accessibility and portability, as in helicopter ambulances.
As a speechwriter for the First Peoples National Party of Canada, I pushed for electoral reform in the way of proportional representation, which current polling would indicate 5% of the electorate for the Green Party - translating to three seats in the Legislature. And 5% is only what was polled on July 11th this summer...
I am impressed by the precise and concise policy positions of the Green Party under the leadership of Larissa Shasko. The Green Party of Saskatchewan is well on its way to being considered third party status here in our province, ahead of the Liberal Party if current trends can be maintained. I heartily endorse Larissa as party leader and I will do all that I am able to do to see her as successful as possible. She and I believe in coalition building, and the Green Party is integral to building the grandest coalition.
Here in Canada, it was only the Leader of the Green Party of Canada, Elizabeth May, who stood in Parliament to voice Opposition to, and vote against, going to war with Libya. In a majority Parliament, it is the job of the Leader of the Official Opposition and all opposition parties to oppose all legislation put forward by the majority government, for sake of debate and the need for better policy.
I stand here in Saskatchewan as a voice against all present and further wars which I believe go against all beliefs and traditions Canadian. I am proud to stand with the Green Party and look forward to moving forward into the election.
Brendan William Cross
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