Matt MacFarlane first to declare his candidacy to lead P.E.I. Green Party

The P.E.I. Greens' newest member of the legislative assembly is now the first person to throw his hat in the ring to lead the party. 

Borden-Kinkora MLA Matt MacFarlane announced his candidacy for the leadership in a social media post Thursday. 

MacFarlane, a lawyer who lives in Augustine Cove, said he's been hearing about Islanders' struggles with issues like health care, the cost of living, housing and land use since he was elected last year. 

"People are reaching out to me, not only from my district but from across the province, looking for help anywhere they can find it," he told CBC News. 

"I'm encouraged by the engagement of people who are reaching out, but I'm really disheartened by the severity of the struggle they're facing, and I'd like the opportunity to… move the Green Party forward to address these issues of an Island-wide nature."

MacFarlane became the Greens' third MLA when he won a February 2024 byelection in District 19 triggered by the resignation of Progressive Conservative Jamie Fox, who stepped down to run for the federal Conservatives. 

The Greens will hold their leadership convention June 7. 

The new leader will take over for Karla Bernard, who has been the Green Party's interim leader since Peter Bevan-Baker stepped down in 2023. 

Bevan-Baker resigned as leader following the 2023 provincial election, though he remains the MLA for District 17, New Haven-Rocky Point.

Applications for the leadership contest will open Feb. 1 and close March 1. The party will vet the candidates before publicly announcing them on March 12.