Party Chair

Murray Weisenberger was born in Melville Sask. In 1953. He moved with his family to Vancouver in 1966 and has lived in his current home in Surrey near Crescent Beach for just over 30 years. Murray is single and an artisan woodworker. Murray has been active in Surrey Civic politics running for Mayor three times. Murray also ran in the last Provincial election for the Green Party of BC in Surrey- Panorama.

Murray became the Chair of the Green Party of BC in mid July, 2010, succeeding Walter Meyer zu Erpen whose work commitments needed more of his time and attention. Murray and Walter exchanged positions on Provincial Council with Murray Weisenberger assuming the duties of Party Chair and Walter those of Director-at-Large on July 14, 2010.

A Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Green Party of BC website. I believe a lot of people are similar to me in what they want from their government. I made my decision to join the Green Party ten years ago because I knew my views were not represented by either the right wing Liberals, who govern for a small group of very rich business friends, or the left wing NDP, who are controlled by a small group of the labour elite – at least that's what it feels like and what their financial reports would suggest.

I did not come to the Green Party from the environmental movement. I am a middle of the road, practical solutions kind of guy who found that Green policies make sense for us now and for our children's future.

Take a good look at us and our agenda for sustainable government and a transition to an economic model that will mean more jobs in traditional and new and emerging fields; and more entrepreneurs and businesses to create those jobs. Our sustainable economies model is based in regional self sufficiency and it is one that gives preference to locally created goods and services. It is also an economic model that has a place for everyone. I think you will agree that the current economy fails too many people and that it is time to change that.

Our political system requires money, people and organization to win. Can you help us with any of these?

The BC Green Party needs money if we want to be competitive and to elect Green MLAs in 2013. The Provincial tax credit benefit means a $100 donation costs you only $25 and $550 [11 monthly $50 payments a year, if you skip January] only costs you $250, no matter what your tax bracket. More is good too!

Combined, the other Parties spent almost $15 million in the last election. We spent just over $100,000. The Liberals ended up spending $2.5 million more than they had and the NDP were left with almost a million in debt. The Green Party of BC, on the other hand, has no election debt to re-pay – we believe in living within our means. Who do you want running the Provincial treasury?

The problem is that the BC Green Party can not elect anyone without an increase in funding. Do you want to have big business or union leaders continue to control your government? We need you and we need you now.

We also need volunteers. We have a lot that needs to be done. If you have leadership and organizational skills, contact me – chair@greenparty.bc.ca – and consider helping on Council. If you want to participate locally, we will help you to connect to others in your area and to your Regional Rep. There is a need in every area.

The good news is that the public is far ahead of the dominant political parties and understand that we simply can not continue with business as usual. The BC Green program can both maintain a healthy lifestyle and provide economic stability. Green policy on health care, transportation, and the economy reflect a hope for the future and its implementation would ensure a future that will co-exist with a healthy environment. I invite you to join me and many others in the Green Party of BC to build a better future.

Murray Weisenberger