University News

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May to Speak at Bishop’s University

SHERBROOKE, QC - November 18, 2009

Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of  Canada, will speak at Bishop’s University as part of the 2009-10 Donald Lecture  Series on Tuesday, November 24. May will address the pressing issues raised in  her most recent book, Losing Confidence: Power, Politics and the Crisis in Canadian Democracy , as well as the green movement.

Environmentalist, writer, activist and lawyer, Elizabeth May was elected leader of the Green Party of Canada in 2006. She previously served as Associate General Council for the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Senior Policy Advisor to the federal minister of the Environment, and Executive Director of the Sierra Club of Canada. She is the author of seven books, including Losing Confidence , which challenges the parliamentary and electoral practices that have led to increasingly centralized power within the federal government. She will offer some inspiring solutions to the dilemmas we face.

“The principles of good government and effective  representation are pillars of Canadian democracy. If we are going to respond  effectively to the critical issues of our time, such as climate change and  environmental degradation, we must remain vigilant in protecting the health of  our democratic institutions,” said Michael Goldbloom, Bishop’s University Principal  and Vice-Chancellor. “Elizabeth May’s distinguished record of public service  and her commitment to environmental causes position her to make a significant  contribution to this important national conversation. We are very pleased that  she will be at Bishop’s to discuss these critical questions for Canada.”

May has served on the boards of numerous organizations,  including the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the  National Round Table on Environment and Economy and is currently a member of  the Earth Charter International Council. She was named an Officer of the Order  of Canada in 2005.

Elizabeth May will address Bishop’s students, faculty and the Sherbrooke community on Tuesday, November 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Bishop’s Bandeen Hall . The lecture is free and open to the public.

The Donald Lecture Series brings speakers of national and  international renown to the Bishop’s campus to provide insight, provoke  thought, and stimulate debate on the most compelling issues and events in the  world today.

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