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ANNUAL

REPORT

GreenPAC works year-round to activate, inspire and

amplify environmental leadership in politics.

A Letter From GreenPAC's Executive Director & Chair of the Board

Sarah Van Exan & Margo Welch

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Sarah Van Exan - Executive Director (Left), Margo Welch - Chair of the Board (Right)

In this Annual Report, we share our activities and impact for FY 19/20, a year marked by extraordinary challenges and disruption as a global pandemic took its toll.

Despite the enormous strain that COVID-19 has placed on our health and economy, particularly the well-being of those who already bear the brunt of systemic inequity, we take inspiration from the rapid political and societal action that unfolded - across neighbourhoods and nations.

We’re not the first to say it, but it bears repeating that this year demonstrates we can mobilize at the scale and pace needed to address the climate crisis and today’s environmental challenges if we choose to do so.

For GreenPAC, FY 19/20 was also marked by disruption. We made adjustments to how we work and deliver our programs, from cancelling our signature fundraising event, to guiding our interns through unprecedented changes to working remotely ‘on Parliament Hill’, to a leadership transition as our first and wonderful executive director moved on. We also created some disruption ourselves, thanks to the collaborative efforts of hundreds of community organizers across Canada. The “100 Debates on the Environment” (104 actually!) challenged the status quo in the lead up to the October 2019 federal election and underlined the importance of strong plans for climate and the environment.

From helping elect 16 MPs who are leading for the environment on Parliament Hill to 100 Debates, and a truly exceptional cohort of Parliamentary Interns, we are proud of our accomplishments and growth in the face of last year’s challenges.

While the need for environmental leadership for the planet and all people has never been greater, neither has the demand and energy to make it a reality.

With the support of our team and dedicated supporters, we will keep pivoting and adapting as we approach this new year with ambition and energy.

Sarah & Margo

Welcome

PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS

Parliamentary Internship for the Environment

We place exceptional young Canadians as interns on Parliament Hill, developing their potential as future environmental leaders and helping increase the capacity of MPs to lead on the environment

Every Day Advocates & 100 Debates

We raise the capacity of Canadians across the nation to advocate for the environment and hold our elected officials accountable for their commitments

Candidate Endorsements

We recognize environmental leaders running for office from all major parties so Canadians can support their campaigns

Our Internship and 100 Debates/Every Day Advocates programs are delivered in partnership with the Sustainability Network.

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Programs

PARLIAMENTARY INTERNSHIP FOR THE ENVIROMENT

The GreenPAC Parliamentary Internship for the Environment (PIE) is a leadership development program that places young environmental stars with MPs from across the political spectrum. Interns learn about the inner workings of the federal government and develop their leadership capacity through this immersive experience, which includes training, workshops and sit-downs with environmental champions.

PIE

Spotlight: Brittany Stares, PIE Program Manager

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It goes without saying that 2020 is one for the record books. Yet despite the weight and implications of global events and internal changes, we did so much more than muddle through.

In adapting to COVID-19, we shifted internship programming online and supported our interns in transitioning to a remote workplace. We offered placement extensions to Year 2 interns, giving one intern the opportunity to spend the summer working with the Hon. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage. In September, we welcomed four terrific new interns, including our first intern with a focus on sustainable agriculture. And while our MP partners are always fantastic, we were blown away this year by the care they put into providing rewarding opportunities to interns on issues that matter - from plastic waste reduction and tree-planting to green infrastructure and conservation.

This year, I see the program’s impact more clearly than ever. It has always been, in part, a long game - building the next generation of environmental leaders and giving them the tools to be effective advocates for years to come. But it also has tremendous value in the here and now.

Four program alumni now work as political staffers (one for a GreenPAC endorsee), bolstering the capacity of elected officials to fight for the environment every day. Another former intern recently took the plunge and ran for office herself.

This brings me to perhaps our timeliest impact: Even committed MPs do not always have the bandwidth or resources they need to drive environmental progress, and all the more so during a pandemic. GreenPAC interns help MPs tackle competing priorities, fill gaps in scientific literacy, and keep the environment on their priority list. In short, our program provides crucial capacity at a time when it’s both “all hands on deck” and a pivotal moment for change.

Amidst the lessons of 2020, one that promises hope: the environment is here to stay on Parliament Hill.

MP Partners

This year’s MP partners from left to right were MP Jenica Atwin (GPC), MP Richard Cannings (NDP), MP Larry Maguire (CPC), the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government (LPC) and MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq (NDP).


In response to COVID-19, we extended placements for select Interns, one through the summer and one through the fall. Through the summer, our MP partner was the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage (LPC). We are one of very few organizations to place Interns with Ministers of Canada.

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 MP 

 Testimonials 

Our MP Partners had nothing but praise for the interns placed in their offices.

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As a first time MP, the insights, contributions and level of teamwork provided by my GreenPAC Intern were invaluable. It is clear that GreenPAC carefully selects qualified, passionate individuals to participate in the program and my team and I are extremely grateful.

Alison Gu

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The GreenPAC internship placement was an incredible learning experience for me.

