DUNCAN, B.C. – Sonia Furstenau has been acclaimed as the B.C. Green Party candidate for the riding of Cowichan Valley. Furstenau made the announcement at the Old Firehouse Wine Bar in Duncan, B.C. alongside Leader Andrew Weaver.
“I am excited to be the candidate for the B.C. Greens - a party that reflects my core values on the environment, on social issues, and on the pressing need to transition to a 21st-century economy,” Furstenau said. “I will continue to serve the Shawnigan community and the Cowichan Valley as CVRD Director until the writ drops next year, and I am grateful for the support that so many have offered as I take on this new and exciting challenge. I look forward to building a bright future for this province with Andrew Weaver and the B.C. Green team 2017.”
Furstenau was elected in 2014 as Area B Director for the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) in the midst of a contentious battle between the community and the provincial government over a contaminated landfill site. She has worked together with the people of Shawnigan Lake to build a community of engaged and empowered citizens.
Prior to being elected, Furstenau taught high school in Victoria and Shawnigan Lake. She has a BA and MA in History from the University of Victoria. She has been involved in grassroots advocacy since 2000 with Results Canada and Citizens Climate Lobby, and she believes that a community working together cooperatively is the most powerful force there is for positive change.
Update: a previous embargoed version of this media release stated that Deputy Leader Adam Olsen would also be at the announcement. Olsen was ultimately unable to attend the announcement.
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Quotes
Andrew Weaver: “I am thrilled to welcome Sonia Furstenau as the B.C. Green candidate for the Cowichan Valley riding in the upcoming 2017 election. As an elected regional director, Sonia has proven her leadership to work across partisan lines on the direct daily concerns of the Cowichan Valley and as a community leader on water issues that affect all of us across the province.”
Adam Olsen: “Sonia Furstenau is an outstanding example of the strength of candidates standing up for the B.C. Greens. She will make an excellent MLA for Cowichan Valley and I look forward to campaigning with her as we set out our vision for the 2017 election.”
Media contacts
For Sonia Furstenau:
Sonia Furstenau, candidate for Cowichan Valley
+1 250-812-6136 | [email protected]
For Andrew Weaver:
Mat Wright, Press Secretary, Office of Andrew Weaver, MLA
+1 250-216-3382 | [email protected]
For Adam Olsen:
Stefan Jonsson, Director of Communications
+1 888-473-3686 ext. 6 | [email protected]
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