Lək̓ʷəŋən Territory / Victoria, BC – Today, Adam Olsen (SȾHENEP), BC Green Party Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Saanich North and the Islands, announced that this past term will be his final as he will not run in the 2024 provincial election. Mr. Olsen will join the BC Green Party campaign as the new Campaign Chair.
“After serious discussions with my family and reflecting on my career in public service, I have made the difficult decision not to run for a third term in the next provincial election,” said Olsen. “The timing of my son’s graduation next year, my daughter starting high school, and my own mental and physical well-being were all factors in this decision. When the speaker adjourned on that last day of session in the Legislature, I felt no regrets, only a sense of accomplishment. Despite there always being more to be done, I don’t feel as if I have left anything on the table. To me, I have a sense of completion that I am content with. I believe it’s the responsible and ethical thing to step aside when you can’t commit fully to the job for the next four years.”
Mr. Olsen has dedicated 16 years to public service, beginning as a District Councillor for Central Saanich, where he was first elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2011. In May 2017, he was elected to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly with the BC Green Party and was re-elected in October 2020. He served as the interim leader of the BC Green Party from 2013 to 2015 and again before Sonia Furstenau was elected leader in 2020. Since 2021, he has served as the House Leader for the BC Green Caucus, demonstrating unwavering leadership and commitment throughout his tenure.
“Adam has been a steadfast and exceptional colleague, legislator, and friend,” said BC Green Party Leader, Sonia Furstenau. “He leaves an impressive legacy as a legislator and fierce advocate for all British Columbians. Recognized as one of BC’s best parliamentarians, Adam’s dedication and leadership were crucial to the BC Greens’ significant impact. I am thrilled he will now serve as Campaign Chair, guiding the next generation of BC Green candidates and continuing to build on this remarkable legacy in the Legislature.”
Ms. Furstenau and Mr. Olsen made history by being first elected in the 2017 provincial election, establishing the inaugural BC Green Caucus and increasing the number of BC Green MLAs to three, thereby achieving official status as the Third Party in the Legislature. Notably, Mr. Olsen won re-election with 52% of the vote in Saanich North and the Islands.
The BC Green Party is actively engaging with potential candidates to run in Saanich North and the Islands.
Adam Olsen will assume the role of BC Green Party Campaign Chair, where he will recruit and mentor candidates, provide platform advice, and offer strategic direction for the 2024 provincial election campaign. With this announcement, Mr. Olsen becomes the first BC Green MLA to pass the baton to a new generation of candidates, ensuring the continued growth and influence of the BC Green Party.
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About the B.C. Green Party:
Established in February 1983, the B.C. Green Party holds the distinction of being North America’s oldest Green Party. Our policies comprehensively address a broad array of public concerns, with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social justice. We advocate for a government that upholds democratic principles and makes evidence-based decisions.
