Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, is scheduled to visit Sarnia-Lambton during an upcoming tour through southwestern Ontario.

Schreiner is expected to take part in a community round table March 28 in Sarnia and an evening event in the city, as well as an event in the Petrolia area the following day, according to Kevin Shaw, an organizer with the Green Party in Sarnia-Lambton.

“We’re still pulling together some of the participants, but we’re having a community round table March 28, at 1 p.m., at the Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre,” Shaw said.

“We’ve invited some of the local municipal politicians, like (Sarnia Mayor) Mike Bradley, and a few leaders of industry.”

The main topics expected to be covered at the round table include the state of the local economy, electricity prices, education and small business.

“That will give Mr. Schreiner an opportunity to give his thoughts about things we should be thinking about in Sarnia,” Shaw said.

The public is invited to attend the round table at the community centre, located at 180 College Ave. N.

“We hope to fill it,” Shaw said.

That evening, Schreiner is also expected to attend a social event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Refined Fool Brewing Co., on Davis Street, where the public is being invited to attend and meet the party leader.

Shaw said they are also planning a morning event in the Petrolia area.

“It’s not very often that a party leader comes to this part of the province when it’s not during the campaign,” Shaw said.

Schreiner has been leader of the Green Party of Ontario since 2009, and has been a candidate in Guelph in two elections.

“He’s very committed to trying to improve the lives of people,” Shaw said.

The married father of two daughters has been a small business owner, as well as an advocate for independent business, local food and sustainable communities.

“I think a lot of times people associate the Green Party, still unfortunately, as a single issue party,” Shaw said.

“We are about everything, so it’s a good opportunity for people to learn about the other issues we think are important, like education and social equity.”

Shaw ran for the Green Party in Sarnia-Lambton in the 2014 election, finishing fourth with approximately 2,100 votes.

Provincially, the party received 4.8 per cent of the vote in that election.

“It’s still a challenge, but I think people seem to be disappointed with the status quo parties, a lot,” Shaw said.

The party leader’s visit is “a chance to open up your mind and hear what the Green Party has to offer, he said.

“There is interest out there.”

Shaw said work is underway to form an official provincial constituency association in Sarnia-Lambton. Once that is in place, it is expected to look for a candidate.

Schreiner’s visit should help create momentum for the party, locally, Shaw said.

“The election is only a year-and-a-bit away.”

pmorden@postmedia.com