Victoria, BC – The BC Green Party has officially released the 2025 Leadership Contest Rules, outlining the regulations and procedures governing the selection of the party’s next leader. The document, approved by the Provincial Council on February 24, 2025, establishes the framework for candidate eligibility, campaign conduct, financial requirements, and the voting process.
The leadership race follows the departure of the party’s previous leader, creating an opportunity for new leadership to guide the party’s vision. The contest is expected to be a competitive and closely watched event, with voting scheduled to take place from September 13 to September 23, 2025.
Key Dates and Process
The application period for candidates opens on February 27, 2025, and closes on May 31, 2025. Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive application package and meet the eligibility criteria, which include being a party member in good standing and meeting the requirements for election to the BC Legislature.
To participate in the leadership vote, individuals must be registered members of the BC Green Party by August 10, 2025. The party will use a ranked ballot system, allowing members to rank candidates in order of preference. The results of the vote will be announced on September 24, 2025.
Candidate Conduct and Financial Rules
The document sets clear ethical and financial standards for leadership campaigns. Candidates must conduct respectful and fair campaigns, refraining from personal attacks, misinformation, or collusion with third parties. The campaign spending limit is set at $200,000, and each candidate must pay a $1,000 non-refundable application fee, a $15,000 campaign fee, and a refundable $5,000 compliance deposit.
Candidates can raise funds through two types of contributions:
1. Routed contributions through the BC Green Party, which qualify for tax receipts.
2. Direct contributions to a candidate’s campaign, which do not qualify for tax receipts.
Additionally, candidates are prohibited from using public office resources for campaign purposes and must take a leave of absence from internal party positions.
Disputes and Compliance Oversight
The contest will be overseen by the Leadership Contest Committee (LCC) and a Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to ensure transparency and fairness. Allegations of noncompliance can be investigated, and penalties for rule violations may include warnings, fines, suspensions, or disqualification.
Candidates and their campaigns must comply with all relevant regulations, including the BC Election Act, Elections BC rules, and the BC Green Party Constitution and Bylaws.
A New Chapter for the BC Green Party
The BC Green Party’s 2025 Leadership Contest represents a pivotal moment for the party, as members prepare to choose their next leader. The official rules are designed to ensure a fair, transparent, and democratic process, reinforcing the party’s core values of sustainability, participatory democracy, and social justice.
The full 2025 Leadership Contest Rules document is available on the BC Green Party’s official website.
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