The Green Party of Prince Edward Island is at a crossroads. In its first major leadership race since Peter Bevan-Baker stepped down, party members now face a choice between two distinct visions for the party’s future.
At the first official leadership event, an online Ask Me Anything webinar, the two candidates—Hannah Bell and Matt MacFarlane—outlined their priorities and approaches to leadership. While both are committed to the Green Party’s core values, their styles, strategies, and priorities differ significantly.
The question before PEI Greens is clear: does the party need bold leadership that will push for systemic change, or should it focus on maintaining stability and incremental growth?
Bell’s Bold Vision for Transformational Change
Hannah Bell, a former MLA with six years of experience in the legislature, made it clear that she is running on a vision of transformative leadership. She repeatedly emphasized “bold solutions” to the province’s biggest crises—housing, affordability, healthcare, and climate action.
“We have the opportunity in PEI to lead the way in showing that it is possible to have politics of hope,” Bell said, stressing that the Green Party must be more than just an alternative to the status quo—it must be a force for real change.
She has a strong track record to back up her promises. During her time as an MLA, Bell passed more legislation than any other opposition member in PEI history, championing bills that tackled renovictions, social equity, and environmental responsibility. She made it clear that her leadership would prioritize action over rhetoric.
When asked how she would handle economic and social challenges, Bell did not shy away from advocating direct government intervention where needed. She called for grants and forgivable loans to help small businesses weather economic turbulence, a stark contrast to traditional tax rebates that disproportionately benefit large corporations.
On healthcare, Bell pushed for higher wages, better working conditions, and systemic reform, arguing that “we have to be spending money on healthcare and not on roads as a first priority or hockey contracts.”
She also made a strong case for expanding the party’s outreach, criticizing the Greens for failing to adequately diversify their candidate pool and membership. Bell argued that the party must actively recruit a more representative slate of candidates, rather than relying on familiar political circles.
“If we want to build a truly inclusive party, we have to reach people where they are, not just where we feel comfortable,” she said.
MacFarlane’s Call for Stability and Growth
MacFarlane, a lawyer and first-term MLA for Borden-Kinkora, has spent a decade working behind the scenes in the Green Party. His campaign is built around stability, pragmatism, and party unity.
While he acknowledged that Islanders are facing serious challenges, his approach to leadership is more incremental. He spoke about building a “big tent” party that welcomes disparate voices and unites members across the political spectrum.
MacFarlane focused on expanding the party’s reach rather than pushing for sweeping reforms. His approach appears more cautious, with an emphasis on ensuring the party is electable in the next election rather than advocating for radical policy shifts.
On climate policy, MacFarlane reaffirmed his commitment to PEI’s ambitious environmental goals but framed the conversation around economic opportunities rather than urgent systemic change. He referenced the Green New Deal as a framework but avoided committing to specific large-scale public investments.
Where Bell called for immediate action on affordability, healthcare, and housing, MacFarlane’s answers suggested a more moderate approach, working within existing government structures rather than seeking to overhaul them.
“I’ve always taken leadership roles in in what I set out to do. If I, if I get on onto a committee or board of directors, it does seem ultimately where I end up is, you know, in the chair position, working with the group and offering guidance from the front and leading from the front. So although I said I didn’t intend to be leader of the party or seek the leadership when I ran in the by-election, it almost seems to be organic that that’s where I naturally will gravitate to. I think leadership requires multiple skills. I bring the skill of listening, hearing everyone around the table, and being conciliatory, all-inclusive in my approach.”
A Defining Choice for PEI Greens
As the PEI Green Party moves toward its June 7 leadership vote, members must decide which path best represents the future of the party.
Bell, with her deep legislative experience, bold policy vision, and grassroots activism, is making a strong case for a Green Party that doesn’t just offer an alternative to the status quo but actively works to transform it.
MacFarlane, in contrast, is presenting himself as a steady hand, a bridge-builder who will keep the party united and focused on incremental electoral gains.
For party members who want a leader willing to challenge the political establishment, push for ambitious policies, and make PEI a model for progressive governance, Bell represents the clear choice. With her track record of action, policy expertise, and passion for social justice, she is positioning herself as the leader most capable of turning Green values into real-world change.
As the leadership race continues, it remains to be seen whether Green members will opt for bold reform or gradual progress—but if momentum, experience, and vision are the deciding factors, Hannah Bell may have the edge.
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