Michelle Petersen, Green Party

Michelle Petersen is a Registered Psychotherapist with more than 15 years experience in the community services sector. She grew up in Orléans and returned to the community to raise her five-year-old son. As a kid, she attended Des Voyageurs, Léo D. Côté and Garneau schools and she is a long-time supporter of the Green Party and its policies.

1) Why did you decide to run for the Green Party?'

My decision to run is based on my belief that all Canadians should have access to clean water, clean air, affordable housing, education and employment and health services including mental health services. Most importantly, I decided to run because I want my child, and his children:

• to grow old in a country that is leading the way towards social and environmental justice for all;
• to prosper from the unlimited oppor-tunities of a green economy;
• to see his mom standing up for what she believes in, and taking concrete action to reverse the climate emergency while growing a sustainable future for generations to come. All of us have a responsibility to ourselves and our families to live the best life we can in spite of the challenges we face. I believe the Green Party offers us the best plan for getting there.

2) In your opinion, what is the most important issue being discussed during this election?

The climate emergency. Swift and urgent action must be taken to address the current and future impacts of climate change, while at the same time leveraging the infinite possibilities of a green economy. We can do both; and our eight priorities, driven by our 20-point Mission: Possible, will get us there:

1. Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
2. Addressing the Climate Emergency
3. Transitioning to a Green Economy
4. Invoking Ecological Wisdom
5. Renewing the Social Contract
6. Advancing the Just Society
7. Good Governance
8. International Relations and Defence

3) Is there one particular issue you would like to champion if elected to represent Orléans?

I want to bring Orléans together. I'd like to be a champion of collaboration and community. I imagine green infrastructure that enables people to get around quickly and easily, using public transit, cycling and pedestrian lanes. I will put Orléans on the map by starting a national movement to reduce idling at drive-thrus (identified by Natural Resources Canada as a major contributor to Greenhouse Gas Emissions) by starting small with #walkinwednesdays. I will work with the NCC, municipal and provincial governments to bring out the potential in Orléans – promoting its indigenous and francophone heritage, its diverse communities, and preserving its natural resources and beauty.

4) List what you believe are the three most important planks in your party's platform?

1. Addressing the Climate Emergency – if we fail to do this, all efforts to build a safe, healthy, prosperous community will be in vain.
2. Renewing the Social Contract – be-cause the health and well-being of our people is intricately linked to the prosperity of our economy and of our people.
3. Good Governance – as Canadians are increasingly disillusioned and distrustful towards politicians. Electoral reform is long overdue.

You can learn more about Michelle and the Green Party platform at www.greenparty.ca/en/riding/2013-35076.

(This story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our local business partners.)