With the snap election being called for October 24th this week, several sitting MLAs are being forced to decide whether they are willing to seek re-election and serve another four years.
The BC Green Party MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, Rob Botterell, is one of them.
Botterell announced on Wednesday, September 23rd that he will not be seeking re-election, but that he is endorsing Emily Lowan, leader of the BC Greens, in Saanich North and the Islands electoral district.
“Two years ago, the people of Saanich North and the Islands placed their trust in me to be their voice in the Legislature,” said Botterell in a statement. “When I ran, I made a personal commitment to serve a four-year term.”
“The Premier’s early election call has shifted that timeline. It is with mixed emotions that I share that I will not be seeking re-election.”
Botterell noted too that his election in 2024 was a first in Canada—a Green MLA elected to succeed another Green MLA.
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He says that result is because of the dedicated voters of the region who made it happen, and to Adam Olsen, who Botterell succeeded.
Botterell’s time in the legislature has seen him fight for more community health centres across the Saanich Peninsula, for proportional representation electoral reform, for protections of old-growth forests that consider forestry industry needs and for accountability in areas such as reconciliation, budget cuts, freedom of information as well as natural gas royalty framework matters.
“The work is far from over,” said Botterell. “I am proud to stand behind Emily Lowan as she runs in Saanich North and the Islands.”
“I know she will take the time to meet people and listen to what concerns them.”
He added that taking the time to hear people where they are at is what is important in a riding like his, especially because concerns on the islands aren’t always the same as those on the peninsula.
“Emily is someone you can trust, she will be a strong advocate for this community, and I will support her in any way I can,” said Botterell in endorsement of Lowan.
He also noted his gratitude to his wife, family, friends, staff and the people of his riding for their steadfast support.
Other BC Green Party member’s plans
Lowan and the only other currently sitting BC Greens MLA, Jeremy Valeriote, also released a statement on their plans for the election today.
“Having the chance to represent Saanich North and the Islands, the same neighbourhoods in which I grew up, is a profound honour,” said Lowan.
“From a lack of access to healthcare, to the instability of a housing crisis, to underfunded ferry routes, to the threats of drought [and] climate disaster, the people of Saanich North and the Islands deserve someone who’s willing to fight tooth and nail for them. That’s exactly what I’ll do in the Legislature.”
Valeriote also announced that he would be seeking re-election in his riding of West Vancouver-Sea-to-Sky.
His win in 2024 made him the first BC Green to represent a riding on the mainland.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to continue representing the people of this incredible region,” said Valeriote.
“I’ve spent the last two years standing up for the priorities of the people of West Vancouver-Sea-to-Sky that the government too often ignores, including regional transit, passenger rail, highway safety and protected farmland. I’m deeply committed to continuing this work for another term.”
Together, the BC Greens announced their plans to help tackle affordability, healthcare and housing matters via the provincial budget.
“We’ll get mega-corporations and the ultra-wealthy finally pay their fair share,” said the BC Greens.
“With that funding, we’ll ensure every British Columbian can afford a home, see a doctor when they need one, and build a good life here.”
The BC Greens said they are running on four commitments in this election, which are: ‘A Life You Can Afford,’ ‘Care You Can Count On,’ ‘Economic Fairness for All’ and a commitment to ‘Fight for your Future.’
More details on these commitments will be revealed as the election day draws nearer.
The provincial election will take place on Saturday, October 24th.
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