Green Party of Canada Launches Five-Month Leadership Race

The Green Party of Canada launched a five-month leadership race on Thursday to replace its current leader. The contest allows candidates to run individually or as co-leaders for the first time. Members will vote through online ranked ballots beginning Nov. 2, with results announced on Nov. 14.

Candidates must pay a $15,000 entrance fee plus a 30 per cent administrative charge. They must also recruit at least 200 new members, including 50 youth members, and demonstrate proficiency in both official languages. Indigenous applicants or co-leadership teams that collectively meet the language requirement receive exemptions.

The party will hold at least three official debates, including one in English, one in French, and one organized by the Young Greens of Canada Council.

Canadians have until Oct. 14 to join the party and become eligible to vote. The current leader will remain in the role until November.

The party received less than two per cent of the national vote in the April 2025 election, its lowest share in 25 years. This result ended its eligibility for a 50 per cent rebate of election expenses from Elections Canada. After the election, the party paid off a $1-million campaign debt consisting of a $750,000 loan and $250,000 in outstanding expenses.

It announced in January that it had finished the prior year with a surplus.