Green Party of P.E.I. releases election platform

The Green Party of P.E.I. released its election platform Friday morning in Charlottetown, even though a provincial election has yet to be called.

The policy document, called Real Change 2015, outlines "the Green vision," which is "focused on sustainability, social justice and respect."

Leader Peter Bevan-Baker says the Green Party offers Islanders an alternative to the Liberals and Conservatives and outlines policies on everything from job creation and energy to health care and education.

He says Islanders consistently tell him they have lost faith in provincial governance.

"Restoring trust and faith in government is critical," said Bevan-Baker.

"I think there are many who are just ready to say, 'enough of this old nonsense' between these fighting parties who do nothing but criticize each other and don't do things that benefit Islanders. I think we are ready to vote for something different."

• Green Party platform document

He said when Islanders hear the party's platform, they will "recognize they are more Green than they may think."

Quality candidates

Bevan-Baker says the party will legislate balanced budgets and will raise the basic personal income tax exemption above the poverty line.

He says the Greens also commit to replacing the minimum wage with a so-called livable wage, and will set up a commission to establish a basic income guarantee.

Bevan-Baker says health care needs to be preventative, not reactive. The Green policy says the party will employ more front-line workers, and commits to establishing a reproductive sexual health clinic on P.E.I.

The Green Party would establish an Island-made brand for both the fishing and agricultural sectors, and would offer enhanced supports to those who want to farm and fish using sustainable and organic practices.

Bevan-Baker wants to expand arts, humanities and physical education in schools.

He would also like to see the province become more self-reliant when it comes to energy, by reducing dependence on oil and gas. He says he'd like to reduce the need for energy imports, which he believes would help the provincial economy and grow jobs.

Bevan-Baker said he hopes people will vote for his party because they recognize "that our platform is something which is really credible and will provide the steps that we need to take to make Prince Edward Island one of the best places in the world in which to live."

He says quality candidates have come forward to run for the party and a lot of energy will be focused on his district, Kelly's Cross–Cumberland.