Furstenau says BC Greens aim to run full slate of candidates in election

VICTORIA — Green Leader Sonia Furstenau says the party is working overtime to field a full slate of candidates in the Oct. 24 British Columbia election, but may fall short.

Furstenau says last week’s snap election call and the recent party leadership race has taxed resources to the limit.

“Certainly the NDP knew that we had just come out of a leadership race. I was one week into my role on the day the election was called,” she says.

“But I have to tell you, the outpouring of support in the form of donations has been remarkable, in the form of volunteers has been incredible, and we have had candidates come forward in every part of this province excited to run for the BC Greens.”

Furstenau, who has been party leader for two weeks, will be in Vancouver Monday to announce Green candidates nominated to run in the Metro Vancouver area.

She says the Greens are aiming to have candidates for B.C.’s 87 ridings, but may fall short by Friday’s nomination deadline.

“I’m very excited about the quality of candidates that we have,” she says.

“We are going to be running a province-wide campaign, we’re aiming of course to have candidates in as many ridings as possible.”

Furstenau is one of two B.C. Greens who are currently members of the legislature.

New Democrat Leader John Horgan called an early election on Sept. 21, more than one year ahead of the October 2021 fixed date.

With files from Renee Bernard