My MP and the staff taught me so much about environmental issues, how Parliament works, and ways to make positive change in politics.

As someone who hopes to run for office in order to push for environmental justice, I feel extremely grateful for the opportunities the internship has opened up for me. Despite the COVID-induced hiatus, I feel much better prepared to understand what skills and knowledge I still need to develop and for what to expect if I make it into an elected position one day.

Alison was hired by MP Jenica Atwin over the summer and now works as a Constituency Assistant for B.C. MLA Anne Kang.

Crystal Lewis

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As an intern who worked in Mumilaaq Qaqqaq’s office and who self-identifies as Indigenous, I am grateful for my experience, my journey and for all the lessons I learned. Mumilaaq taught me many valuable lessons over the course of the internship.

She taught me what life is like on Parliament Hill for a new MP. She taught me what it means to be a good leader, to stay true to yourself and to stick to what you believe is right.

Thank you for making my experience memorable and for always supporting me, Mumilaaq and GreenPAC.

Crystal Lewis is moving out east for post-secondary education and still considering pursuing public office in her home community of Squamish Nation.

George Philp

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Working in the Office of MP Larry Maguire broadened my perspective of environmental leadership and provided countless new opportunities.

I am looking forward to moving to Nova Scotia in the fall to study law with a thorough understanding of parliamentary procedure and the legislative process made possible by the GreenPAC Internship.

George Philp was hired by MP Larry Maguire over the summer and is now attending Dalhousie Law School in Halifax.

Kirsten Snider

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My internship with GreenPAC gave me the confidence I needed to seize new opportunities, make connections with other environmental champions and get an inside look at what it takes to lead in politics. GreenPAC works hard to ensure you are placed in an office that suits your goals. I felt right at home in MP Jenica Atwin’s office and was encouraged to take on projects, share my ideas and be part of the team.

Getting to experience life on Parliament Hill and see up close the making of policies that have real impacts on our lives was an incredible and unforgettable experience.

Kirsten Snider was hired as a Legislative Assistant for GreenPAC-endorsed MPP Jessica Bell at Queen’s Park.

What drew you to environmental politics?

I've been working in environmental organizations - mostly nonprofits and grassroots organizing - for a very long time, but I felt like I was always running into barriers and challenges.

At the end of the day, we were always asking a decision maker to make the right decision; to fund a project, to include young people, or Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC).

I realized what I needed was to skill-up and level-up in order to figure out how to navigate political spaces to be able to be more effective in advocacy. I think there's such a power in being at the table, and to having different decision makers who are not just going to perpetuate the same decisions that have been made for many, many years.

 Spotlight: 

 Tesicca Truong 

Tesicca was a Parliamentary Intern from 2018/19. In 2020 she ran for office and came within 1458 votes of winning, despite running against an incumbent (and former leadership contestant) whose party has had a solid hold on the riding since 1991. She ran an ambitious campaign that inspired all who were involved.

100 Debates

100 DEBATES ON THE ENVIRONMENT

It was a big, game-changing idea. Issue-based debates have never been done on this scale in Canada.

On any issue. Not even close.

On October 3rd, debates on the environment happened simultaneously in over 100 ridings across the country – from Vancouver Island to Halifax to Yellowknife.

104

Debates

400+

Candidates

16.5k

Attendees

Spotlight: Afreen Ghouse, 100 Debates Organizer

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Leading five debates was a whirlwind experience; trying to coordinate between the schedules of 23 candidates, mobilizing local citizens, inspiring and guiding youth to participate so that their voices could be heard on an issue that matters to them. Each day held a new surprise, a new obstacle, and a new lesson learned, but it was worth it to see the total turnout of over 1000 participants.

The debates started crucial conversations and inspired critical thinking regarding civic engagement and environmental leadership.

I believe that seeing participants from a range of different demographics engaged with a specific cause, strengthened citizens’ resolve to take action and make a difference. My favourite moment was hearing from students about how the debates changed their perspectives and how the event motivated them to get more involved with the elections and politics even before they are of voting age.

It was through this journey of organizing the ‘100 Debates on the Environment’ that my own passion was ignited, pushing me to pursue a career in environmental advocacy and climate change awareness. For that, I am incredibly grateful.

Afreen has since joined our team as Community Engagement Coordinator for Every Day Advocates.

CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS

During elections, GreenPAC screens political candidates and

identifies proven environmental leaders in all major parties.

Candidate Endorsements

Expert Panel

The Expert Panel makes the final decisions on who GreenPAC endorses during our provincial and federal endorsement election campaigns. The Panel is made up of credible, independent members who have no ties to political parties and are not on the payroll of any environmental NGOs. Panel members reflect a diversity of views from various parts of the country and areas of expertise.

Spotlight: Lynda Collins, Expert Panel Member

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Environmental leadership across all parties has never been more important. I got involved in the Expert Panel because I believe that initiatives like GreenPAC have the potential to make a historic difference in our political processes. It’s inspiring to endorse environmental champions with a proven track record of making a difference in our communities.

I’m grateful for the opportunity GreenPAC provides all of us to advance sustainability through the democratic process.

