Following a disappointing federal election for the Green Party of Canada, Saskatchewan Green Party leader and federal candidate Naomi Hunter has issued a heartfelt appeal for party unity, mutual support, and long-term organizing. In a lengthy public statement, Hunter emphasized the need for grassroots rebuilding while also defending the work of Green staff and volunteers.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she wrote. “We are stronger together. Always.”
While some members and candidates have called for resignations from party executives or staff, Hunter urged caution, saying, “Calling for staff and executive and the fund to resign is not constructive.” Instead, she encouraged members to focus on collaboration and compassion. “These people have also worked incredibly hard, many taking on multiple roles. They deserve our support.” According to the party website 40% of the executive positions are vacant and Elizabeth May has reassumed the title of “Leader” rather than “co-leader” following the resignation of Jonathan Pedneault – a move which raises questions as to wether or not a replacement co-leader will be elected or appointed or if the idea of co-leadership will be abolished altogether.
Hunter’s conciliatory tone comes after a campaign in which the Green Party ran fewer candidates than in previous elections and captured just 1.2% of the popular vote — a 21-year low. She acknowledged the difficulties of organizing under adverse conditions, including spring blizzards in Saskatchewan and limited resources.
Despite the difficult outcome, Hunter remained hopeful. She plans to resume her efforts to travel across Saskatchewan, connecting local Green members at potlucks and orchard meetups, rebuilding ties that were fractured during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Importantly, Hunter’s recent statement should also be viewed in light of her consistent record. Earlier this year, she publicly opposed calls for increased military spending and reaffirmed her support for peace as reported by Global Green News at the time. Instead of military spending she advocated for investments in social and environmental priorities. She has also been a strong and consistent voice for Palestinian rights and called for sanctions on Israel — a stance that continues to distinguish her within the Green Party leadership landscape given the pro military shift introduced under Jonathan Pedneault’s leadership. Pedneault quickly resigned after the election while openly acknowledging that the radical shift in discourse and policy he introduced failed to resonate with both party members and with voters.
In a time when the Green Party has drifted toward militaristic and strategic voting narratives, Hunter’s message is a reminder of what continues to resonate with many grassroots Greens: compassion, international solidarity, on violence, community-based organizing and left wing politics.
