With 1 candidate on the ballot, federal Green Party chooses its next leader

Detailed summary

In any other party, Mike Morrice would be acclaimed as leader. But the Green Party of Canada prides itself on doing things differently than the political mainstream.

But the Green Party of Canada prides itself on doing things differently than the political mainstream.

So it should come as no surprise that even though Morrice is the only leadership candidate on the ballot, Green Party members still get to have their say.

On Saturday evening, the federal Greens will announce their next leader. Party members vote using a ranked ballot, including the option none of the above.

"As someone running, it is important to me that I do have a mandate for members. And we'll see what that mandate looks like," Morrice said.

Noting participatory democracy is one of the founding values of the party, he suggested it would be difficult for the party not to proceed with the vote.

"I think it reflects on a political party that does lead with its values, which is what attracted me to the Greens in the first place," Morrice said.

Outgoing leader Elizabeth May announced after the 2025 federal election that she would be stepping down, while staying on as the party's sole member of Parliament.

The search to find a new leader began officially in June. The second candidate in the race, Nira Dookeran of Ottawa, dropped out in September.

In a statement, Dookeran said she made the decision "for personal and family reasons" and "after much soul-searching."

Opening of the article, excerpted from CBC News. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.