BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau says she will remain at the helm of the party even though she was defeated in Saturday’s provincial election.
Furtsenau says voters demonstrated they don’t trust any one party to be in full control of the province, and the next government must leave the negativity and toxicity of the campaign behind and work to deliver for the people.
“I am prepared to provide guidance and counsel as our party and our province enter this new chapter.”
Green Party Provincial Council Co-Chair, Alex Pope, says Furstenau’s vision and experience are critical as the two new members of the Green Caucus prepare to begin their work as MLAs and the province faces the possibility of a minority government.
MLAs-elect Jeremy Valeriote and Rob Botterell voiced support for Furstenau’s continued leadership.
“We’re glad to have Sonia’s strong leadership as we take on our new jobs as MLAs and navigate the prospect of having the balance of power in the Legislature. We are honoured that our constituents voted to send a BC Green Caucus to Victoria, and we are ready to hit the ground running for them. Voters in our riding voted their conscience. We will honour that by staying true to our principles and serving as the voice of reason in the Legislature.”
Furstenau had represented the Cowichan Valley riding, which underwent boundary redistribution prior to the election, but chose to run for re-election in Victoria-Beacon Hill after moving back to Victoria from Shawnigan Lake.
She was defeated by NDP incumbent Grace Lore.
