Previously represented the local Green Party in the 2011 provincial election

Guelph businessman and longtime environmental and social activist Steve Dyck will be seeking to represent the Green Party in Guelph in the upcoming federal election.

The election is scheduled on or before Oct. 31.

Dyck, the president of Guelph Solar, has previously represented the riding for the Green Party in the 2011 provincial election, finishing fourth with 3,234 votes.

He made the announcement via Facebook as he is currently attending a conference in Costa Rica.

"I am seeking the nomination to be the Guelph Green candidate in the 2019 federal election. Guelph is in deep winter and I am in Costa Rica - I did not pick the timing for this announcement. A nomination window closed on Thursday and Vera and I are currently in Costa Rica at a conflict resolution training. I care deeply about building peace, justice and democracy in our world. Building the Green Party in Guelph is part of this for me," Dyck posted.

"A low carbon economy is a key to prosperity in Canada. Costa Rica has a 100% renewable energy electricity grid. Seeing the beauty of our home, our planet, inspires us to protect it - to put people first.

"I grew up in northern Alberta and my family works in the oil and gas industry. Building a just transition to an economy of the future requires that we are honest. We need real stability that yesterday's carbon economy can not provide. The team at Guelph SoIar has been creating the jobs of the future. There are so many great solutions and great jobs that are coming with a transition to a high tech, low carbon economy. Guelph can lead the way, by putting people first.

"Our government needs to reflect us. We need to work for what we want and vote for it. Electing another false majority government that has 40% of the vote undermines us and silences us. Our MPs are currently silenced by their Party Leaders. We need to be courageous and honest. I am willing to work as hard as you are. Together we can do the right thing."