After a snap Federal election which saw the Green Party lose one of three seats they gained in the 2019 election, Annamie Paul has resigned as Green Party leader.
Paul, who did not gain a seat in the 2021 election, came in a distant fourth in her riding of Toronto-Centre—her third time running, and losing, in that riding.
After the results of the election, Paul’s decision to step down comes on the heels of the party initiating a review of her leadership and a tumultuous year which almost saw her undergo a leadership review in June and an attempt to strip Paul of her Green membership.
Paul cites the infighting the Green Party has undergone since Elizabeth May stepped down as Green Party leader as one of many reasons she is stepping down.
Paul stated in a press conference on Monday morning that the past year and a half has been the “worst period in her life.”
Many leaders reacted to Paul’s resignation, including NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Conservative leader Erin O’ Toole.
Thank you @AnnamiePaul for your leadership.
For your resilience and perseverance.
You made it possible for an entire generation of Canadians to see themselves reflected in politics.
On behalf of so many Canadians, thank you.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) September 27, 2021
Thank you @annamiepaul for your perseverance & for being a trailblazer for Canadians from all backgrounds interested in public service. I always appreciated our discussions and admire your tenacity. Wishing you and your family well.
— Erin O'Toole (@erinotoole) September 27, 2021
44th Parliament
With the Conservative Party winning the popular vote, and most parties maintaining their seats with either incremental or lateral changes, the Liberal Party formed a minority government in the House of Commons by winning 158 ridings.
All federal party leaders secured seats in their ridings with the exception of People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier and Green Party Leader Annamie Paul. ,
The Green Party secured two seats.
Longtime Saanich-Gulf Islands, BC MP and formerGreen Party leader Elizabeth May held her seat and rookie Mike Morrice of Kitchener Centre, Ontario was able to gain a seat.
In a tight race, incumbent Green MP Paul Manly lost his seat in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, BC.
