The Green Party of Canada is launching a national call to members to nominate themselves or others for positions on the Shadow Cabinet. The Leader serves as a co-chair of the Shadow Cabinet. The other co-chair will be named shortly. Each member of the Shadow Cabinet plays a number of important roles, including but not limited to:

1. Forming and chairing a committee or “issue caucus” for their portfolio (see below for a list of cabinet posts to be “shadowed”);
2. Researching, writing and presenting position papers, policy issue briefings and planks for the election platform;
3. Following national news and debates, government positions, parliamentary debates, Senate debates and reports relevant to each portfolio;
4. Developing official Party positions, as necessary, and seeking support from fellow Shadow Cabinet members;
5. Preparing timely responses to assist the Media team and the leader;
6. Offering official comments on behalf of the GPC.

Our ability as a party to take strong, clear, timely and well-researched positions will depend on a strong, diverse and effective Shadow Cabinet. We have great people in this party with knowledge and skills that cover every issue. It is time to step forward and tell us about yourself.

Who and what are we looking for?

Shadow Cabinet has traditionally been composed of individuals who are prepared to run for a seat in the next federal election. While this is not a formal requirement, it is desirable. Shadow Cabinet should reflect gender balance, regional balance and the diverse make-up of the Canadian population and membership of the Green Party. Desirable attributes for Shadow Cabinet members include:

• The ability and willingness to create and preside over a caucus or sub-committee of members with complementary expertise on all relevant topics;
• Willingness to participate in web-based discussions and a monthly teleconference;
• Ability to contribute a minimum of 10 hours per month;
• Ability to respond rapidly to issues that may arise in Parliament or in the news;
• Willingness to prepare background papers, briefing notes and planks for the GPC’s next federal election platform;
• The ability and willingness to communicate in both official languages.

HOW TO APPLY?

To apply for Shadow Cabinet, please submit the following by e-mail or by mail:

1. a one-page letter explaining what portfolio(s) you are applying for, why you wish to serve on Shadow Cabinet and what you hope to accomplish (it would be helpful if you could indicate a willingness to serve on the issue caucus if you are not selected for Shadow Cabinet; if you are interested in a portfolio are that does not currently exist, please indicate your interest);
2. a CV with details of your experience and expertise in the portfolio area(s). Applications are due by October 6. They should be sent to David Chernushenko by e-mail at david@greenparty.ca or by mail at the following address:David Chernushenko
   Senior Deputy to the Leader
   Green Party of Canada
   PO 997 Station B
   Ottawa, ON
   K1P 5R1

Applicants will be evaluated using the following criteria: demonstrated experience and expertise, willingness to run as a candidate, demonstrated communication skills, including fluency in both English and French, and the desire of the GPC to achieve gender and regional balance and diversity. Below is a list of Shadow Cabinet posts occupied by ministers in the current Conservative government. These posts will be used as a guideline, with sub-categories and special areas to be added.

Conservative Government Cabinet Current Minister ACOA : Peter MacKay
Agriculture: Chuck Strahl
Defence: Vic Toews
Democratic Reform: Rob Nicholson
Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec: Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Environment: Rona Ambrose
Finance: Jim Flaherty
Fisheries and Oceans: Loyola Hearn
Foreign Affairs: Peter MacKay
Health: Tony Clement
Heritage: Beverly Oda
Human Resources and Social Development: Diane Finley
Immigration & Citizenship: Monte Solberg
Indian Affairs: Jim Prentice
Industry: Maxime Bernier
Infrastructure: Lawrence Cannon
Intergovernmental Affairs: Michael Chong
International Cooperation: Josée Verner
International Trade: David Emerson
Justice: Vic Toews
National Revenue: Carol Skelton
Natural Resources: Gary Lunn
Official Languages: Jos?e Verner
Public Safety: Stockwell Day
Public Works: Michael Fortier
Sport: Michael Chong
Status of Women: Beverly Oda
Transport: Lawrence Cannon
Treasury Board: John Baird
Veteran Affairs: Gregory Francis Thompson
From: http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/cabinet.asp?featureId=8

I want to strongly encourage those of you interested in contributing to the policy sector of the party to consider applying for a Shadow Cabinet position. You all received the info in an e-newsletter today, including what Shadow Cabinet does, the different positions, and how to apply. If you didn’t get one, contact Marie Brosseau at admin@greenparty.ca to be added to our member?s mailing list.

If this is your area of interest (and I know it is for many), please consider applying. Strong policy is an essential element to being an electable party.

Note that the deadline to apply is Oct. 6.