Spring Forward, a Liberal Political Renewal Fair for Engaged Politics

April 24, 2012 – Toronto, ON –The first-ever Spring Forward, a “political renewal fair”, will plant the seeds of Liberal and political renewal in the west end Parkdale-High Park community today this Saturday April 28 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Bonar-Parkdale Presbyterian Church.

Area residents are invited to come out to meet with Kirsty Duncan, MP, Etobicoke North and Liberal Environment Critic, and Gerard Kennedy, former MP, Parkdale-High Park, as they spearhead the development of a new kind of community political action, at this interactive political fair.

“Canada faces serious social and economic challenges and our political system has to improve for us to meet them,” said Gerard Kennedy. “We need a lot more people involved in politics to hold it to a higher standard. This Fair will give people a chance to be heard and some fun ways for them to plug in and to be engaged that some of their friends and neighbours have already developed. Nothing is off the table when it comes to turning politics around.”

Organized by the Parkdale-High Park Federal Liberal Association, Spring Forward will bring members of the community together and provide an opportunity to discuss how politics can be more relevant to our neighbourhoods.

“Our guest facilitator, MP Kirsty Duncan, elected only in 2008 brings tremendous passion and expertise to Parliament, already strengthening environmental and health policy in Canada,” said Katie Telford, President of the Parkdale-High Park Federal Liberal Association. “We encourage all members of the community to get involved and bring their own ideas for positive political change to this event.”

Comedian Anne Marie Scheffler will add a tone of fun and levity as MC for the proceedings. In addition to a Q&A with members of parliament, the event will include an off-the-cuff Speakers Corner giving area residents the chance to speak for up to one minute on the topic of their choice, generating lively discussion and spontaneous exchange from atop a London-style soapbox. For those unsure of the exact prescription for change, an Issues Doctor table will be onsite to diagnose local, provincial, or national issues of particular interest to them. Participants for a Community Parliament, to be held next fall, will also be recruited at the fair.

Among other activities, the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms will be celebrated, and participants will be invited to pledge to help make Parkdale-High Park the first mental health Stigma-Free Zone in Canada.

About Parkdale-High Park Federal Liberal Association

The Parkdale-High Park Federal Liberal Association is one of the most active riding associations in the GTA with over 1,000 current and recent members, and a goal to become an organization able to serve the community year round, outside of elections. It represents a diverse mix of progressive and solutions-oriented individuals who working to advance the policy ideas and processes that will make the greatest difference to Canadians. Better economic equality, enhanced security for our seniors, improved protection of our environment, real progress for our children’s generation, and assuring essential fairness for all Canadians — are particular Parkdale-High Park Liberal values.

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For more information, please contact:

Michelle MacLeod, Parkdale-High Park Liberal Association, Michelle@phpliberals.ca 647-680-0435