by Pieter Vorster | Feb 13, 2019 | News and Events
Mark de Bruijn Nominee for the Green Party of Canada Candidate for NIPR Much of my passion for the natural world and it’s wonders comes from leaving my urbanized European homeland at the age of 3, and moving to a country with nothing but wilderness everywhere. My father was smitten by it, and our family spent countless weekends and summers exploring the wilds, from our home in the Calgary foothills to the California Sierras. I grew up hiking, canoeing, trail riding and rock climbing my summers away in the glorious Rockies, much of it as a counsellor with a YMCA wilderness camp near Banff. Upon graduating from the University of Calgary with a 1st class honours B.Sc. in zoology, I worked as a fish biologist in the Arctic on Canada’s first major environmental assessment for a pipeline destined to bring Alaskan natural gas to Edmonton. Our work ultimately contributed to the Canadian government’s decision to decline the development application – the huge pipe was never built. Gradually I discovered my real interest lay in helping others appreciate and treasure the wonders of nature. I became a college biology instructor at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Later I completed the training to teach high school chemistry, biology and math, including a stint as school principal. As economics, interests and lifestyles changed, I gathered an eclectic range of skills working as general contractor, sporting goods buyer, healing program coordinator, and employability teacher and coach. But always I returned to education and the natural world as my primary passion. Along the way I discovered an interest in exploring the potential of creative...
by Larry McCumsey | May 6, 2026 | News and Events
Members, mark your calendars: the Green Party of Canada will be holding a Special General Meeting on Saturday, July 4, over Zoom. Time of day and invitations to be sent to members soon.The purpose of the meeting is to complete the work members began at our Special General Meeting on November 23, 2025. Our goal was to update our constitution so it reflects the practical realities of how we make decisions about our future, while staying true to Green values and our commitment to direct member participation.We want every member to have a real opportunity to participate and to have your views reflected in these decisions. Your invitation will be coming soon, we hope you can join us!Learn more about Green...
by Larry McCumsey | Apr 2, 2026 | News and Events
A unique opportunity exists within the North Island Powell River Electoral District Association for the Green Party of Canada. We are recruiting for the volunteer position of: Financial Agent Are you detail-oriented, trustworthy, and passionate about supporting grassroots democracy? The NIPR Executive is seeking a volunteer who has a basic understanding of accounting practices, enjoys working as part of a small but mighty team, and values the company of like-minded, Green-leaning individuals to help ensure transparency and accountability in our operations. About the Role The Financial Agent plays a vital role in managing the financial affairs of the Electoral District Association (EDA) in compliance with Elections Canada regulations. Key Responsibilities Maintain accurate financial records and track contributions and expenses Prepare and submit required financial reports Ensure compliance with federal electoral finance laws Assist with budgeting and financial planning Support fundraising efforts by overseeing proper handling of funds What We’re Looking For Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Integrity and reliability in handling financial information Basic knowledge of bookkeeping or accounting Commitment to the values of environmental sustainability, social justice, and grassroots democracy Willingness to become a member of the Green Party and join our Board of Directors Time Commitment Flexible, with increased involvement during election periods. Attendance with input at monthly meetings. Why Get Involved? This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the democratic process, support green initiatives in your community, and gain valuable experience in political finance and nonprofit governance. To Apply Please email us with a brief written introduction and any relevant experience. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds who are eager to make a difference. Please send all...
by Larry McCumsey | Mar 7, 2026 | News and Events
Virtual Movie Night Join us for an online movie night featuring two short films by west coast Canadian filmmakers: It’s Time to Listen (2020) a 7-minute exploration of how whales respond to a quieter underwater world, produced by the Hakai Magazine and Stand (2018), a 45-minute film by Anthony Bonello and Nicolas Teichrob, following local adventurer Norm Hann as he paddleboards along the east coast of Haida Gwaii with visits to Haisla, Bella Bella, and Tofino. (The film has amazing surfing footage!) After watching the films, you’re invited to stay for a panel Q&A, hosted by Jessica Wegg. Panelists include Shane Pollard, Guardian Manager, We Wai Kai Nation; Katarina Duke, Manager of Marine Conservation and Fisheries, Ka:yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations; and Cory Cliffe, Wei Wai Kum First Nation, Founder, 7 Generations Stewards Society. The focus of the Virtual Movie Night is to raise awareness of coastal concerns and encourage an open discussion across the North Island - Powell River (NIPR) riding around the Federal/Alberta Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to build a pipeline through northern BC to the north coast for shipping across the Pacific Ocean. This project would contravene the Oil Tanker Ban, in practice since 1972 and legislated into law (Bill C-26) on June 21, 2019. The ban covers an area that stretches from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to the BC-Alaska border and along the entire west coast of Vancouver Island. This includes the waters that surround the NIPR federal riding. For more information please see: https://www.cbc.ca/…/bc-oil-tanker-ban-explained-9.7016899 First Nations communities assert that removing the Oil Tanker Ban would put our coastlines, communities, and oceans at...
