Ontario Greens urge Liberals trying to steal their leader to 'join us'
A group of Ontario Greens have put together a counteroffer for Liberals trying to poach their leader.
“Join us,” a letter released Thursday says.
In their search for a new leader, 40 members of the Ontario Liberal Party publicly reached out to Schreiner to run.
In a statement, the group cites Schreiner’s “strong principle-based approach” and ability to “motivate activists” as some of the reasons why he would make a good candidate for leader.
“Our party needs to rediscover a politics of purpose and principle. We need to reach out to a new generation of voters. We need to open up to new people and new ideas and to embrace the kind of energy and enthusiasm that is driving grassroots activism and engagement across the province,” the Liberal letter reads.
“And that’s why we’re turning to you.”
In response, 75 Green Party members wrote their own tongue-and-cheek letter in which they agree that Schreiner “speaks to the issues Ontarians are facing.”
“You want Mike to lead you, and we don’t blame you,” it reads.
“We agree he’s the leader Ontario needs. And the best part is you can have Mike Schreiner as your leader. Right now. It’s so easy: Join us.”
Among those that signed the leader are constituency association executives as well as Green Party candidates.
“We know we’re a small party, but we’re growing and we’d love for you to grow with us.”
The Ontario Liberals are holding their annual general meeting in early March, where they are set to launch consultations on the leadership election process. They have been without a permanent leader since the party’s devastating loss in 2018.
Veteran MPP for Ottawa South John Fraser has taken the helms as interim leader until a successor has been chosen.
Schreiner, for his part, after spending weeks combatting rumours he would run for the opposing party, said earlier this week that he is considering the proposal.
He asked people to give him “time to think about the arguments.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec police officer stabbed and killed during arrest, second wounded
A Quebec provincial police officer was fatally stabbed Monday night while performing an arrest in Louiseville, west of Trois-Rivieres, Que. The Surete du Quebec (SQ) has confirmed the identity of the officer, Sgt. Maureen Breau, who had been on the force for over 20 years. She was assigned to the post of the MRC de Maskinonge. Another officer was injured during the incident, but their life is not in danger.

Liberals to go after predatory lending in today's budget, invest in dental care plan
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to table a federal budget in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon, which a federal source says will include plans to go after predatory lending and more details on dental care as part of a pitch to make life more affordable.
Canada heading into 'mild recession' as tight monetary policy squeezes growth: report
New research says Canada is heading into a mild recession as elevated borrowing costs, a downturn in the U.S. and persistent inflation dial up the country's economic uncertainty.
Security, support services needed to tackle violence on Canadian transit: analyst
Cities across Canada need greater security on transit and improved access to mental health and addiction services in order to help Canadians feel safe, one public safety analyst says.
Here's why advocates want 'femicide' in Canada's Criminal Code
Advocates against women's violence are urging the government to add femicide to the Criminal Code, saying it would bring further awareness to the term and the tragedies it describes.
Nashville shooter was ex-student with detailed plan to kill
The former student who shot through the doors of a Christian elementary school in Nashville and killed three children and three adults had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre.
How many COVID-19 vaccine doses should you have by now?
Here is a summary of the current COVID-19 vaccination guidelines from NACI, for both children and adults who are at increased risk of serious illness and those who are not.
Walmart Canada CEO says retailer not trying to profit from inflation
Walmart Canada is not trying to profit from food inflation, president and CEO Gonzalo Gebara told a parliamentary committee studying the issue Monday evening.
Indigenous concert in Vancouver cancelled over questions about performer's identity claims
The Vancouver Park Board and Britannia Community Services Centre cancelled an event Sunday that had been advertised as part of an Indigenous concert series in Grandview Park.