Interim Green leader named; leadership rules announced

The B.C. Green Party has named Adam Olsen as interim leader until a new leader is chosen.

Olsen is the Green MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.

He takes over for Andrew Weaver, party leader since 2015, who stepped down as leader, but will stay on as an MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head.

The party released the rules for its leadership contest Friday, which will take place from Jan. 6 to Jun. 27, 2020.

Sat Harwood, chair of the party’s Provincial Council, explained that the rules were developed with equity, diversity and accessibility as central values.

“We believe those who seek to form government should lead by example,” Harwood said. “We have designed our 2020 leadership contest on the same foundation of leading with our values. That is why these leadership contest rules extend the vote beyond formal party membership to any British Columbian of 16 years or older who wants to support a leadership candidate (and does not actively support another political party),” said Harwood.

“It is our hope that the 2020 B.C. Green leadership contest can be an opportunity to participate in an important democratic process for those who would otherwise be uninterested, disadvantaged or excluded.”

Highlights of the leadership contest as set out in the rules include:

Expanded voter base to include those aged 16 and up who wish to support a candidate but do not wish to become a party member. Full membership in the party is already free for youth aged 25 and younger.

The spending limit for each candidate is $300,000, excluding fees paid to the party.

Three debates will take place after April 30. A debate will be held in each of the following regions: (1) Vancouver Island, (2) Lower Mainland, (3) rest of B.C..

Voting will take place from June 15-26 primarily online, with a secure telephone option for those without access to the internet. The party will use ranked ballots for a contest of three or more candidates, or first-past-the-post for a contest of two.

Fees paid to the party will total $16,000, plus a compliance deposit and 25% of additional contributions.