September 23, 2016

Dear Members and Supporters:

It has been two years since I was elected as the first Green member of the Legislative Assembly in New Brunswick.  It’s plain to see the impact I’m already having.

The widespread support that was evident for my local food security bill led the Gallant government to establish local food as one of its priorities for economic development.  A local food strategy is expected soon.  It was nice to see the Premier, for the first time, adopt my position that an import replacement strategy will strengthen local economies and create jobs.

The same could be said for my bills to create jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy, to lower the voting age to 16, and to make the teaching about our current and historic relationship with First Nations be mandatory.  Each of these has found their way into either discussion papers, policy or the Premier’s commentary.  The same cannot be said for my efforts to shift thinking on how we manage our forests and allocate forest resources.  With my bill to cancel the unsustainable wood supply contracts with the big forestry companies, I at least forced debate on the issue on the floor of the Legislature for the first time, uniting the Tories and Liberals in a rare show of unanimity in support of the status quo.

One essential element for change is that new ideas and approaches become part of the discussion.  Inside and out of the Legislature I continue to focus attention on issues that no one else is raising, and bringing forward solutions would never have seen the light of day.

I hope I am setting the bar for how Green MLAs work to engage with constituents and represent them in the Legislative Assembly. This work is reflected on my MLA website www.DavidCoonMLA.ca.

Just think what can be achieved for New Brunswickers with more Greens in the Legislative Assembly.  We are now two years away from the election and planning is underway.  With your help, I know we will elect more Greens in 2018.  Who knows.  If the election is close, a caucus of Green MLAs could even hold the balance of power.  Let’s work together to make it happen!


David Coon
Leader, Green Party of New Brunswick