Green Party of Ontario Leadership Contest: Long Time Leader Frank de Jong Stepping Down

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO ON, May 22nd, 2009 – Frank de Jong, leader of the Green Party of Ontario (GPO) since 1993 recently announced that he will be stepping down, making the way for the first Leadership Contest in 16 years that de Jong will not be the leading candidate.

“Serving as GPO leader for the past sixteen years and four general elections has been profoundly challenging and rewarding” said de Jong in his Annual General Meeting keynote speech. “A tremendously warm thank you to all those who served as candidates, campaigners, party functionaries, donors and volunteers, I love you all. I wish the absolute best to the new leadership team and I will help out in any and every way to ensure we elect Green MPPs in 2011.”

“Frank [de Jong] has been the embodiment of Green values and lifestyle before, and throughout his leadership tenure” remarked Judy Smith-Torrie Deputy Leader. “It’s difficult to see Frank leave,” said Shane Jolley Deputy Leader, “I look forward to the new ideas and fresh perspective a leadership contest will bring.”

Bill Hewitt, recently elected president and a slate of newly elected Provincial Executive, are establishing a Leadership Convention Committee, which is expected to open the formal nomination process in the next few weeks.

“The Green Party of Ontario has been fortunate to have such a dedicated and professional leader for the past 16 years.” Says Bill Hewitt incoming GPO President. “Frank de Jong has lead the GPO for the past generation and taken this party from the margins to the mainstream in Ontario politics. The Green Party is poised for an electoral breakthrough in the next provincial election because of the work that Frank had been doing.”

The Green Party of Ontario is committed to building a sustainable future that nourishes our families, communities and economy; visit www.gpo.ca.

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Media Contact
Shaun Merritt
Press Secretary – Green Party of Ontario
416 648 3525
press@gpo.ca