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The Canadian Press

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About two dozen delegates gathered Saturday in Fredericton for the official founding convention of the New Brunswick Green party.

Interim leader Mike Milligan said they took six hours to debate and ratify a new constitution.

"It's a great day for New Brunswick," Milligan said before posing for a group photo with the party's newly elected executives.

"We had to develop our constitution. We couldn't be solid, without any kind of a foundation or footing, until we had our constitution."

The provincial party first took shape in May during a meeting in the capital city. The group was registered as an official party with Elections New Brunswick on July 4.

Since then, the party's leadership has been seeking input from people from across the province.

On Saturday, the party held workshops and adopted a so-called Green Charter. But the main reason for the weekend convention was drafting the constitution.

Milligan said the new document makes it clear the party wants input from the grassroots level.

Milligan said the party will ask for representatives from various groups to come forward when the party starts creating riding associations across the province.

"We are looking for participation in our democracy," he said.

A policy and leadership convention will be held some time next year.

Party supporters say growing interest in alternative forms of energy and climate change have spurred the need for a Green party presence in New Brunswick.