MP Elizabeth May has announced she will not step down as leader of the Green Party of Canada, despite disagreeing with her party’s vote in favour of a boycott of Israel.
The controversial vote earlier in August, to support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, left May considering her position.
But May, who is the only elected Green MP in the House of Commons, representing the BC riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands, now confirms she will stay.
“After much reflection and consideration, I am proud to continue to serve as Leader of the Green Party of Canada,” said May in a statement Monday.
Thanks for all the supportive messages. I am very grateful for good wishes as I stay on as leader of #GPC and work for fair voting! #ERRE
— Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) August 22, 2016
It seems May is hanging on to help push through the electoral reform promised by Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government.
“I look forward to continuing my work on the Special Committee for Electoral Reform, and I will continue to hold the Trudeau administration to its promise to make every vote count, and ensure 2015 is the last election held under our winner-take-all system,” said May.
“In order to do that, we need proportional representation that ensures Parliament better reflects the will of the people.”
The vote at the Green Party’s convention in Ottawa supported a Palestinian-led movement that accuses Israel of occupying Palestine and urges action to put pressure Israel.
In her release on Monday, May said the Green Party would be holding a special meeting to address the issue of convention resolutions which lack consensus and review policy making.