BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan celebrates win but fears Conservative government

It was a night of mixed emotions for BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan, who celebrated her election victory in Saanich North and the Islands on Saturday while expressing deep concern about the province’s political future.

Speaking to supporters after BC Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson delivered his election-night remarks, Lowan acknowledged the excitement surrounding her victory but made it clear she was far from celebrating the prospect of a Conservative majority government.

“And, you know, there is a heaviness that comes with this as well,” Lowan told supporters.

“I think we’re holding the weight of both the joy of this victory and what comes tomorrow. And I’m going to be honest, I’m scared. I’m scared for what’s to come.”

Her remarks reflected a complicated election night for the BC Greens, who celebrated sending Lowan to the legislature alongside fellow Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote while facing the prospect of spending the next four years opposing a BC Conservative government.

Lowan thanked the volunteers, supporters and first-time voters who helped build the party’s campaign, describing the movement as one rooted in compassion, affordability and protecting public services.

But the tone of her speech shifted as she turned her attention to the Conservatives.

Lowan warned that she believes the incoming government will pursue cuts to healthcare, childcare and other public services, while threatening the rights of marginalized communities.

She also accused the Conservatives of prioritizing fossil fuel interests and wealthy corporations over working British Columbians.

Those concerns were presented as warnings about what she believes could happen under the new government, rather than announced Conservative policies.

“We may have a small caucus, but tonight we have inherited an enormous responsibility, and that is to hold a majority Conservative government to account,” she said.

Lowan pledged that the Greens would defend public services, Indigenous rights, trans rights and environmental protections, both inside and outside the legislature.

She also took aim at outgoing Premier David Eby and the BC NDP, accusing the party of abandoning the social movements and working people who helped build its support.

Drawing comparisons to political developments in the United States in 2016 and 2024, Lowan argued that established political parties have failed to learn from growing public frustration.

“That is why I got into politics,” she said.

Despite her concerns, Lowan repeatedly returned to the grassroots campaign that helped secure her seat.

She spoke about meeting families struggling with rising rents, workers holding multiple jobs to make ends meet and young people leaving their communities because they could no longer afford to stay.

Lowan said those conversations reinforced her belief that government should focus on improving people’s everyday lives.

The Greens campaigned on proposals including universal childcare, community health centres in every riding, affordable housing and action on climate change.

For Lowan, Saturday’s victory was also a personal milestone.

“It is my deep honour, and I’m so truly humbled to stand in front of you tonight as your MLA for Saanich North and the Islands,” she told the crowd.

She credited her family, campaign team and volunteers for helping make the victory possible.

As of publication, with election results still being counted, Lowan had secured 12,630 votes in Saanich North and the Islands and had been declared elected.

BC Conservative candidate Ryan Windsor followed with 8,421 votes, while BC NDP candidate Kala Bryson had received 4,526 votes. Richard Smith also contested the riding for CentreBC.

Lowan held a lead of 4,209 votes over Windsor, with final results still pending.