Environmental protection can only be achieved through collective action. Greening government is the only path to a sustainable future and GreenPAC provides an exciting tool for achieving that necessary transformation.

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 2019 Federal   Election 

We supported our endorsed candidates by encouraging donations of time and money ($31k to be exact!) to their campaigns from Canadians eager to see greater environmental leadership in elected office. Volunteers from across the country pitched in to help with candidate research, canvassing and phone fundraising. Regional organizers were hired in Ontario, BC and Quebec to support our campaign efforts.

472

Volunteer Hours

71

Campaign Volunteers

Meet our endorsed candidates! Ribbons indicate candidates who were elected or re-elected. Background colour text indicates which party they are affiliated with.

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GreenPAC has made an important difference by identifying leaders on environmental issues, and helping them get elected to Parliament. Greater environmental action starts with strong advocates in Parliament.

 Candidate   Testimonials 

Here's what some of our endorsees had to say about the value of GreenPAC's endorsement to their campaigns.

 Endorsee   Highlights 

Our endorsees have been working hard for the environment. Here are just a few examples of different ways they are speaking up and taking action.

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Minister of Digital Government

Worked with the Pacific Salmon Foundation towards the end of open net pen farming in British Columbia, in order to protect wild salmon and preserve Pacific coastal waters.

Aaron

Do you remember when GreenPAC first emerged as an idea in your mind?

In the weeks after I left my job as a political staffer in 2012, I thought back to what the biggest barriers were to making progress on the environment, and what elements were consistently present when environmental advocates had been able to move the needle. Even when public opinion was overwhelmingly in favour of moving forward, that frequently wasn’t enough.

What made the difference was leadership.

I saw that in the years I spent as an advocate, and also in the time I spent on the inside.

What makes GreenPAC unique?

Our mission: building environmental leadership in politics, and our non-partisan approach.

 Spotlight: 

Aaron Freeman

Five Years of GreenPAC: A conversation with our founder

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FUNDERS

In our 2019/20 year we were supported by a generous array of sponsors, funders, and individuals.

Funders

Breakfast on the Hill 

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Parliamentary Internship for the Environment 

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Andrew Stewart

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Rudy North

100 Debates 

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Monthly Donors

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Adam Auer, Kieran Alkerton, Deborah Beatty, Alison Bellaire, Kate Belmore, Nathan Benson, Stephen Blane, Paula Boutis, Avis Boyar, Malcolm Burrows, Cara Clairman, Noel Cooper, Margaret Dover, Sara Ehrhardt, Craig Forcese, Pam Foster, Beth Freeman, Gilda Freeman, Tamar Freeman, Mark Fried, Paul Frith, Mike Gifford, Delaney Greig, Aidan Grove-White, Graham Hallward, Heather Harding, Andrew Heintzman, Gun Koleoglu, Anne Lambert, David Love, Brenda Lucas, Raissa Marks, David McConnachie, Jonathan McGillivray, Mary McGrath, Erica McNeely, Andrew Miller, Gillian Nycum, David Ouchterlony, Joseph Pallant, Erica Pinsky, Ari Pottens, Rachel Pulfer, Francisca Quinn, Adam Shedletzky, Pat Simpson, Geoffrey Singer, Katie Sullivan, Margo Welch, Felix Whitton, Cathy Wilkinson, Jennifer Wong

Thank you to all the other individuals who supported our work this year!

People of GreenPAC

(as of Feb. 2021)

OUR TEAM

Sarah Van Exan (Executive Director), Brittany Stares (Program Manager - PIE), Natalie Ethier (Administrative Coordinator), Beata Rasitsan (Senior Communications Manager), Eseohe Ojo (Program Manager - EDA), Afreen Ghouse (Community Engagement Coordinator - EDA)

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Margo Welch (Chair of the Board), Aaron Freeman (GreenPAC Founder), Bobby Walman, Jennifer Wong, Cathy Wilkinson, Craig Stewart, Jonathan McGillivray, Martin Abell

OUR EXPERT PANEL

Paul Wilkinson, Meko Nicholas, Sarah (Sally) Otto, Ken Ogilvie, David Runnalls, Lynda M. Collins

OUR COUNCIL OF ADVISORS

Gillian Nycum, Sen. Donna Dasko, Mitchell Beer, W. Scott Thurlow, Graham Hallward, Wanda Baxter, Laurie Simmonds, Mark Rudolph, David Ouchterlony, Lisa DeMarco

Spotlight / Dragonfly Ventures, Funder

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Dragonfly Ventures was keen to support the 100 Debates Project given the important role it played in giving communities across the country a chance to connect directly with those seeking to represent them on their commitment to the health of the environment.

At Dragonfly Ventures we believe that the health of the environment and people are inextricably linked and recognize the important role of policy in ensuring that health is protected. We also recognize that the impact of declining health is most acutely felt at the community level, giving community members critical insight into how their representatives in government can create the most effective policies.

Thank you to the team at GreenPAC, The Sustainability Network, and all the participating community organizers for making sure environmental health was front and centre in the last election.

Wendy Cooper, Co-CEO, Integrated Capital at Dragonfly Ventures

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