OTTAWA – The Green Party of Canada is proud to announce that Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault will represent the Party at the federal leaders’ debates in both English and French during the upcoming election. Pedneault will also run as the Green candidate in the riding of Outremont, bringing his strong voice for climate action, social justice, and global peace to the heart of the campaign.
During the 2023 leadership race, May and Pedneault committed to following the example set by German Green Party Co-Leaders Annalena Baerbock and Robert Habeck, who made a consensus decision that, when required, only one leader would step into singular leadership roles. In Germany, this meant that Baerbock ran for Chancellor in 2021, while both leaders remained fully engaged in their shared responsibilities. While Canada does not have a direct ballot for Prime Minister, the Elections Act requires a singular leader’s signature on official documents, and only one party leader is permitted to participate in televised debates. Following the Green Party’s membership referendum and vote confirming May and Pedneault as the party’s first official Co-Leaders, an internal decision-making process was undertaken to determine which of the two would step into these solo leader roles during the writ period, while both continue to co-lead the party. This consensus decision was officially endorsed by the Green Party’s Federal Council on February 23, 2025.
“I am honoured to represent the Green Party in the leaders’ debates and to bring forward bold, honest solutions for Canadians,” said Jonathan Pedneault. “We need leadership that prioritizes climate action, affordability, and integrity in governance. I look forward to making the case for a Canada that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected.”
Elizabeth May, Co-Leader of the Green Party and MP for Saanich—Gulf Islands, will actively support Green candidates across Canada while also running to be re-elected in Saanich-Gulf Islands. “As Co-Leader, I am thrilled to be working as an equal partner with Jonathan in this campaign,” said Elizabeth May. “His leadership, passion, and deep commitment to justice and sustainability make him the right person to bring our message to the national stage. I will be fully supporting Jonathan and our Green candidates across the country as Co-leader.”
Of the over 80 Green Parties around the world, many have now adopted the Co-leadership model, which fosters collaboration and inclusive decision-making. Greens that have succeeded in forming coalition governments with Green Co-leaders include the Green Parties of Germany, Sweden, New Zealand, Scotland, Flemish Greens, Belgian Greens and a number of others. Having one leader of the two take on a more singular role during an election is common among Global Greens, including in the recent election in the UK.
As the federal election approaches, the Green Party of Canada is ready to present a bold, solutions-driven vision for the future. Canadians can expect a campaign focused on affordability, climate leadership, defending democracies globally, justice, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and a just transition to a greener economy.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary
514-463-0021