by Larry McCumsey | Dec 18, 2025 | News and Events, Newsletters
2025 has been a wild ride—not only for NIPR, but for the entire globe. War, environmental devastation, political and economic instability have all contributed to the deep uncertainty we all feel. Tensions with our U.S. neighbours have had an immense impact on Canadians, and here in British Columbia we are facing yet another potential blow to our environment. As we continue the fight to protect our old growth forests and wild salmon, we are now confronted with the threat of a pipeline from Alberta to our pristine coastline—along with the possibility of an exemption to the 1972 restrictions on tanker traffic through Hecate Straight and Queen Charlotte Sound. At the end of my letter please see links to two articles from Cortes Currents regarding Canada’s MOU with Alberta. The year began with the resignation of Prime Minister Trudeau, triggering a leadership race. Mark Carney became the new leader of the Liberal Party and quickly called a federal election for April 28. Rumours of an early election had been circulating for some time, leaving political parties scrambling to secure candidates. Fortunately, NIPR was already well prepared, with Jessica Wegg confirmed as our candidate. In fact, we were the first GPC riding in Canada to officially announce a candidate. For the Green Party, the election results were disappointing, to say the very least. Fear proved to be a dominant force, and reacting from fear is never a good thing. It is far better to remain grounded in our principles—and to vote accordingly. While NIPR planned and took part in a number of events during the course of the year, the highlight...
by Larry McCumsey | Nov 4, 2025 | News and Events
Annie Smith and Katy Lepine were members of the organizing committee for the David Suzuki Event on October 17, 2025 at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay, BC. David Suzuki’s presentation was titled: Humanity at a Crossroads: Transformation or Extinction. It was a huge undertaking for the small group of volunteers with the North Island – Powell River Greens. Annie and Katy share their reflections and photos from the event. Click here to read the full story on Cortes...
by Larry McCumsey | Oct 1, 2025 | Newsletters
What kind of world do you want your grandchildren to inherit? Comment on Facebook to be entered to win 2 tickets to hear David Suzuki’s presentation: Humanity at a Crossroads in Courtenay, October 17! This is a special opportunity to hear Suzuki’s presentation on escalating climate change and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Winner will be announced on our Facebook page on October 10. Enter the contest. Learn more about the event. Tickets are valued at $45 each. One entry allowed per person. Contest closes 11:59pm PST, October 9, 2025. Good luck, Your NIPR EDA...
by Larry McCumsey | Sep 17, 2025 | Newsletters
On the evening of September 4th, 2025, we held our North Island Powell River EDA Annual General Meeting via Zoom. If you would like a link to the recorded version of this meeting please let me know. While we recognize that Zoom is not ideal, considering the size of our EDA it is important that members throughout the riding be able to attend. In past years we have had a guest speaker following the business part of the meeting. This year however we decided to have a separate event. We are excited to announce that our special guest speaker is David Suzuki. He will be presenting at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay on Friday, October 17th. David’s presentation is entitled Humanity at a Crossroads: Transformation or Extinction. More information about the event and details of how to purchase tickets is available on our website (David Suzuki Event) and social media platforms (NIPR Greens on Facebook). We have sadly said good bye to three of our long time directors, Susan Short who held the position of Financial Agent, Carol McCuaig and Mark de Bruijn. Many thanks go to Susan, Carol and Mark for their commitment to our Green cause, which is simply trying to make the world a better place for generations to follow. These three individuals have brought so much to our organization and we will undoubtedly feel the absence of their tremendous involvement. Susan, Carol and Mark have said they will stay connected and continue to support the EDA in whatever capacity their schedules will allow. On the plus side we are very fortunate to have Katy Lepine join the...
by Larry McCumsey | Sep 9, 2025 | News and Events, Newsletters
Join us at 6:00 p.m., October 17, at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay, BC to hear David Suzuki’s insights about escalating climate change and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. David’s presentation is titled Humanity at a Crossroads: Transformation or Extinction. You will be able to purchase a signed copy of his book, The Sacred Balance, or his children’s book Bompa’s Insect Expedition, and have him personalize it. If you have purchased any of David Suzuki’s books prior to the event you can bring one book in for signing. Light refreshments will be available by donation. The Florence Filberg Centre is located at 411 Anderton Avenue in Courtenay, BC. The venue is wheelchair accessible with ample free parking. Tickets are $45. Get your tickets today! To express interest in volunteering or to request special ticket pricing for people experiencing hardship please e-mail jessica.wegg@greenparty.ca. 6:00 pm: Doors open. Book signing with David Suzuki 7:15 pm: Event begins. Introductions and Territorial welcome with the local Pentl’ach Peoples 7:30 to 8:15 pm: David Suzuki’s presentation 8:15 to 9:00 pm: Question & Answer period with David...
by Larry McCumsey | Apr 18, 2025 | News and Events
April 17, 2025 MONTREAL – The Green Party of Canada has launched its election platform. You can read it here. This is a platform for everyone who has been pushed to the margins, sidelined, underestimated, or ignored—and who is done with the status quo. For people who are organizing, showing up, and demanding more social justice. Please find the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s costing...
by Larry McCumsey | Mar 23, 2025 | Newsletters
Hello fellow Greens! The Coldest Night of the Year Comox Valley Green Team graces the cover page this issue. This is just one of the many things that we have been up to but of course the election dominates our thinking right now. Here’s your chance to see what has been happening and what we have planned for the coming weeks. NIPR Newsletter (Vol IV - Issue 1) Mar...
