VICTORIA, B.C. – Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the BC Green Party and former MLA for Cowichan Valley, has announced her decision to step down as leader after ten years of dedicated service in provincial politics. Her leadership has brought significant achievements for British Columbians, including the recent signing of a historic four-year Green-NDP Cooperation Agreement—an accomplishment that highlights years of steadfast advocacy and collaboration.

Furstenau’s tenure as leader and MLA has exemplified the impact of third-party leadership in driving tangible policy changes for a more equitable and sustainable British Columbia. Representing the Cowichan Valley from 2017 to 2024, she spearheaded critical reforms, such as professional reliance changes to ensure evidence-based land use decisions, and strongly advocated for restoring Indigenous jurisdiction over their children. She was also instrumental in delivering key infrastructure projects, including the new Cowichan District Hospital, a hospice, the Cowichan Secondary School, the Village Model housing to address homelessness, and a new weir for Lake Cowichan.

Following the 2024 election, Furstenau collaborated with Adam Olsen and newly elected BC Green MLAs Rob Botterell and Jeremy Valeriote to negotiate the landmark Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord with the BC NDP. The agreement outlines significant commitments, including:

Healthcare:$15 million to support new and existing community health centres.

Mental Health:A $50 million investment to expand public access to mental health services.

Housing:$30 million to help local communities address homelessness and increase SAFER and RAP rates.

Climate Action:A comprehensive evaluation and update of the CleanBC program.

Transit:An expansion of regional transit services across the province.

Under her leadership, the BC Green Party has cemented its position as a transformative political force, focusing on issues ranging from mental health and housing to climate action and old-growth forest protection.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Progress

In her resignation announcement, Furstenau expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and confidence in the party’s future. “Serving as the Leader of the BC Green Party has been an honour and a privilege,” she said. “We’ve demonstrated the value of a third party in the BC Legislature that is focused on finding solutions and working across party lines. Collaboration and cooperation are more important than ever in our increasingly partisan political landscape. Together, we’ve achieved so much for British Columbia.”

Furstenau’s leadership has been marked by her commitment to principled collaboration, leaving an indelible legacy of transformative progress for the province.

Tributes to Furstenau’s Leadership

BC Green Party members and colleagues have praised Furstenau’s vision and leadership.

Alex Pope and Farrukh Chishtie, Co-Chairs of the BC Green Provincial Council, commended her leadership with “conviction, compassion, and integrity.” Pope noted that while her departure marks the end of an era, “her contributions have laid a foundation that will guide us into the future.”

Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, emphasized her enduring impact: “Sonia Furstenau’s leadership has left an indelible mark on this province. Her ability to forge meaningful change while staying true to her values has inspired so many.”

Jeremy Valeriote, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, reflected on her steadfast dedication to the people of BC: “She has set a new standard for principled leadership and has been a beacon of hope and determination in BC politics.”

Interim Executive Director Molly McKay added, “The Green movement in BC is stronger than ever, and we are excited to continue building on her incredible legacy. The interim leader and leadership race details will ensure a smooth transition.”

Looking Ahead

As Furstenau steps down, the BC Green Party prepares for a new chapter while continuing to build on her legacy. Her leadership has solidified the Greens’ role as a powerful and collaborative force in BC politics, ensuring that her contributions will guide the party’s mission for years to come.

Global Green News

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