OTTAWA – In a groundbreaking decision, members of the Green Party of Canada have overwhelmingly endorsed a co-leadership model, marking a new era for the party. With 90.6% support, members ratified the motion to adopt co-leadership, originally approved at the Special General Meeting on November 17, 2024. Furthermore, 89.4% of members who voted confirmed Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault as co-leaders, solidifying their joint leadership as the party prepares for the next federal election.
This historic shift reflects the Green Party’s commitment to doing politics differently—through shared leadership, collaboration, and a renewed focus on tackling Canada’s most urgent challenges, from the climate crisis to inequality. The co-leadership model is widely used by Green parties around the world, and its adoption in Canada signals a step toward a more cooperative and inclusive way of leading.
"This is a transformational moment for our party and for Canadian politics,” said Elizabeth May, newly confirmed Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada. “Our members have embraced a model rooted in cooperation, inclusivity, and shared responsibility. We are proving that leadership does not have to be about a single figure—it can be about working together, harnessing our collective strengths, and bringing forward bold, solutions-driven policies to tackle the defining crises of our time.”
"The challenges we face demand bold, cooperative leadership,” added Jonathan Pedneault, now officially Co-Leader alongside Elizabeth May. “Climate inaction, growing inequality, and democratic backsliding threaten our collective future. This vote is about more than just Elizabeth and me—it’s about a movement that is ready to fight for real climate action, social justice, and a sustainable future for all. The Green Party is stronger when we lead together, and today’s vote is proof that our members are ready for this new way of doing politics.”
With the co-leadership model now firmly in place, the Green Party is reaffirming its mission to be a voice for transformative change in Canada’s political landscape. As the Party looks ahead to the next federal election, May and Pedneault will work together to build momentum, expand grassroots support, and offer Canadians a bold alternative to the status quo.
"This isn’t just about the Green Party,” concluded Elizabeth May. “It’s about offering Canadians real leadership, grounded in collaboration and a commitment to putting people and planet first. Together, we are stronger. And together, we will fight for a better future.”
While an unfamiliar concept to most Canadians, co-leadership has been successfully implemented in many countries where Greens are part of power-sharing arrangements. In Germany, the Green co-leaders from the last election now serve as Ministers for Foreign Affairs and for Economy and Energy. In New Zealand, Green co-leaders held Cabinet positions in Jacinda Ardern’s government. Greens with co-leadership models have also participated in coalition governments in Scotland, Sweden, and Austria, demonstrating the effectiveness of shared leadership.
In Canada, Québec Solidaire is the only other political party that currently uses a co-leadership model. By embracing this approach, the Green Party of Canada is aligning itself with successful Green parties worldwide and demonstrating a commitment to collaborative, inclusive, and effective governance.
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