BC Green Party Candidate Emily Lowan Hosts Meet and Greet in Armstrong

Emily Lowan, a candidate for the leadership of the BC Green Party, is engaging with voters in the North Okanagan today. Lowan will host a meet and greet at Memorial Park in Armstrong, located at 3285 Pleasant Valley Road, starting at 18:30 local time. This event is part of her campaign strategy to connect with constituents and promote her vision for the party.

Lowan’s campaign draws inspiration from progressive figures such as Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate known for his focus on reducing living costs and advocating for social justice. Her campaign emphasizes similar themes, aiming to address economic challenges faced by residents. “Here in B.C., one-third of us can’t afford our bills. Rent and grocery prices are sky-high,” Lowan stated in a recent Instagram post. She also highlighted the impact of climate change, noting that “it’s difficult to imagine our futures through the haze of wildfire smoke and worsening climate disasters every year.”

Campaign Focus and Activism

Lowan’s social media presence reflects a commitment to activism and progressive policy. Her campaign slogan, “Fight The Oligarchs, Fund Our Future,” resonates with younger voters, a demographic she has successfully mobilized. According to her campaign team, she has increased youth membership from 100 to over 1,800 in just five weeks.

In addition to economic concerns, Lowan has taken a strong stance on international issues. She issued a statement regarding the situation in Gaza, labeling it as “Israel’s genocide in Gaza.” Her call for a permanent ceasefire, a two-way arms embargo, equal democratic rights for all, and recognition of the Palestinian state underscores her commitment to global justice.

Leadership Race Context

Lowan is competing against candidates Jonathan Kerr and Adam Bremner-Akins in the leadership race. Kerr previously visited the Okanagan on August 7, while Bremner-Akins made his campaign stop in the Thompson-Okanagan last month. Members of the BC Green Party will be able to cast their votes for the new leader between September 13 and 23, 2023, with the results set to be announced on September 24, 2023.

With her background in political science and environmental studies from the University of Victoria, Lowan is positioning herself as a fresh voice in the party, advocating for a sustainable and equitable future. As the leadership race unfolds, her grassroots approach and emphasis on youth engagement could significantly influence the direction of the BC Green Party.