Chris Chopik, Green Party of Ontario candidate in the St. Paul’s by-election, is asking voters to judge candidates by their actions, not just their words.

“Every candidate in this by-election is saying they are green,” says Chopik, “but none of them are being green in their actions.  I think voters are tired of politicians who say one thing and then do another.”

Chopik’s campaign is committed to backing up his promises with action.  He has printed all literature on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper.  This means that the source materials are sustainably harvested wood and recycled paper – not clear-cut logging methods.  “I have personally received numerous pieces of literature from other candidates on non-recycled and non-FSC certified paper.  Despite their environmental claims, what does this say about their commitment to building a prosperous green economy or fostering sustainability?  I think their actions demonstrate the superficial level of commitment to environmental issues and call into question their promises.”

Chopik, a respected leader in St. Paul’s, has received praise and attention for using pedal power to travel the riding.  His campaign has also hosted events at independent business in the community and purchased food and beverages from local sustainable farmers and artisan producers.

“I deeply believe that actions speak louder than words. My actions are consistent, visible and open to public scrutiny, and that is the foundation for my trusting relationships with St. Paul’s residents”, says Chopik.  “I’m asking you to vote for a principled person who cares about individuals and our community”.

Contact:

Michael Jones

Campaign Communications

Chris Chopik for MPP, St. Paul’s

mjones@gpo.ca; 416-697-8701

Chopik, an established community leader in St. Paul’s, supports additional funding for community based arts and culture programming, green infrastructure, and youth engagement programs.  Chopik pledges to give backing to farmer’s markets, cultural and arts festivals, local business improvement areas, green space, youth activities and other vital community building efforts.

“We need program funding available for community groups to take the lead in organizing events and developing programs that build the community by connecting people while celebrating culture and heritage,” says Chopik, who is recognized for his work in organizing the popular Strawberry and Asparagus Festival in St. Paul’s.

Chopik believes that it is time for the provincial government to take a leading role in supporting communities by investing in green infrastructure.  “Investments in green spaces, permeable pavement, and green roofs are just a few examples of how we can save money over time by thinking long-term when building infrastructure,” declares Chopik.  “I am especially concerned about road safety and support a comprehensive program to make our streets safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”

“While campaigning, I have been talking to so many people who love living in St. Paul’s because of our strong neighbourhoods,” says Chopik.  “I am asking citizens to vote for me so that I can act as the dedicated champion who will leverage their commitment to making St. Paul’s a vibrant, sustainable community.”

For more information about Chris Chopik please visit ChrisChopik.ca.

Contact:

Michael Jones

Campaign Communications

Chris Chopik for MPP, St. Paul’s

mjones@gpo.ca; 416-697-8701

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

Chopik is asking voters to send him to Queen’s Park as a strong voice for the emerging green economy.  “We need to invest in the jobs of the 21^st-century, green jobs in energy efficiency, clean technology, green manufacturing, and renewable energy.  And we need to invest in educating our youth to fill these jobs.” says Chopik.  “I want young voters to be inspired to vote for their future, a prosperous green economy that provides meaningful employment that makes the world a better, cleaner place.”

Reaching out to young voters through the Internet, social media and by meeting voters on the street, Chopik is encouraging students, in particular, to vote this weekend before starting the fall semester.  The earliest citizens can vote is Saturday, September 5 at the Elections Ontario office at 21 Vaughan Road, just south of St. Clair.  The Elections Ontario office will be open Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm, and Monday from 10 am to 8 pm during the long weekend.  To vote, you must be 18 years of age by September 17, 2009 and be a Canadian citizen and reside in the riding of St. Paul’s.  Voters must show proof of identity to receive a ballot. More information can be found at www.elections.on.ca or the local returning office at 1-866-566-0877.

“Chris is speaking out about issues that really matter to our future,” says Queen’s University student and St. Paul’s resident Alana Jacobson.  “He has inspired me to get involved in this campaign, and I am working hard this week to get all my friends in the neighbourhood out to vote for Chris.”

Chris Chopik is a leader in his community.  As a realtor in St. Paul’s, Chris is recognized for his work on market transformation in the real estate marketplace by advocating for solar power and resale home energy ratings. Founder of Evolution Green, Chris is a writer/contributor to Building Architect, organizer of the annual Strawberry and Asparagus Festival in St. Paul’s, a volunteer advisor to Green Enterprise Toronto, board member of LEAF and is a volunteer with Green Neighbours 21.  He has worked hard as a tireless advocate for green energy and green jobs.

For more information about Chris Chopik please visit ChrisChopik.ca.

Contact:

Michael Jones

Campaign Communications

Chris Chopik for MPP, St. Paul’s

mjones@gpo.ca; 416-697-8701

Best known as Toronto’s Green Realtor, Chopik wants to demonstrate how easy it is to be a professional businessperson and live a green lifestyle through his actions and words.  In addition to seeing Chopik in the riding on his distinctive green bike, Chopik’s campaign is printing literature on FSC Certified paper and using signs made from recyclable materials.

“I’m running in this by-election because I want the voters of St. Paul’s to have an opportunity to make history by voting for a voice of real change.  I believe in the Green Party’s vision of a prosperous green economy that nourishes our families and communities, and I want to be a strong voice for a safe, healthy community here in St. Paul’s,” says Chopik.  “I will demonstrate my commitment to this vision through my words and actions during the campaign, as I do in my everyday life.”

Chopik is a leader in his community.  As a realtor in St. Paul’s, Chris is recognized for his work on market transformation in the real estate marketplace by advocating for solar power and resale home energy ratings. Founder of Evolution Green, Chris is a writer/contributor to Building Architect, organizer of the annual Strawberry and Asparagus Festival in St. Paul’s, a volunteer advisor to Green Enterprise Toronto, board member of LEAF and is a volunteer with Green Neighbours 21.  He has worked hard as a tireless advocate for green energy and green jobs.

For more information about Chris Chopik please visit ChrisChopik.ca.

Contact:

Deborah Knight

Campaign Communications

Chris Chopik for MPP, St. Paul’s

416-200-3577

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.