Sunshine Coast resident Adriane Carr is moving up in the ranks - this time with the federal Green party of Canada.The soon-to-be former leader of the B.C. Green party was appointed by federal Green party leader Elizabeth May as one of two deputy leaders.
The other deputy leader is Claude William Genest, a popular TV host and former vice-president of the Quebec Green party. Both deputies bring considerable experience to the federal party, which is now polling at just above 10 per cent, up from seven per cent just four months ago.
May, who is campaigning in the London North Centre byelection, took time out from her schedule to make the announcement at a press conference in London, Ont. Tuesday morning.
Carr was the first Green party leader in North America to participate in a televised leaders' debate, which she took part in during the last provincial election. She led the B.C. party to one of the highest electoral results of any Green party (12.4 per cent in the 2001 election).
May said these milestones were just a few of the reasons why she appointed Carr to the position.
"I selected Adriane for her obvious leadership ability and experience in the political arena," May said in a news release. "She will co-chair the party's shadow cabinet with me, critique national policies, offer pragmatic solutions and lead the development of our party's platform."
When reached for comment, Carr said she was thrilled by the appointment. "I'm excited to have been asked," Carr said while waiting for a connecting flight to Vancouver in Calgary Wednesday afternoon. "I believe in Elizabeth May's ability to take the Green Party of Canada to new heights and electoral success. I'm thrilled to be part of the team that will help her do it."
Carr, who will officially end her time as provincial leader on Nov. 30, will start her duties with the federal party on Dec. 1."There is not a lot of down time, that's for sure," Carr said. "But that's fine with me - I love working hard."
Carr said there is not a lot of time before the next election, believed by many to be next April.
Carr added she will still reside in B.C. and will run as a candidate in B.C., although she has not decided in which riding.
"We're discussing strategies within the party to determine where I'll run," she said. "They want me to make a breakthrough in this province, so the best possible seat for a potential Green win is being analyzed now. I also want to speak with voters and find out what their thoughts are. There is a lot of work ahead, and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
