Annamie Paul is resigning as Green Party leader

Green Party Leader Annamie Paul is stepping down just one week after her loss during the federal election.

Paul announced her resignation Monday morning in Toronto, saying she does not have the heart to keep this position after learning that a leadership review had been initiated.

“I just asked myself whether this is something that I wanted to continue, whether I was willing to continue to put up with the attacks I knew would be coming, whether to continue to have to fight and struggle just to fulfill my democratically elected role as leader of this party,’” Paul said.

“I just don’t have the heart for it.”

In the 2021 federal election, Paul did not win her seat in the riding of Toronto-Centre and just two seats went to the Greens in the House of Commons.

The Greens’ share of the popular vote also decreased as they drew 2.3 per cent, which is less than half of the 6.55 per cent they received in the last election.

“The election was very difficult,” Paul said.

She attributed it to a lack of funding, campaign staff and a national campaign manager.

Following her announcement, leaders of other federal parties responded to the news on Twitter.

Thank you @AnnamiePaul for your leadership.

For your resilience and perseverance.

You made it possible for an entire generation of Canadians to see themselves reflected in politics.

On behalf of so many Canadians, thank you.

— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) September 27, 2021

Thank you @annamiepaul for your perseverance & for being a trailblazer for Canadians from all backgrounds interested in public service. I always appreciated our discussions and admire your tenacity. Wishing you and your family well.

— Erin O'Toole (@erinotoole) September 27, 2021

Although I completely disagree with her political views, I have great respect for @AnnamiePaul. She is a nice and decent person, something I cannot say about other party leaders. She was viciously attacked by extremists in her party. I wish her good luck in her next endeavours.

— Maxime Bernier (@MaximeBernier) September 27, 2021

Paul was the leader of the Green Party since October 2020 and the first Black Jewish woman to lead a major political party in Canada.

There is currently no word on who will replace her.