BC Green Party elects Sonia Furstenau as new leader

The BC Green Party announced today that Sonia Furstenau – MLA for Cowichan Valley – has been elected as new leader of the party, winning 52.4% of the party votes, and succeeding interim leader Adam Olsen, effective immediately.

“I am so excited to lead the next generation of the BC Greens,” Furstenau said. “Our caucus has shown that by following evidence and working collaboratively, we can achieve tangible outcomes for BC communities, and we’re just getting started. I look forward to working with both our new and long-standing supporters to continue to grow our party.”

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After reopening the leadership contest in June, the party ran a three-month-long leadership contest ending in an eight-day voting period. The party said this attracted 5,478 voters from across the province, including members and non-member “supporters.” Total voter turnout was 85%.

“This is an exciting time for the BC Greens,” said Jonina Campbell, Executive Director of the BC Green Party. “Sonia’s experience in the legislature is exactly what British Columbians need to lead us into the next provincial election.”

Furstenau takes the helm after former party leader Andrew Weaver announced his decision to step down as party leader to sit as an independent MLA, earlier this year.