B.C. Green leader Sonia Furstenau announced on Monday that she has appointed former B.C. Children’s Hospital pediatric cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi as the party’s second deputy leader.

Gandhi joins fellow deputy leader Dr. Lisa Gunderson on the party’s leadership team. Gunderson is a clinical psychologist and anti-racism/equity consultant, as well as the party’s candidate for Oak Bay-Gordon Head for the next provincial election.

“It is with gratitude that I announce today that I have appointed Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi as a second deputy leader”, Furstneau said. “Dedication is one word to describe Dr. Gandhi – dedication to his profession, dedication to his integrity, and ultimately dedication to the health and wellbeing of the youngest members of our society, children.

“MLA Adam Olsen, Dr. Lisa Gunderson, Dr. Gandhi and I make up our party’s Leadership Team. We will work hard to hold the government to account, to nurture relationships with professional and community groups, and build our base of supporters in anticipation of the next election.”

“At the end of my heart surgery career, I want to continue to make a difference,” Dr. Gandhi said. “Not with a scalpel but armed with three decades of knowledge about healthcare and people. The BC Greens promote values important to me – integrity, hard work, humility, and caring for fellow humans.

“As BC Greens Deputy Leader,  I am determined to bring the same passion to this position that I have brought daily to the clinic, the ICU, and the operating room. I’ll fight for the people of B.C. with the same energy I gave to sick kids and their families.”