Chopik stresses the importance of buying local for the economy, the community and the environment. He advocates for a review of policies that affect small and medium business in order to ensure a fair playing field. He also calls on the government to increase funding for programs that support independent businesses, particularly those that facilitate commercialization of green technology.

A respected realtor and community leader in St. Paul’s, Chopik understands the challenges facing local businesses. “It benefits everyone to support local businesses and keep our money circulating in the community.” Small and medium-sized enterprises are traditionally important sources for new jobs. Chopik called on the Liberal government to establish local procurement policies in public contracts. There is a procurement practice on the Ministry of Government Services web site that states that ‘Ontario government does not apply any preference for local vendors’. “Our tax dollars should stay in our communities by supporting our local businesses. The current government is focused on bailing out the old economy, while forgetting about how critically important small and medium enterprises are to our economy and community,” says Chopik.

“St. Paul’s needs a strong voice for our local businesses, and I intend to be that voice,” declares Chopik.

Media Contact: Michael Jones, Campaign Communications, Chris Chopik for MPP, St. Paul’s, mjones@gpo.ca; 416-697-8701

1)  The St. Paul’s by-election will be held Thursday, September 17.  Polls are open from 9am-9pm.

Your specific polling location will be identified on your voter registration card, sent to you by mail by Elections Ontario.    If you are a resident of St. Paul’s and are not on the voter’s list, you can register to vote same-day at your polling place.  Information on registering and required identification can be found at Elections Ontario’s website.

2) Advance polling will be held from Tuesday, September 8 to Thursday, September 10 from 10am-8pm.  Advance polling locations will be released by Elections Ontario shortly and will be noted on your voter registration card. Campaign volunteers are strongly encouraged to vote in advanced polling to free your time up on by-election day.

Follow these and other upcoming events on the events page.

A by-election has been called to replace MPP Michael Bryant for September 17, 2009, and the St. Paul’s Green’s have chosen Chris Chopik to be the new MPP for St. Paul’s.

“I view this by-election as an opportunity for St. Paul’s residents to choose a representative in the legislature who cares deeply about the riding, and who will give them direct access to the provincial legislature. I believe the development of a strong Green Economy in Ontario is the top priority to secure the present and future quality of life for St. Paul’s Residents and Ontarians,” says Chris.

Chris Chopik is a proud community leader in St. Paul’s.

Chris is a tireless community organizer, volunteer and supporter of local and green initiatives including the Strawberries and Asparagus Festival.

Chris is not new to the world of politics. He has been lobbying provincially for the advancement of a strong Green Economy agenda, for investment in a smart electricity grid, renewable energies and for strong energy conservation policy. Chris has contributed to the development of the Green Energy Act and is considered a market expert in green real estate and green building.

Chris is a leader in the local first movement in and is a strong advocate for the emergence of Ontario as a Green Economy and clean technology leader. He is a lifetime member of the Toronto Cyclists Union and is an active promoter of public spaces and transit issues.

Chris serves on several local and environmental boards.

You can help Chris in his effort to bring a strong green business message to the provincial legislature!