Sonia Furstenau stepped down as leader of the B.C. Green Party on Tuesday, three months after failing to win a seat in the 2024 provincial election. She was first elected MLA for the Cowichan Valley in 2017 and became the party leader in 2020. In the October election, she switched ridings to Victoria-Beacon Hill but was defeated by B.C. NDP incumbent Grace Lore.
Furstenau reflected on her journey, stating she never aspired to be an elected official but worked with integrity and accountability. Adam Olsen, her longtime colleague, praised her leadership and ability to amplify unheard voices in politics. Former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Mary Polak also commended her authenticity and dedication to public service.
With Furstenau’s resignation, Jeremy Valeriote will serve as interim leader while the party prepares for a leadership contest. Valeriote and fellow MLA Rob Botterell confirmed they will not run, meaning the next Green leader will come from outside the legislature. Despite challenges in the electoral system, Furstenau expressed hope for the party’s future.
The Greens recently secured a co-operation agreement with the ruling B.C. NDP, influencing policies on health care, housing, and climate change. While Furstenau has stepped away from leadership, her impact on B.C. politics remains significant.
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