Provincial Green Party leader to stop in Sudbury as part of 'listening tour'

The leader of the Green Party of Ontario is traveling around the province listening to concerned residents.

Mike Schreinercalls it his 'listening tour'.

That itinerary will bring him to Sudbury, Ont.on Wednesday for several events.

Schreinersays the most frequent issue thathe hasbeen hearing about is the rising ratesof electricity.

He's particularly interested in what residents in Sudbury have to say since their member of provincial parliament is Glenn Thibeault, the Liberal Minister of Energy.

"We need to take the money we have available to us, and invest it in your home and in your businesses to help you save money by saving energy. That would solve many of the underlying issues that are leading to rising electricityprices."

Jobs biggest concern in Sault Ste. Marie

Schreiner has also been spending some time inSault Ste. Marie, to help campaign alongsideGreen Party candidate Kara Flannigan.

The Sault Ste. Marie byelection is scheduled for June 1.

For that community, Schreiner says the biggest concern he's hearing about is jobs.

"The Green Party is the only party talking about diversifying our economy, investing in 21st century innovation, clean tech jobs. We're the only party standing up and saying let's lower payroll taxes on small business so they can create more jobs in our communities."

More supporters continue to jointhe Greens because the party puts honesty and integrity ahead of political self interest says Schreiner.

"People are tired of the three status quo parties and the political span and all the jockeying for...'how do we spin this issue and put our own political interests ahead of the public interests?'"

Schreiner says Green Party members, candidates and supporters want a party with principals that will put honesty,integrity and policies at work for people.

Public meet and greet downtown

While in Sudbury on Wednesday,Schreinerplans to tour Stack Brewing.

He will attend the joint annual general meeting for the Sudbury and Nickel Belt Greens, and he'll meet with the local riding executive to discuss strategies for the coming year.

There is also a public meet and greet with SchreinerWednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Laughing Buddha on Elgin Street, downtown.