For 17 years, I have owned and worked for an architecture firm that focuses on environmentally sustainable design. We’ve completed a lot of work I’m proud of, creating great spaces to live in that have a very low impact on the environment. We’re constantly improving.

However, I can see that my work-one building at a time-is not making a dent in the problem. We need a vision for Ontario, one that includes people like me with firsthand experience, so we can develop a coordinated plan to eliminate emissions, strengthen public services like healthcare and education, and build a new emissions-free economy.

I tried working within the Ontario Liberal Party when they were in power, but in the end, they had other priorities. The idea that we must take care of our environment as the foundation of our lives and economy was not central to their actions. Working through the larger parties is not viable because they believe they can compromise. It’s not possible to compromise with Mother Nature. Ontarians will lose.

As a long-time resident of Don Valley West, I don’t see the Green Party as a long shot; I see it as a vital part of the discussion about the environment. This discussion is critical to the future of Ontario. If Greens work hard and focus on how Ontario can benefit from change, we can make a difference.