David Merner, a former Green Party of Canada (GPC) leadership candidate says it’s time for Elizabeth May to step aside after nearly two decades at the helm.
In a recent statement, Merner announced he will be voting “No” in the upcoming leadership review, describing May’s leadership as outdated and urging a generational change.
“I completely agree that it’s time for Elizabeth May to retire. She has served the GPC for 19 years. It’s time to celebrate her service and encourage her to open up space for the next generation of leaders,” Merner said.
Although left wing figures within the party like Dimitri Lascaris and Alex Tyrrell have long called for May to step down David Merner is from the center right faction of the party and was previously involved with the Liberals – this signals that calls for May to step down are beginning to transcend ideological lines.
Merner also suggested that Emily Lowan — the 24-year-old climate activist currently running for the BC Green Party leadership — would make an excellent federal leader. Lowan has been endorsed by prominent environmental and social justice figures, and has built her campaign around anti-colonial climate justice, socialism, and opposition to militarism. However, if endorsements are any indication of how her provincial campaign is going she will likely be occupied with leading the B.C. Greens. Ideologically Lowan stands far to the left of Merner.
May, who first became leader in 2006, is facing renewed scrutiny after the party’s disastrous 2025 election result — its lowest vote share in 25 years — and revelations that the party is carrying $750,000 in debt. In a fundraising letter to members, May urged supporters to help clear the debt, even asking 750 donors to contribute $1,000 each. Critics have also condemned May’s support for militarism, NATO and Israel as being incompatible with the Green Party.
Merner framed his position as a respectful but firm call for renewal:
“It’s time for a party renewal and for Elizabeth to make way for new, young, positive leadership energy.”
The yet to be announced leadership review vote comes at a time when the party is struggling to retain relevance in federal politics, with only one MP and a shrinking volunteer base. If enough members vote “No,” the GPC will be forced into another leadership race — a process that could reshape the party’s future as a bold left wing alternative.
