Could the BC Greens be decisive in the legislature?

Two Green Party MPs were able to hold the balance of power in British Columbia after Saturday’s provincial elections gave neither the NDP nor the BC Conservatives a majority of seats after the first count.

Both Green members are new to state politics, but leader Sonia Furstenau will continue to lead the party after losing re-election by switching to Victoria-Beacon Hill.

Some facts about MLA-elect Jeremy Valeriote and Rob Botterell:

Jeremy Valeriote

Riding: Selected in Vancouver-Sea to Sky, which includes the communities of Whistler and Squamish. He is the first provincial Green to win a race on the BC mainland.

Past elections: He lost the 2020 election by 60 votes to Liberal MLA Jordan Sturdy, who is not seeking re-election.

Job: Geological engineer and former councilor for Gibsons from 2014 to 2018.

Announcement to voters: He opposes the Woodfibre LNG project, a liquefied natural gas facility being built in the equestrian area. “No matter what big corporate interests and their politician friends say, the evidence is clear. This is a bad idea for Howe Sound, a bad idea for our climate and a bad idea for our children,” his online biography says.

In his own words: At a press conference with Furstenau after the election, Valeriote said he fully supported the party leader.

“I have the same concerns about some of the statements made by Conservative candidates, and I support Sonia’s assessment and her path forward on this issue,” he said.

Rob Botterell

Riding: Saanich North and Islands

Past elections: The riding was previously represented by Green MLA Adam Olsen, who announced in June that he would not seek reelection but campaigned heavily on behalf of the party ahead of this year’s election.

Job: Retired lawyer. Botterell has worked in the private sector for 25 years and previously worked for the BC Ministry of Finance developing provincial freedom of information legislation.

Announcement to voters: Botterell was one of the organizers of the fight against the Site C hydroelectric dam. Her online bio describes her as someone who has “dedicated much of her career to fighting for social and economic equality, better health care, a stable economy and environmental protection for First Nations.”

In his own words: In an election night interview, Botterell said he would trust Furstenau and Olsen with their experience.

“Of course, I’ll be supporting them in any way I can in the coming weeks, making sure we’re all doing what’s best for the Green Party and delivering on the vision, which is a forward-looking vision that’s truly focused on people, nature and healthy living,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2024