Elizabeth May steps down as Green Party Leader

OTTAWA — Green Party members and supporters across the country are speaking with one voice today in an outpouring of love and gratitude for Elizabeth May, who announced that she is stepping down after leading the party through her fourth national election campaign.

The party will launch a leadership contest early in the New Year, culminating in October at the party’s biennial convention in Charlottetown PEI. Deputy Leader Jo-Ann Roberts has been appointed interim leader.

“Elizabeth May has been a powerfully positive force for the Green Party and for Canada,” said Ms. Roberts. “For 14 years she has dedicated her life to promoting Green values and policies. She has been a tireless advocate for the environment, social justice and Indigenous rights. Under Elizabeth’s leadership the party has grown from a small group of grassroots activists to a political force on the national stage. She has ignited a movement.”

Elected as Leader of the Green Party in 2006, Elizabeth May became its first Member of Parliament in 2011, representing the Vancouver Island riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands. Ms. May was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of her decades of leadership in the Canadian environmental movement.

“Elizabeth May is quite literally a force of nature,” said Ms. Roberts. “Her name is synonymous with passion and integrity. And while she might be stepping down as Leader of the Green party, she will continue to work hard her constituents and champion the universal values shared by Greens around the world.

“Her life is one of service, and that will never change.”

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