For immediate release
VICTORIA B.C. - The B.C. Green Party will hold a membership vote for a new leader in February 2016. At the 2015 AGM, the party passed the following special resolution: “To initiate a leadership contest before the adjournment of the 2016 AGM”.
In preparation for the contest, Leadership Election Rules have been prepared and approved by the Provincial Council and are available on our website: http://www.greenparty.bc.ca/lec-rules.
The rules are designed to reflect the importance of electing a leader going into the 2017 provincial general election and heading a strong caucus of Green MLAs in the B.C. Legislature.
Candidates for leader must be a member of the Party in good standing by no later than six months prior to November 2, 2015, (or failing this may make special application) and must submit their application package no later than 5:00 pm PST on December 1, 2015. A $7,500.00 applicant fee is due at the time of filing the application. Applications and regulations covering candidates and voting members can be found on http://www.greenparty.bc.ca/leadership_2016.
Upon approval, applicants become a “nominee” and must be endorsed by at least 75 B.C. Green Party members in good standing as of December 31, 2015. The ‘Campaign Period’ for each candidate begins upon approval of their application, when they are deemed a nominee, and ends at midnight PST on February 4, 2015. There is a per candidate campaign spending cap of $25,000.
The Leadership Election will be held online beginning February 1, 2015, and terminating 5:00 pm PST on February 5, 2016. All B.C. Green Party members residing in British Columbia and in good standing prior to December 31, 2015 are eligible to vote.
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Media contact
Stefan Jonsson
Director of Communications
250-514-0288
[email protected]
Quotes
Adam Olsen, Interim Leader of the B.C. Green Party
“Over the past two years the B.C. Green party has made a positive impression in British Columbia politics. On opposing the Site C dam, and demonstrating alternatives like geo-thermal are more economic, environmental and job creating, we have been in the lead. On Kinder Morgan and the National Energy Board hearings we have been full intervenors, while the NDP choose just to submit a letter, and the calls for the government to truly represent the interest of the province fall on deaf ears. On Medical Service Premiums and Bare Trusts, we have pushed reforms so everyone is treated fairly.
"The B.C. Green Party membership and number of donors is growing. It is a reflection that the people of our province are tired of the dominant and divisive two party British Columbia politics, and the Greens offer a balanced, evidence-based approach in the legislature.
"It is critical that the government seriously address environmental issues, such as climate change and the depletion of natural resources. The Greens tackle the challenges of today in a holistic way, understanding that our relationship to the ecosystems that sustain us determine our quality of life and the resilience of our economy.
"The presence of the Greens continues to grow in British Columbia and for good reason. There is a democratic deficit and we will present a vision and plan that works for our province today, tomorrow and long into the future. This is the party that I have been honoured to serve as the Interim Leader.
"Only the Greens represent change in British Columbia. The current political landscape is not serving the interests of our province. I look forward to working with the next leader of the B.C. Green Party to continue to build on a positive vision for our province, one of hope founded in reality.”
Bob Lorriman - Chair, B.C. Green Party Provincial Council
“The 2013 election was a watershed moment in provincial politics with the election of the first ever Green MLA in Canadian history. This built on the momentous work of Elizabeth May as Canada’s first Green MP and Jane Sterk, the former leader of the B.C. Green Party and has continued with the election of provincial Greens in Prince Edward Island and News Brunswick.
“Since 2013 we have endeavoured to build the party infrastructure to succeed in modern campaigns, while growing and activating the grassroots base which has supported our vision over many decades. This could not have been achieved without the dedicated and professional work of our provincial board, staff and volunteers throughout the province.
“On behalf of the board I wish to thank interim leader Adam Olsen who has worked diligently to raise the profile of the B.C. Greens, travelling the province meeting with and listening to businesses, organizations, local officials, First Nations and community groups, and proving adept in guiding the party to where we will be a force for the future.
“British Columbians are increasingly tired of broken promises, scandals, and a lack of vision from both the government and the official opposition. I look forward to 2017 where we prove to the citizens of British Columbia it is time to change politics as usual.”