The BC Green Party has elected Emily Lowan as its new leader, marking a generational shift and a renewed focus on climate justice, affordability, and Indigenous rights.
Lowan, a Victoria-based climate justice organizer and long-time policy strategist, secured a decisive victory in the party’s 2025 Leadership Contest, winning 3,189 of the 5,259 ballots cast. Voter turnout reached 61% of the party’s 8,641 eligible members, with Lowan capturing just over 60% of the vote, outperforming fellow candidates Dr. Jonathan Kerr and Adam Bremner-Akins.
In her victory statement, Lowan emphasized a bold, people-centered vision for British Columbia’s future. “Our bold, progressive vision has captured the imagination of a new generation of Green voters,” she said. “I know that we’re at the forefront of a powerful movement that will reclaim BC’s economy for working people, not billionaires and multinational corporations. Together, we can build a resilient, thriving province that respects Indigenous sovereignty and our planetary boundaries.”
A Rising Star in Canadian Climate Politics
Lowan has spent more than a decade immersed in advocacy and political organizing. Her experience includes leading federal climate policy campaigns with Climate Action Network Canada, authoring research on the economic risks of fossil fuel expansion, and training grassroots organizers in strategic campaigning.
Her candidacy was endorsed by prominent figures including environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki, physician and author Dr. Gabor Maté, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, and climate activist Tzeporah Berman.
Party insiders and elected officials hailed Lowan’s victory as a turning point for the Greens. “Emily is an extraordinary organizer who has built movements, challenged powerful interests, and inspired people across the province,” said Jeremy Valeriote, the outgoing interim leader and MLA for West Vancouver–Sea to Sky. “Her leadership signals a bold new chapter for the BC Greens.”
Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, echoed the sentiment and praised the integrity of the leadership race. “I want to sincerely thank our interim leader, Jeremy Valeriote, for guiding the BC Greens with such steadiness and commitment over the past year. I also want to congratulate Emily on a hard-fought and well-earned campaign victory. I have confidence our new leader will lead a strong grassroots movement across this province and strengthen the BC Green Party writ large.”
A Platform Built on Climate, Affordability, and Democratic Reform
Lowan’s leadership campaign focused on issues she says mainstream parties have failed to address: skyrocketing housing costs, the influence of corporate money in politics, and the urgency of climate action.
Her priorities as leader include:
- Fighting for affordability and corporate accountability
- Advancing bold climate action and Indigenous rights
- Reclaiming BC’s economy for everyday people through coalition-building
- Empowering grassroots communities to strengthen democracy
“This was one of the most energizing leadership races in our party’s history,” said Alex Pope, Chair of the Leadership Contest Committee. “Emily’s ability to connect grassroots organizing with strong policy vision will strengthen our movement and expand our reach across the province.”
What’s Next for the BC Greens
As Lowan assumes the leadership, the BC Green Party prepares for the next provincial election with renewed momentum and a growing base of young, progressive voters. With her focus on movement-building and collaboration, Lowan says she plans to lead not just a political party, but a people-powered movement.
“We are building something that lasts longer than a single campaign,” Lowan told supporters. “This is about transforming how politics is done in this province.”
Final Vote Results:
- Emily Lowan: 3,189 votes
- Jonathan Kerr: 1,908 votes
- Adam Bremner-Akins: 128 votes
- None of the options: 14 votes
Total Ballots Cast: 5,259
Voter Turnout: 61%
Verification Completion: 68%
Congratulations to the new leader of the BC Green Party, Emily Lowan.
I look forward to meeting with Ms Lowan and finding common ground to get results for people in BC.
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) September 24, 2025
