B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver announced on Wednesday 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 Friday, December 6. 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.”