Green Party Faces Backlash Over Plan to Appoint Pedneault as Co-Leader Without Leadership Race

The Green Party of Canada is facing fierce criticism over a Federal Council motion to appoint Jonathan Pedneault as co-leader alongside Elizabeth May without holding a leadership race. Prominent party member Constantine Kritsonis has described the move as undemocratic and a betrayal of the party’s principles, warning it sets a dangerous precedent for sidelining members and stifling competition.

Kritsonis condemned the decision to bypass a leadership election, arguing it undermines the party’s commitment to grassroots democracy. “If Jonathan wants to be leader, let him earn it the old-fashioned way—by winning an election, facing competition, and allowing members to hear diverse voices,” Constantine Kritsonis said

Kritsonis highlighted that Pedneault finished third in the 2022 leadership race, behind Elizabeth May and Anna Keenan, raising questions about his mandate to lead. Critics argue that appointing him as co-leader via a surprise “yes” or “no” ballot motion sent to members without a formal leadership race for co-leader disregards the will of the membership and opens the door to further erosion of democratic norms within the party.

Controversy Surrounding Pedneault’s Return

Pedneault’s return has sparked controversy since it was announced at a press conference on January 27, 2025 he cited health issues as the reason for stepping down last year, however shortly before resigning in July 2024 he had criticized the Green Party’s internal dysfunction and threatened to resign if a co-leadership model with him at the helm, without a race, was not adopted quickly by the membership. That did not happen and he instead resigned for “personal reasons”. Following the resignation he questioned the party’s viability as a political force and express disillusionment with all parties in a letter he authored in Le Devoir. Many, including Kritsonis, now view his return without a leadership contest as emblematic of the very issues he had denounced.

Alex Tyrrell, another vocal critic, has labeled Pedneault’s return a “major step backward,” questioning his reliability and leadership credentials. Pedneault has also faced criticism for his support of escalating the war in Ukraine, a stance that many see as a departure from Green Party principles.

As Kritsonis put it, “There is no justification for banning leadership competition—and there is none in any case.”

A Party at Risk of Losing Its Way

The backlash against the co-leadership motion underscores broader concerns about the Green Party’s future and the democratic denature of its structure. Kritsonis and other critics argue that sidelining elections risks alienating members and undermining the party’s credibility as a democratic and progressive force.

As members prepare to vote on the motion, the Green Party faces mounting pressure to uphold its democratic principles and allow its leaders to earn their roles through open and fair competition. 

*Updated January 29, 2025