The Green Party of Saskatchewan (GPS) has voted in a new executive who will develop a sustainable resource strategy with help from progressive environmentalists throughout the province.

At its Annual General Meeting, held April 5 in Humboldt, members voted in a new Leader, Amber Jones, and a new executive.   Jones is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan in Environmental Studies, an environmental consultant and mother of a six month old daughter.   
 
“We believe this current government is asleep at the wheel while our livelihood and future growth is at risk,” says Ms. Jones.  “Development in the oil and gas industries requires consultation, accountability and sustainability.  The Green Party of Saskatchewan will become the conscience of a government who is putting the interests of a few ahead of the province as a whole.”
 
The GPS, through its executive and a Policy Research Committee, will bring stakeholders together and provide citizens knowledge on how to sustain the environment and reduce green house gas emissions, while strengthening the economy through sustainable resource policies and fostering investment in sustainable technology.
 
“We believe that the current economic opportunity is one for all of Saskatchewan. We want to see a strong, sustainable economy for this Province, as measured by our ongoing quality of life, in which all the people of our Province – including future generations – can have an equitable share,” says Jones.
At the AGM, a resolution was passed to invite Liberals to join the Green Party, through a membership driven mechanism and participation in a policy convention to be held this fall.  Kelly Patrick, newly elected President of the Green Party of Saskatchewan, introduced the resolution.
 
“As the Green vote increased, the Liberal popular vote dropped again in the last election.  We actively fielded 48 candidates, the Liberals ran paper candidates in all but four constituencies,” says Jones. “We know there are thousands of disenfranchised, but environmentally progressive Liberals who could bring a lot to the Green Party of Saskatchewan and who are welcome here,” says Ms. 
Jones.  She also believes the Liberal Party disarray in the recent federal by-election in the North indicates a good time to invite Liberals to join the Greens.
 
For the first time, the GPS has elected a Deputy Leader, Tory McGregor, a bilingual 28 year old former University of Regina student recently in the Canadian military, who is keenly interested in economics, history and environmental issues. 
 
David Ottoson was elected Vice President.  Ottoson is principal owner of a consulting company, Intouch Technologies Inc.  Phil Boychuk, an education consultant, holds the position of Treasurer.  Boychuk is a key organizer with the Green Party of Canada.   Secretary of the new GPS is Robert Cosbey, a retired management consultant, now employed part-time in security services. 
“We invite anyone with a keen interest in contributing to a future for Saskatchewan that is balanced and sustainable, that considers everyone’s right to prosperity, and one that allows for individual success and provincial strength,” states Jones.
 
The GPS will hold a Press Conference on Tuesday, April 22, 10:00am in the MLA Dining Room,  Saskatchewan Legislative Buildings.

For more information contact: