Even when things have seemed bleakest for the BC Greens, they’ve always had Adam Olsen. When leader Sonia Furstenau was forced to move ridings to fight for her political life, or when the party started lagging in fundraising and candidates, or when the Greens struggled to find relevancy in the ever-shifting B.C.
political landscape — there was always Olsen, steady and reliable as the MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. Which is why his abrupt announcement he won’t be seeking re-election in October has hit so hard. It’s not just the loss of one of the most eloquent and thoughtful orators in the legislature, or the backbone of the Green party.
It is, quite possibly, the loss of the party itself. The BC Greens are now staring out at the electoral abyss. With Olsen gone, Saanich North and the Islands is suddenly a swing riding.
New Democrats used to hold it, prior to Olsen. It also has a historical undercurrent of conservatism. It would be a minor miracle if the Greens (who do not yet have a candidate ready to name as Olsen’s replacement) hold the seat.
Furstenau is facing a steep uphill battle to knock off BC NDP cabinet minister Grace Lore in Victoria-Beacon Hill, following Furstenau’s decision to move from the Cowichan Valley. Losses in those two ridings would reduce the BC Green seat count at the legislature to zero. Meanwhile, the party’s two other best hopes — West Vancouver-Sea to Sky and Kootenay Central — are long shots at best, made more complicated.
