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Sonia Furstenau Steps Down as Leader of the BC Greens

Jan 28, 2025

Lək̓ʷəŋən [LEKWUNGEN] TERRITORY / VICTORIA B.C. – Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the BC Green Party and Former MLA for Cowichan Valley, has announced her decision to step down as leader after a decade of service in local and provincial politics. Furstenau’s leadership has culminated in transformative wins for British Columbians, including the recent signing of a four-year Green-NDP agreement—an achievement rooted in years of her advocacy and tireless efforts.

During her tenure, Furstenau has steadfastly advocated for progress, demonstrating how a third party can achieve tangible policy changes to make our province more equitable and sustainable. While representing the Cowichan Valley as MLA from 2017 – 2024, Furstenau was instrumental in delivering professional reliance reform to ensure our land use decisions are more evidence-based and was a tireless advocate for restoring Indigenous jurisdiction over their children. She successfully championed major projects, including the new Cowichan District hospital, a new hospice, the new Cowichan Secondary School, the Village Model housing to address homelessness, and a new weir for Lake Cowichan. 

After the 2024 election, Furstenau worked alongside Adam Olsen and new MLAs Rob Botterell and Jeremy Valeriote to negotiate the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord between the BC Greens and the BC NDP, which includes:

  • Healthcare: $15M for new and existing community health centres 
  • Mental health: $50M investment to  expand public access to mental health services
  • Housing: $30M to support local communities to implement immediate and effective solutions for homelessness, and increases to SAFER and RAP rates
  • Climate Action: A comprehensive evaluation and update of CleanBC 
  • Transit: a commitment to expansion of regional transit across the province

Furstenau’s leadership has cemented the BC Green Party as an enduring political force in British Columbia and left a legacy of tangible progress. From pushing for better health and mental health care to holding the government accountable on LNG and protecting old-growth forests, her efforts have consistently focused on creating a more equitable and sustainable BC.

Quotes

Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the BC Green Party and Former MLA for Cowichan Valley

“Serving as the Leader of the BC Green Party has been an honour and a privilege,” said Furstenau. “I am proud of what the BC Greens have accomplished in the last seven years. We’ve demonstrated the value of a third party in the BC Legislature that is focused on finding solutions and working across party lines. Collaboration and cooperation are more important than ever in our increasingly partisan political landscape. I am grateful to all of the supporters, staff, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to build this movement. Together, we’ve achieved so much for British Columbia. The BC Green Party is in strong hands, and I look forward to supporting its next chapter.”

Alex Pope and Farrukh Chishtie, Co-Chairs of the BC Green Provincial Council

“Sonia has led with conviction, compassion, and integrity, steering the BC Green Party to unprecedented achievements. Her departure is bittersweet, but her contributions have laid a foundation that will guide us into the future,” said Alex Pope.

“While her departure marks the end of an era, we are deeply grateful for her service and are confident in the party’s strength to continue building on her legacy,” added Farrukh Chishtie.

Rob Botterell, BC Green MLA for Saanich North and the Islands
“Sonia Furstenau’s leadership has left an indelible mark on this province. Her ability to forge meaningful change while staying true to her values has inspired so many. We are committed to continuing her vision and ensuring the BC Greens remain a strong voice for progress.”. 

Jeremy Valeriote, BC Green MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky
“Sonia’s dedication to the people of BC has been steadfast. She has set a new standard for principled leadership and has been a beacon of hope and determination in BC politics. While her presence will be greatly missed, her legacy will guide us as we  carry her vision forward.”

Molly McKay, Interim Executive Director, BC Green Party

“Sonia’s leadership has been transformative for our party and our province. The Green movement in BC is stronger than ever, and we are excited to continue building on her incredible legacy. The interim leader and leadership race details will ensure a smooth transition and maintain the momentum Sonia has inspired.”

Transition plans

To ensure a seamless transition and continuity of leadership during the process, Jeremy Valeriote is stepping up as our interim leader. The party is also finalizing the timeline and details for its upcoming leadership race, which will be announced in February. Expressions of interest for the leadership race are now being accepted; individuals interested in running are encouraged to contact leadership.contest@bcgreens.ca.


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Media contact: 
Phone: +1 778-650-0597
newsroom@greenparty.bc.ca

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