Today after Question Period in the legislature I held a brief press conference to note that as the BC Green Party prepares to choose a new Leader, I will be stepping back from my role on the first day of the upcoming leadership contest, expected to begin in early to mid-January. This will allow an interim leader to carry our party through the race. Today’s announcement follows my earlier pronouncement that I would not be seeking reelection.

I want to ensure that the focus is on the new leadership candidates and the vision they bring forward to carry on our important work. I am very proud of the work that we have accomplished – with new legislated climate targets and nearly $1 billion committed to implement CleanBC, and I will continue to serve as MLA and support the Confidence and Supply Agreement while holding the government to account to make sure we stay on track with CleanBC and with building the emerging economy.

The Provincial Council for the BC Green Party Provincial Council is currently considering the rules and timing of the leadership race, and will select an interim leader to serve as a caretaker through this period.

Below I reproduce my speaking notes and the press release that was issued.

Speaking Notes

I have asked you here today because I have concluded that, with the passage of the Climate Accountability Amendment Act, the BC Green Party has achieved what I set out to do: embed climate action goals and accountability into the very legislative fabric of British Columbia. With its passage, this province has both the roadmap to meet our targets, and the accountability and transparency measures in place to report on its progress. It now comes down to the choices this and successive government’s make as to whether we seize the opportunity in front of us to build a clean economy.

Over these many years as MLA, I have given everything I have to this work, and am proud to have done so. The work has not been restricted to climate alone. Notably, my last private member’s bill honoured all those lost in Holodomor, and Saturday’s inaugural recognition BC’s Ukrainian Famine and Genocide Memorial Day was of deep personal significance for my family. Bringing the parties together on this legislation was a highlight of my career and my life.

And now it is time for me to step aside, to make way for others. I have said before that politicians should enter with clear agendas and leave once they have accomplished them. I am a man who believes in leading by example.

And so…I will be stepping down as leader of the B.C. Green Party in January so to coincide with the start of the launch of the leadership contest. Stepping aside as leader at the start of the leadership contest allows me to offer more support and provides more space for a strong, vibrant race.

I feel a deep pride for the role the BC Greens have played in getting the province back on track to meet its climate commitments and to reframe climate change as an economic opportunity – instead of a purely environmental issue. The momentum within the BC Green Party gives me peace of mind as I turn the reins over to future Green leaders.

I am eager to begin the next chapter in my career and am proud to step aside and make way for the new people, ideas, and energy that are critical to moving the province forward for the well-being of all British Columbians.

Media Release

B.C. Green leader Andrew Weaver to step down in January
For immediate release
Wed. Nov. 27, 2019

VICTORIA B.C. – B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver has announced that his resignation as leader of the party will take effect on the first day of the upcoming leadership contest, expected to begin in early to mid-January.

“This session has become a fitting conclusion to my time as leader,” Weaver said. “From the Climate Accountability Amendment Act to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, our party has worked collaboratively to fulfill many core aspects of our vision. I have also had the distinct honour of passing the Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day Act, which is of particular personal significance.

“This makes the start of the leadership contest an appropriate time to let the party begin a new chapter. It presents an exciting time for the next generation to lead. I look forward to supporting this new period of the party’s history.”

An interim leader will be appointed by the party’s Provincial Council at its next meeting, and announced by Fri. Dec. 6, 2019. The interim leader’s term will begin and end with the leadership contest, from early to mid-January to June 28, 2020. As per the party’s by-laws, the interim leader may not run for the party’s permanent leadership position.

“We are looking forward to a robust process that builds on the achievements of the party these last four years,” Provincial Council Chair Sat Harwood said. “The party’s timeline for its upcoming leadership contest remains the same; we expect to publish the rules in mid-December, start the contest in early to mid-January and complete it during our annual convention in Nanaimo on June 28, 2020.”

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