A self-described Victoria renter, organizer and advocate for climate justice and Indigenous solidarity is the second Islander to enter the race for leadership of the BC Green Party.
Emily Lowan, 24, announced her candidacy on Thursday, a day after Comox town councillor and family doctor Jonathan Kerr.
Green MLAs Rob Botterell of Saanich-Gulf Islands and interim leader Jeremy Valeriote of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky have declined to run in the leadership race. That means whoever wins the leadership will be without a seat in the legislature until a byelection or the next provincial election, scheduled for October 2028.
Lowan currently serves as part of the Climate Action Network Canada, aimed at stopping fossil-fuel expansion and promoting renewable energy.
“My advocacy has put me in the crosshairs of the fossil fuel lobby, time and time again,” said Lowan, in a statement announcing her candidacy. “I know their playbook and am not afraid to resist.”
Lowan, who has served as UVic’s student union director of campaigns, said her goals include stopping major projects that don’t uphold Indigenous rights and taxing the ultra-rich to invest in affordable housing, free public transit and good green jobs.
“This isn’t just about winning an election, it’s about building a powerful movement to transform B.C. for the better.”
Voting is set for Sept. 13 to Sept. 23, with the results expected Sept. 24.
In January, Sonia Furstenau announced she was stepping down as B.C. Green Party leader, three months after failing to win a seat in the fall provincial election. She had served as party leader since 2020, when previous leader Andrew Weaver stepped down.
