OTTAWA - After years of debate and discussion, at a virtual national general meeting to resolve the issue of co-leadership, held November 16-17, Green members overwhelmingly approved the change to the Green Party of Canada Constitution. Many of the over 100 Green Parties worldwide use a model of co-leadership; many others have a single leader. And within those with co-leadership, to allow for more decentralized governance and diversity on a leadership team, there are many models that were studied by Canadian Greens. In the end, the membership voted to follow the model of Greens of England and Wales. Now Canadian Greens, like Commonwealth colleagues, can have either a sole leader or a team, elected together as a co-leadership ticket.
"Given the proximity to a 2025 election, the greatest likelihood is that the next leadership race, after the 2025 election, may result in co-leaders taking the reins of the Greens," said leader Elizabeth May. "While I would have wished to have this change a few years ago, major changes take time to arrive at a consensus in a grassroots party in which the leader serves the members. I am so pleased we have a solid decision from our members. For now, I am more than prepared to lead a full slate of Green candidates into the next election — whenever they may be."
There is one final step in the process: the entire membership will be required to approve the change in a ratification vote.
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