Members to decide new leader by September 23

The BC Green Party’s leadership race is heading into its final phase, with members set to cast their ballots by September 23. Three candidates are competing to succeed outgoing leader Sonia Furstenau: Adam Bremner-Akins, Jonathan Kerr, and Emily Lowan. Each candidate brings a distinct background and vision, highlighting different approaches to environmental policy, governance, and grassroots organizing.

Candidate platforms

Jonathan Kerr: Linking climate and healthcare

Jonathan Kerr, a Victoria physician, has emphasized public health and climate resilience, connecting environmental policies directly to healthcare outcomes.

Adam Bremner-Akins: Grassroots and economic diversification

Adam Bremner-Akins, an entrepreneur with deep ties to the party’s grassroots, has focused on empowering local riding associations and advocating for sustainable economic diversification.

Emily Lowan: Youth and climate justice

Emily Lowan, a young activist and former student leader, has made climate justice, affordability, and mobilizing younger voters central to her campaign.

Together, their candidacies showcase the Greens’ efforts to balance experienced leadership with activist energy.

Political implications

Analysts suggest the outcome could have significant implications for the party’s role in provincial politics. With climate change, affordability, and resource development dominating debate, the next leader must strengthen the party’s voice against both the BC NDP and BC Conservatives while presenting a clear vision to progressive voters.

How the Greens position themselves under new leadership may determine whether they remain a symbolic presence or expand into a decisive political force in British Columbia.

Leadership vote timeline

• September 16–22: Members cast ballots online through the party’s secure voting system.
• September 23: Voting closes, and results are expected the same day.
• Late September: The new leader takes over from Sonia Furstenau and begins preparing for the next provincial election.

Candidate bios

Adam Bremner-Akins

A long-time Green organizer and entrepreneur, Bremner-Akins has emphasized strengthening the party’s internal organization and promoting sustainable economic diversification across B.C.

Jonathan Kerr

A Victoria-based physician, Kerr connects climate action to public health, highlighting the importance of clean air, healthy communities, and resilient healthcare systems.

Emily Lowan

An activist and former student leader, Lowan champions youth engagement, affordability, and climate justice, aiming to expand the Greens’ appeal among younger and more diverse voters.

Why it matters

The outcome of this leadership race will define the Greens’ strategy heading into the next election. With pressure from both the NDP and BC Conservatives, the party must balance its environmental roots with broader policies on affordability and governance. The next leader’s ability to expand support beyond traditional Green strongholds may determine whether the party evolves into a decisive force in B.C. politics.