For immediate release
All Six Winnipeg Green Party Candidates Oppose OlyWest
Friday, October 6, 2006
"It seems odd that we have to send a press release stating the Winnipeg Green Party opposes the OlyWest slaughterhouse - it should be obvious," Winnipeg Green Party co-founder and Candidate, David Danyluk explained, "but due to recent endorsements, there is some confusion out there. Our position on OlyWest was first announced at the launch of the Winnipeg Green Party back in May, but it needs to be repeated again before Oct. 25th; we oppose OlyWest."
When elected, all six Green Party candidates will work to rescind the economic incentive package that OlyWest insists is needed to complete the deal.
On September 25th the business group of opponents to OlyWest called the 'OlyOpp Group', endorsed 9 candidates for council and one for mayor. "I appreciate the endorsement but it is unclear why I was endorsed while the other five WGP candidates, who all have the same position, were not." Markus Buchart, the only WGP candidate endorsed by OlyOpp said. "We all know that my opponent in St. Vital Gord Steeves is only one of the diehard supporters of the slaughterhouse going in the St. Boniface/Transcona area."
In St. Norbert Justin Swandel, who is also a firm supporter of the slaughterhouse, is challenged by only one candidate - Winnipeg Green Party candidate, Glenda Whiteman. "Voters in St. Norbert need to know that I have always been opposed to a slaughterhouse anywhere in our city and I want them to know that, endorsement or not, they do have an actual choice on Election Day."
In Elmwood-East Kildonan it is even more complicated for voters. OlyOpp endorsed the provincial NDP candidate, Lillian Thomas. Winnipeg Green Party challenger David Danyluk said, "Thomas is relying on provincial NDP party support again during the campaign, so, is it fair to expect her to also oppose her party's multi-million dollar commitment, with our tax dollars, to help get the OlyWest slaughterhouse built? It would explain why, during the election, Thomas has not condemned the NDP's corporate handout to OlyWest."
In St. James-Brooklands where incumbent Jae Eadie voted in favour of the hog plant, the strongest opponent to OlyWest is clearly the Winnipeg Green Party candidate Constance Menzies. Also running is Scott Fielding, Sam Katz's candidate who could be expected to support the mayor's projects, including OlyWest.
In Mynarski ward, 32-year incumbent Harry Lazarenko refuses to oppose OlyWest due to fears of possible legal action. Rob Galston, running for the Green party said, "Once elected rescinding these economic incentives is a WGP priority – precious municipal resources are needed elsewhere – like here in Mynarski."
Steve Smith, the Winnipeg Green Party candidate challenging Russ Wyatt said, "Of course both the incumbent and I oppose OlyWest – it stinks. The WGP and I also oppose this industry for its unsustainably, social costs and impacts on our city and province."
The Winnipeg Green Party welcomes support from all individuals and organizations opposed to the OlyWest Hog processing plant.
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Contact: David J. Danyluk at 470-9247 or Markus Buchart at 772-9869
