July 2nd, 2000

From the Greens of Saanich North/Islands Constituency.

Green Conscience Fund activated on Salt Spring Island.

The Green Party of Canada, in conjuction with the BC Greens, have activated the 'Green Conscience Fund' on Salt Spring Island. The aim is to provide political, legal, and educational support to the 'Savesaltspring' campaign against industrial logging and protection of watersheds on the island. and to promote alternatives that help build diverse, healthy and stable communities.

The Green Party of B.C has supported the community from the start since logging began last November on 10% of the island, with a call for

a sustainable rate of harvest,
protection of sensitive ecosystems,
protection of community watersheds.

Generous donations already received have enabled local Greens to open an office and meeting space at 136 Lower Ganges Road, in downtown Ganges. Preparations are underway for an official opening and potluck, Saturday 8th July at 2pm. Special guests attending include Adriane Carr of WCWC and Green Party leadership contender, Paul George of WCWC and Green Party membership Chair, and Tom Hetherington, Green Party Interim Leader.

Background.

The Green Party of Canada started the Forest Defenders Fund during the Clayquot protests to help support the legal costs of arrestees. $40,000 was raised, and the $8,000 remaing in the fund was donated to the Friends of Clayquot. Since then the fund has not been used until now.

The Green Conscience Fund.

The fund has now been activated on Salt Spring Island with a new name, to provide support for those who are calling for a political change toward respect for ecosystem health and sustainable, stable communities. The new office will be a community place for meeting and organising, education and outreach. Community members, organisations and bussiness are invited to use the office to promote issues such as watershed protection, alternative technologies, transit, organic food, and community agriforestry.

Your support is vital!. Please make donations payable to 'Green Conscience Fund', Green Party of Canada. Cheques can be mailed to:

Green Conscience Fund, P.O. Box 353, SSI, V8K 2W1

Donations are 75% tax deductible for political contributions. The fund will be audited by Elections Canada and procedures are in place to maintain full transparency and accountability to the community.

For more information, contact:

Wally Du Temple, Constituency President.

Office Tel. 537 8808