Nicole Peltier, former provincial candidate for the Green Party of Ontario in the riding, has been acclaimed as the 2015 federal candidate for the Green Party of Canada in the newly expanded Nipissing-Timiskaming district.
Peltier received the unanimous vote by local members during a meeting on June 25th.
Nicole is an Environmental Geography major at Nipissing University with a minor in Corporate Social
Responsibility. She is also an entrepreneur that understands economics.
“The exporting of raw resources is a problem Northern Ontario knows all too well. TransCanada’s Energy East oil export pipeline is no different,” Peltier explains. “If diluted bitumen is to be exported across the country to foreign refineries, leave it in the ground.”
The Greens have called for a national climate action strategy. Polluting sectors would be encouraged to create efficiencies through a Carbon Fee and Dividend framework; Polluters pay a fee and Canadians will receive a carbon dividend cheque, similar to GST reimbursements every quarter.
“A national policy of a Carbon Fee and Dividend system makes good economic sense.” Peltier says. “Business operations reduce waste and the public directly benefits.”
Nicole worries for the future of her children. “Canada is headed down a path of economic ruin by being a climate laggard. Such global problems should be viewed as opportunities for change. Canada must invest in entrepreneurs, develop innovative green technologies to transition into stable and diverse economies.”
Peltier explained why she is running to represent the Green Party a second time in just over a year.
“The Greens speak to my values of economic stability, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility,” said Peltier. “There are no whipped votes, only open dialogue with communities for direct action.”
Peltier, who is originally from Huntsville moved to North Bay in 2007. Her family has grown up in the North and is where her community activism took flight.
“I came to North Bay in search of myself, an education, my hopes and dreams. I knew my family would be happiest here,” said Peltier. “The North is my home. I intend to ensure its prosperity for years to come.”
The plan for campaign ideas are underway, with an air of intrigue surrounding the announcement.
“The Greens want to create a campaign that reflects our home. It will be different from other, more traditional, types of campaigning,” said Peltier.
“Anyone is interested in getting involved, please contact the local Green movement at [email protected], facebook at Green Party Nipissing, or twitter @NTGreens.”
Peltier will take on Liberal Anthony Rota, New Democratic Party Kathleen Jodoiun, Conservative Jay Aspin, and Libertarian Derek Elliot in the 2015 election expected to take place in October 2015.
