VANCOUVER B.C. – The B.C. Green Party regrets to announce today that Matt Toner will not be able to run as a candidate in the 2017 election as expected due to new family commitments. Toner will continue to serve as one of the party’s two deputy leaders, a role he has filled since January 2016.
“This election, I am not going to be able to run for office, much as I want to”, Toner said. “Given events in the province, across Canada and throughout the western world, there has never been a time when it is more important for progressives to step forward and stand up for our values.
“But, I have very recently become a first-time father, and in these crucial first few months of Fionn's life, he has to come first.
“Andrew Weaver and the party have been absolutely great throughout, but as every new parent knows, one setback for your child will wipe out two to three days from your calendar in a heartbeat. After a lot of reflection, I am just not going to be able to give a campaign the kind of 24/7 care-and-feeding it requires. My son has first dibs on that.
“But I’m not leaving the party! Politically, it's home. I will stay strongly connected to the campaign and to the candidates here in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland, including the party’s recently announced candidate for Vancouver-False Creek, Brad Shende, a fellow tech entrepreneur. This is an important election for British Columbia and every vote for the B.C. Greens will make it a better place.”
“Matt’s decision has been a very difficult one to make, but I stand by him fully”, Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party said. “Matt brings a level of knowledge, experience, generosity and passion that is critical to our work. His absence from our team of candidates is a loss for everyone, but I remain grateful for his continued involvement in the party as deputy leader, bringing a hopeful 21st century vision to British Columbia.”
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Media contact
Jillian Oliver, Press Secretary
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